The Devs crash out of the Clarendon Cup

After a week off, Cropredy Devs welcomed Launton Sports Devs to Williamscot Road for the 1st Round of the Clarendon Cup. Crops last game before the break was against Launton, where they came out 2-4 winners in the league. Launton played Saxton Rovers Res in their last game, edging out a 1-2 victory ,so came in to this one full of confidence, looking to get revenge for defeat in the sides previous encounter.

Manager Kieran Reading was able to name a full 16 man squad for this one, even having to leave out a couple of players. Probably one of the rate occasions this season. From the previous game, skipper Corey Phillips returned, and was the only change to the starting 11, coming in for Jake Harvey. Luke Butterworth, Connor Kelly and Alex Morrish all came into the squad.

First half

Cropredy knew Launton would be fired up for the game and come out quickly, however, it was the home side who started well, and could have had the lead inside the opening minute, but Kyran Beales skewed his effort wide after going through on goal. He would though, be influential in the opening goal which came on 5 minutes. A good kick out from ‘keeper Curtly Street looped over the head of the centre half, allowing Beales to get in down the right. He showed calmness to get his head up, and cross in for Damien Robertson to fire home from close range.

Crop thought they’d then doubled the lead as Robertson went around the keeper, but his effort was cleared off the line by the defender. He then made sure with his next chance on 17’, after Kyran Beales once again linked up well, sliding him in, and Robertson making sure this time, as he slotted past the keeper. Cropredy had plenty of chances in the opening 20 minutes and should have been a few more goals ahead, but then things started to go drastically wrong for the rest of the half.

Launton found themselves back in the game, as a cross from the left, was headed home by captain Endaya who beat the Crop keeper to the ball. This fired Launton into life and they had a devastating 20/25 minutes for the rest of the half which saw them score another 3 goals and go into the break 2-4 up. Crop were also dealt further blows, as both Bobby Stewart and Ash Balfour were forced off after half hour and replaced by Butterworth and Kelly.

The second and third goals were very similar with Launton getting in down their right channel, and getting chances. Twice efforts were saved by Street, but the saves were parried out to Launton players who were able to tap home from close range. The fourth then came on the stroke of half time, as a good through ball down the left channel slotted the Launton front may through, and he slotted home.

Half time – Cropredy Devs 2-4 Launton Sports Devs

There were further changes at the break, with Alex Morrish coming on to inject some more energy to the side, he replaced Sam Roberts, and Connor Kelly was unfortunately forced back off, with Jake Harvey coming on.
Reading did get a good reaction from him players after the break, and Cropredy started to come back into the game. Robertson managed to bag his second consecutive hattrick to get Crop’s third. A good bit of play, ended with Butterworth making good ground in midfield before sliding a great ball between the back line, which Robertson got onto, and slotted home.

Cropredy kept pushing and managed to draw level with around 15 to go. Robertson once again got in, his initial effort was well saved by the keeper, but he managed to somehow keep the ball in, beat the keeper, and then slide the ball across to teammate Kyran Beales to tap home and grab a deserved goal.

Cropredy’s second half display probably deserved to at least take the cup tie to extra time, but Launton’s resilience paid dividends as they saw themselves go through with a late winner.

A long ball was misjudged by Corey Phillips and his sideways header fell perfectly for Launton sub Matt Deeley who unleashed a left footed volley from 25 yards giving the keeper no chance, and sparking wild celebrations for the away side.
Sports held on for the final few minutes, and the final whistle blew, seeing them through to the next round of the Clarendon Cup.

Full time – Cropredy Devs 4-5 Launton Sports Devs

A disappointing day for Cropredy who crash out of the cup. They played well at times. The first 20 minutes were great, and they should have capitalised and scored more goals, and the reaction second half was a positive, however, the 20/25 minute spell in which Launton scored 4 goals first half, ultimately made the difference. Cropredy need to pick themselves up, and tighten things up defensively.

Fair play to Launton, who got the game right tactically, and deserved their win in the end. Good luck to them in the next round. We look forward to the final league encounter later in the season.

Cropredy are back to league action next week with a trip to Marston Saints Reserves who have been on a bad run themselves this season.

Man of the match – Luke Butterworth
Despite missing the last few games, and starting a sub this week, Butterworth came on after half hour and made a real difference in galvanising Crop second half in the middle of the park.