Chalgrove 1-0 Cropredy Devs

The Devs made the long journey down to Chalgrove in search of a first win since the sides last met, in February. Cropredy have lost their two matches since then, bowing out of the Stockton Charity Cup, before a gut wrenching last minute defeat to Bicester Town Colts last time out.
Chalgrove had a week off after the defeat at Williamscot Road, but bounced back emphatically last week winning 4-1 against Prem side Charlton Utd in the Ben Turner Cup, so were full of confidence in search of 3 points.

Team news
Goalkeeper Luke Slater who picked up an injury last week, was replaced by Sam Roberts who made a timely return from holiday. Cropredy were also able to welcome back some much needed experience in Corey Phillips and Bobby Stewart, with Izzy Liverpool also returning for his first game since November, meaning the squads average age likely jumped by 10 years from the previous games squad. Archie Cunnold-Payne also came in for some needed game time.
There was a late blow with withdrawals of Luke Butterworth and James Keane on the eve of the game, meaning a late shuffle of the pack. Matt Steele and Kyran Beales were also missing from last week, having now completed their moves to step 6 Moreton Rangers. We wish the both of them the best of luck.

First half
The early exchanges indicated that Chalgrove were much more used to the bobbly ‘Rice Pudding’ surface as they attacked with numbers at every opportunity. Crop stood firm and the first major chances of the game fell to them, but the hosts captain and ‘keeper Ben Snellgrove was in inspired form making some great saves. First he denied Jamie Williams after he latched onto Robertson’s cut back, before he pulled off a worldie save to deny Crop captain Robertson’s close range effort, to tip it over the bar.

Chally’s first clear chance came half hour in, but a close range header at the back post was straight at Crop ‘keeper Roberts and easily gathered. Robertson then had another great chance for the visitors as he robbed the Chalgrove defender and raced in down the left, but Snellgrove came out to close the angle, and saved well with his legs to leave the Crop captain frustrated once again.

The last chance of the half fell to the hosts, as a neat midfield move found the run of Skiller, but Sam Roberts was quick off his line and smothered the ball just before the Chalgrove man could get there.

Half time – Chalgrove 0-0 Cropredy Devs

Another first half of frustration for Crop Devs. For a third game running they found themselves 0-0 at Half Time despite having the best chances, and failing to put the ball in the net.

The second started similar to the first, with Chlagrove seeing more possession, but the opening goal of the encounter came from an unlikely situation. Crop gave away the ball poorly, from their own throw, and a Cunnold-Payne under hit pass across the pitch, left right back Harry Treml in a 50/50 with midfielder Harrison Todd, who came out on top. With nothing much on, he hit a speculative effort from 25 yards, which somehow squirmed under the gloves of Roberts and through his legs into the net. Chalgrove celebrated the lead. Harsh one for Roberts who otherwise had a faultless game between the sticks, but such is life as a goalkeeper. 1-0 on 49 minutes.

Midfielder Stewart was soon replaced with a hamstring issue, by Jamie Oxley, but the goal had deflated Crop in similar fashion to their previous few games. Cropredy only chance of note coming as a Robertson volley flashed across goal but was well cleared.

Chaglrove pushed to extend their lead, but an effort from the edge of the area was somehow flicked over by defender Liverpool, before another effort not long after was palmed over by Roberts. The hosts should have put the game to bed in the last few minutes as they countered, and the striker found himself clean through, but Roberts produced another top save to deny him.

After Chalgrove managed to defend a late free kick where Crop had thrown everyone forward, the final whistle sounded to cheers from the home team and support, with Chally picking up all 3 points in this close encounter.

Full Time – Chalgrove 1-0 Cropredy Devs
Another game where Crop were left to rue their first half missed chances which once again paid dividends, leaving them with just 1 win in their last 6 games, and just the 2 wins since the turn of the year. Results lately have led to the title race remaining wide open with any of the top 7 still in with a shout, although Bicester who beat Headington sit at the top of the table this week.

Crop face a trip to last seasons rivals North Leigh Devs next week, very much needing a win after the poor run of form of late.

Man of the match – Izzy Liverpool
Liverpool made a welcome return to the squad having been unavailable since November. The side have missed his experience and leadership around the dressing room, and despite playing in midfield in the first half of the season, he seamlessly slotted into the back line. Sam Roberts also deserves a mention, with some important saves throughout, and was unfortunately that his mistake was the difference in the game. Again, he is another welcome return who’s leadership and experience is invaluable to the young squad.