Round Up: Final Match and Tournaments

A fantastic effort from the boys against Oxford City in a double-header of games, winning three games comfortably and losing the other by a single goal. This was followed up by a squad of eight topping their group at the Chesterton six-a-side with four wins from five games and only one goal conceded.

Today, at the Tower Hill tournament we acquitted ourselves extremely well against some very strong teams (Bure Park, Didcot, Carterton, Tower Hill Stars and Stanford) and performed very creditably in both groups. Victories against Tower Hill Stars and Stanford and excellent draws against Bure Park and Didcot should give us much to be proud of.

We can look forward to the Charlbury Tournament in good heart and with confidence.

Match Report – Bampton

Match Report: Stewart Moss, Photos: Catherine Ball, Claire Newton

April 21st – Charlbury U8s v Bampton U8s
We had a breezy and sunny spring morning with a nice grassy, soft pitch after a wet week. After an extra long warm up the opposition finally appeared (having been unable to find the Wychwood Paddocks). We had a full strength squad of 16 boys, so John had his work cut out juggling the line ups…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Charlbury 5 Bampton 1

We lined up with Ned in goal, Olly and Jake at the back, Felix and AJ in midfield, Max and Rowan up front.

We began slowly (we often seem to in match one) with Bampton enjoying plenty of possession, but excellent defending from Olly and Jake protected our goal. Our first attack came from an excellent searching 30 yard ball upfield out of defence, but Max was crowded out. Then despite our early pressure, Bampton took the lead with a freak goal – a long clearance upfield barely bounced in front of Ned, who was wrong footed and the ball trickled in for a lucky goal! But Ned made a point blank block soon after, and then bravely fell on a loose ball from a corner – which made him feel a lot happier and preserved the close 0-1 scoreline. We pressed hard for an equaliser as the half progressed, AJ thumping the bar with a powerful shot, and then trying again with another long range effort, which the keeper saved. Rowan pounced on the rebound but it was saved a second time.

At half time Joe replaced Ned in goal. We soon began to pin the opposition back, Max having a shot blocked, and Felix’s follow up went just wide. When AJ hit another unstoppable piledriver onto the bar, we wondered whether it was going to be “one of those days” – as well as fearing for the safety of the bar! AJ and Felix were running the midfield now, and soon after AJ cracked a crisp low shot from the edge of the area to equalise, 1-1. You could see the spring in the Charlbury boys step now, and we laid siege to the Bampton goal. AJ played a great pass to Max, but he hit the side netting, though it didn’t take long for us to go ahead. AJ again warmed the keeper’s palms with a powerful long range shot, but this time he spilled it and Rowan twisted to poke the ball into the net before the goalkeeper could react, 2-1!

Bampton’s heads began to drop as we then created a succession of chances. Max got free and scooped a good shot just over, before an excellent passing move saw Max play a one-two with Rowan, and then cross the ball to AJ, who drew the keeper and slipped it past him and into the net with consummate ease – 3-1. Thomas came on for Olly at the back and then Joe made a superb clearing kick upfield to Felix, who went on a barnstorming run down the line, but Max just curled the ball wide when a goal would have been fitting. However, AJ’s red hot boots then produced another sensational curling, dipping long range effort that had the keeper grasping thin air for his hat-trick, and we were 4-1 up. Our final goal came almost straight from the opposition kick off when Max again got clear of the defence, and this time he slotted it past the keeper for a handsome 5-1 win and a superb comeback performance, which as well as five goals, saw some excellent Charlbury defensive play.

Charlbury 5 Bampton 1
It was all change in the personnel but exactly the same scoreline in Match 2. Harry began in goal, with Fred and Cosmo at the back, Luke and Jamie in midfield, Sonny and Theo up front.

From the off we were all over Bampton, who were finding Sonny and Theo very hard to handle up front. Sonny robbed a defender and almost scored early on, then Theo put him through – but his effort was saved again. Theo hit a good shot which was bravely blocked by a sliding defender, and then Harry had to save with his feet from a good low shot. We took the lead when Jamie wriggled clear in the box and played a super low cross across the area; Sonny couldn’t miss – 1-0. A succession of near misses again ensued, a Sonny curler saved, Theo’s shot blocked again, and then Jamie curled a great shot just wide of the far post. But Sonny then doubled the when he was clean through, although the keeper made another great save, the ball richocheted onto the post and back to Sonny, who rolled it home for 2-0. In fact it was deja-vu a minute later when the Bampton defence dissolved again, and Sonny ran clear once more, and side footed it comfortably past the keeper (who was rooted to his line) for his hat-trick goal and making it 3-0. Theo almost got a wonder goal when his long range curling, swirling free kick was parried, and then both Luke, with a weaving run saw his shot saved, and then Jamie, with a brilliant 40 yard jinking run saw his effort parried as well. Finally the Bampton keeper, who was having an absolute blinder – made another good low save from Luke to keep it 3-0 at half-time.

