Cropredy Devs 8-1 Marston Saints Res

Cropredy welcomed Marston Saints Reserves to Williamscot Road for their last game of 2020. Cropredy Devs were looking to bounce back after losing for the first time at home, against Kennington last week, whilst Marston came into the game having not played for a while after forfeiting their game last week, not being able to raise a side.

Marston were late arriving at the game, with their 11th player arriving moments before kick off. The referee delayed slightly so they could start the game with a full compliment. Marston’s new manager hoping for some reinforcements during the afternoon, but they never showed. Shout out to the Cropredy subs who ran both lines during the game.

Team news
With injuries mounting, players away and suspensions, Cropredy still managed to name a full squad of 16, which included new signings Sam Singleton & Harry Temple, as well as the returning Mike Burrell and Corey Phillips. Curtly Street also returned in goal after injury, and Leo Beales who has struggled with his knee in recent weeks, was fit enough to be involved. Captain Mike Harding was away, so Sam Roberts took the armband for the first time this season, with Alfie Jarvis also missing and Ash Balfour serving the first of his two-game ban.

First half

Despite not having a warmup, Saints started the brighter of the two teams, with Cropredy being very sloppy and wasteful with the ball. Against the early run of play, Crop did take the lead on 12 minutes. Leo Beales swung a left footed free kick in from wide right, which the keeper misjudged and could only fumble across the line, Sam Roberts claimed he got a touch before it crossed the line, but goal given to Beales.

This settled Crop down, and they doubled the lead 4 minutes later, as Leo scored again. A good passing move saw him played in by nephew Kyran, and Leo calmly put it away. Kyran then got himself on the scoresheet on 24’. Cropredy countered well and found Richard Oakey in some space, he drove forward then played in Kyran Beales who scored for the fifth consecutive game.

Skipper Sam Roberts then got his 1st of the season looping a pinpoint Leo Beales free kick across the keeper into the far corner on 33’, before Leo completed his hattrick on 38’ from the penalty spot after Corey Phillips was hacked down following a corner. Leo Beales was then subbed having injured himself taking the pen, and with recent knee trouble, Reading didn’t want to take any risks with him going in to the Christmas break. Mike Burrell was introduced to play up top.

Cropredy defended very well in the first half, limited Marston to play mostly on the break through their lively quick forward who’s pace and direct running caused the Crop backline problems at times. Behind them Curtly Street looked assured, being a vocal presence when needed.

Half time – Cropredy Devs 5-0 Marston Saints

With the game one sided at the interval, it would allow Reading to make multiple changes early in the second half to make sure everyone got ample game time, however Cropredy needed to make sure they didn’t drop their performance levels and let the away side back into the game. Marston swapped their keeper at half time to get some added fresh legs onto the pitch.

Cropredy were guilty of trying to walk the ball in the net and overplaying at times, as lots of players passed up the opportunity to shoot when in and around the box, which cost Cropredy the opportunity to get lots more goals on the board in this game. They did get a sixth through Alex Palmer on 52’. After the initial move broke down, Mike Burrell done well to get across and keep the ball in out wide right, he then delivered a superb ball to the back post, where Palmer didn’t have to break stride to smash the ball home on the volley.
Some sloppy defending minutes later allowed Marston to get on the scoresheet through Jacob Hitchcock as he fired home from just inside the area, probably deserved for Marston’s battling display. It could have been another moments later, but Street superbly tipped a close range effort round the near post.

Mo Samasa & Liam Squirrell were introduced to bring some fresh legs and impetus, replacing Palmer and Stewart. Temple and Singleton also both introduced for the final 30 minutes for debuts, with Morrish and Davies being given a rest after a job well done.
It took until the final 10 minutes for the further goals to come, and the fresh legs made the impact. Mike Burrell who’d passed up a few changes already did get himself a goal for his first of the season on 80’. He was played in by Squirrell, then showing good composure to steady himself and beat two defenders before slotting home. Sam Roberts then doubled his goal tally as he headed home a Harvey corner at the back post 5 minutes from time.

Full Time – Cropredy Devs 8-1 Marston Saints

Commiserations to Marston who should be proud of their spirited display, pulling together a scratch side to travel up from Oxford with a bare 11. We look forward to travelling down for the reverse fixture in the new year.

Good for manager Kieran Reading to use a full 16 players, getting people minutes that needed them, and getting to look at a couple of new players. No new injury concerns either, with Leo Beales now having 3 weeks to rest his knee, and with the missing players returning for the next game.

Cropredy now break for the festive period, with no game scheduled next week, and return with an away trip to Heyford Athletic Reserves on 2nd January.

Man of the match – Richard Oakey
Oakey showed what a key part of the squad he is, moving into midfield for this one. He’s now played in defence, wing back and now in midfield in recent games, and has looked assured in any of the roles. He showed good energy having great impact in both halves of the pitch.