Cropredy Devs 1-5 Easington Sports Devs

After a week off, Cropredy Devs returned to action, and it was Semi Final time in the County Cup. It had been a great cup run for Crop, making it to this stage of the OFA Intermediate Cup, but they would face a mammoth task at this stage, against Hellenic Div 2 side Easington Sports Devs at Williamscot Road.

Easington came into the game in great form, challenging for their league title, and winning 0-3 away at Adderbury Park in their last game. Their strong side with a mix of youth and experience, included two former Crop players in Dan Watkin and Joe Squirrell, whilst a third Sean Snelling was ruled out.

Team news

After a great start January, and after the dramatic extra time win at Kirtlington, Cropredy Devs named a side containing just one change. The influential Kev Cooper was absent, so Ben Smithers was given great opportunity to come in to starting line-up. Callum Moon, Izzy Liverpool & Mo Samasa also came into the squad from the previous game.

It was a very windy afternoon at Williamscot Road, which would be sure to play its part in the game.

First half

Crop knew it was always going to be a hard task, and would have to work very hard out of possession, and this would prove to be the case from the kick off. Sports started to move the ball round with pace and composure, with Crop having to spend large periods chasing the ball around the field.

Despite Easington having most of the ball, Cropredy would have the first golden opportunity against the run of play. On 13 minutes, Cropredy managed to force a mistake and win the ball high up the field. Leo Beales picked it up and found Robertson on the edge of the box. He drove past a couple of defenders before pulling the trigger, but his effort went straight at Sports ‘keeper Adam Doyle. Huge chance for Crop.

Cropredy failing to take their chance, would prove vital, as they fell behind on 19 minutes. A really nice passing move ended with the ball finding Matthew Johnson to the left-hand side of the pitch. With his first touch he flicked the ball up, before firing a half volley from 30 yards which flew past the home stopper into the net. 0-1 to the away side.

Crop kept battling and working hard, creating a couple of half chances, but then they would go on to have a horror 4-minute spell conceding a further 3 goals. After giving away a cheap free kick out wide, the ball in deflected off the wall. It seemed to be an easy claim for Crop ‘keeper Street, but he fumbled it into the net. Corey Phillips, on the goalline tried his best to try and keep it out, but his effort was in vain.

Heads dropped after the second goal, and substitute Ibrahima Gueye capitalised managing a quick double for Easington. His first was another Easington worldie, as he cut inside from the left, and curled a 25 yards effort into the far top corner. He then got another, and another good passing move saw Fountain deliver a delicious through ball to full back Dan Watkin, who’s cross shot, was pushed onto the post by Street, however Gueye reacted first to the rebound to head home from close range.

Half Time – Cropredy Devs 0-4 Easington Sports Devs

A tough half for the home side, but they remained positive, and could come back out for the second half and play without pressure to try and regain some pride.

Crop looked more like their usual selves in the second period and began to create a few more chances. They were rewarded with a goal to show for their effort, but it came from an unlikely source on 52’. Curtly Street’s free kick out from his own half, was overhit and bounced over Sports ‘keeper Doyle who was left embarrassed in a heap on the floor, as his clean sheet was thrown away. 1-4.
The rest of the half saw plenty of possession for Easington, but Cropredy stood firm, with the defence making plenty of clearances and blocks and Crop creating a few more half chances of their own.

In stoppage time Easington grabbed their fifth goal, as the played the ball around a tired defence, and slotted Jack Fountain in down the left. He fired home at the near post to round off the win. Street will be disappointed to be beaten easily at his near post.

The final whistle sounded, and Easington progress to the final of the Intermediate Cup where they’ll meet fellow Hellenic side Woodcote, at Oxford City’s ground with the date TBC.

Full Time – Cropredy Devs 1-5 Easington Sports Devs

Although disappointed with heading out at the Semi final stage, Crop should be proud of the performance and run to the Semi’s, and use it as good experience progressing forward. Their focus will now turn back to trying to win the league, and the two remaining cups they’re in, starting with next weeks Stockton Charity Cup Quarter Final away in Coventry, to Coundon Court of the Coventry Alliance league.
Thanks to Easington for an entertaining game, and best of luck to them for the Final.

Man of the match – Conor Hancock