This Sunday saw many of the Southern Region teams in County Cup action. There were several tasty looking ties to choose from, including the visit of Woodley to Abingdon United. However, I couldn't resist the derby game between East Oxford and Oxford City, especially as it was being played at a ground I have driven past on many occasions, but have never previously visited. I'll be honest, when I set off for Oxford Rugby Club, the rain lashing down on thew A34 and the skies a very sullen shade of grey, I had already pencilled in a diversion to the 3g surface at Holloways Park, where Beaconsfield were entertaining Slough Town in another local derby.
However, after arriving at the ground, I could see both sides warming up and, thankfully, the rain had eased off a little.
The match-up in the Oxfordshire County Cup was, on paper, something of a mis-match. Oxford City were sitting second in the Southern Region Premier League table, only kept off top spot by goal difference. Their hosts for the day, East Oxford, ply their trade in Division 2 of the Thames Valley Counties Women's League, three division below City. Their start to the campaign has been mixed, taking 7 points from their opening 5 games. However, they were defending a 100% home record having won both games 3-1 so far.
It was also a much changed City side that was taking to the field this afternoon. Only two of the starting 11 that beat Badshot Lea 6-1 last time out were starting today. Captain Georgina Tayman and top scorer Kaitlyn Crouch were both notable absentees. Ellie White took over the armband for the day and moved back into her central striker role.
However, after arriving at the ground, I could see both sides warming up and, thankfully, the rain had eased off a little.
The match-up in the Oxfordshire County Cup was, on paper, something of a mis-match. Oxford City were sitting second in the Southern Region Premier League table, only kept off top spot by goal difference. Their hosts for the day, East Oxford, ply their trade in Division 2 of the Thames Valley Counties Women's League, three division below City. Their start to the campaign has been mixed, taking 7 points from their opening 5 games. However, they were defending a 100% home record having won both games 3-1 so far.
It was also a much changed City side that was taking to the field this afternoon. Only two of the starting 11 that beat Badshot Lea 6-1 last time out were starting today. Captain Georgina Tayman and top scorer Kaitlyn Crouch were both notable absentees. Ellie White took over the armband for the day and moved back into her central striker role.
The home goal was under constant threat East Oxford began by playing quite a high line, but it's a dangerous tactic against a forward line with the pace of Oxford City. Anaya Grey, Ellie White and Lucy White all have the speed to easily get in behind the East Oxford defence. They had almost been caught out a couple of times in the opening minutes before Ellie White sprung the trap on 7 minutes. Luckily for East Oxford the normally reliant White had not got her sights in just yet. However, three minutes later, City did take the lead. Lucy White broke through on the right, outstripping her marker and getting a shot off. It was well saved by East keeper Kiaya Makin, only for the unfortunate Lizzie Foulkes to inadvertently divert the rebound back over her goalkeeper for an own goal. 0-1
The keeper was called into action again a few minutes later when she did well to push away Erin Swanton's well struck drive. East Oxford were really struggling to deal with the pace of The Hoops, especially Anaya Gray out on the left, who was able to hold ger runs and still go past her marker with some ease. On 16 minutes Ellie Whit was played in again, but once again Makin did well to stand up to the striker. Although, she was powerless a minute later when Ellie White was through again, striking early this time to leave the keeper with no chance. 0-2. It only took a further minute for The Hoops to extend their lead and, once more, it was Ellie White who sprung the trap and finished calmly. 0-3
The attacking flow from City was relentless, although credit to East Oxford, who continued to battle away and didn't let their heads drop. Just before the half hour mark The Hoops made it four. Once again the East Oxford goalkeeper was unlucky. After Lucy White drove down the right and crossed, Makin did really well to save the strike from Anaya Grey, but was helpless to do anything as Gray reacted quickly to smash home the rebound. 0-4.
A few minutes later, Ellie White looked to have got past the defence once more before being brought down by Lizzie Foulkes. Thankfully the incident was only just inside the East Oxford half, meaning the White still had a good 45 yards to run to be in on goal. This was enough for the referee, Tracy McClure, to only issue a yellow card to the defender. An excellent piece of refereeing in my book.
