17th November 2013 home result 0-3 half time 0-0
It was back to league action after two cup games and a two week break against second in the league Chalgrove Cavialiers.
It was a typical autumn overcast day with virtually no wind. Ben won the toss for Cumnor and elected to kick towards the pavilion end.
It was an even first half with both teams battling well in midfield. Thee were a few chances either end with Zak Betnay going close when put through by Jack Hitchen and Cumnor somehow managed not to put the ball in the net when it bounced around the six yard box for what seemed an age. At the other end Connor Penfold pulled off a couple of great saves from their dangerous number 10.
The half finished 0-0. Pete's half time talk said the lads should take encouragement from their work rate and reminded them to go wide when attacking as we were getting rather bogged down in the midfield.
The second half started much the same as the first but after 50 minutes Chalgrove broke the deadlock with a header directly from a corner on the right.
Then came the incident that changed the game from Cumnor's point of view. After 58 minutes Conrad Deer was judged to have fouled a Chalgrove player and following an altercation with the referee was sent off.
Cumnor strived for the equaliser but being one man down they created limited decent chances.
After 65 minutes another controversial decision from the referee meant Cumnor went two down. A shot from Chalgrove in the Cumnor penalty area hit Jack Hitchen on the arm and was judged to be penalty for hand ball. Chalgrove scored with a strong shot to the right giving Connor no chance.
This took the stuffing out of Cumnor as they tired in the testing, boggy pitch and after 80 minutes Chalgrove increased their league with a break away goal.
Chalgrove played well but 0-3 was a harsh score line for Cumnor. The referee didn't have one of his best games and it was unfortunate his decisions had so much bearing on what could have been an exciting game.
Ben Upjohn had a very good game as did Westy, both didn't stop working the whole 90 minutes but Man of the Match goes to Connor Penfold for taking the goal keeping slot from the injured Kane Slaymaker. He made a series of excellent saves and commanded the area well.
