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.