CM v Wantage Town

18th December 2011   Result 4-1 HT 1-1

Scorers for CM: Robbie Catling   Conrad Deer   Joff Stimpson   Max Robson

The pitch had some shallow frost along one side but was deemed likely to be playable after a precautionary inspection by Paul Lyon at Midday. This was confirmed half an hour before kick off by referee David Lester. It proved to be the right decision as the game was played in bright sunshine and virtually no wind making it excellent conditions for football.
We had our customary good start but some fine goalkeeping from Wantage, some indifferent finishing from us and a bit of bad luck meant we were unable to convert the chances to a goal. It was Wantage that took the lead after 20 minutes with a well taken goal after some neat passing on the right and a good shot low into the right corner giving our keeper no chance.
Five minutes later Robbie Catling equalised when he had the quickness of mind to pounce on a loose ball and score after his earlier shot was parried by the keeper.
The remaining half was a balanced game with few chances on either side meaning the score at half time remained 1-1
The stalemate was broken ten minutes into the second half with a great shot by Conrad Deer from outside the penalty area.
Wantage pressed well looking for the equaliser and it was easy to see how their results have improved lately as they looked likely to score. They were only denied by good goalkeeping from Connor Penfold and a slice of luck on our side.
It was left to Joff Stimpson to make the game relatively safe with an amazing goal. He picked the ball up twenty yards from goal on a breakaway and despite the attention of three Wantage defenders dribbled through to the goal line and coolly stroked the ball in from three yards out on the left side.
Wantage heads dropped a little after this and Max Robson scored our fourth with a goal in stoppage time when he calmly slotted home following a cross from Conrad Deer.
Cumnor Man of the Match is Jamie Smith who battled all game and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal.
Many thanks again to Nick Penfold who ran the line in his customary professional manner.
Wantage are in a false position at the bottom of the league, they played well and matched us for a lot of the game. If they play their remaining games as they did today they won't be there for long.
This was our third win in a row and we go into the Christmas break in second place with a seven point cushion over third.

Next game at home to Wantage Town

Our next game and last of 2011 is on Sunday 18th December at home to Wantage Town, kick off 2pm, please be there by 1.15pm.
The weather should be ok by Sunday but if there is any doubt of the game going ahead all updates will be posted on here.

Training on Tuesday 13th December - OFF

There's a pitch inspection this afternoon. Result posted on here at 3pm

I've just been to look at the pitch, there's a lot of standing water in the areas we train and it's pouring with rain. I don't think we can gain anything by training this evening except ruin the pitch and risk injuries, so the sensible desicion is to cancel.

CM v Greater Leys Youth

11th December 2011   Result 1-2

Scorers for CM: Jake Gerring  Robbie Catling

Another game where we started well and the first goal came after 15 minutes from a great header looping over their keeper following an inch perfect cross from Robbie Catling.
Robbie then followed up with a well taken shot just inside the penalty area meaning we were 2-0 up at half time.
The second half was a lot tougher with Greater Leys upping the tempo and scoring with 20 minutes to go. This lead to a nervy last few minutes but we held on to our lead to run out winners.
It was a good solid performances from the whole team and all should be pleased with the way they played. There were some particular highlights: Connors excellent save when their striker was clean through, a last ditch tackle from Westy saving a clear goal scoring opportunity and Leo nearly opening his account with a breakaway that led to his shot smashing against the post.
Jim played well in central defence in place of the injured Ben Whitehead, and Max ran tirelessly in midfield the whole game.

Many thanks to Nick Penfold for running the line in the first half and refereeing in the second as the referee didn't show. Ben Whitehead also did his bit by running the line in the second half. Both did a great job.

It was a really good result against a spirited and well organised Greater Leys team who never stopped trying.
We are now clear in second spot with a game in hand and four points ahead of third place.

Next game away to Greater Leys Youth

Our next game is on Sunday 11th December away to Greater Leys Youth, kick off 2pm. Their ground is at Oxford Spires Academy Glanville Rd, Oxford OX4 2AU, please be there by 1.15pm.
If you would like a lift we are leaving Elms Parade at 1pm, please let us know so we can make sure there are enough spaces.

Training on Tuesday

We are training as usual at 7pm on Tuesday 5th December at Fogwell Rd ahead of next week's game against Greater Leys

CM v Kidlington Youth

4th December 2011   Result 4-0

CM scorers Obaida Mohamedi  Jamie Smith 3

We started well and after 15 minutes a 20 yard shot from Robbie Catling rattled the cross bar, Obaida Mohamedi pounced on the rebound to score his first goal in his debut game for the club.
Fifteen minutes later we went 2-0 up following great inter passing between Jamie Smith and Robbie Catling; Jamie slotted Robbie's subsequent cross into the net for one of our best goals of the season.
The score at half time was 2-0
Early in the second half a great shot by Jamie on the edge of the penalty area saw us go 3-0 up.
There followed a series of missed chances: a wide shot from Robbie after bursting into the area, a header from Joff Stimpson over the bar, a shot just wide from Jake Gerring and a header from Leo Branica that practically skimmed the crossbar.
After 60 minutes Jamie was fouled near the touchline in Kidlington's half. Ben Whitehaed's floated free kick was flicked on by a Jamie header for his well deserved hat trick,
Man of the match was Jamie Smith for the hat trick and his all-round quality midfield play.
It was a solid result against a team that played well and never allowed their heads to dop. The result makes us 2nd in the division with a game in hand on the teams immediately below us. It was also particularly pleasing to keep our first clean sheet in as long as I can remember and this was thanks to the usual good decision making by Connor Penfold and a determined performance by the back four lead by Ben Whitehead.
There were also good debut performances by Max Robson and Obaida Mohamedi.
Many thanks yet again to Nick Penfold who ran the line in his calm, firm but fair way.