Cropredy Devs 4-3 Abingdon Abbots

Full of confidence after winning all four of their games so far, Cropredy Devs hosted Abingdon Abbots in their latest league game. Abbots turned up in their mini bus a full 2 hours before kick off, clearly keen for the game. They came into this after a week off, but have picked up 6 points from their 4 games, including having the league’s top scorer amongst their ranks. A very young and fit side, which would provide a very tough test for Crop.

Crorpedy knew they’d need to raise their performance levels from the last game, where it took penalties to get past Launton Devs in the cup.

This did mark the first outing for Cropredy’s new kit, with new team and player photos being done prior to the match. Many thanks to new kit sponsor JER Roofing & Construction (https://jer-rc.co.uk/) for their support, and to The Terrace (https://theterracestore.com) for the bespoke kit design and supplying the kit.

Team news

There were a number of changes to the squad and team. Luke Butterworth was away, Michael Zinn injured, and Karl Woodcock, Jamie Williams and Ben Coleman all travelling with the first team. This gave opportunities for Sam Roberts, Callum Moon and James Slaymaker to come into the starting line up, alongside Kev Cooper for his first outing of the season. Leo Beales and Ryan Band also returned from injury to feature on the bench for the first time this season.

First Half
Cropredy started against the strong winds coming from the cricket pavilion end, but started brightly, and Kyran Beales had their first chance within the opening minute, but his effort from the edge of the box was hit straight at the keeper. The home side did strike first with just 3 minutes on the clock. Jake Harvey intercepted the ball and played a great pass down the channel to skipper Robertson. He cut inside past one defender before darting by another and slotted past the outrushing Abbots ‘keeper to put Cropredy one up!

Abingdon battled back and showed their pace, fitness and ability with some nice football played. Cropredy shot themselves in foot though, firstly they almost gifted a goal as Roberts picked up a back pass, but some quick thinking by Stewart stopped them scoring a tap in from the resulting in-direct free kick. Roberts start to the game didn’t improve, as a clearance forward was misjudged, and scampering back to keep it from going in, he could only palm it back out straight to Abingdon forward Ebrima Saidy who couldn’t believe his luck to tap home the equaliser. An eventful opening 6 minutes at Williamscot Road.

Crorpedy tried to battle back but Piotr Olszewski made a good stock to deny Kyran Beales from a 25 yard free kick, and Roberts was trying his best to redeem himself with a smart stop down low to deny Saidy who’d made a good chance for himself. Callum Moon then went close to opening his account for the season, but he dragged his effort just wide of the far post after being put in down the left.
Despite a 15 minutes period where the game was even, it was the away side who struck next and took the lead through Mohammed Hanif. A throw in from Cropredy’s left wasn’t dealt with by the midfield, and it allowed Hanif plenty of time from the edge of the area to pick his spot and slot the ball into the corner, to make it 1-2 after 22’.

Crop continued to struggle, and Abbots extended the lead to 1-3 only 3 minutes later. Harif was involved again as he cut in from the left, and played a great cross up to the back post, which eluded Harvey and was met first time on the volley by Morgan Castle into the far corner. Abingdon fully deserving their lead at this point.

Robertson forced a good save from Olszewski, but Abingdon should have further extended their lead before half time. The pushed forward on a counter, but Saidy slotted his effort past Roberts only to see it come back off the post, and fortunately for the home side, into Roberts’ arms.

Cropredy were glad to hear the half time whistle, and although some stern words were exchanged, they knew they’d been in this position plenty of times before, and were capable of turning it around in the second half.

Half Time – Cropredy Devs 1-3 Abingdon Abbots.

Callum Moon was unfortunately forced off at half time with a knee problem sustained late in the half, but this did give the opportunity for Leo Beales to return to action and get a full half under his belt. Beales slotted into the 10 role, with Allum moved out wide.

The home side gave the management the exact reaction they were after with a response within the first minute of the second period. A free kick given 25 yards out for a soft handball presented Leo Beales with the opportunity to put his mark on the game within moments of coming on. He expertly dispatched it into the top corner giving the ‘keeper little chance. 2-3 and game on!

The equaliser then came after just 51 minutes. A in-swinging corner from Matt Allum was met with the slightest of touches by Robertson and was fumbled into the net by Abingdon goalkeeper Olszewski, unfortunate for him as he’d had a solid game. Crorpedy celebrated but knew their was still a job to do, whilst Abgindon heads began to drop and they looked deflated with the game turned on its head.
Robetson went close to grabbing a hattrick and putting Crop ahead as he latched onto a Slaymaker pass, but his left footed effort was slotted past the keeper before rebounding back off the post. Harvey who was struggling with his recurring ankle problem, was replaced by Charlie MacDonald as Crop looked to contain the quick Abbots attackers.

With the game in the balance at 3-3, it was time for Leo Beales to step up again on his return. Another free kick was awarded after a foul on Robertson, and again from a similar spot, Beales dispatched it into the far top corner beyond the sprawling keeper. Comeback complete on 65 minutes, and fully deserved based on Crop’s improved display in the second half.

To help in both areas of the pitch and to bring some vital experience at the stage of the game, Izzy Livepool was then introduced for the final 20 minutes, coming onto the left wing in place of Allum.

Crop managed the game well from then on, limiting the chances for the away side, who began to get frustrated, with Roberts having little to in regards to saves. Beales had the chance for a hattrick of free kicks, but this time an effort from all of 30 yards was well saved.
Cropredy saw the rest of the game out, and their joyous faces upon the hearing the final whistle were evident, whilst their opponents looked down and out, clearly deflated with throwing the game away in the second period.

Full Time – Cropredy Devs 4-3 Abingdon Abbots

Another vital win early in the season for Crop, who did it the hard way again, much like their opening game against Bicester Town Colts. An unbelieve start for the newly promoted side winning all four league games so far, plus advancing in then county cup. Good luck for the rest of the season to Abingdon, who we’re sure will be up their competing for the league this season, and we look forward to making the journey down later in the season.

Next up is a huge home game against Summertown, which see’s the remaining two unbeaten sides face off in what is sure to be a great encounter.

Man of the Match – Jamie Oxley
Oxley has slotted into an unfamiliar position at right back across the past four games, and has made that position his own. He’s been arguably the most consistent performer so far this season, which has been his first in adult’s football. The 18 year old is a solid and dependable part of the side, always giving the team his all. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow and improve as the season goes on.