No Revenge for Brave Blues
Having been defeated in a high-scoring encounter at the start of the season, the Blues were out for revenge. This well attended match swung many ways before finally denying them that goal.
Sleek Spencer Wandsworth's passing and swift movement up the field were matched almost single-handedly by the skill of Oxford's Dan Solomon, frequently weaving his way past defenders into troublesome positions. Whilst short corners were efficiently deterred by the Blues, Wandsworth had to be extremely disciplined in order to nullify the effect of Oxford's number 5. The best chance of the opening exchanges came when Solomon jinked magically into the D, only to dither too long deciding whether to shoot or lay it off.
However, the attacker soon atoned for his mistake: a surging run from Blues captain Dan Fox began a move that was switched out to the left wing, where good work saw the ball pulled back into the D. It found its way to Solomon, who, on fire, eluded the keeper and slotted calmly home.
Confidence swept through the Oxford team, and the crowd sensed further blood. A heavy period of home pressure ended with an extravagant reverse chip that forced a brave save from the Wandsworth keeper.
With the chance to clear their lines, the visitors went straight after an equaliser. Having been patiently moved down the right flank, the ball was fired dangerously across the Oxford D and only needed a touch to send it goalward. Play was quickly switched to the left, where quick passing into the area was honoured with an astonishingly nonchalant flick into the bottom corner of the net. Oxford's defence had appeared to melt as the warm knife of Wandsworth's attack sliced through it.
Solomon continued to cause problems with a series of mazy runs - supported admirably by the dominant Fox - but this was not to be Oxford's day. Wandsworth took the lead all too easily as the Blues defence again seemed to part.
The game switched from end to end, but all Oxford's hard work was undermined by basic mistakes. Two short corners in quick succession were well worked by the Blues, but a well marshalled visiting defence was not really made to sweat. Another graceful set of passes again took Wandsworth into the D, this time earning them a penalty flick as the umpire spotted a foul. A visiting defender was chosen to seize a two goal advantage.
Oxford dominated the final passages of play, desperately trying to salvage either points or pride, but not even Solomon, with all the time and ease of a great in any sport, could force a break through.
12th Feb 2004