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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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).

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

18.09 Cumnor Minors v Radley (Loss 1-2)

Before the match Steve Wheeler from OMBL took some photographs as these will be in the Oxford Mail on Wednesday this week with a match report. I will see if we can get hold of an official copy of the photo. In the meantime a snap from the phone!



After the fun of the photos we then a had the job in hand which was against a team we have played in friendlies and tournaments but never in anger!

The managers have thought long and hard about this game, which culminated in over an hour long conversation on Sunday evening.

Before the match we appeared to lack some concentration on the game and were full of general chit chat, which in past experiences is not a good sign on concentrating on the job in hand.

We started well enough and early on from a throw from Elliot in their half Flynn picked up the ball dribbled and without any real support from other players, shot across goal on the ground for a good 1st goal. Clearly Flynn and Elliott were concentrating.

From then on this seemed to alert Radley to a problem and they picked up their game and started to build some attacks. They used their lone front man to hold the ball up, he delivered it out to the right wing as a centre midfielder sprinted to the right hand side with the right midfielder joining in. Sometimes we were up to this attack and others we were left with one against two on the left back. Luckily we seemed to deal with this through luck and a fair wind.

Then the 1st Radley goal, a careful and considered ball over the top picked up by the Radley player and charged down by our defender, we failed to get the ball out and we had a second opportunity that was not cleared. Unfortunately we did not get three chances and they scored when the ball bobbled in our penalty area!

The third goal was much the same in that it was an attack that hung around the penalty area, we unfortunately did not get a challenge in on the attacker, he shot Adam almost parried in out and it slipped in the top corner. When we go one down we must not let our heads drop and feel sorry for ourselves we need to pick ourselves up and try again!

The SLIGHTLY controversial incident was were Harry was brought down 2-3 metres inside the Radley penalty area from a tackle when dribbling the ball in from a player tackling from in front of him, so by no imagination was the free kick not a penalty. The referee called for a free kick outside the box! Even the Radley subs could not believe it and I will say neither could I.   HT 1-2

The second half was more of the same except Radley confirmed their strong but fair physical presence all over the pitch, this will be a continuing theme as the boys get older and we need to get used to it. Unfortnately us as a team did not have any answers to this and the game ran out after several shots and excellent saves by Adam. FT 1-2

I will say they deserved the win, their first in over 1 year. We were so close and yet so far.

We need to concentrate more on passing the ball, not just kicking it.
We passed so little and due to this failed to retain possession, also due to their pressure.
We could not get the ball forward due to the strength of their midfield.
I personally blame the coaches with these things resolved we would have perservered. So lets hope they pull their finger out for the next game. The team can only do what they are asked to do and they do their best to deliver!

So plenty for all of us to get our teeth into for the next training session.  Man of the match this week sponsored by short football coaches with big mouths goes to Adam Bradley for some great saves well done.

Please can all parents return their subs please - many thanks

11.09 Benson v Cumnor Minors (Win 1-2)

It was a game of two halfs one with the wind behind

And one with the wind against

We all know what I mean. We were playing a team that finished fourth in the league last season and had beaten our friendly opponents Littlemore last year by a significant margin.

We started with a good twelve players with Flynn nursing a foot injury and Adam a head injury. We chose to kick down wind 1st half and probably unsurprisingly had most of the attack with multiple corners. We seemed to lack the final craft to get us a goal but were rewarded with an own goal after a low cross from Flynn into the centre of the box was converted by a Benson player (most unfortunate).

At the end of HT 0-1 to us although the wind was probably worth 2 goals.

We started relatively strongly with the wind picking up all the time in the second half and from a lovely corner they scored a largely unchallenged header to even the score at 1-1 after about 40 mins. Almost immediately we attacked and after some lovely skill from George Murphy with a great looping shot from just inside the box he scored a fantastic goal (Shooting Boots 1st in recent years if my memory is right) With composure like that you would think he scored every week and should of course!

Then at 2-1 the wind was getting stronger and the players began to tire a bit and for the last ten muniutes we held on gamely with some great challenges with a defense that looked transformed from the friendly last week.

A tense 62nd minute after Louie was adjudged to have blocked a Benson player on the edge of the box. I cant see that Louie could block anybody particularly when he only went to bed at 4.30am after a particularly heavy night. The ball in was headed wide for a goal kick.

At the end our defense and goal keeper triumphed and the spirit of the team won through an excellent team performance.

Mentions to all - Adam playing with no head very sure, George D having a very good match, Mason adapting to his new role in centre defense, Cameron very strong at right back with his amazing pace, Cookie played well with lovely passing, George Murphy excellent, Harry played mainly up front but helped late on as an additional defender, Mehmet excellent in front of the defense, Matthew playing his 1st proper game made an excellent debut in the league, well done, Flynn with one leg why did he not shoot when one on one! but great play, Louie (Alias Andy Caroll) great strength this week. BUT last and certainly not least Elliott who stepped forward today marshalled the defense, made excellent goal kicks and played like a centurion and for this he was our MAN OF THE MATCH sponsored by Remegel guaranteed to help with your wind, so my wife says.

