08.01 Ducklington v Cumnor Minors (Loss 5-2)

It was a pleasant change from the ice, snow and volcanic eruptions that we have recently been experiencing in the Oxford area. The sun was out on a lovely bowling green of a pitch within a stadium that is only comparable to the Emirates.

Its been that long since a game of football, I think its softened the brain.



I thought we had gone to the wrong ground originally but they had forgotten to turn the sign around on the other side is Ducklington Junior Football Club. Although some of the mud remained from the championships last week particularly in one of the goal mouths.

It was a game of two halfs first half we played up hill against a FORCE 10 gale and in the second half we played down hill and strangley the wind stopped. The gods were against us today but we
fought hard with character and strength and had a very enjoyable game (except for the result).

With 'as always' a strong starting line up we were always going to be under some pressure

Picture taken of the referee just prior to kick off at centre circle

For the start the wind all of a sudden blew up and we were playing uphill. We started well enough and held a good tactical shape but over time the Ducks started to put pressure on us taking advantage of the wind and slope. At 8 minutes they had an attack with Matthew and their attacker one on one on the edge of goal. I thought Matthew had out muscled him but the Mallards' player quite rightly did not give up and tripped Matthew accidentally who fell, leaving the dabbling duck to waddle around Matthew to make a good shot past the diving Adam. Where are referees when you need them?

Elliot (Rodders) made multiple long goal kicks and was probably the player of the match in the 1st half with his defending together with Matthew, George (old man) playing right back instead of left back, together with Mehmet. Multiple corners took their toll with diving ducks having multiple heading opportunities but they did not take advantage of them.

We held strong but over time the pressure from the opposition supported by the wind and slope took its toll. We spent more and more time defending and got deeper in our own half with the expected outcome of two goals from the Quacks at 23 and 26 mins. To be fair the quality of their passing improved in the first half which did not help as well. Just before half time Adam made a terrific one on one save and bar his webbed hands we may have lost a couple more goals. HT 3-0.

At half time we brushed off the loose dirt and took a breather from the cold and wind. Then all of a sudden the wind dropped dramatically in the 5 minute break and I could have sworn it almost changed ends.

We had the benefit of the slope in the 2nd half and the pitch was quite heavy by then. We pressed at their end without probably the final edge but Gareth shot a fine goal at 37 mins and we thought the game might be on. Just as we started getting excited we were caught on the break at 43 mins and the game was effectively over. However, we carried on and tried and never laid down and the players were rewarded with a skillful goal from Louie at 55 Mins but we were again caught on the break at 57 mins. Finally Adam made a fantastic diving save on another one and one and took a ball in the face at short distance whilst groping around in the muddy goal mouth, fantastic commitment. FT 5-2.

My congratulations to the thankless task that Grant (Elvis) and Harry did in the centre of the pond supported by Cam, shooting boots and Mason trying very hard in defense. Thank You. We rolled players on and off constantly which probably did not help the shape of the team but kept its energy levels up.

Duck shooter of the match could only have been Adam. But, both Elliott and Gareth made good passes with Matthew perfoming well in defense. Another game another Duck shooter.

Well done to Ducklington, we also thank the referee for praising the role played by Ollie on the line who suggested he should do a refereeing course. (That will be the end of him then) . Thanks also to the good support, it was a pleasure seeing the old ones as well and to Lynne for the chocolate for the boys. Happy New Year!

Im not saying Im not pleased but it would be nice to.....................

I could not get a picture of a duck so we have a chicken!