Beales masterclass sees the Devs win again

Cropredy travelled down to Oxford to face Summertown Res, on the back of a convincing win last week, that stretched Crops winning league run to 12 games. Summertown would provide a stern test, with the reverse fixture back in November being a real tight affair, that Cropredy just managed to edge 2-0, with second half goals.

Cropredy had some key absentees from the usual squad, with Luke Butterworth, Karl Woodcock, Hugo Caldeira & Callum Moon all missing. Curtly Street was back in goal, replacing Brown, whilst Conor Hancock came back in. Bobby Stewart & Sam Roberts returned to the squad after spells away from the club, with Stewart straight back into the starting side. Chris Young was drafted in onto the bench, as well as midfielder Sam Harris, in line for a debut after recently joining from Kings Sutton.

Despite the absentees, it was still a very strong squad for the game. With Summertown’s First Team game postponed away at Launton, their squad was in attendance to make a healthy crowd at the Northway Community Centre.

First half

With wet and windy conditions, both side tried to keep the ball on the deck, playing the ball around. Cropredy thought they’d taken an early lead, as Kyran Beales had the ball in the net, but it was pulled back for offside. Despite the frustration, they did take the lead 8 minutes in. Kyran Beales found Leo Beales on the right flank. He was allowed to drift in field, beating a couple of defenders before placing the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper from just outside the area. Great goal and finish to give the Devs the lead. 0-1.

Summertown tried to hit back straight away with chances of their own, the best of which forced a smart save with his legs from Curtly Street. A free kick from deep found its way to a red & white shirt at the back post, but despite appeals for offside, Street saved well to keep Crop ahead. Kyran Beales forced a save from the ‘keeper after being put through by an unbelievable cross field ball from Leo, Robertson then hit the bar with a header from a corner, and the same player then went close again, as he weaved his way incredibly past 5 defenders before skewing his effort well wide.

The pressure finally paid, as Cropredy doubled their advantage on the half hour mark. Kev Cooper’s clearance found Balfour in space centrally, allowing him to find a through ball to Kyran. His effort was well saved by the Stars stopper Evans, but luckily for Beales, the rebound fell straight back to him. He showed great composure to round the keeper, get his head up, and square across to Robertson to bury the effort. Great unselfish play by Kyran who could have scored himself, especially as both players went into this game level on 28 goals scored.

Cropredy made it 3 six minutes later. A long kick out by Street eluded the Summertown backline, who all looked at each other, allowing Kyran Beales to nip in ahead of them all, and loft the ball over Evans who was in no mans land. Superb finishing and reaction speed by Beales to get a deserved goal. He should have grabbed a second minutes later, as he was played in and rounded the goalkeeper, but his scuffed effort his the outside of the post and rolled out for a goal kick.

Summertown almost pulled one back before half time. They threw men forward on the counter attack at pace. Skipper Corey Phillips initially done well to slow the play down, allowing Hancock to get back and made a superb sliding tackle. From the tackle the ball rolled to another attack to strike from just inside the box, but again Cropredy had Curtly Street to thank who got down well to make a smart save.

On the stroke of half time, Crop had a penalty claim waved away from the referee. Some outstanding work from Leo Beales again in midfield, leaving opposition players for dead before sliding in Robertson. His effort was well saved, and from the rebound he got to a bouncing ball before the defender who kicked through him, but nothing given.

A really positive half from the away side, who weathered some tough moments, leading 3 nil, and it could have been a lot more.

Half Time – Summertown Stars Res 0-3 Cropredy Devs

The second half was much the same story, with both sides creating chances, but Crop looking the more dangerous when they got the ball in the final third. Robertson fired an early warning shot, with a lashed effort from the edge of the area going just wide, but it was Leo Beales who was once again instrumental in the next goal.

On 52 minutes, he won the ball back in the middle, then tricking his way past a player, before seeing the goalkeeper off his line. He lifted the ball over him from all of 30 yards, producing another superb Cropredy goal for the afternoon. 0-4.

This roared Crop into life again, and they scored their fifth within a minute of the last. Leo Beales once again found space in midfield, after Kyran had found him. He then played a delightful ball through to Robertson. Robertson got a fortunate bounce from the turf, and with a touch he took it past the outrushing Evans, and passed into the empty net for his brace.

Manager Reading, then introduced Sam Harris in midfield for a 30 minute debut, replacing Bobby Stewart who put in a good display on his return to the squad.

Ash Balfour was next on the scoresheet, continuing his good goalscoring form since the turn of the year, and scoring Crop’s goal of the game. Baflour was involved in the build-up as he flicked the ball wide to Kyran Beales. He in turn played a delightful one-two with Robertson who’s back heal played in Kyran down the right. He then played a lovely first time ball across the box, which Balfour was able to back heel into the net beyond the ‘keepers reach. A superb team goal for Cropredy.

Balfour and Skipper Corey Phillips were then replaced by Chris Young and Sam Roberts, allowing them a good rest, and the subs 25 minutes of action.

Disappointingly for Cropredy it wouldn’t be a clean sheet, as Summertown pulled one back on 69’. A corner was deflected to the back of the area, where the lofted effort deceived Street who’s palm out fell straight to the feet of Max Rothell who fired home from close range. 1-6.
Summertown would have further chances, the best of which both came from long range free kicks. The first was well tipped behind by Street at full stretch, and the second cannoned back of the cross bar.

Crop themselves, had plenty more chances. Young went close a number of times, as did Robertson, but the best chance fell to Conor Hancock, who somehow fired an open goal over the bar from a couple of yards after Young had squared to him.

The game finished 1-6. A strange game, where both sides could have had plenty more goals, and the score never really reflected how close the encounter was at times. Summertown providing Crop with two very tough games this season, and their position in the table definitely doesn’t reflect what a good young side they have. Best of luck to them for the rest of the season.

Full Time – Summertown Res 1-6 Cropredy Devs

Next up for Cropredy is a tough league game against Launton Sports Devs at Williamscot Road. Crop won the previous league encounter, but Launton won 4-5 last time they visited Cropredy, in the Clarendon Cup, so this one is bound to be another great game. The Devs will hope to welcome back a number of key players such as Woodcock, Butterworth & Moon for the game.

Man of the match – Leo Beales
Leo just edges out Kyran Beales this week. Kyran had a superb game, scoring once, assisting three, and his all round work rate both in and out of possession was top notch. It was an all round real top team performance but Leo’s contribution in goals and assists, and all round player was as good as he’s displayed this season.