In the second half Joe and Thomas (in goal) rejoined the action, and he soon had to make a good near post save and then a good catch to thwart the Bampton attack. The opposition were playing with more spirit now and had a pacey young striker who was occupying Fred and Cosmo with his direct running. Fred responded with an extraordinary shot from the half way line, which was just saved by the Bampton keeper! But they hit back with an excellent low shot past Thomas to pull a goal back, 1-3.

But we fought back hard when Sonny produced a super cross to Joe in space, who controlled the ball near the penalty spot before nearly bursting the net with a thumping finish, 4-1 to Charlbury. Immediately after Joe got himself clean through, this time he slipped it precisely low past the keeper for his second goal and a 5-1 lead. Near the end of the game Tom made an excellent save when one-on-one with an attacker, and then Felix saw his shot just saved again from one of our final attacks.

A 10-2 aggregate win reflected some brilliant passing, crossing and attacking play – in fact if it hadn’t been for the Bampton keeper’s skill we might have scored 20 goals. First class defending and goal keeping also from Charlbury really limited the chances given to the opposition, everyone had played exceptionally well. After the last away match it was great to have Matthew as ref again; always a sign that the referee has had a very good game as we barely noticed him!

Match Report – Tower Hill

Match Report: Stewart Moss, Pictures: Catherine Ball

March 31^st 2012 – Tower Hill U8s v Charlbury U8s.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

On the last day of March we travelled to the West Witney sports ground to play Tower Hill, who had given us a heavy defeat earlier in the Winter.  After last week’s sun this morning it was absolutely FREEZING with a bitter, piercing northerly wind! We also had a number of players out, so the remaining squad of 11 would have to work hard.

Tower Hill 3 Charlbury 1
We lined up with Joe in goal, Olly and Jake at the back, Jamie, AJ and Luke in midfield and Max on his own up front.  Tower pressed from the start but AJ, playing in a deep midfield role, made one tremendous defensive clearance under pressure.  He then got forward to hit a wonderful, powerful long range shot which thumped the bar with the Tower keeper beaten, bounced down, seemingly over the line, and was cleared.  There was confusion both on the pitch and in the crowd – and it seemed the referee was asking the defenders if it was a goal!? They of course denied it and cheered loudly when the referee allowed play to go on – general opinion was we were quite hard done by. 

We were playing very well indeed against a very good team, and Olly won a spectacular 50/50 tackle and then Joe made a block from point blank range to keep it 0-0. Tower were being quite physical, with Max being strongly pulled back, and then Olly being tripped from behind, but to our boys credit they just got on with the game. We had a very well organised shape to the team, although Max was a little isolated up front, before just before half time Tower took the lead.  A cross was tapped in for 1-0 to the home team, and then a narrow escape from a corner when the ball went out of play and then somehow into the net, but was disallowed.

John brought Sonny on for Max at half time, and we nearly equalised when AJ cleverly dummied the ball from a corner but a scramble ensued and we couldn’t quite a clean shot off.  We were in the ascendancy now and Sonny had a shot saved, before Joe made a good save at the other end.  But disaster struck when a Tower striker got space in the box to rifle home a powerful shot, 2-0 to the home team.  But our boys kept their heads up and Sonny got clear on goal, the keeper came rushing out and blocked his shot, but the ball richocheted onto an unfortunate defender and rolled on, and on, and over the line, goal to Charlbury, 2-1!

But the home team attacked again and Joe kept us in it with two good saves in succession, before he was powerless when a lobbed shot hit the bar, bounced down straight to an attacker, who had an easy tap-in, 3-1 to Tower Hill.

Although AJ flicked a clever shot just wide near the end Tower Hill were deserved winners. 

Tower Hill 1 Charlbury 1
In match two we began with Sonny in goal, Olly and Thom at the back, Ned and Joe in midfield, and Rowan and Max up front.  We began well pinning the home side back, and both Ned and Max tried their luck from long range, both shots just off target.  Max then had an excellent shot tipped wide by the keeper, before he passed a nice ball sideways to Rowan in the area, who took a touch and shot home, the ball hitting a defender on the line but going in, 1-0 to Charlbury!  We were looking for a 2^nd goal when Max charged down the keeper, but his shot went just wide, and then Joe played a superb pass through to Rowan, but his powerful shot from the edge of the area went wide.  Finally, Max skipped inside a defender and hit a well struck shot at the keeper, who made a good save. We led 1-0 at half-time and Olly, Thomas & Sonny had barely allowed the opposition a shot at goal.

In the second half, AJ went into the goal, with Sonny replacing Rowan up front, who was forced off due to being extremely cold!  Luke also came on for Max.  Tower made a number of tactical changes bringing their stronger players back on again, they did not want to lose this match!  Sonny showed great skill to chase down the keeper, turn and shoot for goal, but his shot was blocked off.  Tower though got on top and went close several times, before a good shot deflected in front of AJ, giving him no chance, 1-1.