Well done very Proud Parents and the old Coaches.

04.09 Littlemore v Cumnor Minors (Friendly Loss 4-0)

This was going to be a testing friendly playing an A League team that had played 4 friendlies and been training over August.

Early on unsurprisingly we went two goals down and looked a bit short on almost everything but mainly speed to the ball, sharpness and match awareness but gradually as the game wore on we looked a bit quicker and more aware to finish up 3 down at half time.

Second half we looked a bit more secure in defense and even started to move the ball forward a bit we lost another goal but late on in the game we were starting to pressurise them, playing more together defensively using the offside rule and generally looking sharper and more aware after playing 50 mins.

A very good performance where we dramatically improved and continued to play football and never gave up. Mentions to the new players Matthew played a good 1st game with Charlie who looked like he had never played for another team over the last 2 years, well done to all.

Thanks Steve for being ref in your hobnail boots and Ollie for lines. Parents for being their for your boys, give yourselves a round of applause...CLAP CLAP............

29.05 Home v Chasewell Park (Draw 0-0)

Our final game of the season and this must have been amazing for the armchair viewer particularly as it had been chosen by the BBC to be their only youth football clash of the season.  Jonathan Pearce could hardly contain himself in the commentary.

All players were present and played some fantastic football Cumnor had most of the play with some interchanges between players that could only be described as mesmorising. Odd comments that can be made player by player.

Adam - Compared to Peter Shilton by Mr Pearce, stopped at least 75 excellent shots.
Mason - Russell received a call from Gus Poyet asking when he would become available to play for Brighton
Cameron - Was watched by Nicholas Cage after him flying over from America specially for the match
George M - Shooting boots had 6 goals disallowed for looking like a dangerously attacking player by the referee.
George D - Playing on roller skates achieved speeds he could only dream off, racing up the wing from left back just like Ashley Cole.
Mehmet - Went in goal when Adam was getting his manicure and made save after save, out on pitch looked and played like the spitting image of Lionel Messi.
Louie - Walked tall on the pitch and played a physical game elbowing out some off the 6ft 20st midfield players with his sheer strength and laid everything to waste in his path.
Harry - With sheer grit and determination had at least 40 long shots at goal, only to hit the post and bar on every occasion. The bar eventually collapsed under the power of the shots.
Matthew - Playing in goal, in defense, in midfield, in attack, in the centre on the left and right upside down and back to front looked like a long version of Gianfranco Zola.
Grant - Like a tornado or Jim Carrey from the mask popped up everwhere where the ball was the only difference was he was not green.
Gareth - Played most of the game laying on a sun lounger like a lounge lizard in the sun. Popped up when the ball got anywhere near the right wing and tore down the wing blatting everything in its path.
Elliott - Larger than life and as desribed by the pundits as a player with excellent technical ability and potential. The gentle giant.
Flynn - 53 shots on target and only the excellent goalkeeping of Chasewell kept the ball out - tremendous
Cookie - Hes here is their is absolutely everywhere Cookie, Cookie! he just keeps on going and was only with us at the end of the season a great signing for 2011/2012
Wills - A sad loss of a great player we wish him well at his new school

As Gary Lineker said how was that game 0-0 a tremendous game! How did they edit down to to 45 minutes for the tv!

07.05 Cumnor Minors v Deddington TC Cheatahs (Win 8-3)

I hope everybody enjoyed this game, ignoring the game itself and the result!

What I particularly enjoyed was Jerry a good manager who did football for the right reasons for the boys. His respectful parents and the excellent boys. It was Cheeters last game (sorry) and I was genuinely sorry today to see one of the good teams with good guys fold. We have had some enjoyable games - The dodgy pitch away which was in retrospect fun. The dodgy pitch at home due to torential rain during the night which meant we played on the extended postage stamp. Particularly after I slagged their pitch so much!

We started well going 2-0 up after 15 minutes with goals from Harry and Grant. Then they seemed to explore the frailties in our defensive formation with Harry scoring at 22 minutes to finish HT 3-3. We looked all at sea after the heavy rain last night and finished the half accordingly. A deserved result at the end of HT a close fought half.

After a revamped formation to start the 2nd half and some strong words on closing down, we were renewed. We scored 5 we hit the post twice and the bar!

Flynn - 37mins
Cam - Delightful flick 47mins
Harry- Long shot I think 51mins - Hat Trick
Harry - 52mins
George Murphy was taken down in the box and should have taken the penalty but due to Harry chasing the club golden boot he took it and scored 56mins. (Half a goal allocated to George). - Penta Trick!

We saw the game out and deserved the win, but I have this nagging feeling of a good team lost to the league!

Thanks Jerry and his pacemakers a great bunch of boys.

Man of the match for his 5 goals was Harry BUT it was not all one man terrific performances by all, the game of football won today - Thank You.

30.04 Yarnton Blues v Cumnor Minors (Draw 5-5)

What do we say a good game etc.......

