High Intensity at Horspath

We've had an interesting relationship with Horspath over recent seasons. They are, undoubtedly, the team to beat. We've met them at tournaments where we've won games and lost games. Last season, we went to the Marathons Ground on a nasty, blustery October morning and won 3 - 1. To many Cumnor parents it was the finest display they've seen from our boys. It was certainly the cause of a few viscous hangovers the next day. Earlier this year, confidence high in the ranks, we welcomed Horspath to Appleton and they absolutely ripped us apart. Stefan gave a masterclass in match play and Noah knocked them in for fun. But we went to Cowley confident, with a 100% record under our belts.

As usual, well laid plans were altered because of absence and injury. No matter, Finlay and Kyle stepped into the full back berths with barely a whisper of complaint. Adam joined Fyn in central defence. Doddie and Will started wide flanking Tom and Ben with Nathan up front. Joseph was given the unenviable task of stopping Stefan.

The wind blew, the ball bobbled and Horspath certainly had the best of the early exchanges playing neat little triangles and patiently hitting the right areas. Cumnor were a little disjointed and soon we fell behind. The boys may have bowed but they didn't buckle. They tried to play football but passes were mis-timed or forced and Horspath soon grabbed a second. Will, however, his magic out left getting to the byline before hitting a perfect cross into the 6 yard box for a thundering Nathan to slam home. Half time due, 2 - 1 down, game on.

The half-time talk went something like: 'right boys, get on this from the start, don't fall asleep. Predictably, Horspath scored. 3 -1. With personnel swapping and changing, Michael and Harry S heavily involved, we went three at the back. Suddenly the game opened up. Kyle came into midfield and tightened proceedings. Finlay continued to find useful pockets of space, Tom ran the hard yards and Ben battled his heart out. At the back, Harry D made some excellent saves and Adam and Fyn threw themselves at every ball. Then we started counter attacking. Will, Nathan, Doddie and Harry S raced towards the Horspath goal with pace and intent, forcing the opposition backwards. Chances kept coming. Adam struck a wonderful corner, Horspath defended the corner like we do, and Will headed home. 3 - 2.

The final quarter and it was anyone's game. Will hit the bar with a header and just failed to hit the target with a free-kick. Horspath kept coming but Joseph stayed with Stefan and manfully tried to negate his influence. The game went right down to the last kick. Unfortunately, we didn't quite do enough.

We didn't deserve the win but a draw would have been very, very sweet. The boys gave everything they had… and then some. We couldn't have been prouder. Congratulations to Horspath, you are a very good team. But we really can't wait to welcome you to our place.

Player of the Week: Captain Fantastic, Joseph. No question, he was quite superb