Posted by Robin Russell on September 9, 2007, 6:13 pm Benson Merlins 2 – Oxford City Colts 3 Our first match since changing from 7-a-side to a full size pitch with 11 players was a great success. Pre-season training and friendlies had been at best mixed, with the boys finding it difficult to adjust to the new format. Coach Roger Cherry was lucky to have virtually the same squad who finished last season and the boys, who have now played together as a team for over three years, were determined to do their best. So we travelled south to Benson for the opening game of the season with a sense of optimism mixed with some apprehension about how we would fare with this new style of football. The match proved to be an excellent contest between two evenly matched teams. Sporting the new away strip kindly sponsored by Shepherd & Woodward and Amberwealth Creations, the Colts team lined up with some of the boys playing in unfamiliar positions. Bradley Rowbotham moved into the heart of the defence with great effect, reading the game well and stifling the Benson attack. It was City who opened the scoring after just five minutes. Tyler Walker raced into the Benson Box only to be fouled by one of the defenders and there were no complaints when the referee pointed to the spot. Adam Martin slotted the ball past the diving keeper’s right hand to give the Colts a well earned lead. However, it was not long before Benson were back on level terms. City failed to clear a corner and after a number of blocked shots, Benson forced the ball home at the near post. Worse was to follow as with the next attack Benson earned a penalty for handball and despite an excellent attempt by Colts’ goalkeeper Reece Horwood, the well-struck penalty hit the back of the net. The rest of the first half was an even contest with both defences playing well, limiting the number of shooting chances. At half time Roger Cherry made some changes bringing on Joe Russell in goal, Brian Muiami in defence and Joe Roberson in midfield. The substitutes settled in well, giving Bradley the opportunity to link up with the attack and it was during one of these moves that Colts equalised after 42 minutes. Bradley’s fiercely struck long shot gave the excellent Benson keeper no chance. In the final 20 minutes the Colts lifted their game creating a number a scoring chances. Their endeavour was rewarded in the last two minutes when Tyler Walker finished off an excellent passing move to give Colts a 3-2 win. Not only was this an excellent way to start the new season, it was very encouraging to see the boys come back after being behind, something that has not been our strength in previous seasons. The spirit shown by all the team was obvious and will hopefully lead to a successful season. Team: R Horwood (J Russell H/T), A Martin, B Rowbotham, M White (B Muinami H/T), W Beechers, L Williams, H Comley, G Cherry, C Wood (J Roberson H/T), D Dennis (R Horwood 45) T Walker
Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
9th September 2007
Man of the Match: B Rowbotham
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