On Sunday, whilst half of the country seemed to be glued to their phones, counting down from position 250,000 in the pre-queue to get into the queue for Oasis tickets, those of us with more sense were out and about checking out the opening round of the 2024-25 Women's FA Cup. There were a host of interesting ties featuring SoReg teams but, for me, the obvious choice was the one closest to home, Kidlington Youth v Headstone Manor. Why that game? Well, first and foremost it was going to be Kidlington's debut in the FA Cup. It would also be the first time I had seen them play since my daughter signed for their u15 team. So, I have to declare some local interest. Having said that, I was also keen to see Headstone Manor. The Greater London Premier side crossed the BotP radar last season when they knocked Tilehurst Panthers out o the FA Cup at this stage. That victory, courtesy of a Rebekah Higgins goal, gave them a home tie with Camden & Islington, which they also won without conceding. They then went out at the next stage, losing 6-0 to Dulwich Hamlet. However, this was not their best FA Cup run. The previous season they made it through to the First Round before going out to Ashford united
So, cup experience lay firmly in the Headstone Manor camp despite Kidlington being higher placed in the pyramid (step 6 versus step 7).
Many thanks to Kidlington manager Vinny Murphy and referee Adam Morris for sharing the team sheets with me. Very much appreciated.
So, cup experience lay firmly in the Headstone Manor camp despite Kidlington being higher placed in the pyramid (step 6 versus step 7).
Many thanks to Kidlington manager Vinny Murphy and referee Adam Morris for sharing the team sheets with me. Very much appreciated.
Early Headstone attack Kidlington started the game well. Within 2 minutes Courtney Sumner called Sandra Hnat into action, forcing the Headstone keeper into a good block with her feet.
However, the home side found themselves a goal down after six minutes. A hopeful ball into the centre of the Kidlington penalty area caused all sorts of confusion between defence and goalkeeper. The resulting chaos ended with the ball falling perfectly into the path of Iqra Ismail, who just had to roll the ball into an unguarded net. 0-1
A Minute later, with their tails up, Headstone came close to making it two when a corner from the right found Camilla Sameur at the back post. Fortunately for Kidlington, the Manor number 14 couldn't get her volley on target.
The Greens were shaken, but starting to stir. Liv Ward tried her luck from 20 yards and was unlucky to see her strike go narrowly over the bar. Straight back up the other end, Emily Murphy had to be aware enough to race off her line to beat Sameur to a through ball. Then, on 20 minutes, Sumner struck a drive on target only for Hnat to be well positioned to make the save again.
Kidlington pressed again a minute later, Ward exchanging passes with Sumner before once again testing Hnat and finding the manor keeper up to the task. A minute later Hnat was at it again, saving well from Keira Isaac after the striker was put clean through on the left hand side.
A water break was welcome relief to Headstone in more ways than one. Kidlington were building a head of steam, so a break in play gave the visitors a little time to gather their wits and re-group. However, it didn't quite work out that way. Just a couple of minutes after the restart, the home side drew level, and it was their talisman striker Courtney Sumner who provided the finishing touch to a passing move that saw them work the ball across the face of the Headstone box. When it was finally fed to Sumner, she made no mistake with a low drive past Hnat. 1-1.
Kidlington were now on top in terms of possession but still looked a little shaky defensively. Sameur and Ismail, especially, were always ready to pounce on any indecision. However, neither side could find a way through for the remainder of the half.
HT Kidlington Youth 1 (Sumner 29) Headstone Manor 1 (Ismail 6). Kidlington look to have enough fire-power to win the game. However, they have been their own worst enemy at times, gifting opportunities to the visitors, not least in the opening goal.
However, the home side found themselves a goal down after six minutes. A hopeful ball into the centre of the Kidlington penalty area caused all sorts of confusion between defence and goalkeeper. The resulting chaos ended with the ball falling perfectly into the path of Iqra Ismail, who just had to roll the ball into an unguarded net. 0-1
A Minute later, with their tails up, Headstone came close to making it two when a corner from the right found Camilla Sameur at the back post. Fortunately for Kidlington, the Manor number 14 couldn't get her volley on target.
The Greens were shaken, but starting to stir. Liv Ward tried her luck from 20 yards and was unlucky to see her strike go narrowly over the bar. Straight back up the other end, Emily Murphy had to be aware enough to race off her line to beat Sameur to a through ball. Then, on 20 minutes, Sumner struck a drive on target only for Hnat to be well positioned to make the save again.
Kidlington pressed again a minute later, Ward exchanging passes with Sumner before once again testing Hnat and finding the manor keeper up to the task. A minute later Hnat was at it again, saving well from Keira Isaac after the striker was put clean through on the left hand side.
