Didcot Emaralds

Posted by robin on May 4, 2008, 9:19 pm

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
4th May 2008

Oxford City Colts 6 – Didcot Boys Emeralds 0

With most of the goalposts in Oxfordshire taken down for the summer, the last game of the season proved difficult to organise. Fortunately the staff at Littlemore allowed us to use their pitch to host Didcot. Even so we needed to arrive early to help the local groundsman reassemble the goals on an overcast but humid Sunday morning. Both teams were unable to either climb up or slip down the final table and so there was only pride to play for. Colts’ Coach Roger Cherry decided to start with Bradley Rowbotham in the middle of a back four with Mitchell White pushing Wayne Beechers up front to partner Daniel Dennis. This looked like an excellent decision when, after just four minutes, Wayne controlled Curtis Adams’ left sided cross and turned the defender before slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

As has so often been the case when Colts start brightly, they continued to dominate the first half. Luke Holt went close as did Wayne and there were several goalmouth incidents but Colts failed to add to their lead. However, on 20 minutes following some excellent work down the right wing from Liam Williams. His cross found Luke who chipped the ball over the keeper to double Colts’ advantage. Didcot fought back with their midfield players trying hard to breach the Colts back line. Bradley, though, read the game well and was always usually on hand to deny the visitors a scoring opportunity. Just before half time Didcot did force the ball into the net but the goal was disallowed for handball.

Playing for first time for many months on a warm day, the boys looked tired at half time. Roger brought on Grady Cherry, Tyler Walker and Adam Martin to ensure that Colts maintained their advantage. They started the second half well and Colts continued to play the better football. In particular, their passing around the edge of the box was excellent and led to a number of scoring opportunities; but they had to wait for another 10 minutes before adding to their lead. Colts’ corners, which have been working well in recent weeks, once again led to uncertainty in the opposition defence and Charlie Wood smashed the ball home giving the keeper no chance. A few minutes later a high deep cross from the left from Luke Holt cleared everyone, the keeper included, and crept into the goal at the far post.

To their credit Didcot kept pushing forwards but the Colts’ defence held firm allowing the away side only optimistic long shots. Meanwhile on the break Colts looked sharp and it was not long before they increased their lead to 5-0 when Mitchell calmly tucked the ball into net from close range. Shortly after Curtis completed the scoring with typical run down the left flank ending with fiercely struck shot into the roof of the net. It was not long before Clive Roberson, who had another excellent game as referee, blew the final whistle. Many thanks to Gary for running the line and we all wish him well in the League 2 play offs next week.

So Colts finish their first season of 11-a-side football with another win making it 17 victories from 24 matches loosing only four times and finishing fourth in the table. This excellent record is largely due to the efforts of Roger and Stuart who have coached the boys with great enthusiasm. Their commitment has resulted in an excellent and enjoyable season for the Under 11s – next year promotion beckons.

Team: J Russell, B Muinami, M White, B Rowbotham, C Adams, L Williams, J Roberson, C Wood, L Holt, D Dennis, W Beechers, subs G Cherry, T Walker, A Martin

Man of the Match: 1st half W Beechers, 2nd half L Holt

Kidlington

Posted by robin on April 27, 2008, 5:53 pm

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
27th April 2008

Kidlington 4 - Oxford City Colts 5

Colts will wonder how they scored only five goals whilst conceding four in this thrilling end of season match against old rivals Kidlington. The answers lie in another fantastic display by the Kidlington keeper and some careless defensive errors which made this a most entertaining and sometimes infuriating game for the Colts’ fans. With the Easter holidays over Coach Roger Cherry had nearly a full strength squad to pick from against a Kidlington side who have struggled to find consistency throughout the season despite having some very quick and talented young players.

Playing up the slope on the Evans Lane pitch in the first half, Colts started with three at the back with Mitchell White sitting just in front of the defensive line. Colts started slowly and after just three minutes Kidlington capitalised on the visitors’ failure to clear a cross from the left wing as one of their strikers calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. This, however, did not provide the necessary wake up call for the Colts as five minutes later some more poor defending allowed Kidlington to double their lead with a well struck shot hit from just inside the penalty area.