The Tower Hill keeper almost gave us a goal when he strangely tried to dribble the ball out, but Sonny robbed him and almost grabbed a winner, the shot just going wide.

Tower Hill attacked relentlessly near the end on but some excellent defending saw us survive for a deserved 1-1.

The total score finished 4-2 to Tower Hill but we had really put in a shift with a much improved performance from our last visit, especially with several key players missing.  The Charlbury supporters all deserved praise for withstanding a perishing wind!

Match Report – Bourton Rovers

Match Report: Stewart Moss, Pictures: Catherine Ball

March 24th – Bourton Rovers U8 v Charlbury Town U8

If we thought it was mild last week it was like high summer for this fixture! Twenty degrees and lots of sun, there were picnic rugs a plenty and sun crème was even mentioned! There was even a nice refreshments table on hand.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bourton 2 Charlbury 5

We started with Harry in goal, Jake and Olly at the back, AJ and Jamie in midfield, and Sonny and Joe up front. After some even early skirmishes, AJ beautifully controlled one of Joe’s corners and lashed the ball home from close range, 1-0 to the Red & Blacks. But soon after a Bourton striker turned well in the box and shot low and powerfully into the net for 1-1. But just before half time Jamie showed superb control and vision to play Sonny through on the goal – he easily rolled the ball past the keeper with his left foot to put us back in front 2-1 at half-time.

In the second half the game opened up into an absorbing match. Bourton were strong and organised, but we were playing some sensational football which frequently opened up the Yellows defence. Luke came on at half time for Sonny, and was immediately into the action to put us 3-1 ahead. Jamie played in Joe down the right, who crossed to the far post where Luke slotted in. Very soon after, Jamie then played a tremendous measured through ball to put Luke clear, and he again produced a calm and clinical finish low past the keeper to make it 4-1. The whole Charlbury team were playing really well and more goals almost came, AJ skilfully shot with the outside of his foot but it was saved, and Joe was momentarily clear on the right but the ball ran a bit too wide. But from a goalmouth scramble Rovers got a goal back, 2-4. In an immediate response we re-asserted our lead, Jamie turned well, Luke crossed the ball to Joe and then onto AJ, who’s shot was deflected but went past the keeper, 5-2!

Bourton almost got another goal back but a combination of the bar and a great save by Harry kept the ball out. The last few chances saw Joe’s angled half volley saved, and from another great attack Luke’s through ball to Joe eventually ended with Jamie following up on the loose ball, but shooting just wide when a goal would have been deserved.  A truly brilliant performance, and great credit to Olly, Jake and Harry too who did well to contain a lively Bourton attack.

Bourton 3 Charlbury 3

In match two Thom went in goal, Fred was the lone defender, Luke, Theo and Felix were in midfield, and Rowan and Max went up front. The match was a bit scrappier than the first, with Bourton playing more defensively and sitting back behind the ball – giving us little space. The first goal came when Thom was lured to the very edge of the area, but the ball bobbled out and a good finish from the angle by the opposition saw them take the lead, 0-1. Felix responded with one of his driving runs, but just shot wide, but it wasn’t long before we did equalise. A great corner saw Rowan and a defender challenge for the ball, which went into the net for an own goal. We were on top now and Luke had a long range shot saved, and then we took the lead. Max played a good ball wide to Rowan, who got to the bye line, got through a defender and shot from a narrow angle.  The Bourton keeper saved it but the ball rebounded to Max, who gleefully tucked it into the net for 2-1. Just on half time the pair combined again when Max played a superb angled through ball to Rowan, but his powerful shot just cleared the bar.

The Yellows came right back into it in the 2^nd half and put a lot of pressure on our defence. Thom made a one excellent save and catch from a high powerful shot, but a lovely header from a corner saw them equal the scores at 2-2.  Again we responded well, when Theo’s corner fell to Felix, who controlled the ball and tapped in to put us back in the lead, 3-2. But Bourton were pressurising us from clearances and goal kicks and Fred’s lone defending became more and more stretched, and they soon pounced on a loose one to level the scores again, 3-3. Near the end Rowan pounced on the Bourton keeper who was unable to hold onto a long range effort, but his instant shot went across the face of goal to the groans of the Charlbury supporters. In the last minute or so Thom’s stray goal kick went straight to an attacker, but he made amends with a brilliant save with his feet when one-on-one, preventing a certain goal, and the match ended 3-3.

All in all a deserved victory over a good team, with some excellent football and yet another eight goals!

Match Report – Wychwood

Match Report: Stewart Moss, Photographs: Catherine Ball.

Charlbury v  Wychwood, March 17th

Another mild spring day for the match at Wychwood Paddocks against Wychwood, with us at full strength.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Charlbury 2 Wychwood 1

We lined up with Luke in goal, Olly and Jake at the back, Jamie and AJ the midfield powerhouse, and Max and Sonny in attack.

