04.02 Away v Abingdon 12 Noon KO

Please can you get to Abingdon for 11.20am

Directions

A34 Abingdon Marcham Interchange

Go towards Abindon town past the retail centre on the left
Straight on over the roundabout (Tesco and garage on right)
Straight over the next roundabout (Mcdonalds on left)
Police station on left
Turn right at the next two mini roundabouts - They are next door to each other into Drayton Road - Strangely towards Drayton
Go past car garage on right
Straight on at the two roundabouts one normal one mini
At lights turn left into Preston Road
There is traffic calming and the road bears to the left after around 400 yards
Take the right turn into Lambrick Way (Next right after Kensington Close)
Signposted possibly Abingdon Rugby Club / Marina
Road bears to left and parking on the right

You cant miss the park its on the old sewage works so bring your antiseptic cream - The mozzies are also enormous!

26.02 Cumnor Minors v Barton (Draw 1-1)

A return fixture against top of the table Barton, we felt we did enough to win in the last game but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond footballs control we only drew.

Today we had all our squad available that made team selection difficult as it required 3 substitutes.

Early on we started slowly and did not get to grips with closing down but we weathered this and after 5 minutes started to look relatively comfortable.

Bartons threat came from the right side of the pitch and they continued to push down the left and put a ball accross to the right. This was contained well until they scored on 13 mins.  Pushing down ther left ball accross to the right etc........

This was disapponting as we did probably look the slightly stronger side. Our breakthrough came from us challenging for a ball from a goal kick creating confusion by closing down. The ball broke to the MAJESTIC Mehmet and he swang a big right boot from outside the penalty area and a long hard lob shot looped over the keeper. This was a fantastic shot and what made it very special was it was his weaker right foot! 1-1.

Half time 1-1

Second half was a tight affair we had the better possesion but could not not develop this into goal scoring chances. Overall chances on goal were about 50/50. However, Charlie did keep an eye on Barton switching the play from left to right in the 2nd half and they had little opportunity from doubling there right sided forwards from time to time.

Full time 1-1

Special mentions for an excellent team performance Couple of big mentions

Dom - Perignon Brut was Imperial at centre back an excellent game, he keeps on getting better.
Jamie - was great down the left
George battled and passed in midfield
Mehmet - Looked excellent in a new role holding the ball and releasing up front together with his HUM DINGER of a shot.

Apologies to all others well played

Man of the match sponsored by the Radcliffe Hospital was Elliott

A man due an operation on his foot that has defintely hampered his football, He played with strength and with Dom looked an excellent partner

A new rule if the man of the match trophy is not available the dodgy parent will recieve a £5 fine which will be paid to the new recipient for the loss of his trophy!

Well done to all a good match

29.01 Friendly Home v Radley (Win 2-1)

Today was about a bunch of boys training and playing with no pressure. It was clear we missed the four boys who were out and this made our game rather ragged at times.

The 1st half we played in a fairly normal format with the second half with a lot of players in all sorts of positions.

We started well enough with Harry getting a goal from short range in their box. But over time we tired and this was particularly evident in the midfield with our defense being pressurised on and off and having situation with up to 2 defenders against 4 attackers at the back. Eventually Radley made the pressure tell to make it 1-1 at about 25 minutes. Adam made some great saves during the 1st half to deny further indiscressions.

Renewed in the 2nd half it was a scrappy game Mehmet charged out of the goal on several occasions to spare our blushes after taking over from Adam in goal

Cam had some great runs from midfield taking on several players but after running that far with the ball was exhausted for the shot or final ball that followed!

Shooting boots came close when we moved him to midfield and could easily have been man of the match with his tackling at the back and visionary balls. A stunning performance.

At the end though early in the 2nd half we saw the most amazing goal that goes to show if its on target you always have a chance Adam played centre forward early on and battled hard digging the ball out from defenders and looking for passes and eventually swivelled at high speed in the box and with a deft touch shot passed the Radley keeper for 2-1. We heard a lot of cheering and laughing as the ball kind of bobbled past the diving keeper.

Adam played goalkeeper, right back, centre midfield and centre forward in the game and for this winning goal he had to be rewarded for the fun aspect with man of the match! this week sponsored by..................................................Micheal Duberry after his hat trick for Oxford against Hereford last week 2 in his own net and 1 in theirs!

