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Oxford City Colts Under 10s 0 – Ardington Under 10s 9

First Match
OCC 0 – Ardington 6

After the elation of last week’s victory over St Edmunds, the Colts suffered the misery of a heavy defeat at the hands of a well-organised Ardington side. Confidence was high at the beginning of what was the first home match played at Court Place Farm by the Under 10s since early December. Ardington started with two strikers pushed well up field who proved a handful for the Colts’ defence. After a number of attacks, Ardington finally took the lead with a fiercely struck shot. The Colts lifted their game and fought well for the rest of the half but the ball simply wouldn’t run their way. Just before half-time another Ardington attack resulted in a penalty. Joe Russell, the Colts’ goalkeeper, was unlucky not to save the spot kick and was obviously in pain following his valiant effort to keep the ball out.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. The boys chased hard with Joe Roberson tireless in midfield. However, after a few minutes another rasping Ardington shot found the back of the net. The injured Joe Russell, who had played on despite what was later diagnosed as a fractured wrist, was replaced in goal by Grady Cherry, but the change in formation upset the Colts’ rhythm. This allowed Ardington to dominate the rest of game and despite some excellent work from Grady, they ended up comfortable winners.

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

Man of the Match: J Roberson

Second Match
OCC 0 – Ardington 3

After such a strong performance from Ardington in the first match, the second game was always going to be difficult. Colts started well and worked hard at the passing game that has shown such an improvement in 2007. As in the first game, however, things just would not run their way and another strong Ardington side soon found the back of the Colts’ net.

Colts gave a second-half debut to new signing Ben Merrill whose arrival should add strength to squad. As for the match, unfortunately it was one of those days best forgotten as the Colts had no luck with Ardington scoring two further goals. For the second week running, praise should be given to Reece Horwood for another excellent performance in goal.

So, not a great day for the Colts. Despite much endeavour from the boys, Joe’s broken wrist and Grady’s continued ankle problems proved that luck was simply not on their side. Hopefully next week will be better.

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

Man of the Match: R Horwood

St Edmunds – Away

St Edmunds Under 10s 0 - Oxford City Colts Under 10s 3

First Match
St Edmunds 0 – OCC 1

It was all smiles in the Oxford City camp as the boys played arguably their best match of the season so far to beat a well-organised St Edmunds team. Without a game for five weeks, the Colts were full of enthusiasm on this cold January morning. The boys started strongly on a tight pitch which held up well in view of the recent weather. The Colts had the better of a close first half despite playing uphill and into a breeze, with Grady Cherry particularly strong in midfield.

Confidence increased in the second half and it was not long before the Colts took a well-deserved lead through Daniel Keen. The hard work put in at training in recent weeks was obvious. Oxford threatened from set pieces and produced a number of good passing moves. St Edmunds came back strongly in the last few minutes but the Colts’ defence remained solid keeping a clean sheet.

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

Man of the Match: G Cherry

Second Match
St Edmunds 0 – OCC 2

The second match followed a similar pattern to the first with the Colts playing uphill and into the wind. St Edmunds used this advantage to attack the Colts’ goal on a number of occasions. However, they were unable to beat an inspired Reece Horword who made a number of excellent saves. The second half saw the Colts start to dominate and they turned their superiority into two fine goals by Henry Bone. Despite some late pressure from St Edmunds, more solid goalkeeping allowed Oxford City to win comfortably.

Overall this was an excellent performance from the Colts and a great way to start 2007. Temporally switching training away from a muddy Court Place Farm to the North Oxford Astroturf seems to have paid dividends. Credit for this shrewd move must go to Roger Cherry. Rumours that Roger is now investigating another five week rest to ensure an equally good team effort have been denied! Finally thanks to the St Edmunds referee who had an excellent game.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, C Adams, B Muinami, B Rowbotham, C Wood, L Williams, H Bone

Man of the Match: R Horwood

Reporter: Robin Russell

Kennington - Away

Oxford City Colts Under 10s 2 - Kennington Under 10s 5

First Match
OCC 1 – Cumnor Minors 5

The away match against Kennington earlier in the season had not been one of the Colts’ better performances and so after last week’s defeat to Cumnor the boys worked hard in training looking to end 2006 on a high note. Unfortunately further heavy rain in the week finally caught up with the Court Place Farm pitch and as a result this home match was switched to the Kennington ground.

The match started in glorious sunshine but, despite the weather and the commitment shown in training, the Colts started slowly with Kennington dominating the first half. Their superiority was converted into four well-taken goals in the first period. The quality of the Kennington finishing gave the Colts’ defence little chance, although credit should be given to Mitchell White who battled hard throughout a torrid first half.

Following Roger Cherry’s half-time talk, the Colts looked like a different side after the break. The boys started to string passes together and certainly had a far greater share of possession. Their reward came with an excellent finish from Grady Cherry after an impressive move down the right flank. Another goal from Kennington gave a final score of 1-5, although much credit should go to the boys for not letting their heads drop and fighting back with a spirited display in the second half.

Team: J Russell, W Beechers, M White, G Cherry, H Comely, D Keen, B Rowbotham.

Man of the Match: M White

Second Match
OCC 1 – Kennington 0

The final match before Christmas produced an extremely encouraging performance. From the outset the Colts played good passing football and were dominant throughout the first half. Henry Bone was unlucky not to score early on, but with continuous pressure on the Kennington goal it was not long before the Colts took the lead from an impressive strike from Brian Muinami. The boys fought hard for every ball and were much the better side in the early stages. Their passing was particularly effective and should encourage the team to listen to Roger’s advice!

The second half continued much as the first had finished with Oxford City playing good attacking football. Curtis Adams came forward with increasing confidence, and the strength of his long throws and corners made the Colts look likely to add to their lead. However the Kennington defence stood firm with no further addition to the score.

So the signs are encouraging as the Christmas break begins. If the boys play as they did in the second half of the first match and in the second game the results must surely improve. Thanks to Tony Beechers for refereeing and Happy Christmas to all involved in the Under 10s.

Team: R Horwood, A Martin, B Muinami, C Adams, C Wood, J Roberson, H Bone, D Dennis.

Man of the Match: C Adams

Reporter: Robin Russell