Posted by robin on February 10, 2008, 8:34 pm
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
Message Thread:
« Back to thread