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Oxford University 2 v Men's 2nd XI

Match Reports - 02/12/2008

Game	: Oxford University 2 v Men's 2nd XI
Result	: 3 - 1
Date	: Nov 29, 2008
Pushback	: 14:00
Venue	: Away - Iffley Road
Status	: London Div 1

Chelmsford rue missed chances

Chelmsford travelled to Oxford this weekend, to play the University 2nd XI in their latest London League Division 1 game. Whilst they dominated much of the play, missed chances and a nightmare 5 minutes spell saw the Super Twos slump to a fourth straight league defeat, going down 3-1.

As with previous weeks, Chelmsford found themselves under pressure early on, but again dealt with this well, minimising opportunities on goal, and keeping to the patient style of play they have been trying to use all season. Despite the occasional error Chelmsford looked comfortable, until the youngsters from Oxford made the most of their pace up front, and finishing well when they had men over in the ‘D’. The greens, however, stayed positive and did not allow their heads to drop.

After a sustained period of pressure, and following a slick passing move, George Mann was able to level the score, making the most of an overlap down the left hand side. After 20 minutes the game was very open, and on the surface had the potential to be a high scoring affair. With barely a minute to half time, Jon Wilcox was gifted the ball by the Oxford centre back, his pass to Simon Taylor put the Chelmsford front man through 1 on 1 with the keeper, but his touch let him down, and the chance went begging.

The second half saw table reversed, with the visitor’s having almost all the possession. However, whilst the greens were camped in their opponent’s 25, and with 6 forwards on the pitch, there was no reward for their exploits. Whilst Oxford sat further and further back, Chelmsford’s defence were able to push up, with little fear of a counter attack.

The turning point in the game came when the hosts managed to relieve some pressure, and enjoy a rare foray into the Chelmsford half. A crash ball from the edge of the 25 seemed harmless enough, with ‘keeper Wright happy to let it go passed him. Unfortunately, the ball struck the inside of the post and it was the Oxford attacker who reacted first, tapping in from a yard out.

Whilst the goal seemed thoroughly undeserved, it gave the Student’s the boost they needed, and they started to create more opportunities. Minutes after they took they took the lead, Oxford were able to make it 3-1 when Chelmsford committed the most basic of errors. Although the ball had clearly struck an Oxford foot, in fading light and through a number of bodies, the umpire failed to see it. Whilst Chelmsford stopped, the opposition played on, and Wright was helpless in a 3 on 1 which saw another tap in from a yard.

The frustration amongst the Super Twos was obvious, and this was made more apparent by the sin binning of Rob Hartley, for an ugly clash at an Oxford free hit. Soon after, Coach Spencer found himself on thin ice, questioning the repeated fouls of the Oxford midfield, who were happy to break down play whilst they had the lead.

With time running out, Chelmsford still failed to create clear cut opportunities on goal, and even short corners were few and far between. In the end they were unable to reduce the deficit, and the match finished 3-1. While they are still leaking goals at the back, a bigger concern is the now the lack of a clinical edge in front of goal. With two home games left before Christmas, the Chelmsford side need to get some points before they break for the festive period.

Next week Chelmsford play Reading 2A at Chelmer Park. Pushback 1400.

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