There was no let up from City, as the heaven's opened, the red shirts continued to flood through the East defensive line. Emma Donohoe had a free-kick saved by Makin, who continued to put up a fantastic last line of defence.
Apart from their goalkeeper, East Oxford's Melissa Webby and their Number 30 (who's name I didn't manage to get) continued to work up front. Once such move, their best so far, culminated in number 30 shooting over the bar, but chances were few and far between for the blues.
With just under 10 to go until half-time, another through ball led to East Oxford conceding a fifth goal. Lucy White burst onto the pass, shrugged off her marker and drove the ball low into the near post. 0-5
Three minutes later The Hoops clocked up a half-dozen when Ellie White brilliantly pulled a Swanton cross out of the sky before unleashing an unstoppable shot. 0-6. Then came the moment the home support had been waiting for. Only a minute after going six behind. Number 30 worked her way down the right before crossing low toward the front post. Amalia Djemame reacted quickest, nipping in to stab home past Maskell. 1-6
There was still time for Lucy White to shoot straight at Makin before the referee drew a close the first-half.
HT East Oxford 1 Oxford City 6. This was always going to be a difficult game for East Oxford. They've plugged away doggedly, but the pace of the City front three was just too much for them to cope with.
The keeper was called into action again a few minutes later when she did well to push away Erin Swanton's well struck drive. East Oxford were really struggling to deal with the pace of The Hoops, especially Anaya Gray out on the left, who was able to hold ger runs and still go past her marker with some ease. On 16 minutes Ellie Whit was played in again, but once again Makin did well to stand up to the striker. Although, she was powerless a minute later when Ellie White was through again, striking early this time to leave the keeper with no chance. 0-2. It only took a further minute for The Hoops to extend their lead and, once more, it was Ellie White who sprung the trap and finished calmly. 0-3
The attacking flow from City was relentless, although credit to East Oxford, who continued to battle away and didn't let their heads drop. Just before the half hour mark The Hoops made it four. Once again the East Oxford goalkeeper was unlucky. After Lucy White drove down the right and crossed, Makin did really well to save the strike from Anaya Grey, but was helpless to do anything as Gray reacted quickly to smash home the rebound. 0-4.
A few minutes later, Ellie White looked to have got past the defence once more before being brought down by Lizzie Foulkes. Thankfully the incident was only just inside the East Oxford half, meaning the White still had a good 45 yards to run to be in on goal. This was enough for the referee, Tracy McClure, to only issue a yellow card to the defender. An excellent piece of refereeing in my book.
There was no let up from City, as the heaven's opened, the red shirts continued to flood through the East defensive line. Emma Donohoe had a free-kick saved by Makin, who continued to put up a fantastic last line of defence.
Apart from their goalkeeper, East Oxford's Melissa Webby and their Number 30 (who's name I didn't manage to get) continued to work up front. Once such move, their best so far, culminated in number 30 shooting over the bar, but chances were few and far between for the blues.
With just under 10 to go until half-time, another through ball led to East Oxford conceding a fifth goal. Lucy White burst onto the pass, shrugged off her marker and drove the ball low into the near post. 0-5
Three minutes later The Hoops clocked up a half-dozen when Ellie White brilliantly pulled a Swanton cross out of the sky before unleashing an unstoppable shot. 0-6. Then came the moment the home support had been waiting for. Only a minute after going six behind. Number 30 worked her way down the right before crossing low toward the front post. Amalia Djemame reacted quickest, nipping in to stab home past Maskell. 1-6
There was still time for Lucy White to shoot straight at Makin before the referee drew a close the first-half.
HT East Oxford 1 Oxford City 6. This was always going to be a difficult game for East Oxford. They've plugged away doggedly, but the pace of the City front three was just too much for them to cope with.
Makin makes another save City took Lucy White off at the break, replacing her with Faith Kingdom, but if the home side were expecting any relief following the change, they were shown differently only two minutes into the second half. A slide-rule pass through the defence found Kingdom running in. She took the ball around Makin and slid it into an empty net. 1-7
To their credit, East Oxford tried to hot back immediately. Perri Termine drilled a low one in from 25 yards which Keira Maskell saved with her feet. An unconventional but very effective save from the keeper.