A water break was welcome relief to Headstone in more ways than one. Kidlington were building a head of steam, so a break in play gave the visitors a little time to gather their wits and re-group. However, it didn't quite work out that way. Just a couple of minutes after the restart, the home side drew level, and it was their talisman striker Courtney Sumner who provided the finishing touch to a passing move that saw them work the ball across the face of the Headstone box. When it was finally fed to Sumner, she made no mistake with a low drive past Hnat. 1-1.
Kidlington were now on top in terms of possession but still looked a little shaky defensively. Sameur and Ismail, especially, were always ready to pounce on any indecision. However, neither side could find a way through for the remainder of the half.
HT Kidlington Youth 1 (Sumner 29) Headstone Manor 1 (Ismail 6). Kidlington look to have enough fire-power to win the game. However, they have been their own worst enemy at times, gifting opportunities to the visitors, not least in the opening goal.
Kidlington push for more goals The home side made an interesting change at the break. Courtney Sumner, top scorer for the past 4 years, did not re-appear for the second half. Whether this was because of injury or tactical, I don't know. The change in personnel meant that Grace Craven moved to a more forward position alongside Keira Isaac. This proved to be the decision that changed the game for Kidlington.
Four minutes into the second period Isaac sent in a speculative effort to ensure that Hnat had her head on after the restart but, a minute later, the Greens took the lead. Grace Craven was sent clean through, her pace taking her clear of the defence, before calmly slotting low past Hnat. 2-1
To their credit, Headstone immediately tried to hit back and Katie Phillipson was not a million miles away from getting a lob over Emily Murphy, who had to stretch to make the stop.
Just past the hour mark, Kidlington got themselves two in front and it was Grace Craven, once again on the mark. This time latching onto a weak back pass and flying into a 50/50 challenge with Sandra Hnat. As both players hit the ground, the Kidlington striker was quickest to react, stabbing the ball home from a narrow angle. 3-1. A goal that typifies Craven's second-half performance, speed off the mark, tenacity, bravery and quick-thinking to get the goal.
Two minutes later Craven and Hnat went head-to-head again, this time the goalkeeper came out on top. The competition between the Kidlington striker and the Headstone goalkeeper was going to be a feature of the second half.
They may have been two goals behind now but Headstone Manor were not giving up the ghost. Nieve Buckley put in a good cross that Emma O'Hare got to, only to see her effort blocked before it could trouble Murphy. However, chances for the visitors were at a premium and much of the action was at the other end, predominantly the ongoing Craven versus Hnat match-up. With 12 minutes of normal time remaining Hnat once again denied Craven her hat-trick and then, three minutes later, the Manor stopper was at it again, denying the same Kidlington striker who could only smile as the keeper blocked yet another attempt on goal.
Approaching the final minute, Headstone launched the ball into the Kidlington penalty area where Sasha Williams rose highest, getting a good header on the up and under cross only to see the ball hit the side netting. That proved to be the lats chance for Headstone as Kidlington raced straight up the pitch and put the game to bed. Once again Grace Craven was set on her way, one of one with Hnat. The striker took the shot early and for once Hnat could do no more than help it on its way into the corner of the net. 4-1 and the hat-trick finally secured.
The game was a done deal but the scoring wasn't quite over. Two minutes into added time Zoe Taylor picked the ball up some 30 yards out, took a few strides forward and, with shouts of "shoot" coming from the home support, she duly obliged by leathering one over Hnat. Great strike! 5-1
FT Kidlington Youth 5 (Sumner 29, Craven 50, 61, 90, Taylor 90+2) Headstone Manor 1 (Ismail 6). A superb second-half display from the home team secured a first ever FA Cup win. It's not often I single out players because I firmly believe that football is all about the team. However, Grace Craven's second half performance was the difference between the teams in my opinion. An impressive way to mark your competitive debut for a club. The Headstone defence just couldn't cope with her enthusiasm. Don't get me wrong, the Kidlington entire team played their part. The defence tightened up after a shaky first half. The midfield was solid and dominant and the use of the wings in the second half played a massive part in the victory. A clever formation change at half-time by the coaches.
For their part, Headstone Manor greatly added to the level of entertainment. Sandra Hnat had a great game between the sticks. Her battle with Craven, and saves from Sumner and Isaac were big features of the game. Conceding five was harsh on the keeper.
If you want to catch either of the teams in action next week, they are both in league action on Sunday 8th. Headstone make the journey to Gunnersbury Park to take on Hammersmith where they drew 2-2 last season. Meanwhile, Kidlington are on the road at Burnham FC as they face Wycombe Wanderers u23 where they lost 3-2 last season.