29.01 Friendly Home v Radley KO 11.30

Only lets and markings will need to put out - Thanks

22.01 Barton v Cumnor Minors (Draw 3-3)

An excellent team performance every week we seem to be making a step forward

With a full compliment of players we arrived at Barton on a cold blustery day and sat in the 1st Changing room we can remember being in. The pitch was small which led some good end to end football with the wind blowing largely from side to side.

It was effectively a game of two halves Barton had the better play in the 1st half although we were not far off the pace. They scored after a shoulder barge gave them a penalty at 20 mins. However, at 22 mins Harry had a free kick just outside the box on the left hand side, he put a lovely flighted ball into the six yard area for Shooting Boots to put his toe on a great goal. Adam kept us in the match with some terrific reaction saves and he came out well to close the attackers down. After the goal we seemed to largely control their attackers but at 30 mins they scored! HT 2-1

In the second half we had much the better of the play and always looked dangerous. At 42 mins a header from Cam made it 2-2. We also had a couple of additional gilt edged chances that got away and multiple chances.

Then we had two very controversial decisions which ultimately challenged us and took the game away. A tackle from behind in their box on Harry and the goal we scored that Cam tapped in when the ball was over the line that was deemed offside on Cam. As we saw both teams had lined up at the centre spot but the Barton linesman continued to protest and the referee changed his mind. One of a few strange decisions in our view.

So at 2-2 after many chances, looking the better side and holding the Barton attack at bay they scored on 50mins 3-2. You could have picked our jaws off the floor. But the boys jaws were square on their faces and they continued to rally with Flynn scoring from a looping shot at 55 mins.

Some rather odd comments were made during the match such as when one of our players was caught with a high kick, something like "Hes only two foot tall how can that be high" etc......

What was really pleasing was the amount of chances, the work rate, we were the harder side and we did on the whole close down very well. Some great passing football was played. The boys should be proud.

Full time 3 -3 a great game.

Man of the match BUT it could have been the whole team was Mehmet for a terrific performance sponsored by ................................Dick Tracey

Quote of the day whilst travelling back in the car Bomber was talking to Old Man and said "he did not like the ball they played with it seemed a bit strange" for old man to reply "yes it was strange it had air in it".

16.01 Rotherfield Cobras v Cumnor Minors (Win 1-3)

It was a game of two halves

One of opportunities missed with the occasional goal
One of mediocrity but the work was completed in the 1st half and the game was not lost

The boys looked focused on a cold day with one goalmouth slightly frosted but playable.

Cumnor went out on the pitch in a positive frame of mind and this bode well for the game ahead from previous experience.

However....7 mins......after some nervous play early on the Cobras made a strike through the right hand side of our defence and  after around four or five half challenges from our players had a good shot that passed wide of a diving Adam into the bottom corner. Not one player made a complete challenge or put their body on the line. This was met with exasperated comments from a the coaches to try and motivate them for the next time. A sloppy goal to concede 1-0.

It became apparent that their defence was trying to play a high offside line up the pitch with mixed success.

Harry got close with an open goal that a blind man, who had failing hearing and no legs could have scored. Harry might say much like some of the coaches he plays for. BUT he made amends shortly afterwards with a far more difficult opportunity where he curled the ball around the goal keeper to make it 1-1. 13 mins.

Then after several more attempts it was the blind and deaf Mehmet with two pillows for legs was in nearly as good a position as Harry. When the ball came across the pillows folded leaving him on the ground with the ball over the bar. Mehmet might say just like some of the coaches he plays for. BUT he made amends shortly afterwards with a far more difficult opportunity where he curled the ball around the goal keeper to make it 1-2. 18 mins

At 20 minutes Cameron switched with Dom to midfield from defence and immediately went around the whole Cobras defence from the half way line and scored a cracking goal. An inspired position change from an otherwise inept management performance. 1-3.

Overall I heard one parent Mr Sayers say at half time say we had 76 gold plated chances on goal in the 1st half BUT we only saw 14.

Then at the begining of the second half the goal of the match to surpass Cams goal, Rover flew through the Cumnor defense from the half way line leaving us startled and walked the ball past Adam. Then we asked the dog owner to get his dog off the pitch!

Second half was not full of any chances, they stopped playing the offside as much and their were few chances at either end, we battled in the midfield with them BUT the main thing was we did not concede again.

Full Time 1-3 - FANTASTIC a GREAT TEAM and coaching performance

A good battling performance and it should come as no surprise that a defender Old Man George Doye appeared to have youth on his side and became stronger as the game progressed. He stuck his foot in and got his body in the way. He even took a few players on and was the Man of the Match. Sponsored by Saga holidays and health insurance.