It was a brief moment of hope for the home side, because on 53 minutes they found themselves 8-1 down. Emma Donohoe whipped in a corner from the right, curing in toward the near post with her left foot, the ball seemingly going in off a combination of post and keeper. 1-8
Kiaya Makin then made another good block from Ellie White but was powerless on the stroke of the hour when White was found by Anaya Grey before slotting home. 1-9. Double figures was achieved four minutes later, in spectacular fashion. Faith Kingdom drove down the right before unleashing a dipping drive that flashed past the keeper and went in off the underside of the bar. 1-10.
Once again, East Oxford looked to go up the other end and retaliate, Termine again with a strike, this time going well over. You had to admire their determination.
City then switched Whites, Ellie White going off and Lucy White coming back on into a more central striking role, and it wasn't too long before the substitute got her second of the day. Played in on goal, she kept calm and slotted past Makin 1-11. Two minutes later, White weas literally an inch from her hat-trick when Donohoe burst down the left, drilling a ball across the face of goal, evading the sliding striker by that critical inch. Kingdom then came close to getting her third, but was stopped by a brave block from Makin.
Then, the never say die East Oxford side, did it again. Amalia Djemame lifting a strike over Maskell into the far corner. 2-11. Two minutes later it was almost a third for the home team, Perri Termine bringing a good save out of Maskell. The game was quite stretched now as both sides were tiring on the sticky pitch. City substitute Billie Bough-French was the next to go close, thwarted by Makin once again. Then East's half-time substitute Ellie McCarthy, watched by her brother, former Ardley United midfielder James, burst down the right, showing good speed, before firing low and making Maskell work again.
However, it was The Hoops who were to have the last say. Billie Bough-French curling in a free-kick from 25 yards to round off the scoring. 2-12.
FT East Oxford 2 Oxford City 12. The result was never in doubt. City, three divisions above their hosts, were just too good. However, the way East Oxford continued to play their football was admirable. They were under the cosh for 88 of the 90 minutes, but never let their heads drop and deservedly scored twice. A special mention has to go to their goalkeeper Kiaya Makin who, despite conceding 12 goals, was undoubtably my player of the match. Frequently finding herself exposed against one of the most potent forward lines in the Southern region League, she stood firm, making a whole host of top class saves.
If you want to catch either team in action, they both return to league competition next weekend. East Oxford are back at the Rugby Club as they welcome third placed, newly promoted, Easington Sports to town.
Oxford City make the trip down to Bulmershe Pavilion where they face fourth placed Woodley United. They met at Marsh Lane last month in the FA Cup, Woodley coming out on top by 2-1
East Oxford(squad): 0.Makin, Bowles, 22.Foulkes, Hemsley, Lee, 8.Webby, Culley(c), Maskell, Anderson, Busby, 31.Djemame, Hargreaves, Jones, 28.McCarthy, 12.Termine, Tuckey
Oxford City: 13.Maskell, 16.Barrett, 15.Davis, 16.Lebean, 3.Donohoe, 12.Goddard, 2.Swanton, 9.Walecki, 14.L.White, 7.Gray, 10.E.White(c). Subs: 11.Kingdom, 8.Bradley, 5.Bough-French
To their credit, East Oxford tried to hot back immediately. Perri Termine drilled a low one in from 25 yards which Keira Maskell saved with her feet. An unconventional but very effective save from the keeper.
It was a brief moment of hope for the home side, because on 53 minutes they found themselves 8-1 down. Emma Donohoe whipped in a corner from the right, curing in toward the near post with her left foot, the ball seemingly going in off a combination of post and keeper. 1-8
Kiaya Makin then made another good block from Ellie White but was powerless on the stroke of the hour when White was found by Anaya Grey before slotting home. 1-9. Double figures was achieved four minutes later, in spectacular fashion. Faith Kingdom drove down the right before unleashing a dipping drive that flashed past the keeper and went in off the underside of the bar. 1-10.