Kidlington Youth: 1.Murphy, 5.Dunbavin, 3,Antonen, 8.Woodward, 7.Clements(c), 2.Ward, 10.Craven, 18.O.Thacker, 6.Keal, 16.Sumner, 9.Isaac. Subs: 24.Clayton, 12.I.Thacker, 23.Owen, 14.Taylor
Headstone Manor: 1.Hnat, 7.Delaney(c), 13.Mist, 4.Goodwin, 20. Breznica, 16.Phillipson, 9.Holland, 8.Williams, 23. Ismail, 25.Buckley, 14.Sameur. Subs: Latham, 6.O'Hare
Four minutes into the second period Isaac sent in a speculative effort to ensure that Hnat had her head on after the restart but, a minute later, the Greens took the lead. Grace Craven was sent clean through, her pace taking her clear of the defence, before calmly slotting low past Hnat. 2-1
To their credit, Headstone immediately tried to hit back and Katie Phillipson was not a million miles away from getting a lob over Emily Murphy, who had to stretch to make the stop.
Just past the hour mark, Kidlington got themselves two in front and it was Grace Craven, once again on the mark. This time latching onto a weak back pass and flying into a 50/50 challenge with Sandra Hnat. As both players hit the ground, the Kidlington striker was quickest to react, stabbing the ball home from a narrow angle. 3-1. A goal that typifies Craven's second-half performance, speed off the mark, tenacity, bravery and quick-thinking to get the goal.
Two minutes later Craven and Hnat went head-to-head again, this time the goalkeeper came out on top. The competition between the Kidlington striker and the Headstone goalkeeper was going to be a feature of the second half.
They may have been two goals behind now but Headstone Manor were not giving up the ghost. Nieve Buckley put in a good cross that Emma O'Hare got to, only to see her effort blocked before it could trouble Murphy. However, chances for the visitors were at a premium and much of the action was at the other end, predominantly the ongoing Craven versus Hnat match-up. With 12 minutes of normal time remaining Hnat once again denied Craven her hat-trick and then, three minutes later, the Manor stopper was at it again, denying the same Kidlington striker who could only smile as the keeper blocked yet another attempt on goal.
Approaching the final minute, Headstone launched the ball into the Kidlington penalty area where Sasha Williams rose highest, getting a good header on the up and under cross only to see the ball hit the side netting. That proved to be the lats chance for Headstone as Kidlington raced straight up the pitch and put the game to bed. Once again Grace Craven was set on her way, one of one with Hnat. The striker took the shot early and for once Hnat could do no more than help it on its way into the corner of the net. 4-1 and the hat-trick finally secured.
The game was a done deal but the scoring wasn't quite over. Two minutes into added time Zoe Taylor picked the ball up some 30 yards out, took a few strides forward and, with shouts of "shoot" coming from the home support, she duly obliged by leathering one over Hnat. Great strike! 5-1
FT Kidlington Youth 5 (Sumner 29, Craven 50, 61, 90, Taylor 90+2) Headstone Manor 1 (Ismail 6). A superb second-half display from the home team secured a first ever FA Cup win. It's not often I single out players because I firmly believe that football is all about the team. However, Grace Craven's second half performance was the difference between the teams in my opinion. An impressive way to mark your competitive debut for a club. The Headstone defence just couldn't cope with her enthusiasm. Don't get me wrong, the Kidlington entire team played their part. The defence tightened up after a shaky first half. The midfield was solid and dominant and the use of the wings in the second half played a massive part in the victory. A clever formation change at half-time by the coaches.
For their part, Headstone Manor greatly added to the level of entertainment. Sandra Hnat had a great game between the sticks. Her battle with Craven, and saves from Sumner and Isaac were big features of the game. Conceding five was harsh on the keeper.
If you want to catch either of the teams in action next week, they are both in league action on Sunday 8th. Headstone make the journey to Gunnersbury Park to take on Hammersmith where they drew 2-2 last season. Meanwhile, Kidlington are on the road at Burnham FC as they face Wycombe Wanderers u23 where they lost 3-2 last season.
Kidlington Youth: 1.Murphy, 5.Dunbavin, 3,Antonen, 8.Woodward, 7.Clements(c), 2.Ward, 10.Craven, 18.O.Thacker, 6.Keal, 16.Sumner, 9.Isaac. Subs: 24.Clayton, 12.I.Thacker, 23.Owen, 14.Taylor
Headstone Manor: 1.Hnat, 7.Delaney(c), 13.Mist, 4.Goodwin, 20. Breznica, 16.Phillipson, 9.Holland, 8.Williams, 23. Ismail, 25.Buckley, 14.Sameur. Subs: Latham, 6.O'Hare
Headstone corner
Ground Number: Re-visit
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Ground Number: Re-visit
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