19-10 Win
The plan was simple: defend tight and do what we trained on Thursday. This was a game we needed and expected to win, but that expectation was only because we have come so far from where we were last year.
And, as it turned out, we all played brilliantly and as a team scored some beautiful goals, which were normally the result of some great teamwork. The height of the Thunder boys didn't even seem to be any issue and we kept a fast pace throughout the game.
On the downside we were timed out in attack (but only once) and there was a period around half time where Thunder scored four or five goals in a row, although this was not really an issue in the game as a whole. We kept playing our game and, even with the divisions greatly changed by substitutions, we found ways to make it work.
We had a regional debut from James. As Amy said, if this is what he can do after a night shift just wait until next time. Seven goals is excellent and Frank was right to highlight the defensive work James put in.
Gaz also deserves a special mention for a first half sliding ball intercept. Even hitting the wall is not enough to stop him going to get that ball back for us!
Becca scored her first regional goal of the season and generally showed off fine play to the crowd of supporters she had brought.
Nick (or number 61 as the ref enjoyed telling him off with) had another solid performance and did not knock over any girls. He reached excellent heights on dynamic collecting jumps to ensure the ball belongs to City.
Ruth in the second half proved she is all over this shot clock thing with a lovely reset shot from just under the post.
Niall chased down numerous loose balls and used his quick turn of pace for a lovely runner.
Dan seemed to be persona-non-grata on the defended calls today despite being pretty damn close. A good come back game from numerous hip, ankle, shoulder injuries - here is hoping your new tongue injury won't affect your play to much next match.
There were many more moments during the game but it was too fast-paced for me to remember everything. To summarise the team was awesome!
There is one more key point in the game that I will mention, it happened towards the end of the first half. Unfortunately, Thunder went down to seven players and it took us a while to readjust to playing four against three. It has historically been very rare for Oxford City to be on the side with the plethora of players and how to best use the extra player is not an easy decision. On this occasion Catherine did us proud, making space and controlling the post in the face of confusing but oddly effective marking. This high work rate and finding the best way to support the division is why she is the MVP for this game. Well done!
MVP - Catherine
Scorers - James (7), Nick (4), Niall (2), Dave (2), Becca, Ruth, Amy, Jo
- Match report by Jo
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