Having gifted Kidlington a two-goal lead Colts started to play the passing football that has served them well throughout the season. Their first effort on goal came after ten minutes when Bradley Rowbotham chipped the keeper; his shot unfortunately just clearing the bar. On fourteen minutes, however, Colts were back in the match when Grady Cherry chased down a long throw from Tyler Walker, taking the ball into the area he beat the keeper at the near post with well directed shot. Colts then started to dominate with the rest of the half played mostly in and around the Kidlington area. Once again Colts looked dangerous at set pieces. From a half-cleared corner Wayne Beechers shot fiercely from 25 yards but saw his effort clear the bar. However, it was not long before Colts were back on level terms. Grady flicked the ball into box where the Kidlington defender handled and Tyler buried the spot kick in the top right hand corner. Tyler scored again a few minutes later finishing well from another excellent corner and just before the break Bradley made it 4-2 to the Colts with a firm strike from the right edge of the box.

Having dominated the latter part of the first period and now playing with the slope it was easy to imagine that Colts would run away with the match in the second half. This though, was far from what happened. Colts started strongly and were a constant threat in attack. However they were denied by an outstanding display from the Kidlngton keeper who stopped everything as Colts tried to extend their lead. Two excellent saves from Bradley’s wicked corners kept the home team in the game. Charlie Wood nearly sealed it for the Colts with a little over ten minutes to go; his sweetly timed header from another well delivered corner just clearing the bar.

With the final whistle approaching and Colts in control the match suddenly took a very different direction. Colts lost concentration allowing Kidlington to seize the initiative. On fifty minutes the home side’s pacey strikers broke through Colts’ defensive line and reduced the lead to just one goal. Sensing that they might be able to get something out of the match, Kidlington pushed forward in numbers and with five minutes to go they forced a corner. A high ball resulted in some head tennis which ended with the ball in the back of the Colts’ goal. So despite having dominated large periods of the match Colts found themselves level with just a few minutes remaining. However, on their next attack Colts were awarded a free kick just outside the Kidlington box. As he has done on several occasions this season, up stepped Bradley to strike the ball cleanly into the top corner of the net giving Colts the victory in the dying seconds (eat your heart out Cristiano Ronaldo!).

So another win for the Colts but they made heavy weather of a match they looked liked winning easily. Greater concentration throughout the game should help avoid too many more exciting finishes like this. Credit, though, must go to the hard working Kidlington team especially their keeper who had another exceptional game. Many thanks to Clive for running the line (again).


Team: R Horwood, A Martin, H Comely, W Beechers, M White, G Cherry, L Williams, T Walker, D Dennis, B Rowbotham, subs J Russell, J Roberson, B Muinami, C Wood

Man of the Match: 1st half T Walker 2nd half B Rowbotham

Horspath

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
20th April 2008

Horspath 2 - Oxford City Colts 8

The first of three rearranged fixtures caused by the atrocious weather earlier in the season saw Colts travel the short distance to Horspath on a misty Sunday morning. With an unseasonably low temperature for late April, Coach Roger Cherry made sure the boys arrived early to warm up and prevent another slow start. With only 12 boys available some reshuffling was required which saw Joe Roberson and Curtis Adams start in defence with Liam Williams and Brian Muinami moving up into midfield.

Following Stuart’s warm up, Colts started the game at high speed catching Horspath cold after just two minutes. Grady Cherry arrived late in the penalty area to volley home a well-delivered corner from Tyler Walker. Horspath struggled to find their feet as Colts continued to dominate the early proceedings. Tyler was unlucky not to score with a sweetly timed strike flying just over the bar. However, Colts soon doubled their lead as Bradley Rowbotham ran strongly through the inside left position before slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

Most of the rest of the first period was played in the Horspath half with Colts creating a number of scoring chances. They looked particularly dangerous from set pieces with both Tyler and Curtis delivering dangerous balls into the penalty area. The Horspath keeper was constantly busy and did well to prevent Colts from adding to their lead. Brian Muinami was unlucky not to score; his well-timed shot striking the bar. But just before the break Colts scored again. A poor clearance from the Horspath defence allowed Bradley the opportunity to strike the ball high into the net from a narrow angle.