In the opening minute AJ hit an incredible, high lofted shot which came down into the top corner for an astonishing goal, 1-0.  Jamie was getting through some tremendous work in midfield, and although Wychwood hit a good freekick which went just wide, Charlbury soon made it 2-0 when Sonny showed lightening reactions to first-time volley a bouncing ball past the keeper.

An exciting first half ended when Wychwood managed to scramble a ball home from a corner to reduce the deficit, 1-2 – virtually the only opportunity Jake & Olly had allowed them!

In the second half John made a number of changes, and our defence had a great game, with both defenders making some great challenges.  In attack we were very unlucky not to add to our lead with a string of brilliant passing moves.  Luke collected a loose goal kick and almost scored, Max hit a pile driver free kick just wide, Rowan produced a slick turn and shot which was well saved by the keeper, and Felix rampaged through but just shot wide.  Another really good move which deserved a goal saw Rowan take a quick throw to Felix, who burst down the line and played the ball inside to Rowan who had run on, and hit a first time shot just wide – really good football for an Under 8 team.

Near the end a chance did fall Wychwood’s way but Thomas made a tremendous block, throwing himself in the way of a shot.  The final whistle went for a 2-1 victory.
 
Charlbury 4 Wychwood 3

We began with Ned in goal, Fred and Thomas at the back, Joe and Cosmo in midfield, and Harry and Theo in attack.

Wychwood made a strong start and Ned had to scramble to make an early save, and moments later he came out quickly to force another attacker wide.   In fact we were looking somewhat disorganised, and had Ned to thank for keeping the scores level when he made a double save at the feet of a striker a minute later.

But from virtually our first break forward, Theo skinned a defender, took the ball on and hit a low shot from outside the area which went through the keeper for 1-0.  Joe almost added to the lead when he poked a half chance just wide.

Fred was having a really good game in the right sided defensive position, impressing the crowd when he back heeled the ball away from an opponent then played a superb ball down the line to start another attack for Theo, who crossed early, but Harry was just unable to get there.

The Second half opened up into a bit of a goal feast.  With Ned now playing as a lone defender and Thomas in goal, Wychwood broke clear and gave Thom no chance, 1-1.  Just a minute later a crossfield ball ended in a tap in for the opposition, who were now 2-1 up. Thomas was showing some excellent handling and kicking and from our next attack, Theo produced another scintillating run, beating two defenders before rounding the keeper and slotting home under pressure. Another great goal and the score was 2-2.

At this point Felix, Sonny and Rowan rejoined the action, but the see-saw match swung again when a Wychwood cross found its way into the net again, and we were behind 2-3 with about 8 minutes left.

But one of Joe’s typically testing pacy swung in corners caused massive confusion, ending in an own goal and it was 3-3.  Near the end of the match though we had a fairy tale ending when Theo turned in the box, and with only a bit of room, slid the ball into the corner of the net for a hat-trick!  He was rightly mobbed by his team mates.

Two excellent wins and some wonderful passing football again, well done boys.

Match Report – Chadlington

Match Report by Stewart Moss. Photos by Catherine Ball.

Chadlington v Charlbury - March 10^th

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Another lovely spring day for the visit to Chad’s pretty playing field, which had quite a slope, which would be a real factor.

Match 1, Chadlington 1 Charlbury 2

We lined up with Ned in goal, Olly and Thom at the back, Felix and AJ the powerhouse midfield, and Joe and Theo up front.

Early in the match Chad had a couple of powerful long range shots just off target, before a brilliant passing move between AJ to Theo and then onto Joe, who steadied himself and then drove low towards the corner. The Chad keeper got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out; 1-0 Charlbury.  We were playing some good stuff against a strong team, and another AJ / Joe combination saw AJ’s angled shot saved.  But soon after Joe produced a brilliant, powerful curling shot, way too hot for the keeper, to make it 2-0, which must have made the manager proud!  The interplay between our forward players was excellent, and another move saw the opposition keeper fail to hold Joe’s through ball, which fell to Theo following up, just wide!

Ned had kicked some excellent long goal kicks down the hill to help our attack, and just before half time he made a quite brilliant one handed diving save to keep it 2-0 at half time.

In the 2^nd half Sonny replaced Ned in goal, and Chad used the hill to lay siege to the Charlbury goal.  In a very entertaining match, the Charlbury defence really shone, with Olly and Thomas repeatedly throwing themselves in the way of shots and attacks to make blocks.  Sonny looked sound in goal, and Felix made a series of excellent clearing headers.  But midway through the half the Chad no 10 shot low across Sonny to make it 1-2, a very well taken goal.

