Devs end their losing streak with a convincing win!

Eager to change their fortunes after a poor recent run since the turn of the year, the Cropredy Devs side made the journey over towards Witney, to face last seasons title rivals North Leigh Devs. Crop have won just 2 games in 2023, and are currently on a 3 match losing streak, after the narrow 1-0 defeat at Chalgrove. The poor run has all but put an end to their title challenge, whilst North Leigh also came into this one having lost their last 3 matches, with their focus very much on Division One survival for the rest of the campaign.

Despite the snowfall and rain across the area in the week, the game still went ahead, although the club wanted to protect their main stadium pitch, so the game was played on the back up pitch outside the ground, which was quite muddy and slippy, which saw numerous players lose their footing throughout the game.

Team News
Cropredy were able to welcome back Luke Butterworth into the squad in midfield, whilst youngster Ollie Beesley was restored to the starting line-up. Kyran Beales also came into the squad to help out, with his new club Moreton not having a game this weekend. James Keane was absent again, and once again there were late withdrawals, with the main blow coming with skipper Damien Robertson dropping out late on the day of the game.
There was also a welcome return of assistant manager Lee Waters to aid to cause, as a change in tactical approach and formation was implemented to try and change the recent form.

First half

After failing to find the net in the first half despite good chances, in all 3 of the recent defeats, there was an emphasis on being more clinical when on top, and the management were pleased to see this finally come to fruition as Crop took an early lead. A lovely passing move across the pitch from right to left, and involving most the Cropredy team, saw left back MacDonald come back in field to find Butterworth who unleashed a 30 yard half volley towards goal. What could have been one of the goals of the season ended up being an assists, as it crashed back off the bar, and Jamie Williams was quickest to react, chipping it over the ‘keeper before taping hope into the net. 0-1 with just 8 minutes on the clock.

North Leigh came out to push for an equaliser, trying to hit Crop on the counter, but a mixture of some good defending and some off target finishing kept them frustrated. Cropredy were looking lively going forward, and another neat move saw MacDonald make a cut back from the left to Leo Beales but his first time effort whistled over the bar. There was also a penalty shout but the referee adjudged there wasn’t enough contact on Williams as he was bought down.

The home sides best chance came from a set piece, as on the half hour mark a free kick was curled just wide of Sam Roberts’ post. Then change in shape seemed to be working for the visitors, and both wing backs in Harry Treml and Charlie MacDonald were constant threats going forward, whilst working themselves into the ground to race back into defensive positions when needed.

The referee did point to the spot a few minutes before half time. MacDonald made another surging run down the left and played into the feet of Jamie Williams, who done well to spin the defender from the edge of the area, he then got there just before the keeper who came rushing out and took out Williams. Leo Beales stepped up to take the spot kick and confidently fired high into the corner to double Cropredy’s advantage on the strike of half time.

Half Time - North Leigh Devs 0-2 Cropredy Devs

Crop good for their two-nil lead, with the second coming at an ideal time to change the swing of the match. The message was clear that the work rate and levels needed to be maintained throughout the second period.

The opening half of the second period remained fairly even, with neither side having any real clear-cut chances. The home side began to ring some changes to change the momentum, but the best chance in this period fell to Ollie Beesley, as a lovely move ended up with him receiving the ball just outside the area, his effort looked bound for the far corner but was blocked well by a home defender.

Crop introduced fresh legs in the wide areas with the impressive pair of Treml and MacDonald making way for Oxley and Timms, whilst they was soon followed by Callum Moon coming on up top for Williams who had picked up a knock. North Leigh’s best chance came as a long free kick was launched into the area, and after a ricochet it found a man at the back post, but his curling effort flew just over.

With the game beginning to open up, and North Leigh piling men forward, Cropredy took advantage and extended their lead. Kyran Beales picked up the ball just inside the opposition half, and wriggled past 4 defenders, who were doing their best to swipe him out, he made his way into the area before a lofted effort found its way past the goalkeeper to make it 0-3. This was the start of a 7 minute hattrick for the striker!

3 minutes late he scored again, as Leo Beales slid him in and he slotted past the ‘keeper, and then his hattrick was complete on 83 minutes. A ball out from stand in skipper Corey Phillips found Callum Moon who made up some good ground wide left, before playing in Beales who’s first time effort found the back of the net. 0-5. Leo Beales had another good chance between the goals, as some more good play by Beesley, who dug out a cross to the back post, but Leo’s volleyed effort bounced wide.

The home sides legs and heads had now gone and were all over the place, and Beesley with the last kick of the game had another chance for his first goal for the club, but after he robbed a defender of the ball, he put his effort high and wide.

The final whistle sounded, and Cropredy were chuffed with a solid 3 points, and their first clean sheet since November.

Full Time – North Leigh Devs 0-5 Cropredy

A very pleasing performance and win for the Cropredy management, with the lads executing the new tactics and gameplan perfectly. Next up is the first of their final two home games of the season, as Easington Sports Clan make the short trip over to Williamscot Road. The Clan have been on a tough run since the sides last met, which Crop won 0-4 in November. Crop will be without influential stopper Sam Roberts, but will hope to

Thanks to North Leigh for getting the game on, and for their great hospitality after the game.

Man of the match – Jamie Williams
Another tough one, with multiple players producing excellent performances. In different roles Harry Treml and Charlie MacDonald were outstanding. Defensively the team were very solid, but going forward Cropredy looked more like the team from the first half of the season. This time it goes to Jamie Williams who produced arguably his best display of the season leading the line. He scored a poachers goal to open the scoring, and won the penalty to put his side 2-0 up.