Training on Wednesday

Our next training session is 7pm on Wednesday 2nd October at Fogwell Road, Botley.
This is ahead of our league game away to Banbury United, kick off 2pm on Sunday 6th October. Details to follow.

No game on Sunday

There's no match this Sunday as Summertown Stars have postponed it.
If there is enough interest we will hold a practice game, 11am on Sunday at LMF for about an hour.
If you would like to play please contact the management by the usual methods.

Training on Wednesday at Fogwell Road

We are training as usual on Wednesday 25th September although we are moving to our winter venue, Fogwell Road, to take advantage of the floodlights.
Please be there by 7pm prompt - and bring subs!

CM v Wantage Town

22nd September   home   result 3-1    half time 0-1
Scorers for CM   Zak Betnay   Robbie Catling (2)

The game kicked off at 11am in warm autumn sunshine.
It was fairly even for much of the first half with few clean cut chances although Cumnor had much of the possession.
It was Wantage who took the lead with a breakaway goal after 25 minutes when a rare Cumnor defensive error let their forward through in the centre of the pitch. He took his shot well to the top right of the goal.
Cumnor battled for the equaliser but only managed to create half chances meaning the half finished 1-0.
Nigel's half time talk asked the team to play simple on the-floor-passes especially when approaching the Wantage goal. Cumnor were playing some nice lofted through balls but the Wantage defence were able to deal with them fairly easily.
The second half started well for Cumnor and they drew level after 55 minutes when Zak pounced on a long high bouncing ball in the penalty area delivered by Westy. He controlled it well despite Wantage defenders around him and slotted it home.
This gave Cumnor spirit and they continued to attack the Wantage goal. Zak nearly had a second when he seemed to be clattered by the keeper in the penalty area although the ref didn't give a foul. Zak had to be substituted because of a head injury sustained in the attack.
Robbie took up the striker responsibly and scored in the 65th minute with an opportunistic goal down the left from a through pass by Conrad. He added a third on the 72nd minute with another, this time on the right after being put through by Jim Whitelock.
With the game safe, Cumnor made a number of substitutions, some of which were more popular than others, but the whole squad played their part in the first victory of the season.
There were some good solid performances from the midfield and defence which are getting better as each game progresses. It was nice to see two strikers on the score sheet today showing the whole team is improving.
Man of the match goes to Conrad Deer who played a floating role between midfield and attack. His tireless running created a number of attacking opportunities and he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself.
Many thanks to the players and spectators who helped with putting up and dismantling the goals, and a big thank you to Simon Whitehead who ran the line after being asked at the last minute.



Game v Wantage Town

Our next league game of the season is at home on Sunday 22nd September against Wantage Town with the unusual 11am kick off time.
It's at the usual Louie Memorial Fields, please could all players be on the pitch ready to warm up by 10.30am

Training on Wednesday at LMF

We are training as usual on Wednesday starting at the earlier time of 6.45pm.
The first 30 mins will be an exercise session taken by Ben Upjohn. Please bring your trainers for this part.
Our next game is this Sunday 22nd September at home to Wantage

CM v Garsington Youth

15th September   away   result 1-1    half time 1-0
Scorer for CM   Jake Gerring

The match was played in a strong wind blowing diagonally across the pitch. Cumnor won the toss and elected to play with the wind in the first half.
It started well for Cumnor and they created some good chances. Zak was put through by Westy West and although he struck the ball well it was saved by the keeper. 
However Garsington scored after 20 minutes from their first attack with a strong shot from the centre giving Kane no chance.
Cumnor continued to create half chances and much of the play was in Garsington's half. The wind didn't benefit either team with Garsington's keeper struggling to kick the ball any distance and Cumnor's passes often catching the wind and running out of play.
The half finished 1-0 to Garsington.
Pete's half time talk praised the players for their efforts but reminded them it was going to be tiring against the wind as they strived to get the equaliser.
It was only one minute into the second half when Cumnor drew level. A great ball on the right from Westy to Jake was buried in the net by him with a sweet volley.
The rest of the half was a good battle by both teams but mainly with the wind rather than against each other. Both managed to create chances but a draw was a fair result although Cumnor could claim the majority of possession and chances.
Cumnor's teamwork was much improved over last week and there were good, hard working performances throughout the side. Ben Upjohn had a great debut in midfield especially has he hasn't played competitive football for a couple of years. It was good to see Connor Penfold back at Cumnor after a year's absence and he played well as striker and in midfield.  Kane's kicking was exceptional in the conditions and a marked contrast to how the Garsington keeper struggled with the wind. Charlie Bennett took three awesome (his words) free kicks and Conrad worked tirelessly the whole game. 
The man of the match voted by the management goes to Daniel Westy West who practically ran the right side of the pitch throughout the game.

Next game away to Garsington

Our next league game is on Sunday 15th September away to Garsington with a 2pm kick off at Garsington Sports Club, Denton Lane, Garsington, Oxford OX44 9EL Players are to be on the pitch ready to warm up by 1.30pm.
If anyone needs a lift to the game be at Elms Parade by 1pm. Please let us know to make so we can arrange sufficient places. If you need a lift from elsewhere get it touch and we'll sort something out.

Training at LMF on Wednesday

We are training as usual at 7pm on Wednesday 11th September at Louie Memorial Fields.
This is ahead of our away game at Garsington on Sunday 15th September

CM v Hook Norton

8th September   home   result 1-2    half time 0-2
Scorer for CM   Jack Hitchen

The game had a very promising start for Cumnor Minors as Robbie Catling hit the post from one yard out in the first minute. Cumnor continued to be on top for the following 20 minutes or so with Cam Craig hitting a close shot over the bar and Robbie unlucky when through on the keeper.
As the half wore on Hook Norton started to get back into the game and created chances of their own. After 25 minutes it was Hook Norton who broke the deadlock with an opportunistic goal giving Kane no chance.
Hook Norton finished the half the stronger and doubled their lead at 40 minutes with a well taken header from a free kick.
Pete's half time talk reminded the players that their lacklustre attitude had caused the deficit and they needed to be a lot stronger if they were going to rescue the game.
The second half was a much tougher display from both teams as Cumnor strived to get back into the game.
After 60 minutes Cumnor got a goal with a great strike through the centre from Jack Hitchen.
Although Cumnor battled hard to get the equaliser, Hook Norton are a decent side and held firm. They could even have added to their score as Cumnor pushed players forward.
The lack of match practice showed with Cumnor for this game. Hook Norton, with a number of friendlies under their belt over the summer were a fitter and more organised outfit.

First game v Hook Norton

Our first league game of the season is at home on Sunday 8th September against Hook Norton with a 2pm kick off.
It's at our new ground, Louie Memorial Fields and please could all players be on the pitch ready to warm up by 1.30pm

Game v Summertown Stars postponed

We've just heard from Summertown Stars postponing the fixture against us on the 29th September as most of their players will be away.

Training on Wednesday

We are training at 7pm on Wednesday 4th September at LMF.
This is ahead of our first home game at 2pm on Sunday 8th September.