George relaxing on his rocking chair on Sunday afternoon reading his paper waiting for a train!

14.12 Cumnor Minors v Oxford Blackbirds ( Loss 4-5)

Another extremely close game with again a one goal deficit.

A great controlled 1st half we dominated the game and limited the Blackbird attacks

12 Mins - Harry hit post
15 Mins - Cookie lovely goal from the right side accross the keeper 1-0
18 Mins - Flynn another goal 2-0

We were cruising and you could see the worry and concern in the oppositions, team, parents and coaches. Then we started to tire and not get into the challenges as quickly, we hoped that at half time we could change the team around a bit, BUT we conceded to speed and strength and at 27 Mins it was 2-1 and this was a psychological blow for us and lift for Blackbirds coming in at half time.

After an array of substitutions we came out of the blocks slowly and this did not give us the expected lift of fresh legs we needed. We conceded 3 goals in quick succession to long balls over the top to their good centre forward. Who with strength and pace caused havoc in our defense.
49, 51 and 55 Mins

Harry at 57 mins took an excellent free kick and we were 3-4 down and then after pushing the team up Jamie scored a good header after Harry had hit the cross bar. 4-4.

At 60 minutes after another ball over the top and we conceded again 4-5 and went on all out attack to get an equaliser to no avail.

It was a disapointing result as we were the better team, Hats off to Blackbirds they could not play through us so just kept kicking the ball over the top at every opportunity not pretty but it was effective with their centre forward.

Man of the match was new boy Dominic together with Jamie more diamonds added to our team!

The Diamonds on Taylor! Not Dom or Jamie!

07.12 Radley v Cumnor Minors (Draw 1-1)

The Radley game was quite uneventful, no fun, laughter or shouting for the record except for Cams dad but thats for him to discuss with you.

Radley went 1 up in the first half and had a couple of good chances that Adam saved. The defense marshalled well and looked on the whole very strong. Flynn levelled up before half time for 1-1.

The second half came and went, we had 4 guilt edged chances 1 on 1 with the keeper and Matthew went close hitting the post but it was one of those days.

Overall 1-1 we could have edged it and had the chances but a point is ok, we are now 6th out of a league of 9 so things are improving!

Man of the match worth a big mention was Guy for chasing, tackling, passing, chasing, looking up, dribbling, running up and down the pitch and did we mention chasing!

Sponsored by RED BULL better not let Guy touch the stuff!

04.12 Away v Radley (KO 10.30am)

This is very close to Tilsley Park in Abingdon please can you get thier by 10.00am please

If you can or cannot attend please let me know asap - Thanks

Ignore the A sign although it is close by; Click on the map and you will have all the normal google map functions and you will see Badgers Copse.



View Larger Map

If you get to the entrance by Tilsley Park and continue in an Easterly direction go over the 1st roundabout and turn left at the 2nd roundabout into Radley Road. Take the 3rd right into Badgers Copse and almost immediately right into the club and parking.

27.11 Cumnor Minors v Benson (Win 4-1)

A lovely sunny morning we met up with a good group of boys from that well known village, Bensons near the Hedges.

After our recent games this was a pleasant change.

The key to this match was the line up which was far more balanced than all the games we have played this season.

(Picture kindly donated by Steve and Sally Bryce just after they 1st met)

We cannot do anything without a team. Some players who ideally want to play midfield sacrificed their positions to enable the team to achieve a result and it was absolutely necessary.

The fluency of the whole team clearly benefited as we looked a reasonably organised from back to front and Adam was not left as exposed as usual BUT, still made two or three excellent saves to keep us in the match in the 1st half.

Line up

GOAL Adam, DEFENCE Mehmet, Shooting boots, Cam, Cookie with Old man making a welcome returning from sickness in the 2nd half MIDFIELD Jamie, Guy, Harry, Charlie FORWARD Elliott, Flynn and Matthew.

After a lot of players starting in new positions we looked a bit rusty BUT relatively safe and secure at the back. We started being placed under pressure with the Benson boys lighting up the field and taking long drags from the back. The defence looked relatively strong with Guy putting some miles in midfield. Unfortunately their habit prevailed and they found the back of our net with some nice football on 20 mins. From this we needed not to worry and just go back to what we were doing.