John introduced fresh legs to the defence with Jake replacing Thomas, and Charlbury then took attack back to the opposition for a spell. A Chad mistake saw AJ burst through on the left, but his powerful shot shuddered the post.   Then Jake played a quite brilliant left footed pass down the touchline for Theo, who ran on, cut inside and just shot wide.

As the game drew to a close Chad again put huge pressure on us, with a number of crosses and corners, and twice within minutes they crashed shots against the bar, but heroic defending saw us survive, and AJ almost made it comfortable when his skilled shot on the turn went just wide.  For once in recent weeks we had the luck to pinch it 2-1, and the Charlbury supporters agreed that today our defenders particularly deserved the limelight, barely giving Chad a sniff of goal.

Chadlington 0 Charlbury 2

Often our squad strength shines through in the 2^nd match and today was no different.  Luke went into goal, with Fred and Harry at the back, Jamie and Jake in midfield, and Sonny and Rowan up front.

Most of the first half was evenly contested with Chad enjoying the slope advantage, and despite some occasionally frightening gaps in our defence we coped easily with the opposition, Jamie standing out again with his tigerish work and tenacity against boys that were often much bigger than him.    The only real chance of note came when Sonny latched onto a loose ball but his first time shot went wide.

In the second half John made a clever tactical change, switching to an adventurous three man midfield to use the slope to maximum advantage.  Max came on for Jake, with Harry going in goal and Luke also coming into the middle of the park.

Lone defender Fred had a very good game with some committed and well timed tackles, and soon Charlbury took the lead.  Luke made a break into the box and his speculative shot looked to be going wide, until the Chad keeper got in a muddle and deflected the ball into his own net!

Chad responded with a quick break which saw a low shot hit the Charlbury post with Harry beaten.  The game became more open as it went on, and a quickly taken throw on the left to Luke saw another opportunity just go wide. 

But we clinched the victory near the end when a really good pass by Ned, now on the pitch, reached Max, who turned and shot home for his first goal for several weeks.  Both matches had been excellent performances against a very good team.

Match Report – Carterton

Match Report: Stewart Moss. Pictures: James Ball.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Charlbury U8s v Carterton U8s  (3^rd March 2012)

We had a lovely sunny spring like morning for this match, against strong opposition that we hadn’t played for well over a year (when they got the better of us). Unfortunately we were without Joe, Luke and Cosmo.

Charlbury 2 Carterton 3

We got underway with AJ in goal, Olly and Jake at the back, Felix and Ned in midfield, and Max and Theo up front.

The opening minutes were very heartily contested with few chances, despite Carterton pressure – Olly and Jake both showing excellent positional awareness and sharp tackling, with AJ sound between the posts. 

AJ made a good low save to his right to keep the score 0-0 before Carterton again spread the play beautifully into space on the left, the referee unfortunately got in the way and a little Carterton striker drove it low past AJ for 0-1.  We responded well and Max laid off a lovely pass for Theo to see his shot saved.  But then misfortune struck when a Carterton cross drifted past AJ, who had no chance, for a fluke goal and 0-2.

There were some disappointed faces at half time but John told the boys how well they were doing, and they came out looking refreshed in the second half.  Sonny came on for Max, and Ned swapped places with AJ.  We began with a spell of attacking play, AJ instrumental straight away.  Felix went on one of his runs, passed to Theo, who struck a great shot which hit the outside of the post.  But we weren’t to be denied and soon a great Felix through ball released Sonny who took a stride into the penalty area and slotted it past the keeper to reduce the deficit.

We were looking like equalising when more bad luck saw Carterton make it 3-1 direct from a corner, with the ball sneaking in somehow through a crowd of players.  But we showed good spirit to attack again, a great pass from Felix to AJ down the left, a good cross and Theo again went close.  Next Theo showed good technique to flick a shot with the outside of his foot, and we were showing great determination to get back into the match.  Ned made a couple of routine saves before Theo produced a great cross, and with a storming run AJ arrived in the box at just the right moment to shoot first time, but the ball just went wide.

But a minute or so later a very exciting attack saw Sonny break clear, Theo’s shot was desperately saved, and with the keeper on the ground Felix showed massive appetite to make up seemingly about 20 yards (willed on vocally by the Charlbury supporters), to slide the ball into an empty net – 2-3 and we were back in it.  In the dying seconds Theo swivelled from a corner to hit a neat half volley, but it was saved and the final whistle went.

Charlbury 2 Carterton 4

For match two we had the rare sight of Rowan in goal, Thomas and Harry at the back, Jamie and Sonny in midfield, and Fred and Max up front.  Early on a loose goal kick fell to Carterton, who shot home to take the lead.  Soon after, a difficult bobbling ball from the corner was heading for the corner – Rowan tried to kick it clear, but the ball sliced in, 0-2.  It was quite a scrappy half but Carterton were well on top, and a couple of shots went wide, and Rowan made one save, before we rallied and in a mad goal mouth scramble Sonny almost pulled a goal back, and Jamie saw a shot just deflected wide.

