Young Bulls produce best display of the season to knock out Cup Favourites Oxford 1-0
Yesterday saw us entertain Oxford in the quarter final of the National Cup. Oxford are the strongest team that competes in the PLFL competitions as the use some of their paid Youth Team Scholars in the team. They play in an overall slightly stronger league to us and have games in hand to go clear top, also they came to us on an unbeaten 9 game run, winning the last 6 in a row.
Since our victory over Chelsea a fortnight ago we have worked on the lads becoming men and becoming a stronger team together and it was that mentality that got us into the semi-final.
Oxford started strong and confident, continuing on from their 6-2 win over cheltenham in their last game but it didn't take us long to assert our passing play. Our shape was the best it has been this season and we constantly broke up the play in midfield and kept the ball well. The first real chance came for Oxford, a deep cross was put back into our box and a free header just went wide. Moments later a sloppy bit of play from us resulted in Oxford hitting the post and Chris May and Benn Pugh did well to clear the rebound. At the other end our passing approach was giving Oxford Problems. Matty Owen made good runs and put in some dangerous crosses. Carlos Moreira, Alex Lilwall and Robbie Trumper were keeping us probing with Tom Gameson looking a threat but no clear cut chances were made, although we enjoyed plenty of half chances and Matt Owen was foiled by the keeper in a one on one after another good run. Our back four were solid and Lewis Fletcher controlled the midfield well as we went into half time level. It was the best we played as a team by a mile and the game had a real first team football edge about it with everybody working hard, tackles flying in and the odd scuffle involving the Beast Chris May. A really enjoyable first 45.
At halftime we knew we had to keep our standard up for the second half because Oxford would be good enough to punish us if we didn't.
We were even better in the second half, especially going forward. For the first 30 minutes we looked dangerous and kept our good defensive shape. Alex Lilwalls half volley rebounded to Robbie Trumper who fired just wide. Matty James started to get on top of their forwards and our fullbacks Simon Morgan and Liam Taylor were solid against the wide men. Moreira was coming into the game more, Lilwall was excelling in midfield and Gameson was out working and out fighting the two big Oxford defenders and we finally got the break through on 70 minutes. Moreira got round the back down the left and pulled it back to Gameson who fired in a low shot from 18yards.
The game then opened up. Oxford put in some good crosses and we started to sit back. Resulting from half cleared crosses Oxford were getting shots from the edge of our area which luckily didn't find the target. When they did break through us Benn Pugh was on hand to make a fine save and Liam Taylor cleared the danger. At the other end we had chances on the break. Gameson should of got his second and with a better final ball Will Lawley would of had a couple of runs through on goal. One final Oxford shot whistled past our post and the whistle was blown. It was a great game and some Oxford players sank to their knees at the whistle as they knew how important the cup competition is.
I couldn't of been any prouder of the players. Not one player deserves a mention over anyone else as the whole squad were outstanding. The Oxford manager afterwards said we were the best team they have played and picked out a couple of our players that he believes could be good enough for their Academy which is a huge compliment. The work rate and fitness levels for a group of lads that had only played 1 game in the last 2 months is testament to the attitude they bring to training with them, days like this make the job enjoyable. It takes our record this season to 10 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats, if we keep our standards and keep learning then we can win the Cup. Then if we finish strongly in the league hopefully these boys will have a chance in football at some level.
We will take on Reading for the chance to play in the final on a date that will be arranged soon. Next weeks game against Exeter looks set to be postponed but we have a trial day next Friday and our U16s training with us so we can concentrate on seeing who can make the grade for next years push. Anyone that hasn't signed up to come down then please go to info@uitc.uk.com and join us next week.
Finally a thankyou to all that came and supported us, it wasn't quite the meadow end roar when we scored but the cheers and the clapping at the end of the game means a lot to all of us.
Team: Benn Pugh, Liam Taylor, Simon Morgan, Joe Davies, Chris May, Matty James, Lewis Fletcher, Robbie Trumper, Alex Lilwall, Carlos Moreira, Matty Owen, Tom Gameson
Sub: Joe Davies, James Obern, Will Lawley