Cropredy Devs 0-3 Headington Amatuers

The draw for the 2nd round of the OFA Intermediate Cup had thrown up a tough tie for Cropredy Devs, as they welcomed higher level Headington Amateurs to Williamscot Road. Headington came into the game on the back of a solid start to the league campaign, with them sitting 2nd in the Hellenic Division Two North.

Despite being underdogs, Crop knew that with a strong performance they had enough fire power in attack to cause Headington problems, but a much better defensive display was needed, after the late drama against Kidlington last week that saw they drop two points.

Team news
Once again there was changes in key areas. Jamie Andrew returned in goal, replacing Fraser, whilst Matt Steele returned at the back after missing last week, and regular First Team player Ruben Torego slotted in to get some much-needed game time after a knee injury. There was also a start for striker Michael Zinn, and Izzy Liverpool moved into midfield to replace the absent Luke Butterworth. It was a strong 5 man full bench for Crop featuring Moon, Varnham-Wrigley, Harvey, and the returning James Keane and Ben Smithers.
Pleasing for the Devs side that half of the 16 man squad was made up of teenagers, as we keep striving to develop young local players.

First half

Cropredy knew they’d have much less of the ball then they were used to, against their Hellenic opponents, and the game played out this way. Headington saw plenty of the ball, playing around at the back, but Crop were resolute in their defending, limiting the opposition to some half chances, and long range efforts early doors. Bobby Stewart did pick up a silly booking after just 6 minutes sliding in from behind, with him walking a tightrope for the rest of the first half.

Crop had the best chance of the opening quarter, as Kyran Beales struck the post. Steele won the ball back and fed Jamie Oxley, who played a great ball down the channel to Beales. He cut inside from the right and from the edge of the area, his curling effort struck the far post and bounced back out.

The home side were then left reeling, as the trigger happy Headington linesman had his flag up for offside as Robertson was put through on goal. Firstly, Robertson was inside his own half, but regardless, two defenders were at least 10 yards inside their own half when the ball was played. Embarrassing from the linesman.

It was Headington who did take the lead with 30 minutes on the clock with a well worked goal. A free kick was awarded 25 yards out, with two stood over it. One player made a dummy to take, and reeled off past the wall unfollowed, and was fed a pass. He was able to slide the ball across the area where it was finished well into the bottom corner to give the away side the lead. 0-1.

The rest of the half was much the same, with few clear chances for either side.

Crop pleased with their first half display, despite the scoreline, and knew the wood get further chances in the second period.

Half time- Cropredy Devs 0-1 Headington Amateurs

Stewart who was lucky to stay on the pitch, was withdrawn at half time, replaced by James Keane making a home debut.
Cropredy came out with intent to grab the equaliser and created some great chances. A nice move down the left saw Robertson and Zinn combine, and the former’s ball across the area found Beales at the back post but his effort on the swivel was well saved by the away stopper.

Robertson then combined with Matt Allum to create another chance, but he fired his effort high and wide from close range. The home sides golden opportunity then came, as Kyran Beales stung the hands of the goalkeeper, and it fell to Robertson who dragged a 6 yard effort wide with the goal gaping. It seemed to be a story of missed chances for Crop.

They were also left raging once again from the linesman, with an even more shocking offside decision then the first half. Allum fed through Robertson (once again in his own half) and the flag went up despite a defender once again being 10 yards inside his own half (the lino even further back). This infuriated the bench. Mistakes happen, but clear cheating on the linesman’s part.

Cropredy’s inability to take their chances came back to bite them as Headington extended their lead after 76 minutes. The wideman was fed down the left, he done well to cut inside past Oxley and Liverpool who both lost their footing, and curled home into the corner from just inside the area. 0-2 and the home side were left deflated.

Headington struck the underside of the bar with a 25 yard curling free kick, that fortunately for Crop bounced clear, but the game was then wrapped up 5 minutes from time. Steele was unable to get enough on his cleared effort, that fell directly to the Amatuers skipper, who got half a yard and fired his long range effort into the top corner past the helpless Andrew, to wrap the game up and see Headington into the next round.

Full time – Cropredy Devs 0-3 Headington Amatuers.

Cropredy were proud of their efforts, and on another day had they taken their chances the result could have been different. A much improved display from recent games, which they now need to take into a run of league games, starting next week against basement side Woodstock Town Devs.

Thanks to Headington for the game, and good bunch of lads in the whole, and we wish them well moving forwards. Thanks to them also, for staying behind for food and a few drinks after the game.

Man of the match – Izzy Liverpool
After a good shift at centre back last week, Crop’s utility player was back in midfield this week, and put in his best display of the season. Having to do most of his work out of possession he battled hard throughout. Also a mention to Ruben Torego, who returned from injury and put in a very solid display at the back, and despite still being young himself, lead by example in a back four of three other teenagers.