As the game wore on we appeared to get used to our new formation and started to move the ball from the back and put some pressure on their defence. At 28 mins from a throw to Harry he lifted the ball into the opposing teams cigarette box and Charlie lifted the ball over the keeper for a good goal. The strange thing was Charlie was limping and was asking to come of at least 30 seconds before the goal, strangely after this he limped on and on and on. What a difference a goal makes.

Half Time 1-1

In the second half we became stronger and stronger, it must have been Old Mans contribution after his long lay off. Over time we pressured the ball and pushed back their team with good performances from the front men and a low cross was vollied by Harry just inside the penalty area for a goal. At 50 Mins things looked better than they have for a while.

Benson were looking tired and were puffing hard and looked a bit downtrodden after our 2nd goal

At 55 min Harry scored from a free kick to the side of the penalty area a fantastic strike and did the same at 59min from another free kick off the under side of the bar after being tackled from behind.

Full Time 4-1

Possibly a flatering scoreline but a measure of the quality of Harrys goals. The formation allowed players to play today.

Man of the match was effectively the team performance.

Adam good saves

George D good return made no mistakes

Cookie played very solidly at Right back we know he prefers midfield

Cam fast and solid some great effort

George M majestic today and played excellently with Cam

Mehmet in defense and midfield still under the weather with his injuries and ended up off the pitch but well done.

Guy chased and closed and chased and closed and made some lovely runs and passes a great start in this position.

Charlie played with a limp most of the game and was not fully up to speed but gave it his all and was rewarded with a goal.

Harry enough has been said

Jamie played well yet again and is continuing to stride forward in the team

Flynn held the ball up well and played very well and was quite alone at times ended up with an injury but a very good game

Elliott again in a new position and seems to be enjoying himself more, some lovely touches and at times used his size and strength well.

Matthew battling himself as much as the opposition is making good strides and is helping close people down well in a front position.

BUT man of the match unanimously was given to George M and Cam for the balance they gave the team...........Sponsored this week by Richard after his donation to support the day at Oxford United yesterday, Thank You.

Happy birthday to the much maligned referee Steve who I thought had an excellent game and tried to explain his decisions and keep both sets of managers under tight control !  Thanks for the chocolates after the game for the boys BUT what about the rest of us?

Thanks again to Steve who donates his fee every week to our team and the rest to the club. Apologies for the dodgy picture, but thought people would like to know what you looked like before you became a referee.

26.11 - Oxford United v Cheltenham Game

I will be posting some pictures shortly and sending these to all parents

A lack lustre 1st half BUT the 2nd was much better after Oxford came out fighting and had Davis sent off.

We hope the boys enjoyed the flags and the parade they were excellently behaved.

20.11 Cumnor Minors v Oxford City (Loss 3-4)

Unfortunately we again have shifted more goals than we would like with another narrow loss. Again we had injuries with the starting line up and during the game which did not help. Plus we played people in positions we did not want to, which does not help when playing positionally.

That's the excuses over so lets get down to the game. A very friendly Oxford City greeted us and we appreciated the managers comments during the game it kept the lid on a potentially controversial situation, I hope this did not upset the boys football for both teams.

Again during the warm up we lacked focus with certain players not listening who were content to ignore the brief overview of instructions. Such as coming out of defense when defending and closing down. From bitter experience this does not bode well with players not concentrating from the off. By not doing the simple things of being organised and concentrating at this age group it will bite us in the back.

Photo of the best team in the world?

Line Up Adam GK, Guy LB, Cam and Mason CB, Cookie RB, Jamie LM, Harry and Charlie CM, Shooting boots RM, Elliot and Flynn Up front. Reserves Matthew and Mehmet nursing injuries.

Elliot was placed in support of Flynn to provide some strength and muscle and for his 1st time in this position he applied himself well.

I was pleased to see the referee had another pair of eyes with him today when he turned up with a dead pigeon strapped to his shoulder only to be dashed when he removed it.

2 mins into the game a mix up at the back cost us the 1st goal. Oxford City had the better play in the 1st half and we looked vunerable early on BUT after bringing Harry to the back we looked stronger and from this started to get the ball forward. Charlie was doing some sterling work in midfield but after making a lightning challenge was caught in the back of his leg and the short fat ambulance man carried him off. Mehmet was lucky not to be booked after playing in goal just in front of the half way line and made a majestic save (we have seen them given).The longer the second half went on the better we played and we were rewarded with a goal from Elliot his 1st for Cumnor when the ball rebounded out from the 6yd box. We were pleased to finish 1-1 at half time and felt we could move on from there.