There was little for Roger to say at half time other than tell the boys to continue playing as they had done and not to become complacent; and for most of the second half this is exactly what they did. After just five minutes Colts scored again. Under pressure from the Colts’ attack following another excellent corner, Horspath failed to clear the ball which finally found its way into the net with the help of Grady. The visitors continued to dominate and Harvey Comely, now playing up front, was denied a goal when his shot hit the post. With such constant pressure another goal was inevitable and Colts went five up when Tyler struck the ball into the corner of the net. An unfortunate incident saw Colts’ next goal when a misunderstanding from a back pass saw Curtis chip the ball over the advancing keeper.

With a six-goal lead it was not surprising that Colts started to loose concentration. With the midfield pushing up to support the attack, Horspath found more space in the middle of the park and an accurate through ball allowed their centre forward to run through the middle of the Colts’ defence and slot the ball into the corner of the net. This set back made the Colts lift their game again and Brian was unlucky not to score when his well-struck shot forced an excellent full length diving save from the Horspath keeper. Harvey restored the six goal advantage forcing the ball past the unlucky keeper who failed to hold a difficult high ball into the box from Brian. To their credit Horspath continued to battle and scored a second goal in the last five minutes when Colts took far too long to clear ball from their own penalty area. Colts’ final goal came moments later when Bradley struck the ball home firmly following a blocked shot from the lively Daniel Dennis. In dying seconds Bradley was unlucky not to get yet another when his fierce shot struck the bar.

This was a comfortable victory for the boys, who started the game playing at a high tempo which they maintained for the majority of the match. Having struggled after slow starts in a number of previous matches, this performance is another encouraging sign that things are progressing well. Many thanks to Andy Bone for refereeing, to Clive for running the line and Sue for providing hot drinks on a cold morning.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, H Comely, J Roberson, C Adams, B Muinami, G Cherry, L Williams, T Walker, D Dennis, B Rowbotham, subs J Russell

Man of the Match: 1st half H Comely 2nd half T Walker

Hillingdon

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
1st April 2008

Oxford City Colts U11 Invitation XI 0 – Hillingdon Borough U12 0

What an excellent match this proved to be on the main pitch at Court Place Farm. With the boys enjoying a good run in the league, a fixture against Hillingdon Borough Under 12s could have been a step too far but this was not the case in a very even game played a warm April evening.

To avoid further damage to the already worn pitch, the game was played with small goals positioned at the edge of each penalty area. Coach Roger Cherry invited three older boys to strengthen the home team. Colts, in their familiar 4-4-2 formation, started somewhat hesitantly obviously slightly nervous about playing a team with a year’s more experience of 11-a-side football. With Bradley Rowbotham joining Harvey Comely in the heart of the defence, the boys looked sold at the back, denying Hillingdon any early shooting opportunities. As the game settled down, Colts started to play with more authority and looked the more dangerous of the two sides with both Tom Weir and Liam Palfreeman worrying the opposition with their pace. In midfield Rhys Davies and Grady Cherry won a lot of ball but were unable to find the pass that would open up the Hillingdon defence. As the half drew to a close, Colts enjoyed greater possession and both Grady Cherry and Tyler Walker were unlucky not to score, each having good chances well saved by the Hillingdon keeper who was no doubt grateful to only be protecting the smaller goal. But it was Hillingdon who nearly took the lead on the stroke of half time. A neat cross from the right wing was flicked on by one of the strikers but fortunately for the Colts it drifted just wide of the far post.

