Crop Devs fall to a second straight defeat to start the season

After an opening day defeat away at Chinnor Res, the Crop Devs travelled to Launton Res looking to pickup their first points of the season. Launton went into this one having lost their opening game as well, going down 4-1 to Heyford Athletic Reserves.

After having a full squad last week, even having to leave players at home, it was a different story this week for manager Kieran Reading. From last weeks squad, Alex Morrish was missing with a hamstrong problem, and Alfie Jarvis also unavailable. Defender Tony Truman, Striker Joe Squirrell, and skipper Mike Harding were also all called up to the first team to face Hanborough.

Midfielder Liam Squirrell returned after injury, and Ryan Evetts was signed on late in the week to help bolster numbers. Liam Davies, Sam Roberts, Liam Squirrell & Kyran Beales all came in to the starting line up for full debuts, with Reading changing to a 433 formation this week.
The early exchanges saw both sides looking to get the ball up quickly to their front players, with Launton’s target man Ben Miles getting the best of the aerial duals against Crop’s defence. It was much the same story in the early exchanges as last week, and as Cropredy started to settle in to the game, the then found themselves behind.

A long ball was played into the Cropredy half. Sam Roberts managed to get up above opposite number Miles, but could only divert the ball back towards his own goal. His fellow defenders were too flat footed allowing wide man Ben Cooke to run onto the ball, and have plenty of time to calmly slot under advancing ‘keeper Wolstenholme, giving Launton to lead after 12 minutes. 1-0.

Cropredy looked to get back into the game and had first half chances themselves, with wide men Samasa and Kyran Beales looking to ultilise their pace to get in behind the Launton backline, but the end product just wasn’t there, rarely threatening home goalkeeper Hathaway.

Basic errors all over the park were really costing Crop, affording the Sports players way too much time all over the pitch. Launton deservedly doubled their lead on 27 minutes. They attacked down the right, and got the better of left back Alex Palmer. Roberts managed to then make a tackle in the area, but the tackle then ricochet off centre back partner Phillips, landing fortunately at the feet of Jake Collins who slotted it into the corner for 2-0.

Half time – Launton Sports Res 2-0 Cropredy Development

Some stern words at half time from the Cropredy management team hoping to spark the team into life for the second period. Bobby Stewart was bought on at the break for Alex Palmer who was struggling with a hamstring problem picked up in the last game, and he would go on to have a solid half. Crop began to get playmaker Leo Beales more into the game, and he was linking well with the front line, however the goal still alluded them.

Launton continued to have chances of their own, but Wolstenholme made a couple of good saves, and had a solid enough game for Cropredy between the sticks. Ryan Evetts was subbed on for the last 35 minutes to try to inject some energy and desire into the midfield, and he also had the desired impact on the game impressing.

Cropredy got themselves on the scoresheet on 71 minutes. The ball was worked nicely down the left, and a cross was then handled in the area by the Launton defender. Leo Beales stepped up to slot the penalty home.

Crop were then denied an equaliser by a debatable offside flag, after Kyran Beales finished well, following a through ball from his uncle Leo. Cropredy should have grabbed themselves a point in stoppage time with a free kick from the left finding its way to the back post where an outstretched Evetts could only bundle it onto the post, then wide at the second attempt.

Full time – Launton Sports 2-1 Cropredy Development

Two defeats from the first two games for Crop, who could have nobody but themselves to blame after this one. A really poor display, especially after the high expectations of pre-season. Back to the drawing board for the management team as they look ahead to getting points on the board next week away at Charlton Utd Reserves.

Hopefully Alex Morrish will return from injury, although it is bad news for Alex Palmer who could sit out the next few games to recover from his hamstring injury. After call ups to the first team Joe Squirrell and Mike Harding could also return to the squad.

Man of the match – Bobby Stewart
Stewart got an impressive 45 minutes under his belt, and proved a point to the management team that will set his in good stead for a starting place next game. He done well both offensive and defensively. Ryan Evetts, another substitute also made a great impact after coming off the bench.