Second half saw roughly the same amount of possesion but Oxford City had the better opportunities and made it 2-1 after 37 minutes. We pushed Cam and Harry forward which was the plan to chase the game but this was probably too bigger a switch and we conceded another goal on 40 minutes. Cookie took a couple of knocks and came off shortly afterwards. It must be said though that we made a few very late challenges.

4-1 down at 53 minutes and we looked dead and buried but for some reason we always seem to rise from the coffin and make a late surge. Cam and the rest of the midfield surged forward at every opportunity, Jamie had a long shot narrowly miss and then Cam scored at 57min with Flynn again as reliable as a Swiss Watch after a ball over the top 60 mins and we were rolling! 4-3.

Then that man in black who I am suprised can even see the hand on his watch let alone find his whistle blew for full time. Im not sure about this "sport for all" melachy and whether it should be extended to pensioner referees.

Mug of the match this week was Harry Tilling whose effort every week is unquestionable. Sponsored by our eagle eyed linesman Mark Sayers after he left the trophy at home and we stole his aluminium coffee mug to present to Harry. Or was it after his face?

Well done Mr Bryce a good performance in difficult circumstances thank you.

Remember next Saturday Oxford United on Saturday. Always remember it is when you lose that you find out who is commited to the team and the cause. We the Coaches, Parents and Boys need to get behind each other and concentrate on the many positives, we are a Rizzla paper away from doing the right things and we need to stay focused.

20.11 Home v Oxford City (12.00 KO)

Please can we get to Closes for 11.30am as it gives us a bit of time with the players

Many Thanks

12.11 Cumnor Minors v Milton United Cup 2nd Rnd (Loss 4-6)

We never forget



After the usual reports I write, some justified critisicm has been made to the actual content and how it compares to the actual match we played so here we go.

After the checking the pitch for the usual brown patches we were rewarded this week with some variety with a dead pigeon with the poor chirpers guts hanging out across the half way line! A quick elevation with a spade meant he got some air for the last time into the bushes, with bits narrowly missing my face.

We started with a depleted side this week with 5 absences

Old Man - Tonsulitis - Too much shouting
Cookie - His 70th Birthday or did he have tonsulitis?
Mason Chapman - Rememberance Sunday
Mathew Coleman - Our spare player had high jump in Birmingham
Fingers - Broken fingers after feeding a bird

Then with 10 on the day!

Mehmet limped in after being run over on his bike by a bus
BUT Mehmets made of stronger stuff!

So with 9.5 moving bodies this week part of Mehmet was squashed

Starting line up playing 3-2-3-1

Mehmet Goal keeper as he could not walk and only had half a body

Sort of defence/mid
Adam the goal keeper
Elliott
Guy
Cam
Charlie

Sort of midfield
Harry
Jamie
George M

Up front
Flynn

We kicked off after a respectful two minutes silence with a referee who looked a bit dodgy. We hoped his refereeing would be better. The sun was shining though!

Milton applied most of the pressure as we could not seem to move the ball forward mainly because we played quite defensively with..

"The old addage you can lose a game in the 1st 10-15 minutes if you go down a couple of goals"

Oh well, with this formation we were caught on the break with their pace up front and were 2 down in 15 minutes! poor Mehmet could only only rush out of goal slithering on his stomach.

At this point we were flapping

With this we moved Charlie further forward and brought Harry into the defense to stop leaking goals and the pigeon/ship  began to steady. We put several attacks together only to shoot directly at their goal keeper, we probably should have converted at least 2 chances.

Unfortunately before half time we leaked a further goal and went in 3-0

We came off half time looking dejected and dishevelled with Mehmet also looking leg less. With some gentle encouragement all looked in good fettle.

 

Second half came and we looked a better side with Flynn scoring on 33 mins which game us some hope BUT then almost immediately we were caught on the break trying to push forward to go 4-1 down.

That was it the feathers were off and Harry went forward with Charlie pressing hard and we lost another two goals 6-1.

The managers and linesman continued to battle the lady bird  invasion on the far side and with the managers not providing instructions after fighting off the thousands of bugs we clawed our way back into the game.

At 41 mins almost immediately after their last goal Harry pressed forward and gave us the momentum we needed 6-2

At 56 Jamie put in a cool one for 6-3 and we were off albiet a bit late (His 1st goal on his debut).