The half time team talk was straight forward for Roger who told the boys to carry on playing as they had done and hopefully the goals would come. A slight change in formation saw Mitchell White introduced just in front of a back three to strength the defensive midfield. But as the second half started Hillingdon looked the more dangerous, although they were still unable to find a clear shot on goal. Colts, though, were not to be outdone and the boys fought their way back into the game and, as in the first half, they grew in confidence to look just as likely as the visitors to open the scoring in what was becoming an end-to-end battle. With all the Colts side working hard and playing with great determination it was inevitable that they started to tire as the half wore on. The age advantage started to be significant in the closing minutes with Hillingdon looking the stronger. But despite their fatigue Colts held on to claim a well-earned draw against the more experienced team, a result much to their credit.

This was an excellent fixture for the boys who have hopefully learned a great deal by playing football against older opposition. Many thanks to Tony for faultless job as referee and to the club for providing refreshments. After the game some of the older lads went out for kick about against Hillingdon and won 2-0, the highlight being the half time penalty shoot-out for the Under 11s which the Colts probably won although there so many penalties it was difficult for the reporter to keep the score.

Team: J Russell, A Martin, H Comely, L Williams, B Rowbotham, C Wood, G Cherry, T Walker, R Davies, L Palfreeman, T Weir. subs L Holt, J Roberson, M White

Kidlington

Oxford City Colts 5 – Kidlington 3

This was the first time these teams have met this season and with Kidlington having only secured 15 points from their first 18 games Oxford were the clear favourites going into the game.

Oxford kicked off and immediately forced the pace of the game with the ball spread wide by Tyler Walker and the forwards running onto the long ball forward. A shot from outside the area was easily saved by the Kidlington keeper who took a quick kick to the half way line allowing Kidlington to counter attack but again the final shot on goal did not have enough pace and was easily saved by Joe Russell in the Oxford goal. It was now Oxfords turn to run at the Kidlington defence and a high looping shot by Bradley Rowbotham went just wide of the Kidlington post. The game now settled down to a battle of mid field with neither side making a significant breakthrough, Oxford were having most of the ball but the Kidlington defence were holding fast.

On 13 minutes Oxford won a free kick outside of the area on the right hand side. Bradley stepped up to take it and put a powerful kick into the 6 yard area where Tyler Walker caught it and looped it over the stranded Kidlington keeper to make it 1-0 to Oxford. On 20 minutes Tyler looked certain to score a second when a perfectly positioned pass found him in space with just the Kidlington keeper beat, however the keeper was quickly off his line and dived on the ball to make an excellent save snatching it was Tylers feet. Oxford were now dominating the game and pinning Kidlington back in their own area and the extra pressure was rewarded on 21 minutes when an excellent cross by Joe Roberson found Bradley in space and with the Kidlington keeper off his line he looped the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

Kidlington now started to play some better football and the long kicks from their keeper were catching the Oxford midfield unawares. On 23 minutes it was one of these long kicks that cleared the Oxford midfield and with the defense unable to clear a powerful shot from just outside the area was just too high for Joe Russell and Kidlington were back in the game at 2-1. Kidlington continued to put pressure on Oxford and the defence were not clearing the ball quickly enough and it could have been 2-2 a couple of minutes later but the short was just wide. The extra Kidlington pressure was to eventually pay off just before half time with another long and high shot from outside the area finding the back of the net. It was 2-2 at half time and Oxford were looking shaky at the back.

The half time team talk by Stuart seemed to wake the boys up and they came out very strong from the kick-off and should have been 3-2 up within a minute but Bradley’s shot rebounded off the bar. Two more Oxford attacks followed in quick succession with a shot blocked by the Kidlington keeper and a second excellent save from the feet of Tyler Walker keeping Kidlington in the game. The sustained pressure from Oxford seemed to take Kidlington by surprise and it was eventually rewarded 11 minutes into the half when a shot was dropped by the Kidlington keeper and volleyed into the net by Joe Roberson, 3-2 Oxford. The pressure on Kidlington continued and a couple of minutes later when a long throw by Cutis Adams was quickly crossed to Luke Holt who put a low and powerful shot beyond the reach of the keeper to make it 4-2 to Oxford. Kidling quickly counter attacked from a long kick out and out running the Oxford defence they made it 4-3 with 14 minutes left to play.

