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