20th October 2013 home result 3-4 half time 0-1
Scorers for CM Robbie Catling (2) Jack Bowler
This was a Berks & Bucks Cup game against Theale Tigers U17s who are in the premier division of the North East Hants Youth League.
The game began in driving rain with the wind blowing across the pitch. Cumnor were fielding a strong side except their regular keeper who was absent, so captain, Ben Whitehead, offered to go in goal in his place.
It was an even battle in the opening minutes with both sides getting used to the conditions.
Theale opened the scoring after seven minutes when their No. 9 broke free and was one on one with the Cumnor keeper. They both collided heavily after the Theale player managed to poke it beyond Ben's reach. Unfortunately Ben was concussed in the collision and was unable to take any further part in the game. Connor Penfold stepped up to take the keeper's spot.
The game continued with Cunmor striving for the equaliser and much of the play was in Theale's half. Jack Hitchen nearly grabbed an equaliser but his shot was well saved by the Theale keeper. Theale had their chances and Connor made a great save denying their no. 9 a second goal. It was difficult for both teams to play any decent football in the appalling weather conditions and the half finished with the score at 0-1.
Pete's half time talk told the players to take encouragement from the first half display and if they kept battling away they should get something out of the game.
The second half began well for Cumnor and they got back on level terms almost straight after the break with Robbie Catling heading home from a Conrad Deer cross from the right.
Both teams battled for the winner and it was Theale who scored next after 55 minutes when a corner wasn't cleared and one of their players stabbed the ball home from close distance.
Cumnor kept their heads up and created chances to get back on level terms but a Theale free kick at 80 minutes from just outside the area went straight in the goal, increasing their lead to 1-3.
Cumnor immediately threw caution to the wind and pushed forward to get back in the game and this allowed a breakaway goal through the middle of the pitch at 83 minutes by Theale increasing their lead to 1-4
This scoreline was unfair to Cumnor and they battled to get back into the game. After 85 minutes Jack Bowler restored some pride and raised hopes when he shot from just inside the penalty area when a mix-up followed a Cumnor corner, making the score 2-4.
Two minutes later Robbie Catling got Cumnor back into the game when he coolly slotted home from the centre of the penalty area after being put through by Conrad.
There followed a frantic 5 minutes as Cumnor poured forward going for the equaliser but it was not to be and the game finished 3-4.
It was a great cup game played in atrocious weather conditions and both teams can be pleased with their performances. Cumnor were unlucky not to get the equaliser but I suspect there were quite a few people, soaked to the skin, pleased there wasn't to be any extra time.
Man of the Match goes to Jack Bowler partly for his goal but mainly because he didn't put a foot wrong the whole game in a match where it's especially difficult for the defenders. Special mentions to Ben and Connor for both volunteering to go in goal at short notice. The report from Ben is that although he suffered concussion he will fine in a day or so, once the sore head eases!
