Posted by robin
on October 4, 2009, 5:03 pm
Oxford City Colts U13 Match Report
4th October 2009
Summertown Pirates 4 – Oxford City 3
This was the proverbial game of two halves with City loosing by the odd goal in seven. The boys will wonder how they managed to play so uncharacteristically badly in the first half and then dominate the latter stages of match. To be fair, City were without a number of key players but welcomed Ben Liversage back after injury and Joe Percy making his OMBL debut. With several boys having played in the previous day’s MJPL fixture against Brackley, a number of changes to starting line up were necessary and this might also explain City’s first half performance. Some players looked unsure of their roles and whilst they were happy to go forward, often failed to track back leaving large holes in the midfield and defence. It therefore came as no surprise when Summertown took the lead after only 10 minutes. The City defence were slow to react as the home side forced their way into the box and without a firm challenge there was plenty of time for the ball to be struck firmly into the net.
Unlike previous weeks this early set back was not enough to wake up the City side and they were soon 2-0 down as the defence were overrun by the rampant Summertown attack. Worse was to follow as a free kick to Summertown half way inside the City half was chipped into the City area. Four Summertown players all unmarked had the formality of tucking the ball into the net as the City defence looked on. City could have conceded more and were thankful to Joe Percy who made a number of important tackles and one heroic clearance off the line.
Strong words at half time from the coaches left the boys in no doubt that they could and should be doing much better. With further substitutions and a change in formation, City started the second period looking far more enthusiastic. Finally they started to pass the ball and almost immediately pulled a goal back; Henry Bone firing home from a narrow angle. Now the boys started playing with greater confidence, winning the ball in midfield and keeping possession. Ben Tombs, Joe Percy and Joe Roberson linked well and were a constant threat down the right side.
However, enjoying so much possession, City were perhaps a little guilty of complacency at the back and Summertown restored their three goal advantage after a strong run and some poor defending resulted in another well directed shot into the corner of the City net. But to their credit City did not roll over and fought back well. Continuing to dominate midfield, further reward followed after an excellent passing move resulted in the ball arriving at the feet of Tyler Walker 25 yards from goal. His perfectly struck shot crept just under the crossbar giving the keeper no chance. Shortly after City were back to 4-3 when Joe Roberson sent an inch perfect ball to Patrick McKenna who ran on and scored.
The last few minutes saw City in control but unable to create another scoring opportunity as both sides started to tire. The final whistle came too soon for City who looked likely to draw level had the match been longer. So as in previous matches this season we witnessed very good football mixed with some of rather poor quality. There is plenty to work on in training; the boys must try to maintain their shape and discipline by learning more about positional play and defensive duties. Finally our thanks go to Helen Ball for running the line.
Team: J Russell, J Percy, A Martin, B Liversage, B Muinami, A Ball, M White, T Walker, B Tombs P McKenna, H Bone, Subs J Roberson, L Williams
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