Harry was everywhere the later part of the game with Charlie playing beatifully weighted balls through their defense BUT Harry was adjudged to have hacked down a Milton player in the box and the miserable blind referee had the front to give them a penalty. That ref should be registered then at least we could have his labrador on to make some decent decisions as long as the dog can clear up his own .........................................
Mehmet made a fantastic save to his right on the ground

At 59 Jamie scored his second after a shot of the post from Harry and we definitely had our beak in front.

Full Time 6-4

A cracking game at the end with tremendous performances by our team

Special mentions
Jamie a good strong debut with 2 goals - MOM contender
Harry was literally everywhere plugging holes - MOM contender
Mehmet gave it his all and made 3 excellent saves and was not mobile enough to do anything about the others - MOM contender
Adam played very well on pitch
Elliot some times excellent when his head was going, was a good part of our revival in the second half.
Guy sat in an unusual position for him and played well in his 1st full game
Cam always plays well and his mental attitude is so strong he kept some players going.
George battled and
Flynn had little support but managed to carve out one goal and held the ball up at times for support - well done

Man of the match Charlie the squark Sayers after his performance in centre midfield this will give us something to think about going forward - One of the many positives

Sponsored By .........................Dead Sky Rats all over the world



Well done to all including MR STEVE BRYCE AN EXCELLENT REFEREE and an an excellent performance.

13.11 Home v Milton United (KO 12.00)

Please can you be at Closes for 11.30am latest, if anybody can help with nets etc Thanks in advance

Players missing

Cookie
Mason
Matthew - Fingers

Possible George D - Tonsillitus

Down to 10 + 1 Hopefully

06.11 Training at the Closes 12.30pm

Our game has been postponed for the weekend due to a cup competition we knew nothing about, so we are having a training session probably for 1 to 1.5 Hours dependant on weather.

It would be nice to see you their, if any parents come please bring some footwear as predominantly we will do training but may need some extra bodies to make up numbers.

If you cannot make it do not worry there will be more training on Wednesday at 7pm at Tilsley!

30.10 - Train at Closes 11.30am Going forward Wed 7pm Tilsley

Dear all straining at Closes this weekend suggest if some of the parents want to be involved it would be good bring your hobnails. Remember Clocks go back this day so you will gain an hour

Following this 1st night straining session at Tilsley 7pm on Wednesday 3rd November on the big pitches not the little pitches we were on last year!

16.10 Rotherfield Vipers v Cumnor Minors (Loss 6-2)

Before we talk about our game an extract about a match played at Summertown this weekend.

Before the match at Cutteslowe Park one of the away parents had spotted dog poo on the pitch and spoke to the opposing manager and walked around with him to point it out. When the 1st was spotted the manager calmly grasped it firmly and scooped it into his hands and walked to edge of the pitch and threw it into the trees. This happened at least once more and the parent had now glazed over with his head firmly in his hands.

Following this the Summertown manager had a lingering handshake with the opposing teams manager to greet them. After the manager finding out abou the poo incident there was a major rush to find some anti bacterial cleaner

Now to our game, we spoke with the referee about filling up some holes in the pitch before playing as an ankle could easily have been broken in a divot and due to this we moved to the neighboring pitch.

A good start and at half time we were 2-0 down after we had created as many chances as Vipers but not scored and even Harry had hit the post after taking the ball around the good Vipers keeper.

We moved Cameron out of defence as we may as well lose 6-0 trying to get back in the game rather than do nothing and this probably retrospectively weekened the defence and after some good attacks they were 5 goals to the good. They did play the offside rule and we will be happy to play against this in the next match. It will make our task easier.

Im not going to say too much about the game but I quote from an opposing teams parent that said to me"we do not deserve to be 5 goals up and it did not reflect the play".

However, the main difference between this year and last year is the speed of the challenge and the willingness at times to clear the ball, this is something we can work on and with a bit of training we believe this result may have been different.

After this we had a dubious penalty awarded to US that Harry scored and then an excellent goal scored from a move between several players that Cameron scored. 5-2 and we started to roll and put them under pressure but ultimately they scored to get to 6-2.

Many players had very good performances and they had a keeper that was nearly as good as Adam and a forward that on his day might have been as good as Flynn.

The next game will be different we have a new player and we will be looking at the overall formation to get the best from it..

