Spirited Cumnor Rocked By Radley

Our second match in 3 days against the same opposition, another loss but in terms of attitude and adventure a whole world away from Sunday's meek capitulation. The boys were on it from the off, playing exciting ball to feet attacking football, harrying Radley and frightening them with a fluid 4-3-3 formation. The first half was a good a half as we've played this season with Ben quite magnificent pulling the strings in attack. Jack too was a boy unleashed, tormenting, teasing, tricking his way down the wing and Nathan was incredibly unlucky not to score the opener in the first few minutes. Was the keeper fouled? Not sure... but in fairness to the ref, it happened so quickly he probably felt it right to err on the side of caution.

Cumnor didn't let the early disappointment quell our attacking instincts and moved the ball with intelligence and speed. This is is football OUR way. Joseph, Adam and Jack were quick to break, Fyn offering an outlet in the channel. Whilst at the back, Harry, Josh, Rory and Michael marshalled the ball away from Henry's goal and out into the open spaces. The momentum was with us, the gauntlet hurled down. Then, disaster, Michael - so assured and accomplished at full back - came off with a pulled muscle. Luckily, Toby was on hand to bring his blocking nous to the game.

Half-time, 0-0 and we were set fair to take the game on.

However, the second-half wasn't quite as one-sided. An early injury to Joseph saw him leave the action and we had to re-organise with James coming on up front. What effected us was two boys on the bench unable to play and that meant we couldn't rest and rotate. To play the high tempo football of the first half required numbers in reserve... our boys understandably couldn't keep the pace up. This allowed Radley to come more into the game but luckily, Henry was more than a match for them. The goal came from a break and was superbly taken. We never quite threatened after that. But the cries from the home spectators to take the ball into the corner and for the ref to blow up proved we had reestablished our reputation from last Sunday. It was one heck of a game of football. And it signifies our intent for the rest of the season: we will go for it.

Player Of The Week: a collective award to all 13 players. But Ben was especially good in that first half