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

Marston Saints Blues

Posted by Rob Martin on February 24, 2008, 2:33 pm, in reply to "u11s colts"

Oxford City Colts 0 – Marston Saints Blues 2

The last time these two sides met on the 16th of December it was Oxford who dominated play for much of the game but after a strong comeback by Marston that game ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw. With Oxford playing at home today the pressure was on them to secure 3 points from a team just above them in the league.

Marston kicked off and quickly pushed into all out attack. Playing into the wind Oxford were finding it difficult to clear their lines with every clearance appearing to drop at the feet of a Marston player. Oxford were being forced to soak up the early pressure and play deep in their own half. On 6 minutes Marston could have taken the lead but the shot came off the post to be caught by Reese in the Oxford goal. The long kick out gave Oxford an opportunity to counter attach but Wayne Beechers shot was into the side netting. The early pressure was all Marston with several corners in quick succession and Oxford being forced to clear the ball anyway they could. The pressure finally paid off for Marston on 9 minutes when a free kick was given just outside the area, the ball was curved in across the face of goal to find the head of an unmarked Marston striker, from almost point blank range he was never going to miss. It was 1-0 to Marston.

Oxford continued to struggle in the first half with attack after attack breaking through the their defense. On 16 minutes a second free kick was awarded to Marston just outside the area and with the wind behind them the shot was struck strongly and was too high for Reese, 2-0 to Marston. It was only after this goal that Oxford started to lift their heads and try passing the ball on the ground, it nearly paid off on 21 minutes when a free kick was awarded to Oxford just outside the Marston area, the shot by Bradley looked certain for the top corner when caught by the wind the ball rebounded off the post into the waiting arms of the Marston keeper. Oxford were now starting to play and a neat one/two between Wayne and Bradley created some space for a shot but only to find the side netting. Marston quickly counter attacked and with only the goalie to beat Marston looked certain to make it 3 nil. The safe hands of Reese was to deny them when at full stretch he managed to push the ball clear for a corner. The first half pressure was all Marston and Oxford were lucky to be only 2 down at the break.

A couple of changes at half time and readjusting the formation was to see Oxford pile the pressure on Marston from the kick off. Marston held secure and counter attacked down the left where their speed was a clear advantage but they were denied again by some excellent goal keeping from Reese. Oxford continued to try and pin Marston back in their own half intercepting poorly taken goal kicks and on 8 minutes a cross from Bradley found Curtis Adams in space but the shot was just wide. Marston again counter attacked and looked certain to break through on goal but for the quick thinking of Reese who was off his line only to foul the Marston striker just outside the area. The calls for a penalty from the Marston supporters were ignored by the referee and the resulting free kick was shot over the bar.

It was now Oxford’s turn to attack and on 15 minutes Brian Muinami was almost through on the Marston goal but his shot was blocked and went out for a corner. The pressure from Oxford was now relentless but the final shots were just not hitting the target, it didn’t look like it was going to their day. With time rapidly running out Oxford were pushing deeper and deeper into the Marston half and leaving themselves open to counter attack, this could have cost them dearly if Reese had not made a couple of excellent saves.

At full time it was Oxford 0, Marston 2. The early pressure from Marston and two excellently taken set pieces was the difference between the two teams on the day. Oxford’s performance in the second half was more like the team we have seen in recent games but the final touch was just not there today. Well done to both teams in what was a hard fought game.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, H Comley, L Williams, Mitchell, Luke, G Cherry, J Roberson, C Wood, B Rowbotham, W Beechers.

Substitutes: C Adams, B Muinami, T Walker.

Man of the Match: First half: R Horwood, Second half: J Roberson

Littlemore

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
17th Feb 2008

Littlemore 2 - Oxford City Colts 5

With Littlemore having only secured 9 points from 18 games prior to today it was Oxford City who were the clear favourites going into the game. With this in mind coach Roger Cherry tried a new formation with top goal scorer Bradley Rowbotham playing in defence and Grady Cherry and Brian Muinami on the bench for the first half.

