Garsington Reserves 4-1 Cropredy Development

After a positive and unbeaten Pre-Season, Cropredy Development went into the start of the season in good spirits. They faced a trip to Garsington Reserves on the opening day, a team they played in a friendly in July, and edged 3-2.

Numbers and options weren’t great in the lead up to the game, but with the First Team’s game called off, Reading was able to bring some of them along to fill the bench.

There were club debuts in the starting lineup for Ben Allen, whilst Sam Wheatley & Luke Ulla-Thomas were on the bench for the first time. Corey Phillips wore the armband for the first time in a competitive game, having recently been named the new Devs captain.

First half

The opening few minutes were played at a fast pace, with both sides looking to settle into the game. It was Crop who had a early shout for a penalty. Kyran Beales was sent through by Harvey, and he beat the keeper to the ball, knocking it past him goalwards before the ‘keeper clattered in to Beales sending him flying. The goalbound effort didn’t have enough on it, and was easily cleared by the defender, with Crop’s shouts for the pen waved away by the referee.

Garsington took the lead on 12 minutes, capitalising on a defensive mix up. A long ball over the top was allowed to bounce by the Cropredy defence, with both Allen and Roberts not dealing with it, allowing the striker to nip the ball off of Roberts, and race clear, slotting confidently passed Street.

Minutes later, Crop were forced in to an early change, with Jake Harvey picking up a recurrence of an ankle problem and having to be replaced by Dan Bartlett.

The home side then doubled their lead on 21 minutes. Crop were unable to clear a set piece, and the Garsington man turned smartly on the edge of the area, before his goal bound effort took a deflection, looping up and over the Cropredy stopper.

Cropredy did have chances later in the half, with the home keeper saving brilliantly to tip a Leo Beales effort around the post, and the referee waved away another penalty claim for a high boot on Corey Phillips.

Garsington went in to the break two-nil up, and deservingly so.

Half time – Garsington Res 2-0 Cropredy Devs

Some stern words said at half time, seemed to do the trip, as Cropredy game out for the second half showing more desire, and moving the ball around much better. They started to create more chances and looking a little more dangerous, however they lacked the killer instinct in and around the box just unable to take their chances.

Against the run of the second half, Garsington then went 3-0 up after another defensive mix up. Street picked up a through ball, and quickly rolled one out to Phillips, who was unaware of the throw, allowing the home striker to steal the ball and roll it into an early net. A huge lapse in concentration and communication with was the story of Cropredy’s afternoon.

The away side kept pushing to get back in the game, and had a spell with 10 men, after Ben Allen was needlessly sin binned. Reading emptied the bench trying to change things, and Crop did get a consolation on 89 minutes, as Leo Beales superbly lobbed the keeper with an overhead kick after a cross by Sean Dineen. Little celebrations, as it had come too little too late.
There was still time for Crop to ship another sloppy goal as in stoppage time, an overhit ball out by Street went beyond the reach of Phillips, allowing the winger to rob him, run through on goal and slot a fourth for the home side, sparking celebrations.

Full time – Garsington Res 4-1 Cropredy Devs

A fully deserved win for the home side, who done well to nullify Crops game plan, and were very clinical in punishing mistakes.
Cropredy need to take a long hard look at their performance and try to bounce back next week with another tough away trip to North Leigh Development.

Thanks to Garsington for their hospitality, and for putting on food after the game. We look forward to welcoming them to Williamscot Road later in the season.