Oxford City 1 Hornchurch 1

[Urchins]

On the face of it not a bad result against a team who had only lost once at home all season (3-0 against Northwood) and who were enjoying an improvement in form after recent acquisition of two new strikers. However, we had so much of the play and the greater balance of chances that we could have won it, and it was home keeper Simon Benbow who kept Oxford in it in the second half.

 

The first half we dominated and came very close to opening the scoring when a Nick McDonald header from a Barrie Fox corner came back off the bar in the 23rd minute. But the home side took the lead in the 36th minute against the run of play. Scott Gooding's attempted pass upfield was blocked by Howard Forinton who scampered down the left flank and centred for Stuart Lewis who shot first time low into the far corner. We continued to press and Benbow was called upon to make a fine save from an Andrew Martin header with a couple of minutes to go before half time.

 

The second half began where the first half left off and Benbow had to be on his toes again to save from a Martin shot in the 51st minute and a Fox shot in the 61st minute. Craig Cripps came on for Jon Bates in the 64th minute and it took him 4 minutes to bring us level. A Kevin Jopson ball into the area was well left by Fox and it fell nicely for Cripps unmarked on the corner of the area who shot home low and hard. Oxford came more into the game after this and had a great chance to restore their lead in the 70th minute but Robert Cruse skewed a shot wide when unmarked on the edge of the area and with clear sight of goal. A frantic last couple of minutes saw and Oxford free kick flash across the face of the goal and a John Rothan header from a Fox corner go over the bar.

 

Honours even then, but a good game played in good spirit from two footballing sides.

 

Line-up:-Wood, Carter (Rothan 88), Bates (Cripps 64), Jopson, McDonald, Gooding, Locke, Fox, Jones, Martin (Stowe 77), Cowley. Subs not used:-Kharine (GK)

[Guest]

Agree for the most part Robbie, thanks for that. Fact is however...we had most of the play and once again did not convert our numerous chances. It would be to easy to blame any of the players, who are all playing well, both individually and as a team, it's just not happening in front of goal at the moment, be patient boys, it will, it will. Great game to watch though and to be fair to Oxford, they were a much improved side from the home game earlier in the season. Has to be said however that once again, a team played against us for a point and got it, nine behind the ball and not enough craft and clever thinking from us to break them down. Still, we had a good game against a very determined team who came off the back of two very good wins. Lets keep cool Urchins, a long way to go. 13 games unbeaten......... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif" alt="" />

 

So, update on 2002 thus far (no game on New Years Day) third in the league, three games in hand on the leaders, level on games with the camels and a point behind them, Slough, Hemel and Harlow hovering...this is what its all about....who dares wins...Brilliant...Happy New Year to everyone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool_shades.gif" alt="" />