Littlemore kicked off but neither side seemed able to settle quickly, the Colts were clearly getting used to the new formation and Littlemore looked nervous of conceding an early goal. The early deadlock was nearly broken on 5 minutes when a through ball from Littlemore split the Oxford defence to put Littlemore through on goal, however the the pressure from a rapidly closing Rowbotham was enough to force the shot wide. This early defensive error was repeated on 8 minutes when a cross from the left wing found a Littlemore striker unmarked in the area and this time he made sure with a low shot into the corner, securing an early lead for Littlemore.
Oxford came out strong from the kick off with the ball finding Wayne Beechers on the left wing and his shot beating the Littlemore keeper on 9 minutes to level the score at 1-1. Following the equaliser Oxfords’ heads were up and they started to dominate a very crowded midfield, on 13 minutes they could have taken the lead but Tyler’s shot fell just wide of the post. The continuous pressure from Oxford saw another shot from Curtis Adams go wide on 15 minutes. The team’s frustration was now starting to show with several rushed shots and passes not finding their intended targets. A free kick on 25 minutes from just outside the area also went wide of the Littlemore post. The stalemate was broken a minute later by a wonderful looping shot from Wayne Beechers which beat the Littlemore keeper and found the top corner to make it 2-1. Littlemore responded strongly with their number 18 breaking down the left wing but unable to keep his shot on target. At the break Oxford led 2-1.

At half time Grady Cherry and Brian Muinami came on and both played up front. The extra height and strength was too much for Littlemore and after 2 minutes Brian ran onto a through ball and slotted it home with a clinical first touch, 3-1 to Oxford. He could have doubled his goal tally a minute later when another through ball almost put him in on goal. Oxford were now settling into more of a rhythm and Grady Cherry could have had two goals in the space of 5 minutes, one just over the bar and the second saved by the Littlemore keeper.

As the half progressed Oxford continued to dominate play but frustration was starting to show again with a number of passes not finding their intended target and several shots wide of the Littlemore post. The Littlemore keeper was seeing a lot of the ball and made several excellent saves to keep his teams chances alive. With about 15 minutes to play Littlemore counter attacked but Reese was quickly off his line to make the save. A second counter attack minutes later saw Littlemore through on goal but the offside decision favoured Oxford and the score remained 3-1. With only 10 minutes to play Grady Cherry picked up a through ball and neatly made it 4-1 to Oxford, the offside flag had gone up briefly but the referee overruled the decision and the goal counted. A couple of minutes later Harvey Comely picked the ball up from a free kick, out manoeuvred the Littlemore defence and with only the goalie to beat he made it 5-1 to Oxford. It could have been 6-1 a minute later it is wasn’t for another excellent save by the Littlemore keeper.

With only a minute to play Littlemore played the ball into a very crowed Oxford six yard box and Oxford’s failure to clear the ball was to cost them at the end, a late consolation goal for Littlemore and the final result was Littlemore 2 Oxford City Colts 5.

Team: R Horwood, L Williams, H Comely, A Martin, M White, T Walker, C Wood, C Adams, B Rowbotham, W Beechers, D Dennis. Subs G Cherry, B Muinami.

Man of the Match: 1st half W Beechers, 2nd half B Muinami

Crowmarsh

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
10th February 2008

Crowmarsh 2 - Oxford City Colts 2

It is often said that the mark of a good side is its ability to get something out of a match in which they did not play well. And so it was for Colts on this Sunday lunchtime fixture away at in-form Crowmarsh. However, with Colts unbeaten in the league since October, this game was always going to be a close affair. But in the end both sides will regret not have taken chances to win the game, although on balance it will perhaps be Crowmarsh who will feel more unhappy.

Recognising Crowmarsh’s strength, Colts' Coach Roger Cherry started with only two up front, preferring to play four across midfield. Luke Holt made his debut for the Colts, playing on the left side of midfield. The game started in bright sunshine with neither team taking an early advantage. Colts looked nervous lacking composure on the ball and they failed to play the passing style which has seen them perform so well in recent weeks. Indeed it was Crowmarsh who settled faster and soon the home side were well on top. They controlled and passed the ball well, allowing their attack the opportunity to pressurise the Colts’ goal. After 12 minutes Crowmarsh’s domination produced the opening goal. A well-placed through ball found one of their strikers who with quick feet rounded the keeper before placing his shot firmly into the net.