After the break AJ and Felix rejoined the action, and Rowan came onto the pitch for Harry to go in goal.  Quickly AJ made his presence felt, a brilliant outside of the foot finish pulling a goal back – 1-2.

Then Rowan managed to get clear, and he drew a defender and generously squared the ball for Sonny to finish, it was 2-2 and all square! 

Unfortunately Carterton came back and from a quick throw a forward found space wide on the left to drive past Harry and put them back in front.  Harry then made a good save from a heart-in-the-mouth Fred back pass, and Thomas saved a couple of certain goals with good blocks and tackles. 

The Charlbury boys tried to rally but another loose goal kick, which has been an Achilles heel recently, saw another Carterton goal and a clinching 4-2 lead.  In the final seconds Rowan almost pulled a goal back from a corner when he hit a great volley which went inches wide.

Despite losing both games the boys put in two very creditable performances against a very well trained Carterton outfit.

Match Report – Stonesfield

Match Report: Stewart Moss. Photography: James Ball & Paul Jackson

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Stonesfield v Charlbury, Feb 25^th

We had a lovely mild spring-like day and a full squad for the match, which made Stonesfield’s squad of 8 look pretty thin. Despite some excellent recent performances the results recently hadn’t been as good as usual – would that change today? 

Stonesfield 1 Charlbury 7

We started with Ned in goal, Harry and Jake at the back, Jamie and AJ in midfield with Joe and Theo up front.

A simply superb early passing move in the opening minutes finished with Theo screwing a shot just wide, and moments later he also hit a powerful shot narrowly wide again.

Having not played for a few weeks, AJ was full of energy (not to mention skill) – and Stonesfield had no answer to both AJ or Theo’s drive and tenacity in particular.  The next significant attack saw Theo pick up the ball on the edge of the penalty area, run down the side line the length of the pitch, and produce a fantastic cross which AJ shot first time – forcing a good save. 

But soon after we were ahead when AJ span skilfully on the edge of the area and whipped in a tremendous lofted shot which was way too good for the keeper, 1-0.

After Ned had made a routine save from a rare Stonesfield attack, AJ again twisted and turned in the box, no defenders wanted to challenge him – so AJ placed his shot right in the corner of the net, 2-0.  And a minute later he completed a quite excellent hat-trick with a trademark piercing run and another powerful finish for 3-0.  We were definitely playing some of our best football of the season, and another sensational passing move saw Stonesfield chasing shadows – Theo played the ball across the penalty area to AJ, who moved the ball straight onto Joe in space. Joe showed his usual composure by steadying himself and then rolling it confidently pass the keeper, 4-0 at half-time.

After the break Max made his long awaited return to action, coming on for Theo, and Thomas came on for Harry.  The next goal came when the keeper couldn’t hold another AJ piledriver, and Jamie was on the rebound in a flash to crack it past the keeper for 5-0. 

Jake made two brilliant tackles in front of the spectators to set up another attack which led to AJ hitting the post, and this time Joe followed in to put the ball in the net again, for 6-0.  Joe almost completed his hat-trick from Max’s fine pass, but saw his shot saved, and then hit the wall with a powerful free kick.  Near the end Theo went on another run and hit an angled shot to get on the score sheet making it 7-0.

Near the end everyone was glad to see Stonesfield grab a consolation goal with a fine freekick – and they almost got another but were denied by a brilliant double save by Ned, and the game finished 7-1 to us.

Stonesfield 0 Charlbury 8

There was no respite for the opposition in match 2 as we went even more goal crazy! Harry went in goal, Olly and Cosmo at the back, Luke and Felix in midfield and Rowan and Sonny up front.

In the opening minutes Rowan grabbed one of his typical poacher’s goals when he bundled a loose ball over the line from about 1 yard to make it 1-0.

After he’d had one shot saved, Sonny soon grabbed the 2^nd goal when it looked as if the keeper had saved his shot, but it went over the line for 2-0.

Olly, nowadays fully empowered as a marauding attacking defender, then produced another lovely pacy run and a chipped finish very similar to last week for the 3^rd goal.  After having never scored before last week, it was therefore even more surprising when Olly then popped up in the box again to slip the ball in at the near post for his third goal in two games! This made the score 4-0 and with the opposition visibly tiring it was a case of how many we would get, you did have to feel sorry for Stonesfield, especially when Felix charged through on one of his signature runs to finish with ease for 5-0 at halftime. 

At half-time Max came on again for Cosmo, and with us now attacking up the hill it wasn’t too long before Felix got onto a loose ball in the box for his second goal and the team’s 6^th of the game.  Goal number seven came when Felix again took the ball past a defender and into the area, before setting up Luke to place the ball just inside the post. 

In the closing minutes Olly almost grabbed his hat-trick when he was twice denied by the Stonesfield keeper, and both Fred and Thomas made some good tackles and clearances to help preserve our clean sheet. 

