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