Champions

Oxford city colts A-b with both teams playing good football today but it was the A team that whent on to lift the cup.
league games
ox colts 2 horspath 1 tyler w 2
ox colts 1 didcot cas 0 harvey c
ox colts 0 marston 0
ox colts 2 ox blackbirds 0 grady c harvey
semi final
ox colts 2 east hanney 1 0-0 after extra time win on penaltys bradley r harvey c
final
ox colts 1 marston 0 winning goal was a pen scored in extra time by bradley r .
man of the match was grady c and joe rob.
" chuffed to bitts"
a big welldone to all parents and boys today.
also well done to u9s who were runners up in their age group.

Cholsey-Away

1st April 2007
Cholsey – Away

Cholsey Under 10s 4 - Oxford City Colts Under 10s 2

First Match
Cholsey 2 - OCC 2

The last day of the season saw the rearranged return fixture against Cholsey, a match postponed from January. Having played our home game against Cholsey at their ground due to the state of the Court Place Farm pitch, a last minute rearrangement allowed us to play this away fixture at home.

A blustery April Fools morning saw the Colts once again short of a full side. With the Easter school break underway, a mixture of holidays and illness left the team with only 12 boys available for this final match. However, the Colts started strongly despite being a player short and from the kick off went straight into attack. The early pressure on the Cholsey goal increased the boys’ confidence as they completed a number of excellent passing moves. Playing such attractive football, it was not long before they found the back of Cholsey net with an excellent strike by Daniel Keen. Cholsey fought back well and equalised just before the break.

The second half again saw the Colts dominate. Their desire for the ball and constant running created a number of chances and these efforts were rewarded with an excellent far post header again by Daniel Keen. The Colts continued to play excellent football with Brian Muinami tireless as he covered every blade of grass on the pitch, supporting the attack and chasing back in defence. Understandably the Colts began to tire in the last few minutes allowing Cholsey to sneak a late equaliser. However, all six boys deserve enormous credit for an exceptional performance.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, B Muinami, J Roberson, G Cherry, D Keen

Man of the Match: B Muinami

Second Match
Cholsey 2 - OCC 0

Lifted by the performance in the first match, the Colts, again a man short, began the second game full of confidence. Bradley started in defence with Mitchell pushing into midfield. The system worked well with Cholsey failing to exert pressure the Colts goal whilst a number of chances were created at the other end. Unfortunately the Colts were unable to turn this advantage into a lead and so the match remained goalless in the first half.

A positive move by Roger saw Bradley push up into midfield for the second half and his commitment and determination to win the ball were admirable. But as in the first game the boys started to look tired as the second half progressed and with their desire to win, holes started to appear in the defence. Cholsey took full advantage and scored twice. However, the boys never gave up and were unlucky not to score at least once in the final minutes. Again every one of the boys played well which bodes well for the summer tournaments and next season.

Tremendous thanks to Roger Cherry who has coached the boys brilliantly all season. His friendly and positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm have held the team together despite the results not always going our way.

Team: J Russell, B Rowbotham, L Williams, C Wood, M White, H Comely

Man of the Match: B Rowbotham

Kidlington-Home

25th March 2007
Kidlington – Home

Oxford City Colts Under 10s 0 – Kidlington Under 10s 1

First Match
OCC 0 – Kidlington 0

Following last week’s near hurricane conditions, it was with a sense of relief that we awoke to a pleasant Spring morning. Despite the start of British Summertime everyone managed to turn up on time for this vital bottom of the table clash. Having beaten Kidlington in the away fixture earlier in the season, the boys started with the confidence they needed to play the passing football that has been evident during training. Despite their position at the foot of the table Kidlington have some good players, most notably their two excellent goalkeepers, and as in the previous match this proved to be a very close and hard-fought game. Colts had the better of the first half and despite a number of attacks, failed to find a finish that would have given them a deserved lead.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Colts creating a number of opportunities but unable to find a finish to beat the busy Kidlington keeper. To their credit the boys never stopped battling with Grady, Joe and Charlie all running tirelessly in midfield. The Colts were unlucky not to win but praise should be given to the Kidlington defence which stood firm throughout.

Team: J Russell, M White, W Beechers, J Roberson, G Cherry, C Wood, D Keen

Man of the Match: C Wood

Second Match
OCC 0 – Kidlington 1

With the chance of their first victory since January, the Colts again raised their game for the second match. As in the first match, the boys played with much greater confidence and conviction than in previous weeks, competing for every ball. The first half was fairly even with both teams having chances to take the lead; the Kidlington keeper being the busier of the two. Harvey and Bradley combined well in midfield giving the Kidlington team little time on the ball. However neither attack was able to find the net and so the sides went in level at half time.

