Charlton Res 5-8 Cropredy Dev

Cropredy Development finally got their first points on the board after coming out on top of a goal fest away at Charlton Utd Reserves. Crops goal coming from Mike Harding (2), Joe Squirrell (3), Alex Morrish, Liam Squirrell & Ash Balfour.

Cropredy went in to the game after 2 defeats in their opening 2 games of the season, including a really poor performance in the prior game at Launton Reserves. It was also a third away trip in a row, before the first home game of the season at Williamscot Road next weekend.

Team news

Cropredy were able to welcome back Alex Morrish from injury, whilst skipper Mike Harding and striker Joe Squirrell were back after featuring for the First Team last weekend. On the downside, Alex Palmer (hamstring), Connor Kelly (ankle), Alfie Jarvis (knee) and Mike Burrell (heel) all remained absent through injuries, whilst Kyran Beales also dropped out injured on the morning of the game.

There was a switch of formation again for manager Kieran Reading with a switch back to a 442 diamond. Jake Harvey switched to right back, with Bobby Stewart in at left back after impressing off the bench last game. Alex Morrish came in to midfield, with Joe Squirrell and Harding returning to the side. Mo Samasa, Ryan Evetts & Kieran Reading made up the bench.
With no appointed OSL referee, one of Charlton club members took the whistle for the game.

First half

With a nice playing surface, Crop were able to play some neat football around the park, but were stunned to find themselves behind after just 3 mins, as a Charlton midfielder found the top corner from all of 30 yards. This would spark Cropredy into life and a flurry of goals would follow.

On 9 minutes a good team move led to Leo Beales firing an effort from the edge of the box that was spilled by the keeper, and the alert Harding did well to follow up and slot home from close range. Crop then took the lead on 12 minutes through Joe Squirrell. Harvey played a good ball from deep into Squirrell’s feet, and he did the rest, beating a couple of defenders before firing home. It was then 3 on 20 minutes as Alex Morrish’s effort from 25 yards with the outside of the boot deceived the home keeper and he could only help it into the net. 1-3.

Between the goals, Liam Squirrell found himself in the sin bin for 10 minutes. He was clearly sandwiched by two defenders on the edge of the box, but nothing was given, and his complaints to the referee lead to his sin binning.

Cropredy were then made to pay for some missed chances, as Charlton got themselves back into the tie. On 36 minutes, a through ball found the defence napping, and looking for an offside flag, and the striker was allowed clear through on goal, and dually slotted home. The home side were then level on 42, as a player found himself unmarked from a corner to punish Crop and make it 3-3.

Half time – Charlton Res 3-3 Cropredy Dev

Cropredy knew they would get plenty more chances to score in the second half, but would need to cut out the sloppy defensive mistakes if they were to get the 3 points.

Crop retook the lead within 2 minutes of the restart, through Liam Squirrell. A perfectly timed through ball from Morrish found Squirrell who’d made a clever run from deep. He rounded the keeper, and slotted home. Hopefully the first of a number of goals this season from the midfielder.

Joe Squirrell then completed a hattrick in quick succession, with two great finishes on 54 & 60 mins. Finishing well on both occasion after being assisted by strike partner Ash Balfour. Charlton then pulled another back to bring it to 4-6 on 62’ after a breakdown between ‘keeper Wolstenholme and centre back Roberts allowed an easy goal.

Just a minute later, Cropredy had their own worldie, with captain Mike Harding scoring a stunning goal from 35 yards into the top corner. Again, sloppy defending followed as Crop gave away the ball needlessly just outside their own box, and Charlton once again took their chance well to make it 5-7.

Mo Samasa and Ryan Evetts were both introduced for Bobby Stewart and Alex Morrish to give some freshness for the final part of the game. The game was still back and forth for the final 20 minutes with Crop again missing a hatful of chances, but then with 89’ on the clock, Ash Balfour finally got himself his first of the season, this time Joe Squirrell turning provider as he delivered a great cross from the left which was met by the head of Balfour to score from close range. 5-8.

Full time – Charlton Res 5-8 Cropredy Dev
A very high scoring encounter, which was a great watch for any neutrals in attendance. Cropredy will be pleased to get some points on the board, and showed some great football going forward, but need to work on cutting out the sloppy defensive errors if they want to climb the table.

Next up for Crop is their first home match of the season, as they welcome Bicester Hallions Reserves to Williamscot Road next Saturday. Bicester go into the game having lost their opening 3 games, so will be looking to bounce back.

#UpTheCrop

Man of the match – Liam Squirrell
Squirrell was involved in much of Crop’s play going forward and linked well between the defence and forwards. He has improved a lot in the last few years, and has so much potential to score and create plenty of goals from midfield. Got himself a needless sin bin in the game, but that doesn’t deter from a good display.