Valiant OxStu dominate lacklustre Cherwell
Way of Plean dispatches a beautiful cross into the top corner to put OxStu into the lead
The rivalry between the OxStu and the Cherwell is inevitable, entrenched by years of journalistic battles. But pitching the papers against each other on the football pitch, it would be reasonable to assume that the match would be played out in a friendly spirit. This game didn’t exactly rank alongside the Old Firm derby or Barcelona- Madrid in terms of quality, but it was a fiercely competitive encounter nonetheless.
In the end, the OxStu team emerged victorious after the tensest of penalty shootouts. The Cherwell had held a firm grip over this grudge match before Saturday, but it was the OxStu side which began the brighter as they sought to avenge the defeats of recent years. Captain Rob Cookson had at his disposal an array of talent and athleticism, all painted for battle with blue streaks on their cheeks.
The OxStu squad of fourteen players possessed a lively blend of youth and experience, pitting former editors of the paper alongside fresh recruits. Editor Simon Akam had demanded a starting role, despite his own admission that he wasn’t quite the complete footballer, but quickly found himself in the thick of the action on the left hand side. The OxStu back four immediately imposed themselves upon their opponents, and were rarely tested by the long ball tactics to which the Cherwell resorted.
With Andrew Sissons and Patrick Foster dictating the tempo in the midfield, OxStu were able to retain possession well, but found it difficult to craft any real chances. The closest they came was through ambitious long-range attempts from Sissons and Waite. The latter of these efforts went flying over the bar, and lodged itself in a tree, causing a lengthy delay.
This did not faze the OxStu team, however, as they continued to dominate, with Michael Way of Plean bringing his silky ball skills to bear against the baffled Cherwell defence. With full backs Alastair Akers and Tony Morash making intelligent use of the ball, and uncompromising centre-half Ben Jones taking no prisoners in a brutal defensive display, OxStu were able to build from a solid platform. A goal seemed inevitable, but OxStu had to wait until just before the break to open their account.
OxStu earned a series of corners, and finally Way of Plean was on hand to turn in Sissons’ deep corner at the far post, prompting wild celebrations. OxStu continued to press forward as the half drew to a close. A superb flowing move down the lefthand side saw Way of Plean again put in the clear, but he somehow contrived to scoop his shot wide with the goal gaping. Ben Jones put in a couple more crunching tackles to secure the lead for the OxStu at half time.
OxStu began the second half with the current sports section making up a formidable back five, with keeping sensation and Sports Editor Rory O’Sullivan coming on in goal, and Sissons slotting in at centre back alongside Jones. This move backfired, however, as talented Cherwell midfielder Dan Bennett was given time on the ball, and began to dictate play. The Cherwell support began to find their voice, employing some dubious chants to spur on their team.
O’Sullivan’s goal was besieged, and only a sensational reflex save low to his right was enough to keep out Bennett’s crisp strike. Cherwell got the equaliser soon afterwards as Alex Laffan rose majestically to head home a raking cross. Suddenly, the OxStu players were staring down the barrel, desperately needing to regain some momentum. But they fought back admirably, taking the game back to the Cherwell.
Simon Akam had a chance to secure the win, but he unfortunately scuffed his attempt on goal. With both sets of players tiring, the game ran from end to end. A searing run from Sissons saw him slide the ball through for Way of Plean, but his chip was well saved. The Cherwell keeper also did well to keep out Sissons’ longrange drive just as the final whistle blew. So with normal time unable to separate the players, the match went to penalties.
Cherwell took an early lead, and the pressure was soon on Ben Jones. A miss from him would have condemned the OxStu to defeat. He stepped up and sidefooted home calmly. Kiran Stacey then proceeded to make a great save to take the contest to sudden death. The contest continued to drag on, with OxStu again looking doomed when O’Sullivan clattered his penalty against the post. He was again reprieved by Stacey, however.
When Tony Morash thumped a measured penalty into the roof of the net, all that remained was for Stacey to make one last save. Alex Stewart met a hushed silence as he walked purposefully towards the spot. The pressure was high, however, and all he could muster was a gentle roll into the feet of the awaiting goalkeeper. Stacey was mobbed by the OxStu team, the hero of the shootout.
8th Jun 2006