City 2-3 Leamington

[Padz]

Leamington the visitors to us on Saturday, they came in good numbers last season and pushing for the playoffs should bring a few to us.

[Rijs]

Very good match report from Chris Byrne, who deserves all our thanks for his contributions to this website through another season. It does show that Leamington deserved their win. I was hoping for another last-minute equaliser like the Banbury and Salisbury ones, but we just seemed to be suffering something like heat exhaustion in the closing stages--not surprising in 80%, but Leamington were physically stronger and fitter, and kept going better than we did. I think Chris was perhaps quite kind to young Joe White about the two second half goals conceded, because I thought both were errors, though he did also bring off a fantastic save, as did their keeper from Ballard's header. Overall Joe has done a good job for us since being drafted in, and he should have some future at City if he keeps working and improving.

Another storming match from Wayne Blossom, who hardly put a foot wrong once again. But most of all I want to pay tribute to Lee Steele. I didn't get to vote in Player of the Season, but my vote would have gone to him, basically for saving us from relegation. He has led the line brilliantly, scored and created vital goals, educated and encouraged players around him (especially Felipe, who will miss him) and kept his sense of perspective and humour throughout. He really has been a model pro and he has done so much for City this past two seasons. When he left, I predicted we would struggle to score and would be in a relegation battle; when he returned, everyone began to feel more hopeful. His goal today was typical of him--a simple piece of control and cool finishing--but he did so much more, and was still running in the closing minutes when younger players were wilting. He has been, in my opinion, the best striker we have seen in City colours for many years and Mikle Ford's biggest problem in the close season will be finding a worthy replacement.

[Padz]

I think Steeley has indicated that he wants to continue playing next season, hopefully it will be in a City shirt, it's clear to see that he enjoys playing for the club and the supporters , management and his fellow players absolutely adore the guy so heres hoping he'll stay on for another season.

We've got the basis of a very good team, probably in need of a few additions over the summer, with long term absentees Mark Bell and hopefully Darren Pond returning to the side , the likes of Clarkey,Bloss,Ballard,Lyonsy are all 100% players who we can hopefully keep hold of, i'm sure the situation regarding Felipe's future will become clearer over the summer break, If Sav is hanging up his boots it'd be great to have him on board in a coaching capacity

Funds/availabilty allowing i'd be putting Matty Taylor on the shopping list (if he's not snapped up by a club higher up the pyramid) or possibly Jefferson Louis(probably not a popular choice with everybody), and maybe look into bringing Alan Foster back to the club, it'd be nice if things could be patched up to allow Gunny to come back too, especially if Didcot are relegated.

Hasn't been the easiest of season's to be a City supporter, but we have Premier football to look forward to next season which back in October/November was looking doubtful, im gutted to be missing the Didcot game, but will be keeping closely updated on whats going on at 'the loop'

Roll on pre-season....

[hedges]

There is definatily no coincidence in Steele's return and our sudden rise in form as the season went on. Great bloke and a player that does bring so much to the team.

As Padz said Steele has stated in the Oxford Mail that he belived his hamstring problems are resolved or at least can be managed enough for hi mto do at least another season and as padz says, definatily I hope that is with us.

While I guess we can't expect miricles from Joe White I really still concider him unconvincing, he's improving without doubt but wether he is improving quickly enough to establish himself as the main 1st team keeper im not sure about.

He doesn't seem to command his area as well as he should be, theres too much indecision on Crosses and he is a big bloke im not sure he has the agility to get down quick enough to a pull of a reaction saves (like that save the Leamington keeper made today).

I agree with padz we definatily have a decent core team now which we have generally managed to hold together for the alst 3rd of the season, I think definatily Bloss has been the stand out of the many signings made this season and I hope to see him back next year...along with the ursal suspects, Clarky, Malone, Ballard, Lyonsy, Steele....Marvin Martin has impressed me as well to be honest though he has only made afew appearances.

The situation with Felipe is Win - Win for City thats the main thing, if anyone picks him up and I think its practically a given that some one will (probably a league club) we get money for him, on top of that with the sort of club we are and the fact he is a local lad provides quite a big possability he maybe allowed back for loan spells, particularly over the next season which again would be a big bonus for us.

[clive]

I think all supporters hope Steele plays another season ! It would also be good to see Bell and Pond playing again

I don't think Jefferson Louis is the answer - has he ever stayed at a club more than 3 months ?? Personally, I quite like Draycott ( ex Marine & Didcot, now Ciren ) who i think would score alot of goals with the way City try and play. Taylor's record at North Leigh suggests he would do well in our division

I think White is similar to Barasic ie good at the Nomads level, OK as a reserve/bench keeper, not up to being the No 1. I can't think of many stand out local keepers but Beames ( ex Abingdon Utd, now North Leigh ) has looked decent the couple of times I've seen him

If we were to raid Didcot, I would re-sign Alexis. Morgan Williams looks useful too but City have enough wide players at the moment.

[Rijs]

Steely may play one more season but I thought the travelling was getting a bit much for him? And if his pal Sav is retiring... Agreed that Sav would be a real asset on the coaching side, and he could be on the bench too as Justin used to be.
Felipe is clearly going to play at a higher level sooner or later. How much higher, and when, are the questions. He has made rapid progress this season but players of his age often plateau for a bit before going up another gear, and some never get much better after 19! A lot depends on temperament and quite a bit on coaching. The second season is the big test. You see whether potential can be realised. So far he has shown potential, but he has more to prove if he is to be a league player. So he may stay a bit longer at City to prove he can score regularly at this level even when opposing defenders are keeping a close eye on him.
For new signings, Taylor looks a decent bet but I don't think he'd score nearly so many against defenders in this division--it's quite a big step up. I'll be interested to have a look at Lawrence tomorrow--if Diddy do drop, he shouldn't as he's been scoring quite a few ina struggling team. I think we also need a strong left back, a position we've not filled well for long since Jules retired! The best was probably Steve Davis but he was better going forward than defending. We need someone who can do both. I like the look of Marvin Martin and hope we can keep him, but I prefer him playing further forward. Also on my shopping list would be someone to replace Sav, of course. If Pondy were fit that might be the answer, but who knows after 18 months away? He may not be able to get back to this level--and the same goes for Mark Bell. I'd be delighted to see them back in the first team but I don't think we should assume they will just be as good as they were if they start next season. As for the keeper, the jury is out. Joe desreved his chance and hasn't done badly but I agree with the comments on him above. He may need one more season to grow in experience and confidence before he could be relied on as the no.1 keeper here. If only Jesionkowski were available and affordable, Joe would be a good reserve and would probably continue to improve. It is good to keep faith with younger players if we can.
But the main thing I hope for next season, whoever plays for us, is a more settled squad. This season it has been ridiculously unsettled, far too many players have been used, and not surprisingly our best spell has come not just when Steely was playing, but also when the team has been similar from one match to the next. The higher teams tend to use fewer players than those in the lower half. Chicken and egg I know, but I hope Fordy can avoid drafting in loads of loanees next year.