Following the early setback, Colts struggled to raise their game finding it difficult to hold onto the ball. Every time they cleared from defence the Crowmarsh midfield were first to the ball, creating another attack. Colts rarely put pressure on the Crowmarsh defence but on one of the few occasions they did get forward, it was predictably Bradley Rowbotham who helped the visitors back into the game. He stunned the Crowmarsh keeper with a riffling drive into the top corner to equalise on 20 minutes. However, there was precious little more for the Colts strikers in the rest of the half which was dominated by Crowmarsh. The home side re-took the lead a few minutes later after another good passing move opened up the Colts’ defence allowing one of the Crowmarsh strikers to slot the ball into the corner of the net unchallenged. Things could have been worse and it was only a good low save from keeper Joe Russell that prevented Crowmarsh from extending their lead from a corner just before the break.

Strong words were needed from Roger at half time to lift the boys who looked low on confidence. The team talk and a couple of tactical substitutions appeared to make a significant difference as the second half started. Colts competed for every ball, and although they still rushed some of their passes, they certainly let Crowmarsh know that they were in for difficult match. The reward for Colts’ hard work came with an equaliser on 43 minutes when from a poorly cleared corner, Bradley thumped another long range effort into the roof of the net. Crowmarsh responded with a number of swift attacking moves but at the centre of the Colts defence Harvey Comely looked assured and denied their strikers a good shooting opportunity.

With five minutes to go Bradley again forced his way through the Crowmarsh defence. His fiercely struck shot looked bound for the back of the net but the Crowmarsh keeper produced a spectacular save to deny Colts the lead. The ball came straight back to the other end of the pitch where, following a collision between striker and keeper, Crowmarsh appealed in vain for a penalty. And so shortly after with the final whistle the points were shared. This truly was a game of two halves. In the first we saw Colts without the spark that has led to an excellent run in the league in recent weeks, but after the break the boys played with far more conviction and were the equal of a quick and well-disciplined Crowmarsh team. Despite not playing well for the entire game, the boys deserve credit for getting a draw, twice coming from behind. Finally our thanks go to Clive for his enthusiasm as linesman.

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

Man of the Match: 1st half J Russell, 2nd half H Comely

Florence Park

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
3rd February 2008

Oxford City Colts 4 – Florence Park 2

Having beaten league leaders St Edmunds last week, Colts’ next challenge was a home game against second in the table Florence Park. A bitterly cold wind blew across the Court Place Farm pitch making playing conditions difficult for both teams. Unperturbed by the freezing condition Colts’ supporters were once again out in numbers to cheer the boys on. Coach Roger Cherry elected to play with three up front, a formation which had proved so successful last time out.

Although Colts started with the wind behind them it was Florence Park, unbeaten since mid-December, who started the better having more than their fair share of possession in the first few minutes. However, it was not long before Colts settled and started to dominate with some excellent passing moves and an early double strike from Bradley Rowbotham had Florence Park very much on the back foot. His first on seven minutes came from a well-crafted move: Joe Roberson split the defence with a precise through ball to Wayne Beechers who crossed for Bradley to finish with a well struck shot. The second, only a minute later, followed a strong challenge from Mitchell White in midfield. The ball landed at Bradley’s feet and he went straight for goal, tucking the ball past the advancing keeper.

The remainder of the first half was played predominantly in the Florence Park half, the strong wind making it difficult for the away side to clear the ball. Wayne Beechers caught the eye with a number of skilful touches around the edge of the box. However, Colts struggled to turn their domination into further goals and they were forced to wait until the 28th minute to add to their lead. An optimistic ball into the area caught the wind and bounced high over the Florence Park keeper who was only able to parry the ball to Beechers who finished neatly. With a 3-0 lead and half time approaching Colts were guilty of a lapse in concentration which allowed Florence Park back into the game. Failing to clear an attack, the ball fell to one of the Florence Park strikers who steered his shot just inside the post.

