Cropredy Devs 4-2 Garsington Res

Garsington traveled up to Williamscot Road on the back of a defeat to Heyford Res the previous weekend, although Cropredy knew they’d be in store for a tough game. The visitors have endured a mixed bag so far this season, but after beating Crop 4-1 on the opening day of the season, the host were looking to enact some revenge, and continuing their own great winning streak.

After a comfortable win over basement side Bicester Devs last week, there was once again man absentees for Cropredy. Midfield pair of Butterworth & Grant were missing, as was Connor Kelly & Sam Roberts, however they were able to welcome back, Miller, Leo Beales, Kyran Beales, Balfour, Caldeira & Gilbert, whilst Chris Young was also a late addition on the bench.

There was also a change in goal, making it a third different ‘keeper in as many weeks. With Curtly Street missing due to work, and Chris Brown isolating, Craig Fraser was signed on during the week. Craig has recently moved to the area from Scotland and was straight in for a debut.

First Half

Before anyone was able to settle to watch the game, it was already 1-0 to Crop! After forcing a corner from the away sides defence, Leo Beales swung it in to the backpost where Karl Woodcock met it to head home and give Cropredy the lead within a minute. Woodcock’s first goal since his debut in September.

Garsington tried to hit back straight away, but their wide man could only fire wide of the far post after cutting In from the left. Garsington came with a clear game plan, setting up in a 352 formation, and playing out from the back as much as possible. Crop managed to keep their shape well though, letting the back line have the ball, frustrating their opponents who in the most part failed to penetrate through the thirds and create clear chances.

Damien Robertson then had two chances to increase the score line as twice he got in down the left, but on both occasions was thwarted by the away ‘keeper. Kyran Beales then had a great chance of his own, as he latched on to a bouncing goal kick from Fraser, but Garsington’s keeper was again on hand to keep the score down.

They finally doubled the lead on 35 mins, as a superb defence splitting pass from Leo Beales, found the advancing Robertson, who this time rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it two-nil.

Moments later Robertson then had a penalty claim waved away as he was bundled over at the next attack. A rare poor kick out from the away stopper was then intercepted by Kyran Beales, but he dragged his effort wide of the near post. Very far from being clinical from Crop and something they need to work on.

A good half from the home side, but one where they really should have put the game to bed, and been many more goals ahead.

Half time – Cropredy Devs 2-0 Garsington Res

After a clash of heads late in the half, skipper Corey Phillips was unfortunately forced off at the interval, being replaced by Bobby Stewart, and Woodcock moving to centre back.

The second period started much like the first, with Garsington enjoying bouts of possession across their back line, without forcing Crop into too much trouble.

The score line should have been increased, but again Robertson fired his effort wide of the far post and wriggling his way through the defence, but he did make up for it once again with Cropredy’s third goal. Karl Woodcock’s clearance found Robertson just inside his own half, before he knocked the ball beyond the last defender and raced away, before rounding the keeper for a carbon copy of his earlier goal. 3-0 to the home side after an hour.

Crop then had a penalty chalked off. A dinked ball over the top from Leo Beales found Robertson who was fouled by the keeper, and after taking what seemed like forever to decide, the ref pointed to the spot. Garsington appealed as the linesman’s flag was up, and the referee eventually gave the free kick. Very debatable decision, and later footage clearly showed the Crop forward clearly onside.

Garsington then had a great chance to pull one back, as a header rattled the bar, before fortunately bouncing clear, but the did have that lifeline after 66’. A in swinging corner struck the post, before falling kindly to Kyrae Cooper who lashed it home through the crowded area into the near post to spark Garsington into life.

Leo Beales went close with a left foot volley that flashed just wide, but Garsington were still well in the game at this point and went on to pull another back. An in swinging free kick from captain Campbell, bounced awkwardly in front of Fraser who spilled the ball out, where Cooper was on hand to grab his brace and make the score 3-2. All to play for with 12 minutes of the tie to go.

Robertson went close again but fired another effort wide, then moments later Kyran Beales’ cross come shot hit the far post, and Roberton couldn’t force the rebound in which was well blocked on the line.

For the final ten minutes Crop introduced Chris Young for Ash Balfour to give them some extra fire power in the final third, and he was instrumental a couple of minutes later as he helped Crop make it 4-2. Young was found in the middle of the pitch, and he played a nice ball out the right to find Kyran Beales, who composed himself before firing his left footed effort home from 25 yards, looping over the away ‘keeper. Crop back ahead by two with 7 minutes to go.

Crop done enough to hold out for the closing stages, and but for another good save from Garsington’s keeper, Beales could have had his brace.

Full time – Cropredy Devs 4-2 Garsington Res

Cropredy pleased to ground out the win in the end, and for getting one over a side they lost to back in September. Lots of positives to take in terms of how they got through some tough periods of the game, defending well throughout, and creating lots of attacking chances. The downside will be the amount of chances they wasted, with it luckily in the end not effected the result.

Thanks to Garsington, always a battle with them, and they look to play some good football. Their Keeper had a superb game making countless saves, and their defence also making numerous goal saving blocks. Good luck to them for the rest of the season.

Next week Crop host Chinnor Reserves at Williamscot Road for their final home game of the calender year. Crop won 2-6 when they travelled down the M40 back in September, although this is a much changed Chinnor side now, since their new manager was appointed, and it’ll be another tough game in store.

Cropredy remain second in the table, 4 points off of top place Kennington with a game in hand.

Man of the Match – Chay Miller
After missing the last few games, Miller came in at left back replacing the missing Connor Kelly. He had his best game yet in a Crop shirt, rarely putting a foot wrong. A very consistent performance from the young recent signing.

Match highlights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8ZdaHld68M&t=1s