Once again, East Oxford looked to go up the other end and retaliate, Termine again with a strike, this time going well over. You had to admire their determination.
City then switched Whites, Ellie White going off and Lucy White coming back on into a more central striking role, and it wasn't too long before the substitute got her second of the day. Played in on goal, she kept calm and slotted past Makin 1-11. Two minutes later, White weas literally an inch from her hat-trick when Donohoe burst down the left, drilling a ball across the face of goal, evading the sliding striker by that critical inch. Kingdom then came close to getting her third, but was stopped by a brave block from Makin.
Then, the never say die East Oxford side, did it again. Amalia Djemame lifting a strike over Maskell into the far corner. 2-11. Two minutes later it was almost a third for the home team, Perri Termine bringing a good save out of Maskell. The game was quite stretched now as both sides were tiring on the sticky pitch. City substitute Billie Bough-French was the next to go close, thwarted by Makin once again. Then East's half-time substitute Ellie McCarthy, watched by her brother, former Ardley United midfielder James, burst down the right, showing good speed, before firing low and making Maskell work again.
However, it was The Hoops who were to have the last say. Billie Bough-French curling in a free-kick from 25 yards to round off the scoring. 2-12.
FT East Oxford 2 Oxford City 12. The result was never in doubt. City, three divisions above their hosts, were just too good. However, the way East Oxford continued to play their football was admirable. They were under the cosh for 88 of the 90 minutes, but never let their heads drop and deservedly scored twice. A special mention has to go to their goalkeeper Kiaya Makin who, despite conceding 12 goals, was undoubtably my player of the match. Frequently finding herself exposed against one of the most potent forward lines in the Southern region League, she stood firm, making a whole host of top class saves.
If you want to catch either team in action, they both return to league competition next weekend. East Oxford are back at the Rugby Club as they welcome third placed, newly promoted, Easington Sports to town.
Oxford City make the trip down to Bulmershe Pavilion where they face fourth placed Woodley United. They met at Marsh Lane last month in the FA Cup, Woodley coming out on top by 2-1
East Oxford(squad): 0.Makin, Bowles, 22.Foulkes, Hemsley, Lee, 8.Webby, Culley(c), Maskell, Anderson, Busby, 31.Djemame, Hargreaves, Jones, 28.McCarthy, 12.Termine, Tuckey
Oxford City: 13.Maskell, 16.Barrett, 15.Davis, 16.Lebean, 3.Donohoe, 12.Goddard, 2.Swanton, 9.Walecki, 14.L.White, 7.Gray, 10.E.White(c). Subs: 11.Kingdom, 8.Bradley, 5.Bough-French
East Oxford attacking
The Ground
East Oxford currently play at Oxford Rugby & Football Club, just off the A34 at North Hinksey, a little to the South-West of Oxford city centre. It's a multi-sport centre at which the rugby ground takes centre stage, with its small stand, dugouts and advertising hoardings. There is a reasonably large car park, with ample further parking on grass just off the service road that leads into the complex. There are also a number of tennis courts on the opposite side of the service road. The football pitch sits alongside this road and next to the shared clubhouse. There are no spectator stands around the pitch, although you could watch from your car if your parked carefully. The playing surface doesn't have any discernable slope and was in quite good condition, if not a bit heavy following the downpours overnight and earlier in the day.
Ground Number: 423
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
East Oxford currently play at Oxford Rugby & Football Club, just off the A34 at North Hinksey, a little to the South-West of Oxford city centre. It's a multi-sport centre at which the rugby ground takes centre stage, with its small stand, dugouts and advertising hoardings. There is a reasonably large car park, with ample further parking on grass just off the service road that leads into the complex. There are also a number of tennis courts on the opposite side of the service road. The football pitch sits alongside this road and next to the shared clubhouse. There are no spectator stands around the pitch, although you could watch from your car if your parked carefully. The playing surface doesn't have any discernable slope and was in quite good condition, if not a bit heavy following the downpours overnight and earlier in the day.
Ground Number: 423
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
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