The final incident of note brought our 8^th goal and 15^th of the morning (!) when the Stonesfiedl keeper miss-kicked a goal kick, which fell straight to Sonny just outside the penalty area.  Sonny sent the ball straight back with interest, an excellent lobbed shot which beat the bemused keeper all ends up, really good technique.

Match Report – Bardwell

MATCH REPORT: Stewart Moss, PHOTOGRAPHY: James Ball

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Charlbury U8s v Bardwell U8s
We had a mild but windy day for the match at Wychwood Paddocks, our first against Bardwell and after the enforced mini Winter break the boys looked hungry for action despite being without AJ, Luke, Max and Freddy!

Charlbury 1 Bardwell 1
We lined up for the first match with Ned in goal, Olly and Jake at the back, Felix and Joe in midfield, with Rowan and Sonny up front. Straight from the kick off Rowan went on a forceful run which led to a corner, we meant business! Then combination passing by Jake, Rowan and Sonny kept up the pressure before more brilliant play saw Olly win a fine tackle on the half way line, Rowan crossed to Sonny – whose low shot was well saved. We then saw Olly rampage down the right wing, come inside and unleash an excellent shot which was just saved by the Barwell keeper to the gasps of the crowd! In fact the whole first half was a virtual siege, but the whole Bardwell team were putting themselves behind the ball and denying us any space. There was time for Joe to produce some fine footwork and cross for Rowan to see his shot saved, before Joe himself saw another effort blocked. Both Jake and Olly had defended quite brilliantly, carrying the ball forward too when they had chances too, before on the stroke of half time, a goalkick was intercepted by a Bardwell attacker, who crashed a fine shot over Ned and into the net. We had definitely been the stronger team by some distance, and with their only attack and shot, it really was unbelievable that Bardwell led 1-0 at the interval!

In the second half we began with another attack when Rowan managed to head down a goal kick to Sonny, whose skilful run down the line led to yet another corner. From one of Joe’s testing lofted deliveries the keeper flapped and poacher Rowan was on it in a flash, but his flick just went wide. We then lost a bit of shape and Bardwell came more into the game, and it looked like they might cling on to a smash-and-grab win until Felix, who had covered every inch of the pitch all game, snuffed out an attack in the centre circle, carried the ball forward and finished in real style for a richly deserved equaliser. At only ten minutes each way the game ended 1-1, which did not really reflect an outstanding Charlbury performance with every single player having a fine game.

Charlbury 2 Bardwell 3
In game two Harry went in goal, with Tom and Cosmo at the back, Felix and Jamie in midfield, and Ned and Theo up front. Theo looked right on top of his game from the off and produced some great runs, well assisted by Ned, as we again got on top of the Bardwell team. There was some noticeable tenacity and close ball control again from Jamie in midfield, and another near miss from Theo. But soon after another opposition breakaway saw an expert near post finish for 0-1. Just before half time though, Felix produced an excellent low cross which Theo finished in style past the keeper, 1-1.

John mixed things up in the second half, with Harry coming out on pitch and Ned back into goal, and then Joe came on too, immediately producing a blinding burst down the wing and cross, for Theo to have another shot blocked. Sonny came on for Joe and immediately produced a beautiful body swerve right in front of the crowd to leave his marker for dead!

Another brilliant passing move opened up the opposition but Theo saw another shot blocked, then Sonny ran almost the length of the pitch, leaving markers trailing, but just slid his shot wide!

After pressing most of the game, we were caught when another long pass upfield saw a Bardwell striker sprint past a Charlbury defender and beat the exposed Joe (who was now in goal). A minute or two later another attack saw Joe very bravely block at the attackers feet for a fine save, but the loose ball was seized upon by Bardwell quickest, and they knocked into the net for 1-3 with not long to play. Harry, playing in a brightly coloured hat, almost powered through on goal before Theo hit a piledriver from the edge of the area which just went wide. John sent Olly on up front for the closing minutes, also sporting colourful headgear, and this led to the moment of the morning.

Picking up the ball just inside the Bardwell half, he went past one defender, then another, and suddenly found himself on the edge of the penalty area. The crowd surged forward in excitement as Olly drifted past the final defender, and hit a lovely clean shot high back across and over the goalkeepers grasp…onto the bar….and down into the net – GOAL! This being his first goal for Charlbury, Olly’s delight was obvious and he did a slide on his knees in the centre circle to rapturous applause. Unfortunately the final whistle then went for an unlucky 3-2 defeat, but the spectators were all in agreement that it had been a fine performance and we were probably the stronger side over the course of the two games. A special mention for Matthew the referee who again gave a faultless performance in the black!

My thanks again to Stewart Moss for another excellent match report and to James Ball for the photography.

Match Report – Chadlington

Some of the goalscorers this weekend!

