Posted by Robin on November 11, 2007, 8:50 pm, in reply to "Under 11's "
Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
11th November 2007
Oxford City Colts 5 – Crowmarsh 4
Despite some exciting football in recent weeks, this thrilling encounter with Crowmarsh was surely the match of season so far. Both teams started the day on 16 points and both needed a win to stay in contention for promotion. The weather was not good as heavy rain started to fall only an hour before kick off and so there was a distinct prospect of another scrappy game. Fortunately as the teams warmed up, much to the delight of the fans, the rain lifted.
Colts started the game strongly and immediately went on the attack. Crowmarsh failed to cope with the early pressure and within two minutes Colts took the lead. A cross from the right found its way to Isaac Moffat-Young who skilfully put the ball into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance. This early set back was the wake up call needed by the Crowmarsh team who then showed why they are second top scorers in the league. They used the ball well in midfield putting the Colts’ defence under pressure. After 10 minutes an accurate through ball allowed the Crowmarsh attack to get behind the Colts defence. A neat cross was easily tucked into the Colts’ net at the far post. Worse was to follow as Crowmarsh took the lead from an impressive finish following another pass that opened up the Colts defence. It looked as if Crowmarsh might dominate but the Colts tried hard to fight their way back into the match. At times Colts looked the better side although Crowmarsh always looked dangerous on the break and maintained their lead at the break.
Coach Roger Cherry had some encouraging words at half time telling the boys that they were capable of winning if they raised their game. Unfortunately it was Crowmarsh who started the second half the stronger and within minutes the ball was again in the back of the Colts’ net. Although disallowed for offside it was a warning of what was to follow. Colts defence were not playing with their usual authority and Crowmarsh soon increased their lead to three goals. First a weak goal kick was picked up by the one of the Crowmarsh players who blasted the ball into the corner of the net. Shortly after, another through ball saw a composed finish as the Crowmarsh striker took the ball around the keeper before hammering home an unstoppable shot.
At 4-1 down with only a quarter of the match to go Colts looked beaten. Roger Cherry switched the players around and at once things improved. Bradley Rowbotham looked a threat in attack and his persistence paid off with a goal from looping shot over the Crowmarsh keeper. Sensing they still had a chance Colts threw everything into attack and once again Bradley forced the ball into the net after some indecision in the Crowmarsh defence. The unlikely turn around continued a few minutes later as Charlie Wood equalised, squeezing the ball home at the near post. The game felt more like a cup tie as both teams went for the win and although Crowmarsh still looked dangerous on the counter attack, their through balls were not running to feet. As the end of game approached and a draw looked likely, Colts threaded a pass to Daniel Dennis on the edge of the Crowmarsh box. With his back to goal he turned superbly before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner of the Crowmarsh net giving Colts what had appeared some 15 minutes earlier an unlikely win. Delight for the home fans and despair for the visitors.
This was an excellent result for the Colts in a very close and exciting game. Full credit must go to Crowmarsh who played well and will be disappointed to go home empty handed. Many thanks to Tony Beechers for refereeing, Jason for running the line and to Jane for the refreshments.
Team: R Horwood, H Comely, M White, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, G Cherry, J Roberson, I Moffat-Young, T Walker, D Dennis. Subs: J Russell, C Wood, J Roberson, B Rowbotham, C Adams
Man of the Match: 1st half H Comely, 2nd half B Rowbotham
--Previous Message--
: Good victory today battling back from 4-1 down
: to win 5-4 ... Well done 2all the lads ..
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