Well played to all for our come back against a very good team. A quick shot of Mr Tillings hand whilst doing the necessary work around the Closes.

Man of the match Shooting Boots who was IMPERIOUS in midfield sponsored by Marigold gloves nothing is going to stick to us! (Lynne please can you get some anti bacterial hand wash please).

16.10 Rotherfield Vipers Away

11:45am --- changed from 11.00am

Venue: Bishopswood Sports field

Horsepond Road
Reading, Berkshire RG4 9BT

www.rotherfieldfc.com/location

Please can we get there for 11.15am if you want to combine cars I should have three spaces.

Guy away

09.10 Cumnor Minors v Rotherfield Cobras (Loss 5-6)

Spotted Oxford Blackbirds player in Oxford!

What an outstanding match, unfortunately we came out on the losing side. Two attacking teams that played good fair football. We had a full complement this week with no absences........I feel Cobras playing rugby before the game made a strange atmosphere as its the 1st time at the Closes we have seen rugby played.

Possibly the French manager was trying to rub the England France rugby result in our faces!

A great coach with great boys and parents

3 Mins - Good inswinging corner from Harry, Cam with what I believe his 1st header a good clinical goal. 1-0

5 Mins - We had opportunities to clear the ball in the air and failed. A bit of a defensive mix up and we gave the ball to the Cobras to strike 1-1

10 Mins - We tried to play the ball out of defense by beating the opposition and not trying to pass. We lost the ball then we stood off their attackers and paid the ultimate price. 1-2

At this time we needed to rally the defense and get them working as a team and closing the ball down. If we continued to play like this we would have lost this game by multiple goals. Whilst we are not keen on shouting, the boys needed to step up from how they were playing and folowing this 2nd goal the defense improved their closing and headers.

18 Mins - A terrific shot by Cookie from the edge of the box and their keeper stood no chance. 2-2

25 Mins - Matt playing in midfield today. He seems to get in the right position and got a body part on it to nudge it over the line. 3-2

28 mins - A good attack resulted in a good goal 3-3

HT - Again its a shame we could not have made it in at half time in the lead again.

33mins goal from Cobras 3-4

39 mins Flynn managed another strike 4-4

47 Mins - we lost another 4-5

As time went on we tried to push forward a bit more

59 Mins - A dodgy challenge in the penalty area and for the 2nd week we give away a last ditch penalty 4-6

60 Mins - A ball forward Harry linked onto it and made a good goal one on one with keeper 5-6

At the end of the game we managed a corner and had every player bar 1 in the opposing penalty area but it was cleared and the final whistle blew but the Cobras were rattled.

Again a disapointment for the boys, we have been so close with every game we have played this year we just need to go top the next level.

Positives were the improvement in our defending from the first two goals and the performance by all after this was improved.
All our goals came from different players which may be good or may mean we are not playing positionally?
A good team performance, we feel we are still improving and can work on things in training.

As with all the French at rugby games they introduce a chicken during the match BUT I feel this time their French coach went a step too far!

It made be blush and Im not sure its appropriate either!

Man of the match sponsored by Rentokill killer of all vermin including snakes! was Mason for a tremendous step forward and did everything that was asked of him, WELL DONE you can have a chicken

Well done to Cobras we will have our revenge!

09.10 Home v Rotherfield Cobras 12.00 Noon

Please can you arrange to be on site at 11.30am please

If anybody would be kind enough to help we should only need to put the nets and barrier up
Be there from around 11ish and a bit more - Thanks

02.10 Oxford Blackbirds v Cumnor Minors (Draw 3-3)

We did not realise how much improved is the Oxford Bluebirds Ground!

If you look carefully you can just see Mehmet warming up on the far side!

A close game by two good sides. We are exceptionally pleased with the improvement after the first 3 games, this was not going to be easy and again the Cumnor players have made another big step forward. If we keep improving we should not be afraid of any side in this league.

On the enormous pitch you see above and in a typical Indian summer with temperatues in the early mid twenties, fitness was going to be an issue.

We had a full squad available and had a faily even start to the game. We made good passing and movement. Cameron and Elliott kept their good aggressive Starling up front largely under control.

After 27 mins and a free kick into the box by Mehmet playing at left midfield Flynn as always got the ball under control and netted the ball into the opposing teams aviary past the flapping pigeon.

At 29 mins they immediately returned the favour after we had opportunities to get tight to their birds of prey. The big Starling turned on the six yard box and shot across the goal just wide only for a Swift to knock it in at the last moment.

