28th April away result 1-2 half time 0-1
Scorer for CM Robbie Catling (2)
This promised to be the most important game of the season for both teams, a Cumnor win would mean they would be champions, a draw would mean Cumnor favourites with one game to play but a Kidlington victory would make them strong favourites for the title.
The game kicked off in blustery conditions with Kidlington winning the toss and electing to play against the wind and up the slight slope of the pitch.
Cumnor started the stronger of the two teams and were soon creating chances. The wind made it difficult to control the ball and many of Cumnor's long passes were going straight to the keeper or over the goal line.
Cumnor first goal came after 20 minutes when Jim Whitelock won the ball in midfield and played a great ball to Robbie who coolly stroked it past the keeper. The game evened out towards the end of the half but it finished with Cumnor one up.
Pete's half time talk praised the lads for their efforts and warned them as they were kicking against the wind in the second half to expect plenty of defensive work ahead.
The second half started well for Kidlington as they equalised in the first couple of minutes with a low shot from the left of the penalty area. This raised Kidlington's game and it was a well contested battle especially in midfield.
Robbie scored Cumnor's second after 55 minutes when a through ball from Jamie gave him the keeper to beat. He again confidently slotted the ball in the goal.
Kidlington were desperate for another equaliser which opened up the game. There was some good last ditch defending and a couple of great saves for Kane to maintain Cumnor's lead. Zak miraculously managed to scoop the ball off the line after a Kidlington corner when it seemed certain to go in the net.
Cumnor also created plenty of chances themselves with Cameron Craig desperately unlucky when his 20 yard lobbed shot seemed destined for goal only for the wind to blow it off course and hit the post. Jack Hitchen was unable to control the rebound and shot just wide.
The last 10 minutes were nerve wracking for Cumnor as Kidlington threw caution to the wind and played everyone forward. The defence held firm though and there were many cheers when the ref blew for full time.
There is no single man of the match for Cumnor as it was a great squad effort from all 16 players, possibly the best performance of the season under some pressure. Many thanks again to John Hitchen for running the line.
This result means Cumnor first place is assured and they go into the final game on Wednesday evening as champions.
