Progress in the Stockton Charity Cup

After a 28-day break since their last game against Chinnor Res, Cropredy Devs were back in action on a dreary wet January afternoon. After originally being scheduled for November and rearranged several times, the Stockton Charity Cup tie against AFC Binley Res finally went ahead. It was supposed to be played in Coventry, at Binley’s ground, but that was deemed unplayable earlier in the week, and after rejigging things around, the game took place at Williamscot Road.

Team news

It looked earlier in the week that manager Kieran Reading would be able to name a full 16-man squad, but a number of withdrawals during the week and on the eve of the game meant they were down to 13 with himself named as one of the two subs. The main absentees from their last game against Chinnor, were regular centre back pairing of Kev Cooper & skipper Corey Phillips, who both withdrew late. This meant Ash Balfour took the armband and gave opportunities for Jake Harvey & Izzy Liverpool to come back into the side. Assistant manager Lee Waters also missing, through isolation.

AFC Binley sat mid table in the Coventry Alliance Division Two, and came into the game on the back of a good win in their last game in December. This cup providing a great opportunity for Crop to test themselves against sides from other leagues and levels. Binley made the trip down to Cropredy with just a 12-man squad, suffering a number of late withdrawals themselves.

With a downpour overnight, leaving the pitch very damp, both sides knew it would provide a tough surface that would cut up as the game progressed.

First half

Binley set up in a 442 diamond formation, which took Cropredy a while to work out and get to grips with, as the found themselves overran at times in midfield. On the flip side, it allowed Cropredy’s full backs Harvey & Miller plenty of space our wide to get plenty of touches of the ball.

The first big chance of the game fell to young Conor Hancock, as he fired a defensive clearance towards goal on the half volley. Fortunately for the away side it only rippled the post and drifted away for a goal kick. Crop then went close again as Leo Beales’ cross somehow found its way through to Robertson at the back post, but his tame effort went straight at the ‘keeper.

The away side could have then taken the lead, but a long-range effort from all of 30 yards, hit the bar and somehow hit home stopper Street in the back off the rebound, and somehow stayed out.

Cropredy then had another great chance as Robertson found Balfour down the left channel. He then pulled a cross back to Leo Beales who completely fluffed his lines with a miskick. He did manage to keep it alive, finding Robertson whose effort was blocked, and then Kyran Beales pounced on the rebound but his effort was well saved by the away goalkeeper.

The half time whistle blew with it goalless at the interval. Both sides having good spells. Cropredy having the better of the chances with the Binley keeper in good form, but the away side had some great periods of possession, just unable to penetrate the Cropredy defence when they got up field.

Half time – Cropredy Devs 0-0 AFC Binley Res

A tough first half for both sides, but after some productive talks at half time, it was clear the early stages in the second half would be pivotal, and the first goal of the encounter would make a huge difference.

Cropredy did have that early chance to take the lead, as a Leo Beales cross from out left found Kyran Beales, but he could only scoop his volley well over the bar. The opener would then come on 55 minutes, and after spurring quite a few chances, it was the home side who got a deserved lead.

Crop done well to break down a Binley attack, and found Conor Hancock in space just outside his own area. He done well to make up a little ground, then find Leo Beales in the middle of the pitch. He then turned and played a delightful ball over the top with Robertson and Kyran Beales chasing. It was Robertson who latched on to it, and with two defenders and the outrushing ‘keeper bearing down on him, he managed to poke the ball, and it trickled into the corner. 1-0 to Crop.

This settled the game side down ,and they thought they’d doubled the lead minutes later. A great passing team move from left to right involving a number of players then saw Jake Harvey’s cross cum shot across goal find Robertson on the stretch, but the keeper done well to keep it out. It wouldn’t remain 1-0 for long though as on 59’ minutes Kyran Beales got himself on the scoresheet.

Again it was another great passing move across the pitch, resulting in Harvey firing a ball in from the right, that Balfour superbly managed to cushion across to Beales. His first touch got it out his feet, and a half yard away from the defender, and from just inside the area he fired into the corner, giving the stranded goalkeeper little chance. 2-0.

Binley tried to battle back, but two quickfire goals then took the game away from them. The first on 70 mins to make it three-nil, came as Leo Beales done well to win a header from a goal kick sending it back towards the away sides goal. It found Robertson down the left who fired the ball across goal. It looked like it had overran, but Kyran managed to keep it in, beat the defender and fire in to the empty net. Well deserved for Kyran Beales. He had endured a quiet and frustrating first half, but had really come alive since the break.

3 minutes later, it was 4-0, with Ash Balfour getting a rare goal, and well deserved in a good display from the stand in skipper. A poor pass across the pitch from the away sides left back was pounced upon by Robertson who played the ball in to Balfour. He picked it up 25 yards out, turned and sent an effort towards goal, lobbing the despairing ‘keeper.

Ben Smithers was then introduced to bring on some fresh legs coming on at right back, replacing Leo Beales, with Harvey then moving into midfield. Cropredy tried to see the game out, but still spurred some more chances, then it was Binley who managed to get themselves a glimmer of hope with some quickfire goals.

On 82’, then scored a well taken header by their skipper ,from a corner, and then straight from kick off, they won the ball back after a poor pass from Woodcock, countered and scored to make it 4-2.

Binley were re-invigorated, but luckily for Crop, then goals came just that little too late, and they managed to hold on for the win.

Full time – Cropredy Devs 4-2 AFC Binley Res

A tough fought win to start 2022 for Cropredy, but a win that takes them through to the quarter finals of the competition where they’ll face another Coventry based side in Coundon Court. That tie due to take place on 12th February.

We wish AFC Binley the best of luck for the rest of their league season, and hope to arrange a pre-season fixture with them ahead of next season.

Next up for Cropredy is a home game against Charlton Utd Reserves, as attention turns back to the league campaign. The sides met earlier in the season in the OFA Intermediate Cup, which Crop edged 2-4 in a close game. Cropredy will hope to welcome back a number of their absentees for that game as the continue to chase league leaders Kennington.

Man of the match – Karl Woodcock.
Tough decision, with any of the back four in contention after a solid display, and Luke Butterworth grasping his opportunity back in the side, with a superb performance, but Karl Woodcock picks up MOTM this week. Woodcock has been arguably Crops most consistent performer this season, despite being asked to play most the season in an unfamiliar right back role. He was back in the centre of defence this week, and despite gifting Binley their second goal, had another great display.