At half time Roger told the boys they were in for a difficult second period playing into the gale force wind, but as long as they remained committed victory was likely. Unfortunately things did not go according to plan. Florence Park started strongly and with the wind at their backs pushed forward into the Colts half creating a number of chances. It was no surprise when they pulled the score back to 3-2 after five minutes; a close range shot giving Colts’ keeper Reece Horwood no chance. Florence park almost drew level a few minutes later but were denied by an excellent high save from Reece.

With Colts under continuous pressure Roger decided to strengthen the defence by moving Grady Cherry to centre back. His presence negated Florence Park’s attacking threat and as the half progressed Colts slowly worked their way back into the game. When they broke into the visitors’ half they always looked dangerous and after 50 minutes Colts restored their two goal advantage. Bradley drove another fierce shot across the keeper who was unable to prevent him from completing his hat trick.

Florence Park pushed forward in the last few minutes but were unable to open up the Colts’ defence who remained solid until the final whistle. So another well-fought victory against good opposition saw Colts move to within a point of Florence Park with a game in hand. Roger was obviously delighted with the team’s progress in recent weeks and after the match was very pleased to welcome new signing Luke Holt, son of Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Gary Holt, to the team. He will undoubtedly add strength to the Colts side who now look a very good bet for promotion. Our thanks once again go to Tony Beechers for refereeing, to Jason for running the line and Kelly and Sue for the post match food.

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

Man of the Match: 1st half W Beechers, 2nd half R Horwood

St Edmunds

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
27th January 2008

St Edmunds 0 – Oxford City Colts 1

An away fixture at top of the table St Edmunds was always going to be difficult for the Colts. Not only had our opponents won all 15 of their games this season, they had scored 91 goals whilst conceding only 10. So despite some good performances in recent weeks, this was to be Colts stiffest challenge so far. Worse, Colts were without two key players; Isaac Moffat-Young returning to New Zealand after an excellent spell with the club and the dynamo Brian Muinami unavailable due to illness. Undaunted, Coach Roger Cherry remained positive and decided to start with an attacking formation, playing three up front.

Unlike recent weeks, the large crowd including many Colts’ fans were treated to some lovely whether, the wind having died down and the sun shining brightly. The game started at a tremendous pace with St Edmunds having more of the early play. Their confidence was obviously high as their well-disciplined team passed the ball accurately and attacked with pace. Indeed, things looked bad for Colts when after 10 minutes the referee awarded St Edmunds a penalty kick for a foul on the edge of the box. The St Edmunds’ penalty taker struck the ball cleanly to right of Colts' Joe Russell, but the keeper had guessed which way the ball was going and blocked the shot. This was to be the turning point of the match. St Edmunds, used to winning easily, appeared deflated, whilst Colts grew in confidence.

For the rest of the first half Colts dominated. They were consistently first to the loose ball in midfield with Grady Cherry, Tyler Walker and Charlie Wood all producing their best football. Now playing predominantly in the St Edmunds half, Colts looked the more likely to score, but the home side’s strong defence held firm. Daniel Dennis was a constant threat, holding up the ball well and always closing down the St Edmunds defence. His fellow strikers Bradley Rowbotham and Curtis Adams were both unlucky not to score. The best chance of the half fell to Colts on 18 minutes when the ball bounced back and forth between players in the St Edmunds goal area. But despite momentary defensive panic the ball failed to fall at the feet of one of Colts’ strikers.

For all of Colts attacking play, St Edmunds were still a threat when they broke. The pace and strength was apparent but with Mitchell White looking solid in front of the reliable back three of Liam Williams, Harvey Comely and Adam Martin, shooting opportunities for the league leaders were kept to a minimum. The first half ended with Colts again on the attack and Bradley again denied by the keeper’s efforts.

With the Colts playing well, Roger had little to say at half time and simply encouraged the boys to go out and win the game. Joe Roberson came on in right midfield, whilst Reece Horwood took over in goal. The second half, like the first, started at high tempo with St Edmunds perhaps slightly on top. But again Colts gradually improved and seized the advantage from the home side. The midfield all played with great determination: Joe Roberson was always a threat on the right, Tyler competed for every ball and had arguably his best game of the season, whilst Grady was strong and reliable on the left.