More rousing words from Roger during the break lifted the boys and they started the second half strongly. With the Kidlington keeper stopping everything it was difficult to see how Colts would find the back of net. Goalless draws have been few and far between in this league but as the second half continued it appeared likely that neither team was destined to score. However with about five minutes to go the deadlock was broken but unfortunately for the Colts at the wrong end. Following some defensive confusion the Kidlington attack stabbed the ball home from close range. Credit should be given to the Colts for their efforts to equalise in the last few minutes but once again they were unable to score a deserved equaliser, and so Kidlington had their revenge for earlier in season. These were both great games to watch, highly competitive between two well-matched teams and played in the right spirit. Well done everyone!

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, B Muinami, H Comely, B Rowbotham, L Williams, D Dennis

Man of the Match: H Comely

Didcot-Home

18th March 2007
Didcot – Home

Oxford City Colts Under 10s 0 – Didcot Under 10s 7

First Match
OCC 0 – Didcot 5

At last a home game actually played at Court Place Farm. The recent improvement in the weather had left the pitch in reasonable condition, albeit with a few muddy patches. Unfortunately a bitterly cold gale-force wind made for very difficult playing conditions and some rather frozen windswept supporters. Due to further sickness the Colts were once again short of players starting with only 13 fit boys which required some reorganisation by Roger. This appeared to work well at the start of the first match and with the wind behind, the Colts played well stringing a number of good passes together and threatening the Didcot goal. However, our opponents are not third in the table without good reason; they always looked dangerous on the attack but with the Mitchell, Wayne and Reece all playing well the match was goalless at half time.

This really was a game of two halves as after the break and with the advantage of the strengthening wind, Didcot dominated. Colts found it difficult to get the ball out of their own half, and when they did it usually came straight back. It was therefore not long before Didcot turned this advantage into scoring opportunities. With a number of tall players in their side, the visitors used this advantage at corners and set-pieces and were soon in front. The Colts never really recovered once behind and Didcot ended with a comfortable 5-0 win.

Team: R Horwood, M White, W Beechers, J Roberson, L Williams, D Dennis, B Merrill

Man of the Match: M White

Second Match
OCC 0 - Didcot 2

With the memory of recent heavy defeats and playing with only six boys, it would be easy to imagine that the Colts would struggle in the second match. However, the loyal fans saw an excellent fighting display from the home side. Roger started with Grady and Bradley in defence, pushing Adam into midfield, a system which worked well as Didcot failed to threaten the Colts goal. Playing with the wind behind the Colts in fact had the better of the first half but unfortunately some poor defending just before the break allowed Didcot to sneak into a 1-0 lead.

In the second half the wind picked up further, although this did seem to worry Bradley who continued to strike the ball from one end of the pitch to the other with relative ease. Colts started looking for a deserved equaliser but with no luck and a fiercely struck shot from Didcot found its way into the Colts goal. Despite this the Colts’ heads did not go down as the fought hard to score. One tremendous passing move nearly led to the goal of the season as Didcot were saved by the bar. So a 2-0 defeat but an excellent performance from the six boys. Hopefully our luck will change next weekend.

Team: J Russell, G Cherry, A Martin, C Wood, B Rowbotham, B Muinami,

Man of the Match: A Martin

East Hendred-Away

East Hendred Under 10s 13 - Oxford City Colts Under 10s 0

First Match
East Hendred 6 – OCC 0

Having played at East Hendred only two weeks ago because of a waterlogged pitch at Court Place Farm, there was a sense of déjà vu with this return fixture. However, the sun was shining on this beautiful spring morning and their pitch had recovered well from the recent excessive rainfall. Unfortunately, the weather proved little consolation for the Colts’ fans who saw the boys struggle against a well-organised East Hendred side. As expected the home side started strongly in the first match and with their accurate passing and shooting they deservedly led 3-0 at half time.

Following Roger’s words of encouragement and advice, the Colts tried hard to make an impression after the break. Bradley worked tirelessly to pressurise the East Hendred defence but had no luck despite his continued determination. Eventually East Hendred’s superior passing and eagerness to shoot proved too much for the Colts, although the final score of 6-0 was perhaps a little flattering.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, C Wood, L Williams, B Rowbotham, B Muinami, B Merrill

Man of the Match: B Rowbotham

Second Match
East Hendred 7 – OCC 0

The return of Joe Russell in goal allowed Grady Cherry to return to his favoured position in midfield in the second match. The Colts started playing uphill, giving East Hendred a significant advantage. At the back the Colts stood firm trying whenever possible to close down the East Hendred attack; Mitchell White being particularly strong at the heart of the defence. But on this relatively small pitch, the home side’s willingness to shoot from distance proved once again to be a successful approach allowing them to go in 2-0 ahead at the break.