However, I was told today we were the dirtiest side that have ever played on that ground, I did look over my shoulder at that moment not thinking I was being spoken to, I also did not reply. Several of the opposing teams parents shouted suggestions that their team should fall over like us so they can get free kicks. I was also told that some of our parents and one of our coaches should not accuse Yarnton players of diving and they needed to be spoken to.......Lets say speechless is the best way to deal with comments like this.

The joys of parents and football BUT how did the boys do thats the important thing that so many teams seem to forget. Its about the boys not the coaches and not the parents.

Now the game....I have lost some enthusiasm

Shortly after kick off Harry went by their goalkeeper when one on one and scored with a neat RIGHT foot shot! 1-0. At 7 min Harry scored another goal and on 13min Grant scored a follow up 3-0 UP!

Then 14 mins 3-1 at 14 mins from a good free kick, 3-2 at 16mins from a penalty.Then 4-2 Flynn with a flick over the goal keeper and 4-3 from another good free kick at 29 mins. We could argue that one of those free kicks was dubious BUT its the referees decision and we respect that.

Harry penalty at 37min after a push in the box - Hat Trick. We then had an issue when Elliot hurt his foot and came off. We became more under pressure from the wind, the slope and the energetic Yarnton play. We then squandered our lead after a good half way shot that went over the top of Adam in the goal at 55 mins, unstoppable and about 2-3 minutes in late/injury time they scored for their equaliser on the last attack. 5-5 phew......

We had probably more chances and should have closed the game off better in defense. Some closer marking sleeping a bit less always a good idea when playing football! But everything conspired against us for the draw Well done to the Yarnton players effort they came back from 3 down a not inconsiderable achievement.

Lets hope our last remaining fixtures are as exciting on the pitch. I seriously cannot believe what I have witnessed over the last few weeks off the pitch.

Role on Oxford League next season.

Great play from many players, George D playing with a touch of the Montezumas after his holiday in Egypt. It definitely improved his speed today though. Elliot good when moved to the centre of defense, George M playing an excellent right back, Cam was good as always, Mehmet with his dodgy swollen face with his raging teeth. Grant floating in midfield with a good controlled shot, Gareth, Cookie and Louie pressing in midfield. Harry scoring 3 one with his right foot. Flynn for his goal and persistance, Adam let in 5 good goals not suprisingly but did nothing wrong and played well with no mistakes.

Man of the match though for his engine and quick feet was Mason sponsored by the British Army Tank Division nothing much got passed him and if they did it was not easy!

Roll on the end of season, next game against the lovely Gerry and the Pacemakers.

09.04 Chesterton v Cumnor Minors (Loss 1-5)

Apologies for the late post I have thought long and hard before putting this up for various reasons which I will list but put no comments up.

10 Players of Chesterton v 11 Players of Cumnor - delayed start
Constant challenging of the young female referee
Booking incident after Chesterton scored and the subsequent injury to Cameron
Various challenges

If I had seen the incident with Cameron I would have discussed with both Mark and Owen if it was worth continuing the game.

Now the football, we started well and kept them under pressure in the 1st half and we had several chances but unfortunately the ball would not go in. Towards the end of the half we failed to clear were put under pressure and they scored. Then late on Cookie was about to challenge for the ball and it spinned off his foot for a goal at the wrong end! HT 2-0

In the second half we worked well but we could not keep up with their speed and pressure and let in a further 3 goals. We did have chances at the other end but we were not clinical. Finally in the dying moments Flynn popped up to make it FT 5-1

Possibly a flattering result to the opposition who on balance were definitely better. However, we need to concentrate on the job in hand and play football. It was a hard game but as we get older some teams will grind results out.

Mentions to various players, Mehmet good in goal, Cookie did not do anything wrong and played well BUT next time must score at the right end on his debut. Louie battled in an unfamiliar midfield position and for his application and resolve deserves the Man of the Match. Well done to all!

Man of the match sponsored this week by BRUT aftershave 'Splash it all Over'

26.03 Cumnor Minors v Chesterton Juniors (Loss 0-4)

The first game where we failed to score!

A strong footballing Chesterton went one up in the 1st half after some good play BUT we handed them the goal after a couple of missed clearances. They had more chances than us but we had a chance go when we were one on one with their keeper HT 0-1

In the second half we pushed for a result and went to 3 at the back to try to get the players to win the ball in midfield and this worked to some extent BUT their players pressed our forwards and ultimately we lacked the strength up front and were out muscled by their defensive players. Better to go down trying for a win rather than wait for them to get another goal!

We changed the forwards around and we enjoyed some greater success narrowly missing the goal with a shot from Wills that was well saved and ultimately the follow up by Harry went over the bar. Phew!

Then in the dying embers of the game we conceded a third goal and a penalty on virtually the final whistle, possibly a generous scoreline for Chesterton FT 4-0.

Man of the match for a much improved performance was a deserved reward for Mehmet sponsored by the Queen (Not that queen but the drag queen who performs at the Dog and Duck).

Good luck for the next match a return game against Chesterton!

Congratulations to Mr Tilling on his birthday - Happy birthday from the boys