Despite their dominance, Colts were still failing to test the St Edmunds keeper. On 45 minutes Wayne Beechers was unlucky to see his fierce strike blocked by the defence and it started to look as if the well-organised defence would not be breached. However, they had not faced one of Bradley’s free kicks. With 10 minutes to go a foul just outside the box gave Colts the opportunity they needed. Up strode Bradley to thump the ball high into the St Edmunds net from all of 25 yards and give Colts a deserved lead.

The last few minutes were nail-biting. St Edmunds with their 100% record under threat pushed players forward. Numerous through balls tested the Colts defence but the boys rose to the challenge and tackled strongly to deny their opponents scoring opportunities. In the last five minutes St Edmunds threw everything at the Colts, winning a number of corners and free kicks. But the Colts were not to be beaten despite this onslaught and with the final whistle cheers rang out from both the boys and their jubilant band of supporters.

This was a great game to watch not simply because it saw the Colts extend their unbeaten run but for the quality shown by both sides. Colts demonstrated that when they show the desire and application they are match for anyone. Everyone in the lucky Amber Wealth Creation away kit had an excellent match. Hopefully the confidence gained from this victory will see the boys push on to a promotion spot. Finally, well done Roger for some excellent tactics and Stuart for running the line. Next week it’s second in the table Florence Park!

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

Man of the Match: 1st half J Russell, 2nd half J Roberson

Saxton Rovers

Posted by robin on January 13, 2008, 8:40 pm

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
13th January 2008

Saxton Rovers 0 – Oxford City Colts 2

With Christmas now a distant memory, the second match of the New Year saw one of the Colts’ best performances of the season so far. Threatening grey skies over Abingdon greeted the teams for this lunchtime kick off, but fortunately the rain stayed away. A strong wind blew across the rather heavy Saxton pitch which, given the recent weather, was in reasonable condition.

Coach Roger Cherry decided to start with 3-1-4-2 formation with Mitchell White playing just in front of the back three. Colts looked very assured with this shape and started the game at high tempo. Playing in their lucky black and white Amber Wealth Creation sponsored shirts, Colts were first to almost every ball and with accurate passing through the midfield a number of scoring opportunities resulted. Despite this early domination, once in the final third, Colts shooting failed to trouble the Saxton keeper. Bradley Rowbotham was, though, unlucky not to open the scoring on 20 minutes when his shot hit the inside of the post and ran along the goal line before being cleared and as half time approached, it looked like the teams would go in level. However, just before the break a thumping drive from Bradley went into the net off the underside of the bar giving the goalkeeper no chance of preventing Colts taking a deserved lead.

This week the half time talk was much calmer: Roger and Stuart simply told the boys to continue their excellent passing football and keep the pressure on the Saxton defence. And this is exactly what they did. With some fresh legs in midfield the boys continued to dominate and they created a number of scoring chances. However, as in previous matches Colts again failed to turn this pressure into goals. The Saxton keeper must take credit for some impressive saves although more composure in front of goal from our attack would arguably have increased Colts’ lead.

With only a one-goal advantage, Saxton were always capable of getting back into the match and as the second half progressed they started to create a few attacking chances themselves. Fortunately Colts responded and lifted their own game. Another excellent passing move led to their second goal. Grady Cherry took the ball down the left and crossed for Bradley to bury the ball in the corner of net leaving the keeper helpless. In the final few minutes Saxton played their best football of the match but the Colts’ defence held firm with Adam Martin, Harvey Comely and Liam Williams all playing well.

So another victory for the Colts to add to their win over Wheatley last week. Credit must go to Saxton for a competitive match played in a good spirit but Colts’ greater desire for the ball and their excellent passing proved to be the difference between the two sides. If the boys continue in this vein they will surely move up the table and be in with an excellent chance of promotion come the end of the season. Finally thanks to Clive for a faultless performance as linesman.

Team: J Russell (R Horwood HT), L Williams, H Comely, A Martin, M White (G Cherry 50), I Moffat-Young (B Muinami HT), G Cherry (J Roberson HT), T Walker (G Cherry 50), C Adams (C Wood HT), B Rowbotham, D Dennis (W Beechers HT) subs R Horwood, B Muinami, J Roberson, C Wood, W Beechers