U’s v U’s: Correct.
University Derby: No!
Mark Bonner continued with the 3/5 at the back with Morrison, R. Bennett and Jones as the 3 in front of Mitov, with L bennett on the right and Brophy on the left. Midfield of Digby, McGrandles and Lankester with Ironside and Smith up front.
First action of note was on 4 minutes with Ironside being held then forced to the ground by a defender, but the referee didn’t think it was a free kick. The referee continued in that way for the rest of the game, much to the annoyance of CUFC fans.
First CUFC corner came on 7 minutes, and what a great angled header at the near post by jones to put the ball into the far corner of the net. 1-0.
CUFC kept the high tempo, Ironside having a weak shot easily saved on 17 minutes, then a good cross from Brophy was half cleared to Digby who shot wide.
Oxford had their first chance with a long shot which went wide and untouched by a defender, but the referee gave a corner which was cleared.
First booking came for Baldock when Brophy was tripped on 28 minutes.
Smith did well to make space for a shot from just inside the penalty area following a good cross from L Bennett but didn’t get enough power and the keeper was able to push the ball away.
Last chance of the half fell for McGrandles following some good passing, but his shot was deflected for a corner.
Half time: 1-0.
Oxford started the second half on the attack, and Mitov had to be alert to catch an attempted lob on 46 minutes.
A good break by Brophy saw him square to Smith but leaning back he put the ball way over the bar.
Oxford continued to press, but were in the main limited to long shots which if they were not blocked then Mitov dealt with easily.
On 68 minutes Lankester was replaced by Thomas for his home debut, on 76 Worman came on for Mcgrandles.
A worrying defensive moment on 79 as Morrison attempted to head the ball to Mitov but didn’t get enough distance to set up an Oxford chance that was cleared for a corner.
Another Oxford corner on 83 was cleared from near our goal line to set up Smith for a break, but with only the keeper to beat he tried to square the ball to I think L Bennett in space by the penalty area, but a defender slid in to cut out the ball. The final moments were all Oxford pressing and forcing corners, their giant defender Moore playing as a forward and even the keeper going up for a corner in added time, but CUFC weathered the storm to finish the game 1-0 winners.
Another “Must Win” game ends with a win! And much quieter on social media Saturday evening. On the terraces there was 100% support for the team. I do wonder why so many of our “Fans” seem to enjoy it more when we lose than when we win!
A game of 2 halves, CUFC having the better of the first half, OUFC the second. The stats show OUFC had more possession, and both had the same number of shots on goal, but CUFC did the most important thing of getting the ball in the net!
As with the match on Valentines Day CUFC could have been 2 or 3 goals ahead at half time, but had to make do with just the one. Oxford couldn’t conjure a “World Class” strike, and the CUFC defence held firm.
A big difference was that it seemed Brophy had been told he is not allowed to pass the ball backwards! Or maybe he was told to follow the example of Liam Bennett! Instead he used his skill and speed to beat his man and take the ball up the pitch, and that meant he had his best game for quite a while. It also meant he was subjected to some firm challenges from the opponents. If only he had the confidence to shoot when he has the opportunity!
The energy throughout the team was superb. Anyone who thinks the players are “not playing for Bonner” is wrong on this performance. Thomas came on for the last 20 minutes and showed some good touches, McGrandles ran himself into the ground. Lankester buzzed around all over the middle. As we have come to expect Liam Bennett was up and down the right all day!
Overall a satisfying performance and a much needed 3 points, but it must be repeated for the rest of the season if we are to escape the relegation places.
Being the underdogs in the next 2 away games at Fleetwood and Exeter should play to our strengths of defend and hit on the break. Is 4 points out of 6 return being greedy? I live in hope!
Terry