In an effort to change the Colts’ fortunes in the second half, Roger switched to a more attacking formation. A promising start saw Daniel Keen unlucky not to score but in their efforts to get back into the match, the Colts’ defence was stretched allowing East Hendred to break quickly and add to their lead. After conceding two more goals, heads understandably started to drop and East Hendred ran out comfortable winners.

Interestingly the Man of the Match trophies went to the same two boys who won the awards in our previous encounter with East Hendred a fortnight ago. So at least Mitchell and Bradley appear to enjoy the long journey south even if the rest of us are a bit fed up with two heavy defeats to this top of the table side! See you all at training next week.

Team: J Russell, M White, H Comely, J Roberson, G Cherry, D Dennis, D Keen

Man of the Match: M White

Cholsey-Away

with more rain forecast colts were very lucky to play this home fixture away at cholseys very heavy pitch .

first game occ 1 cholsey 4
cholsey came out fighting from the very start and scored an early goal which put colts on the back foot. but with some good defending from wayne,charlie and mitchell held on. with long goalkicks from grady colts went close to scoring with chances falling to Joe russell (back from injury) and daniel keen with cholsey keeper making some fine saves. just before half time cholsey made it two with a good passing move.
second half
half time changes grady on pitch and mitchell in goal. colts started this half well with good passing moves from joe roberson and grady setting daniel keen on his trusty left foot who smashed in to the bottom corner. with new hope in them selfs colts pushed forward to close the gap but with the pitch getting very muddy mistakes were being made by both teams. colts lost the ball on the edge of the box with cholsey player shooting a long range effort which caught out the colts stand-in keeper3-1. colts pushed forward once again with more chances falling to daniel,grady and joe but it just would not go in.cholsey got a fourth just before the end of the game making them outright winners 4-1.
man of the match Grady Cherry
team G Cherry,M White,W Beechers,J Russell,
J Roberson,D Keen, C wood
second game
with the centre pitch a mud bath colts started the brighter of the two teams playing the long balls from adam and brian to bradley,harvey,liam with this paying off with a fine finish fron liam williams 1-0. also with some good defending from Adam and brian colts whent in half time leaders.
second half
with a quick turn around colts were dealt a blow when a cholsey player ran thru colts defence and slotted home 1-1.both teams went close with colts chances from ben ,brad,liam and harvey but you just know when its not going to go your teams way and with colts not clearing on the edge of the box cholsey scored the winner 2-1. man of the match Liam Williams
team R,Horwood,A Martin,B Muinami,L Williams,
B Merril,H comely,B Rowbotham.
with only a few games left to the end of the season and not playing a home game for five weeks it has been hard times for the boys but they have shown good character and determination to train in the rain and battle in games to the very end . WELLDONE see you all friday.

East Hendred – Home

Oxford City Colts Under 10s 1 – East Hendred Under 10s 7

First Match
OCC 1 – East Hendred 4

Heavy overnight rain meant that this home fixture was transferred to East Hendred as the Court Place Farm pitch was once again unfit. The East Hendred pitch, although playable, was extremely heavy and therefore not conducive to attractive football. The Colts could only call on 14 fit players and so again there were no substitutes for what proved to be two difficult games. East Hendred won the important toss and started down the slope. Despite their early domination the Colts defence held firm with Mitchell White extremely solid at the back. The Colts started to find their feet and put together some good passing moves. However, just as they were looking like giving the team currently second in the table a run for their money, East Hendred broke quickly and scored to lead 1-0 at half time.

Thoughts of an easier second half playing down the hill soon evaporated as East Hendred started the strongly and caught the Colts napping, adding two more goals in quick succession. However, heads did not drop and Colts replied with an excellent left foot strike from Daniel Keen. East Hendred came back strongly and Grady Cherry, with another excellent performance in goal, kept the Colts in the game. Despite their efforts Colts were unable to keep East Hendred out and they finally won 4-1. The score is a little unfair on the Colts who did not look three goals worse than the well-organised East Hendred team.

Team: G Cherry, M White, W Beechers, J Roberson, D Dennis, C Wood, D Keen

Man of the Match: M White

Second Match
OCC 0 – East Hendred 3

Roger Cherry decided to switch the team around in the second match with Bradley Rowbotham starting in centre midfield. This looked a good move from the start with Bradley’s strength and speed worrying the East Hendred team. The Colts had the better of the first half and were unlucky to go in at half time one goal down. The goal, a well struck shot into the corner from well outside the box, the result of failing to close down the East Hendred attack.

In the second half the Colts, as always well supported, tried hard to get back into the game but without success. They found it difficult on the heavy pitch to clear from defence and failed to close down the East Hendred attack on a number of occasions allowing them to add two further goals. So although the Colts looked good at times in both matches, they must learn to keep their concentration and not allow the opponents too much time on the ball. Hopefully next week will see a change in their fortunes.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, H Comely, L Williams, B Rowbotham, B Muinami, B Merrill

Man of the Match: B Rowbotham