Oxford continued to dominate the game and Tyler had a third shot saved by the Kidlington keeper, who was having a great game and keeping his team in with a chance. Oxford were to secure all three points when Bradley’s shot from just outside the area was too strong for the keep, 5-3 with only 5 minutes left to play.

Kidlington made one last effort just before the end and looked like they had made it 5-4 only for the goal to be judged offside. It was 5-3 at the end and an excellent game of end-to-end football. Well done to both teams.

Thanks to Clive Roberson for refereeing.

Team: J Russell, A Martin, H Comley, L Williams, Mitchell, L Holt, J Roberson, T Walker (c), C Wood, B Rowbotham, D Denis,

Substitutes: C Adams, G Cherry, W Beechers

Man of the Match: First half: T Walker, Second half: J Roberson

Abingdon

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
9th March 2008

Oxford City Colts 8 - Abingdon 1

Looking at the result it might appear that Colts dominated this encounter with bottom of the table Abingdon, but for the majority of the first half this was certainly not the case. In the previous meeting between the two sides earlier in the season Colts twice came from behind before finally wining a tight game 4-3. For the return fixture Colts were missing a number of players through illness and injury and Coach Roger Cherry was force to make changes to the team. He started with 4-4-2 formation moving Brian Muinami to partner Wayne Beechers in attack.

On a bright and windy morning the game started slowly with neither team able to hang on to the ball. After a rather scrappy 15 minutes of football Abingdon forced the first corner of the game. Colts wasted several opportunities to clear allowing one of the Abingdon strikers to open the scoring with a header at the far post. This was the wake up call Colts needed and soon after the boys started to pass the ball around and attack the Abingdon goal. Charlie Wood caught the eye as he burst down the left flank on a number of occasions. Both Wayne and Brian were unlucky not to score as the Abingdon defence under increasing pressure held firm. But as the half progressed Colts’ domination increased and a deserved equaliser came after 25 minutes. Brian received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and with great skill beat a defender before slotting the ball into the corner of the net. Three minutes later Colts were ahead when Wayne ran on to a through ball and delicately chipped the advancing keeper.

Shortly after, the half time whistle sounded with Colts leading and in control of the game. All Roger needed to do was tell the boys to continuing playing as they had for the last few minutes of the half. The second period started with Colts playing with the wind behind them and after five minutes they increased their lead. Bradley Rowbotham’s well placed free kick picked out Grady Cherry who squared the ball for Harvey Comely to rifle home from close range. Shortly after Grady added to the lead as he chipped the ball over the Abingdon keeper from the left hand corner of the box.

Abingdon with their confidence draining away fought on bravely but struggled to cope with the Colts’ onslaught. Almost every attack led to another goal and Joe Roberson made it 5-1 as he helped the ball home from a cross which the defence failed to clear. With Colts now rampant, Bradley, who had an excellent game at the heart of the defence, came forward to shoot fiercely past the Abingdon keeper. With the game all but over, Roger gave keeper Joe Russell a few minutes on pitch and Joe duly obliged by seizing on a goalkeeping error at the other end to score his first league goal for Colts. And just as the rain started to fall and the crowd awaited the final whistle Charlie Wood scored Colts eighth goal to round off an excellent second half.

So after the two recent defeats, Colts returned to winning ways. As the boys have not scored as many goals as most of their rivals this season, the performance is particularly satisfying and will hopefully increase the boys’ confidence in front of goal. Many thanks to Stuart for an excellent job as referee and to Dave for running the line. Also thanks to Kelly for the post match refreshments.