We had a cold morning, with a biting wind for the visit of Chadlington, although mercifully there was no frost overnight.  However this meant the pitch was very very heavy indeed, with weighty sticky mud collecting on boots making running physically hard work.  With AJ, Max, Jake and Cosmo notable absentees the squad was tested to the limit.

Charlbury  1 Chadlington  2

Our tough start to 2012 continued in match 1 with a narrow defeat to an excellent Chad team. We lined up initially with Ned in goal, Thomas and Olly at the back, Jamie and Luke in midfield, and Rowan and Theo up front. 

The opening minutes were an even contest as both sides battled for midfield control. Rowan had a good diagonal run halted, before the Chad no 10 showed great footwork in the box to work an opening but shot just wide with Ned exposed. A minute later and a carbon copy situation led to Ned making a really brilliant low finger tip save, preventing a certain goal. Theo then had a good break blocked off, but Chad were starting to take control and were first to nearly every loose ball. 

Some superb organisation and defending from Olly and Thomas was thwarting wave after wave of Chad attack, until finally Chad took the lead. Ned made a brilliant save to a high looping shot, but the fall fell to a White shirt who tapped in for 1-0. Jamie then had a good shot saved but at the break we were one goal down. 

The 2^nd half saw John introduce Sonny, Joe & Felix with Luke and Theo both unable to continue, but Chad continued to have the upper hand, trying very hard whenever we had the ball to get it back and showing a very impressive work rate on the heavy pitch – which wasn’t suiting the Charlbury passing.

Chad’s impressive no 10 almost doubled the lead but hit the post, and then Sonny picked up a knock and was forced off injured (to be replaced by Harry) after a late challenge just as he and Rowan were combining dangerously down the left wing. Although Olly was making some great clearances and carrying the ball forward, aiding Thomas who was making some timely interceptions, Ned again kept us in the game with another save.  We withstood more pressure with a sequence of corners, Felix twice heading clear and then Ned saving one right on the goal line. However, we looked like we were beginning to believe we could equalise with Felix and Joe starting to get a grip on midfield and then Rowan did a neat trick by the corner flag to cross and win a corner which was cleared. Then Harry had a chance but shot wide, only for a great counter attack move in response with a cross from Chad ending up with a first time side footed finish making it 2-0 Chad.

We rallied really well in the closing minutes, with a special moment being enjoyed by the crowd when Harry got free, held off a defender, took a touch and finished crisply past the keeper for his first goal for the club and a deserved huge round of applause.  Sadly we ran out of time but overall Chad probably deserved the win.

Charlbury 7  Chadlington  0

A quite remarkable turn around in match 2! Both teams made a number of changes, unsurprising with the heavy pitch clearly a major factor on energy levels. We lined up with Fred in goal, Harry and Thom at the back, Felix and Joe in midfield, and Ned and Sonny up front. From the whistle we surged forward, and Sonny and Joe’s movement was causing Chad all sorts of problems!

A standout early move saw dogged battling from Felix and then a great pass up the line to Joe, who picked out Sonny, who had a shot blocked. Sonny soon after had another shot saved, before from a corner he let a loose ball run across his body before ramming a right foot shot into the roof of the net, keeper no chance, 1-0.

The Chad team were visibly tiring and had lost their shape as we laid siege to their goal – Joe poked a Felix cross just wide, then Sonny shot wide too. But just before half time a two goal salvo settled the match. Felix curled a great dipping shot from outside the area, keeper saved, but Sonny poached the rebound home for 2-0.  Just on half time Joe was lurking in the box to get a toe to a loose pass and it was in the net for 3-0.

More changes at half-time saw Ned take over in goal, and Rowan and Jamie join the action. Chad were in disarray by now and were unable to do anything about a procession of chances.  Goal number 4 came immediately after half time, Joe was put clean through and with his usual cool composure he easily slotted past the keeper.  Just seconds later it was 5-0, Felix ran through unchallenged and blasted it past the keeper again!

Charlbury were now absolute rampant and it was a question of how many.  First Rowan danced past a defender in the box and lashed in goal no 6, before Joe held off a defender and produced a really nice slide rule low shot into the corner for 7-0 and his first Charlbury hat-trick!

Fortunately for the Chadlington morale, our play did become a little greedy in the last 5 minutes or so, John rightly pointing out to his team that they should continue to pass it and more goals would come.  Afterwards Jamie had a shot blocked, Rowan won a brilliant tackle out wide and crossed for a scramble to ensue, and then Felix shot into the side netting when he perhaps could have crossed. The final two chances saw Rowan’s shot from a cross saved, and finally the Chad keeper dropped the ball at Sonny’s feet but he just failed to grab his hat-trick goal with the ball going past the post. 

A remarkable tale of two different matches saw Charlbury’s super squad strength shine through again with an 8-2 aggregate victory.  Excellent refereeing from Ned’s dad and then John meant this week we hardly noticed the referee!

Match Report by Stewart Moss