HT 1-1 If we could have just got in at 1-0

In the 37min Shooting boots had a good header to be denied by the post although Flynn again was available to clear up to make his 2nd goal of the game.

After this we looked the stronger side and were largely under control in defence and midfield. Harry had a few opportunities largely of his own making during the game, that could easily have improved the score line in both the 1st and 2nd halfs. 

At 48 min with the ball bouncing around in their goal, Cookie nudged the ball in from short distance to make it 3-1. We looked like we had the game under control.

Then at 52mins they scored after pushing players forward. This did make them look vunerable at the back but the gamble paid off and they were rewarded. Adam made several saves to keep the scoreline level but we defended deeper and this played into there hands and put us under more pressure with a larger gap between defense and midfield.

Then the dreaded penalty at 59mins we were adjudged to have handled in our box when they were on the attack by controlling the ball with a shoulder and the Eagle eyed referee blew for a penalty.

Adam made a fantastic diving save after their player waddled up with a low hard shot to the bottom corner. But, unfortunately a vulture quickly swooped to the ball and tapped it in . Well done Adam a majestic perfornmance again and we hope the grazes on your leg and arm heal quickly.

FT 3-3

On reflection a disappointing result when we were in a good position BUT a good game against a good team, but the best of it is our improvement. We also looked relatively fit which was another plus point.

A great team performance mentions could go to all of the team, man of the match this week for his goals not just this week but every week is Flynn sponsored by the RSPB. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (you knew it was coming).

02.10 Away v Oxford Blackbirds KO 10.30am

OX4 6JL Pegasus Road Blackbird Leys

Southern Bypass from  A34, At the Watlington Road B480 turn right. ie just before BMW Mini factory. ie drop down to roundabout below dual carriageway.

Follow this road until you see Johnsons Buildbase on left and turn right at the Oxford Bullnose pub at the lights into Cuddesdon Way.

Turn 2nd left into Pegasus Road and follow road around you will see lots of pitches on right and you can park in the sports centre car park if there are enough spaces.

See you Sunday - PS we have all the kit







View Larger Map

Cholsey v Cumnor Minors (Win 1-18)

Yes eighteen and we scored all 19  -  Our largest win
Obviously an inspired training session by the coaches during the week!

We had all our players available today and playing aginst a 10 man team that were not the strongest this made all the difference.

After last week we made some changes to the line up the biggest being the placement of Matthew up front.

On a three quarter size pitch the players could easily kick to the half way line and this probably had something to do with the scoreline, the squad were totally rotated during the game.

Many plus points from last week these were the simple things;

1. Closing down early on in the game was much better.
2. Passing was 300% better and everybody was looking for them except in front of goal late on.
3. Passing and moving largely being completed
4. Good corners with attempted headers and our Cookie got 2 goals.
5. Marking at set plays better
6. Although they were not a strong team we made a presence known
7. Concentration at the start
Im saying nothing more than an excellent performance BUT next week will be a different game with different challenges. So many goals and some very good shots so we have a listing;

3 mins - Charlie - His 1st goal for Cumnor
7 mins - Harry
9 mins - Cam
12 mins - Louie
14 mins - Harry
21 mins - Flynn his 1st touch
25 mins - Flynn
28 mins - Coleman - His 1st goal for Cumnor

HT 8-0

35 mins - Flynn Hatrick
37 mins - Cookie Header 1st goal for Cumnor
39 mins - Cookie Header
43 mins - Matt - His 1st goal for Cumnor
45 mins - Charlie
48 mins - Mason - His 1st goal for Cumnor
53 mins - Harry Hatrick
55 mins - Mehmet
57 mins - Own goal he who will not be named!
58 mins - Flynn Quartet
60 mins - After Matt was brought down - Shooting Boots from the spot.

FT 1-18
Not much else to say, Man of the match sponsored by Thames Water fixer of leaky taps was Cookie who passed and passed and headed. He was only one of very few who did this last week as well as this week - Congratulations.

A small mention to Cholsey who unfortunately could not stem the tide and continued in adversity. Lets hope they keep going as at the end of the day we want the boys to be part of a team that play good and bad. Best Wishes

25.09 Away v Cholsey Bluebirds KO 10.30am

If anybody wants to meet at Vine let me know to combine cars up

Recreation Ground Cholsey OX10 9PX for 10am


http://www.cholseybluebirdsfc.co.uk/ground.html