Cumnor Leave It Late

In a bizarre twist of fate, this week Cumnor were the full strength squad facing a battling visiting side with only 11 available players. Rotating and changing meant Cumnor never really established a pattern of play and the coaches tinkering didn't help. But, it was important to get the win and we did, 3 - 2… despite leaving it very, very late.

Starting the way we finished last week, we never quite gelled in the first-half in the way we did at Kidlington. The fight was still there but there was a carelessness to our play and a worrying lack of composure on the ball. Too many times we forced the pass and conceded possession to an organised Thatcham. Some of the boys had been ill in the week and it was taking a toll. In fairness to the boys, the pitch was cutting up badly and the ball was difficult to control. It wasn't entirely unexpected to see Thatcham go in 2 - 0 up at half-time.

After a bit of a half-time rollicking the boys picked up the tempo in the second-half. Kyle grew ever more influential in the middle and Harry S and Finlay combined nicely in attack on the right wing. A busy Ben took a knock and was forced to leave bringing Will and Nathan together up front. The pressure mounted, we went 3 at the back and pushed Fin forward as well. The chances started coming and Nathan produced a calm finish after an excellent through ball. 1 - 2. Thatcham tried to hang on, the 11 boys growing weary. Nathan burst through again and got a second. 2 -2.

We could have gone to 4 at the back and pushed for extra-time but with momentum with us, we pressed on. Will then produced the defining moment of the match tracking left and throwing himself in a full-blooded, full-bodied tackle before jumping up, beating a defender, finding the byline and floating an inch perfect cross for the unmarked Nathan to head home. 3 - 2. A quick re-jig to 4-4-2, final whistle, win. And breathe…

Player of the Week: Harry S and Fin looked sharp linking together, it was great to finally have Rory back, Will changed the course of the match, Nathan grabbed an excellent hat-trick but pow Kyle for his commanding and intelligent midfield display.