Charlton Utd Res 2-4 Cropredy Devs

With Cropredy Decs still licking their wounds after a swift exit from the Clarendon Cup at the hands of Launton 2 weeks prior, they travelled down to Charlton Utd Reserves in the OFA Intermediate Cup looking for a prolonged cup run. After a bye in the 1st round, this provided a great opportunity to get into the quarter final of the county cup competition.

Both sides went into this on the back of wins, with Charlton beating Summertown Res in the league the previous week, with the sides not having played each other yet this season, and the only meeting last season was a high scoring 5-8 score line going in Crop’s favour.
Team news

Again, there was several changes from the last game, with Chay Miller, Sam Roberts and Leo Beales all dropping out, joining the already growing list of missing players. There was however returns for Connor Kelly, Ben Smithers and Alex Morrish who all came straight into the starting line-up, whilst young striker Callum Moon came in for his full debut. Damien Robertson once again captained the side, with Phillips and Balfour still absent.

First half

Both sides started on the front foot, but with Crop having a front three full of blistering pace, it wasn’t going to be long before they started to create chances. It took them 10 minutes to create the first clear cut opening and it was for that man Robertson again. Cropredy moved the ball well and found Kyran Beales in the final third, who then slipped through a great ball into the oath of Robertson who latched onto it, and fired superbly past the ‘keeper into the far corner to put Crop one up.

It was soon two goals in three minutes, as on 13’ Robertson would grab his brace. A great high kick out by Cropredy’ ‘keeper Street was missed in air by the centre half, allowing Beales to flick on to Robertson who once again got through on goal and slotted home past the home stopper. 0-2.

Cropredy should have extended their lead, but a mixture of not taking some clear chances, and a few top saves by home keeper Hillsdon kept the score down and Charlton in the game.

The rolling subs rule in this competition came in handy for Crop as Callum Moon was forced off half hour in with a rolled ankle, being replaced by Hugo Caldeira.

Crop were then punished for not putting the game beyond reach as Charlton scored and gained a foothold. It was a strike from distance that got them back into it, as midfielder DeSouza struck from 25 yards, and after a slight deflection off Karl Woodcock it squandered under the gloves of Street and into the corner.

With 8 minutes left in the half, Charlton pushed forward looking for the equaliser, but Crop done just about enough to keep them at bay, and go into half time ahead.

Half time – Charlton Utd Res 1-2 Cropredy Devs
Callum Moon was fit enough to re-join the action, and he came back on for Caldeira in the front 3. Cropredy started the second period at a fast pace, much like the first, and would get another 2 goals in a 3 minute period.

On 50 minutes, with Charlton pushing for the equaliser, Crop managed to clear their lines from a corner, allowing Izzy Liverpool to find Robertson with a head forward. Robertson picked up the ball inside his own half, and with little options on, he decided to go it alone and set off on a jinking run, He managed to outpace and beat the whole Charlton back line, get through and again finished well to seal an unbelievable hattrick and restore the two goal cushion.

3 minutes later, Crop got their fourth. Robertson was clumsily took down just inside the area, allowing Kyran Beales to step up and fire home the penalty for a deserved goal. The ‘keeper got down well to get finger tips on the effort, but Beales had just enough on it for the ball to end up in the back of the net. 1-4.

Callum Moon picked up an unfortunate injury on the hour mark, and he fell awkwardly on his hand. Clearly in agony and with a suspected broken wrist, he was taken off to A&E, and was replaced by Steven Gilbert. Luckily it would be later confirmed as a sprained wrist and a couple of broken fingers, but we wish Callum well in his recovery, having unfortunately already missed so much of the season with a number of injuries.

Hugo Caldeira was then reintroduced for the final 25 min in place of Morrish and would have Crop’s best chance of a firth as he struck the outside of the post from 25 yards. Cropredy should have had further goals but again maybe a little guilty of not being clinical enough, and Charlton would end up getting a second late on.

On the 90 minute mark, Charlton got themselves a penalty after a moment of madness from Cropredy stopper Curtly Street. A back pass to him wasn’t cleared first time, and after a silly touch, the striker robbed him off the ball and Street fouled him trying to stop him getting away and scoring. The home players and bench screamed for a red card, but after taking his time to think about it, the referee brandished a yellow, with a defender on the line adjusted to have saved him a red. Fortunate for Crop, as could have easily been a red on another day. Charlton picked up a sin bin in the process of their protests and would be the side ending the game with 10 men.

DeSouza stepped up to grab his second from the spot, and give Charlton a glimmer of hope. Street kicking the ball away in the aftermath and lucky not to get a second yellow. Cropredy done just about enough to see the game out in stoppage time, and progress to the next round with a 2-4 win.

Full time -Charlton Utd Res 2-4 Cropredy Devs

Cropredy through to the next round, where they’ll likely face a huge challenge in a Hellenic Div 2 side. This will be played in December.
Attention now turns back to the league next week against Summertown Res at home, and 3 points will be a must for Crop, with leaders Kennington winning and Saxton Rovers Res also moving up to 2nd with a win.

Man of the Match – Damien Robertson

Damien has been in outstanding goalscoring form since joining Cropredy from Banbury Utd Devs last month, and now has 16 in just 5 games, including four consecutive hattricks now. Not only has he made a big contribution with his scoring, but has also captained the side in the last two games, and had been a great influence on some of the young attackers we have in the side.