Going into this game, Cropredy were on a 13 match winning run in the league, but knew they’d be in for a very tough game against an in form Launton Sports Devs side, who themselves have been racking up the wins lately. Last time Launton visited Williamscot Road, they ran out 4-5 winner in the Clarendon Cup back in October thanks to a late screamer.

There was some issues availability wise for the Crop management to deal with. Young striker Kyran Beales was injured playing for his college side during the week so was ruled out, whilst Conor Hancock and Ben Smithers were called up to the first team, and Jake Harvey was ill. They were also dealt further blows with Skipper Corey Phillips also ruled out with a back injury late on, and forward Chris Young dropping out. This left the Devs with just one named substitute, whilst Steve Gilbert and Harley Miller came in last minute to help with numbers.

This meant Chay Miller, Mo Samasa and James Leonard came straight into the side, whilst Karl Woodcock and Luke Butterworth also returned after missing last weeks game.

First half

Wearing their alternative green strip, Cropredy should have taken the lead within the opening minutes. James Leonard was found by Beales in space at the back post, but rushed his shot and dragged it well wide of the near post.

Crop would find themselves ahead within 9 minutes though. A neat passing move following a throw in, from Beales, Butterworth and Stewart, led to Robertson then laying a neat set for Leo Beales on the edge of the area with room. He was able to meet it first time firing into the far corner from 20 yards beyond the reach of the away goalkeeper. 1-0.

The home side then thought they’d doubled their lead after a few more minutes. A corner found Woodcock at the back post who headed across the area, where Robertson fired home from a yard out. The linesman raised his flag, and after consultation the referee disallowed the goal. Looked very dubious in live play, and even more so on the footage afterwards.

Launton then had a great chance to pull level, as the headed against the bar from an in-swinging corner, but this would be the closest they’d come in the first half. Robertson went close on a number of occasions for Crop, the best of which was well saved by Sports stopper Giles after Robertson had weaved his way past a number of defenders. Leo Beales also went close as his 25 yard effort whipped past the post, and another great chance was spurred late in the half. Robertson done well getting in down the right and went for goal from the angle, failing to get his head up and spot James Leonard in space at the back post for a tap in.

Half time – Cropredy Devs 1-0 Launton Sports Devs

A really positive first half for Crop who created lots of chances. The only downside for the home side would be that they should have definitely been a few more goals ahead, with a disallowed goal and a few other great chances spurred.

The game swung within 6 minutes of the second period, as Cropredy gave away a silly penalty. Chay Miller failed to get the ball cleared, and then within seconds flew in recklessly going through both ball and man, giving the referee little option. Launton captain Anthony Endaya stepped up and calmly slotted home the penalty to bring the scores level.
The game remained open, and Kev Cooper almost sliced through his own net defending a cross, and Crop themselves had a few other chances, one coming from a corner.

Miller would be the villain once again, as on 63’ he gave away another silly spot kick. The ball looped up and he hand balled it needlessly to the amazement of both sets of players. Endaya stepped up once again. This time Street got a glove on it, but was unable to keep it out, and the Launton players celebrated going ahead in the game. 1-2. Miller was substituted following the goal, with Sam Harris introduced for some fresh legs.

Cropredy kept pushing looking for an equaliser. Sports had their keeper to thank once again, as he denied Robertson who somehow couldn’t finish from a few yards out, and Balfour also blazed high and wise, after Robertson had laid him off just inside the area.

Launton themselves had opportunities to kill the game off, but Endaya when presented with the hattrick chance, blazed over in the middle of the goal from 12 yards out. Substitute Horn then also had a great chance after robbing Cooper, and bearing down on goal, but Street pulled off another great save to give the home side slim hope.

The game fizzled out, and the final whistle bought joyous celebrations for the away side.

Full time – Cropredy Devs 1-2 Launton Sports Devs

A really disappointing defeat for Cropredy which deals a blow to their title hope, leaving the task for the rest of the season that, if they win their remaining 8 league fixtures they’ll still win the league. First up is a tough trip over to Heyford Athletic Reserves next weekend.

Crorpedy will be disappointed with their second half display, letting the game get away from them after such a positive first half. Missed chances and needless penalties conceded deciding the game in the end.

With Launton’s victory, and North Leigh Devs also winning, Cropredy dropped down to fourth.

Man of the match – Mo Samasa
Tough one to decide between Bobby Stewart and Mo Samasa who both put in great shifts over the 90 minutes, but Mo gets it this time. He returned to the side after a spell away at Banbury Lord Jersey side Broughton & North Newington, but slotted straight back in at full back like he hadn’t been away. Crop will hope he’ll now be around for the rest of the season to help with a tough final few months.