Didcot A – Away

Didcot A Under 10s 5 - Oxford City Colts Under 10s 0

First Match
Didcot A 5 – OCC 0

This away fixture was always going to be tricky. Didcot are one of the strongest teams in the division and a mixture of illness and injury meant that only 14 Colts were fit to play on this frosty February morning. Following some encouraging performances in recent weeks the boys started well, competing for every ball. However a strong Didcot side soon started to dominate and their superiority was converted into three first half goals. It would have been several more had it not been for the heroics of Grady Cherry. Taking over the goalkeeping duties, he made a number of excellent saves from some fiercely struck Didcot shots.

It would have been easy for heads to drop but after a firm half time talk from Roger, the Colts started the second half with renewed enthusiasm and much greater determination. The marking was tighter and the boys started winning more possession. However, Didcot are a strong side challenging for the league title and despite the Colts’ best efforts they added two more goals to win a hard fought match.

Team: G Cherry, M White, H Comely, J Roberson, D Dennis, B Merrill, B Rowbotham

Man of the Match: G Cherry

Second Match
Didcot A 0 - OCC 0

After the heavy defeat in the first game, the second match restored some pride in the Colts camp. Another strong Didcot team dominated the early play with a number of well worked passing moves. However, the Colts, cheered on as always by their ever faithful supporters, showed how well they can defend. Despite heavy first half pressure, the defence held firm helped in no small part by another fine goalkeeping performance from Reece Horwood.

Having weathered the constant early pressure, the Colts raised their game in the second half and started to look dangerous on the attack: the tireless Brian Muinami covering every blade of grass in both attack and defence. Didcot were still dangerous going forward but the Colts’ defence looked solid and held on for a well-deserved draw. Hopefully this performance will boost the boys’ confidence as they realise that when they work hard they are a match for even the strongest sides in the division.

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

Man of the Match: B Muinami