Hanborough Res 1-4 Cropredy Devs

After a convincing win last time out against Mansfield Road Reserves, Cropredy Development were looking to get a winning run going as they travelled down to Hanborough Res, who themselves were in a good bit of form.

With goalkeeper Curtly Street who made a solid debut last game ruled out with a hip injury, regular number one Connor Wolstenholme came back into the side, luckily recovering in time from his own knee injury. Corey Phillips and Bobby Stewart were both missing, so there was one other enforced change with Mo Samasa in at wing back, and Richard Oakey dropping back in to the back three.

With a rain and wind affected game predicted, Crop knew they would need to keep the ball on the floor where possible, and would need to match a young Hanborough sides work rate on a big pitch.

The game started at a quick pace, and Cropredy found themselves ahead after just 3 minutes through Alex Morrish. The ball fell to the midfielder just outside the box, and he was able to drive forward and toe poke the ball home from the angle, beating the stranded ‘keeper down low.

Hanborough started to come into the game after going behind, and Crop had their goalkeeper Wolstenholme to thank for keeping them ahead, as the returning stopper smartly kept out 2 one on one opportunities for the home side. Cropredy were sloppy in possession across the pitch first half, and gifted Hanborough the chances. Crop dug in during this period, and nearly had their second through Ash Balfour, but he could only lash the ball just over on the stretch.

Against the run of play, the away side did double their lead, through the lively Alfie Jarvis on 37 minutes. After initially losing the ball, Crop won it back and recycled it well, finding Leo Beales in space just outside the box, he then slid through a delightful ball finding Jarvis, who poked the ball under the keeper at the near post.

A solid first half from the away side, who had to really battle for their lead.

Half time – Hanborough Res 0-2 Cropredy Development

Hanborough were the better side after the restart, and came back into the game as they scored directly from a corner, which Cropredy should have dealt with. They then thought they had the equaliser as the unleashed a stunning free kick into the top corner from 25 yards, but the referee disallowed it as he hadn’t blown his whistle. Correct decision, as he was still talking to one of the home players, but a real let off for Crop who were going through another tough period of the match.

Arguably the turning point was then Hanborough going down to ten men, as defender Ross McKensie picked up a second yellow card for chopping down Morrish on the counter attack. Hanborough complained, but both offences were clear yellow cards.

Hanborough continued to match Crop despite having a man less, but it was the away side who got the next goal to take the game away on 75 minutes. After an initial cross from the right was overhit, Mike Harding made good ground to keep the ball alive, and whipped in a cross from wide left, that found Ash Balfour at the back post who superbly headed home to make it 1-3.

There was time for a fourth for Crop, with substitute Kyran Beales netting with the last kick off the game. A cross from wide left from Leo Beales found it way through lots of bodies, before Kyran plucked it out of the air to volley into the corner.

Full time – Hanborough Res 1-4 Cropredy Development

A really pleasing win and three points for Cropredy Devs, who were really made to work for it. A real team performance with all 15 players putting a shift in to contribute. Cropredy host Chesterton Reserves next, who like Crop have had mixed results to start their season.

Man of the match – Sam Roberts
Centre half Roberts has really impressed in recent games, and has settled well into his new role at the heart of the back three. His leadership and physicalness has been a big part of recent performances, and he’s now a really important part of the side.