U13 OMBL vs Milton
Feb 7, 2010 18:13:59 GMT
Post by robin on Feb 7, 2010 18:13:59 GMT
Oxford City Colts U13 Match Report
7th February 2010
Milton United 1 - Oxford City Colts 0
City returned to league action for the first time since November with an away fixture at high-flying Milton. Perhaps not the ideal way to restart the season after the recent poor weather, this proved to be City’s best performance to date and how they failed to get even a point in this excellent match, is something of a mystery.
All the boys were available for selection and full of enthusiasm following the recent indoor training sessions and so it was for once difficult to decide on the starting eleven. Steven Lawson and Tom Homer came in for their Oxford City debuts adding strength to the defence and midfield. With the match scheduled to be played on the large Milton United 1st team pitch, the City team were reminded of the importance of keeping possession and exploiting spaces.
City started extremely brightly showing no evidence of the lack of competitive football. They passed the ball well with Joe Roberson and Tyler Walker dominating the centre of midfield. Both Tom Homer and Alex Ball looked dangerous down the wings and the only thing missing was a clear cut chance on to turn their possession into a lead. In defence Adam Martin and Brian Muinami looked assured, preventing the Milton attack a run at the City goal. And when there was a sign of the home side creating an opportunity Steven Lawson was on hand to tidy up.
Throughout the first half, City had more than their fair share of the ball but were unable to unlock the Milton defence and so the sides went in level at the break. The boys were told to keep playing in the same way, be patient and await the opportunity to attack the Milton goal. The second half started much as the first had finished with City passing the ball well; but as both sides started to tire, larger spaces developed across the pitch. City still looked the more likely to score, the first definite chance coming when Jack Kent was through on goal. He came into contact with the last Milton defender and both players went to ground; the City fans waited for a whistle but the referee waved play on.
But just as they looked more dangerous going forward so the defence appeared more vulnerable to the long ball. And this was once again City’s Achilles heel. With five minutes to go Milton floated the ball over the City defence and one of their strikers was first to react and lobbed his shot into the net. City, though, were not finished and carved out more scoring opportunities the best falling to Jack Kent who saw his shot slip agonisingly wide of the far post by only a few inches.
So Milton took all three points but City can be proud of an excellent performance. If they carry on playing as they did today, the results must surely get better. Finally many thanks to Mike Dennis for once again running the line.
Team: J Russell, B Proper, A Martin, B Muinami, S Lawson, T Homer, J Roberson, T Walker, A Ball, D Dennis, J Kent. Subs B Tombs, P McKenna, L Williams
7th February 2010
Milton United 1 - Oxford City Colts 0
City returned to league action for the first time since November with an away fixture at high-flying Milton. Perhaps not the ideal way to restart the season after the recent poor weather, this proved to be City’s best performance to date and how they failed to get even a point in this excellent match, is something of a mystery.
All the boys were available for selection and full of enthusiasm following the recent indoor training sessions and so it was for once difficult to decide on the starting eleven. Steven Lawson and Tom Homer came in for their Oxford City debuts adding strength to the defence and midfield. With the match scheduled to be played on the large Milton United 1st team pitch, the City team were reminded of the importance of keeping possession and exploiting spaces.
City started extremely brightly showing no evidence of the lack of competitive football. They passed the ball well with Joe Roberson and Tyler Walker dominating the centre of midfield. Both Tom Homer and Alex Ball looked dangerous down the wings and the only thing missing was a clear cut chance on to turn their possession into a lead. In defence Adam Martin and Brian Muinami looked assured, preventing the Milton attack a run at the City goal. And when there was a sign of the home side creating an opportunity Steven Lawson was on hand to tidy up.
Throughout the first half, City had more than their fair share of the ball but were unable to unlock the Milton defence and so the sides went in level at the break. The boys were told to keep playing in the same way, be patient and await the opportunity to attack the Milton goal. The second half started much as the first had finished with City passing the ball well; but as both sides started to tire, larger spaces developed across the pitch. City still looked the more likely to score, the first definite chance coming when Jack Kent was through on goal. He came into contact with the last Milton defender and both players went to ground; the City fans waited for a whistle but the referee waved play on.
But just as they looked more dangerous going forward so the defence appeared more vulnerable to the long ball. And this was once again City’s Achilles heel. With five minutes to go Milton floated the ball over the City defence and one of their strikers was first to react and lobbed his shot into the net. City, though, were not finished and carved out more scoring opportunities the best falling to Jack Kent who saw his shot slip agonisingly wide of the far post by only a few inches.
So Milton took all three points but City can be proud of an excellent performance. If they carry on playing as they did today, the results must surely get better. Finally many thanks to Mike Dennis for once again running the line.
Team: J Russell, B Proper, A Martin, B Muinami, S Lawson, T Homer, J Roberson, T Walker, A Ball, D Dennis, J Kent. Subs B Tombs, P McKenna, L Williams