Cropredy Devs 2-4 Kennington Res

After the recent lockdown, Cropredy Development were back in action, facing a tough task against unbeaten Kennington Athletic Reserves. The lockdown came at the wrong time for Crop, who were in great form beforehand, playing some great football and scoring plenty of goals.

Manager Kieran Reading had planned to keep some consistency with a unchanged team, however regular stopper Connor Wolstenholme was unavailable, recent ‘keeper signing Curtly Street was injured, and Assistant Manager Matt Robinson was due to step in goal, however he pulled out on the morning of the game with illness. This meant a late call up to 16 year old Chris Brown.

There was also a further blow with talisman Leo Beales pulling out in the warmup due to a knee problem, meaning another reshuffle late on, with Liam Squirrell coming in to start.

Cropredy knew if they wanted to continue challenging towards the top of the table this was a must win game and would need to be at their best for 90 minutes.

Hats off to all the committee members too, who had put in countless hours over the lockdown to make sure the pitch was in tip top condition for the restart.

First half

Crop came out and played some good football in the early exchanges, getting the ball out to the wing backs and trying to utilise the pace of Kyran Beales up front. They took the lead on 8 minutes. Samasa done well out wide and found midfielder Alex Morrish just inside the box, the ball ricocheted around, and fell nicely to Kyran Beales at the back post to slot home and give Crop the lead.
Kennington immediately hit back a minute later, as Samasa gave away a cheap free kick on the touchline. This was swung in to the back post where it eluded everyone, including ‘keeper Brown and nestled in the corner. Sucker punch for Crop, as this then turned the game in Kennington’s favour.

Kennington began to dominate and countered the Crop backline. They took the lead on 23 minutes, with a fine effort from just inside the area, and then took the lead on half hour mark with another effort fired home from the edge of the box. 1-3.

Cropredy did have their own changes during the half, as Kyran saw his lofted effort saved after being set through, Sam Roberts saw a powerful header tipped onto the bar by an excellent save, and Ash Balfour saw a buller header that flew into the top corner ruled out for offside. Alex Morrish was also forced off with a foot problem, replaced by Bobby Stewart.

As half time approached, Cropredy shot themselves in the foot, as skipper Mike Harding was sent to the sin bin for decent, followed by the home side giving away a penalty, that was slotted home to make it 1-4 going into the break.

Not a good half at all from Cropredy, with a massive task to try and turnaround the game in the second period.

Half time – Cropredy Devs 1-4 Kennington Res

The second half was much improved from Cropredy who were the better side, limiting Kennington to few chances. Kyran Beales again had some great chances for the home side, but he was foiled on a number of occasions by the away ‘keeper who had a solid game.
Cropredy did then pull another back on 52 minutes, as a cross from Samasa found it way through a number of bodies and fell the Richard Oakey who smashed his left footed effort high into the net.

A blow came on 65 minutes, as both teams had a player dismissed. Some words were exchanged between substitutes that resulted in Kennignton’s Thomas Larman being shown red for poor behaviour and words said to numerous players and the official. Larman had already been subbed off, so it meant Kennington still had a full compliment on the field. Crop on the other hand were reduced to 10, as Ash Balfour needlessly got involved and was sent off for what he said to the official.

Sam Roberts then came off injured, and Liam Squirrell also replaced, with Harvey and Jarvis introduced.

Despite Crop pushing for the needed goals, they couldn’t find them. Alf Jarvis blazing over in the final moments which could have pulled another back.The game petered out, and Kennington celebrated the victory, which they fully deserved on the day.

Full time – Cropredy Devs 2-4 Kennington Res

An improved second half performance, but Crop simply not good enough over the course of 90 minutes. Ill-discipline, missed chances, poor goals conceded, and injuries all playing their part. The discipline was poor for both sides, with 8 yellows shared between the sides, alongside 2 reds, and the sinbin for Harding.

With injuries mounting, Balfour now banned and a few players away, Reading will need to rally the lads and string together a side for their next league game at home to Marston Saints Res.

Man of the match – Sam Roberts