Team: J Russell, A Martin, H Comely, C Adams, L Williams, L Holt, J Roberson, B Rowbotham, C Wood, B Muinami, W Beechers, sub G Cherry,

Man of the Match: 1st half C Wood, 2nd half G Cherry

Florence Park

Posted by Rob Martin on March 2, 2008, 5:07 pm

Florence Park 4 - Oxford City Colts 2

This was always going to be a tough match for Oxford with Florence Park sitting one place and 3 points ahead of them in the league and playing at home on a cold and blustery day.

It was Oxford who kicked off and quickly went on the attack with a long ball forward by Tyler Walker finding Grady Cherry running into the Florence Park area, however the shot was just over the bar and the perfect start was not to be. Oxford’s attack was quickly followed by a Florence Park counter attack and with Oxford being forced to play very deep in their own area they failed to clear the ball and on 2 minutes a neatly taken shot found the bottom corner and put Florence Park 1-0 up. Oxford were not down beat and from the kick-off immediately counter attacked and Grady Cherry with only the goal keeper to beat side footed the ball into the net to make it 1-1 on 3 minutes.

The game now started to settle into a pattern that saw Florence Park attacking with some good quality passing in mid-field and forcing Oxford to play deep in their own area with a lone Daniel Denis up front. The score could have been 2-1 to Florence Park when a shot was narrowly cleared over the bar by Luke Holt for a corner. Oxford were being forced to counter attack when they could but were unable to break through the Florence Park defense. On 15 minutes Florence Park did made it 2-1 when Oxford failed to clear from a very crowded 6 yard area. On 17 minutes Oxford’s manager Roger Cherry tried changing the shape of the team with Brian Muinami coming on for Grady Cherry and after 22 minutes Wayne Beechers came on for Liam Williams. However it was Florence Park who were getting most of the ball and on 26 minutes the extra possession and a poor clearance by Oxford was to see Florence Park go ahead 3-1 with an excellent taken shot from just inside the Oxford penalty area. From the kick off Oxford pushed forward to try and narrow the lead just before half time the extra pressure resulted in a well taken shot from Bradley Rowbotham to make it 3-2 at the break.

Florence Park started the second half and immediately pushed Oxford into a defensive formation, however this left them exposed to counter attack and with Wayne Beechers running at the Florence Park defense it could have been 3-3 if the shot had not been forced wide at the last minute. Neither side appeared able to dominate the game and it became a tight mid-field battle with counter attacks by both sides almost breaking through. The breakthrough finally came for Florence Park 10 minutes into the half when a couple of well executed passes found a striker unmarked in the Oxford area and a well taken shot made it 4-2 to Florence Park. Oxford were now forced to play more of an attacking game and this nearly cost them a few minutes later when a Florence Park shot was just over the bar. On 15 minutes Oxford pushed forward and when Joe Roberson looked to be through on the Florence Park goal only to be pushed off the ball a penalty looked certain but was not given. The appeals from the sidelines counted for nothing and at 4-2 down with only 15 minutes to go it didn’t look like it was going to be Oxfords’ day.

This missed opportunity to narrow the gap saw Oxford play some better attacking football and they almost broke through the Florence Park defense on a couple of occasions but the final shots were just not hitting the target. With about 10 minutes to a play a free-kick by Bradley Rowbotham was saved by the Florence Park keeper and a few minutes later a neat one-two between Wayne Beechers and Grady Cherry almost paid off but the shot was blocked and put out for a corner. The final few minutes saw Oxford and Florence Park counter attacking but neither side being able to break through. At the final whistle it was 4-2 to Littlemore and Oxford could only look back on what might have been. It was a very evenly matched game with Oxford stronger towards the end. Wee done lads and keep up the excellent football!

Team: J Russell (first half), R Horwood (second half), A Martin, H Comley, L Williams, Mitchell, L Holt, G Cherry, T Walker, C Wood, B Rowbotham, D Denis,

Substitutes: C Adams, B Muinami, J Roberson, W Beechers

Man of the Match: First half: A Martin, Second half: W Beechers