Cropredy Devs 0 (4) - (3) 0 Launton Devs

After starting the league campaign with 3 wins from 3, attention turned to the cup for Cropredy Devs. It was the county cup first up, as they hosted Launton Sports Devs in the first round of the OFA Intermediate Cup. Crop made it to the semi finals in this competition last season, so were hoping for another good cup run this time out.

Launton have become a bit of a bogey team for Crop in recent seasons both at Development and First Team level, with the Devs beating Crop at Williamscot Road twice last season, once in the league (1-2) and a 4-5 win in the Clarendon Cup. There was added spice to the game with ex-Cropredy manager Sean Dineen returning, now managing the Launton Devs side.

Kieran Reading’s pre-match plans were thrown into turmoil, with new recruit Luke Slater dropping out last minute, leaving Cropredy without a recognised goalkeeper. Skipper Damien Robertson put the gloves on for this one, meaning a late change around to the starting line-up. The back four and midfield three remained unchanged, with Ben Coleman and Michael Zinn coming into the front three for first starts of the season. Luke Butterworth also returned, taking his place amongst the substitutes with MacDonald and Williams.

First half
Launton started the brighter and were playing some neat football and putting pressure on the home defence. They had the first real effort, as a shot from the edge of the box was bundled away by Robertson, before another good effort from the angle was palmed over the bar. Robertson showing his capabilities early on. Crops best chance of the half came, as Coleman capitilized on a defensive mix up dealing with a long ball, but his effort was saved well by the legs of away stopper O’Rourke.

The second half remained much the same, with a tight game of few clear chances. Crop introduced their 3 subs just past the hour mark, with Harvey, Liverpool & Zinn making way for MacDonald, Butterworth & Williams coming on. Launton player/manager Dineen was lucky to stay on the pitch. First, he was booked for a chest high tackle on Kyran Beales (which could have been red with the striker bearing down on goal), before a number of other fouls on the same player.

The changes seemed to inject some energy, and Cropredy’s best chance came, as Beales was set through. His first effort was blocked by the keeper, but he then rounded him, but a defender got back well to clear his effort off the line. Coleman then had a 25 yard effort that skimmed the outside of the post via a deflection, but the game began to fizzle out and the final whistle sounded, signalling a further 30 minutes of extra time.

Full time –Cropredy Development 0-0 Launton Sports Devs

Extra time continued in the same vein. A tight game, but both sides did have some chances. Ben Coleman had another chance, but his half volley whistled just over the bar from inside the area. The visitors stung the hands of Robertson again, but their best chance then came as a cross was met by the sliding attacker but he could only turn the attempt straight at a diving Robertson. Liverpool was bought back on for Coleman who was struggling with a knock, doing well to get through most the game on his first start of the season.

Cropredy then thought they’d won the game in the dying moments. Zinn, who was bought back on for the shootout, picked the ball up and slid through a beautiful pass to Beales. He got there before the goalkeeper, but didn’t get enough on his goal bound effort, allowing the defender to get back and clear. The final whistle blew, and it would be penalties to decide this game.

AET –Cropredy Development 0-0 Launton Sports Devs

Cropredy faced their first penalty schootout since the formation of the Devs side. Launton stepped up first and started the shootout well, Zinn replied with an unstoppable penalty into the top corner. Next up Sean Dineen walked up, but failed to beat Robertson who pulled off a great save. Both sides continued to slot them home, but with their fifth penalty, Launton struck the crossbar, to give the home side the victory.
Cropredy scorers – Michael Zinn, Damien Robertson, Matt Allum, Izzy Liverpool

Penalties - Cropredy Development 4-3 Launton Sports Devs

Cropredy go through in the county cup with the second round scheduled for November. They will be looking for a much improved performance next week, as they welcome OSL new boys Abingdon Abbots to Williamscot Road with a return to league action. Crop will hope to be at full strength with absent players returning.

Abingdon have started the season well, winning 3 of their 4 games, although one since has been changed to a walkover defeat due to playing an ineligible player.

Man of the match – Damien Robertson

Karl Woodcock and his fellow defenders had another cracking game, but Robertson pips it this week. After a late change, found himself in goal, and didn’t put a foot wrong with an assured performance. He made a number of crucial saves, then played a big part in the shootout, saving a penalty, before scoring his own.