FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 23rd March 2010
Kidlington 2 Highworth Town 1

At a rain soaked Yarnton Road Kidlington netted an injury time winner to take maximum points from this one. The rain never let off throughout the game which made playing conditions difficult, but at the end you would have to say that Kidlington just about deserved their victory, especially for their constant probing of the visitors defence in the second half.

To be perfectly honest Highworth were certainly the better side at the start of the 1st half and had Kidlington on the back foot from the off.

The visitors took the lead in the 6th minute as their early pressure paid dividends. Kidlington failed to clear their ranks properly and Highworth won a corner. The ball was delivered into the box and Rob Dean at the far post saw an opportunity and headed home unchallenged.

After this Kidlington steadied the ship a little, but were not creating any real chances for themselves. Highworth were still playing the better football and with the wind at their backs were able to test Kiddy keeper Tom McNamara on a couple more of occasions.

In the 30th minute it really should have been 2 – 0. Blain Fitzgerald ‘out-paced’ Brad Chalmers in the middle of the park. The striker rounded McNamara, but was forced wide in the process. When Fitzgerald eventually shot Chalmers had managed to get back and cleared the ball of the line, Terry Bohane following up then hit a shot wide of the gaping net.

Before the break Fitzpatrick and then Tony Joyce forced McNamara into making decent saves. Kidlington for their part were finding it hard going and Highworth’s keeper Adam Miller was seldom troubled.

Highworth had certainly dominated the half and Kidlington had done well to hang on, the question was posed, would the visitors rue their missed chances?

H.T. 0 – 1.

A blistering start to the second period saw Mark Flanagan and then Big Jimmy Deabill both test Miller within the first 10 minutes of the restart.

The boot was firmly on the other foot now as Kidlington driven on by their influential Skipper Danny Leggett pushed on.

In the 62 minute some good football involving Chris Weedon, Mark Baker and ultimately Lewis Coyle saw the tricky Coyle brought down from behind inside the penalty box. Referee Mr Jack saw it early and pointed to the spot. Danny Leggett took possession of the ball as the Ref dealt with the transgressor showing him a yellow card. When the ball was finally spotted to Mr Jacks satisfaction Leggett smashed it into the net for 1 – 1.

In the 72nd minute Chris Weedon broke a couple of tackles and raced away down the right flank. When he reached the box he cut inside where only a really good save from Miller prevented him giving Kiddy the lead.

Highworth for their part were still able to put together a couple of spasmodic attacks. In one of these a good ball into the box wasn’t cleared and a save from McNamara and a block from Chalmers were needed to alleviate the danger.

Kidlington were certainly the side that looked the more lightly to snatch a winner, should there be one, but Highworth who’s work rate throughout had been immense always looked dangerous when in possession.

Leggett was forced off through injury and replaced by Nathan Geary and Adam Lovegrove came on for Coyle as Kiddy kept probing.

A foul late in the match on the right gave the home side a chance to set up one more attack Weedon took it and delivered a good ball into the box. Deabill rose well to flick the ball on and Jordan Parker behind him skilfully plucked the ball out of the air. Parker steadied himself, picked his spot and calmly slotted the ball into the net despite a despairing dive from Miller.

This proved to be the winner as for the remainder of injury time Kidlington did what they didn’t do last Saturday and kept possession of the ball for the remaining moments of the match.

This was a match that Kidlington won on their second half performance. Highworth had certainly been the better side before the interval, but after this Kiddy took over and their tenacity paid off in the end. I would also like to commend the match referee Mr Jack who had an outstanding match in horrible playing conditions.

Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, WILLOUGHBY, CHALMERS, LEGGETT (N GEARY 78), QUAINTON, COYLE (LOVEGROVE 84)), PARKER (BROOKS 90), DEABILL, BAKER & FLANAGAN.
SUBS: - HARWOOD (dnp)

Simon Dickens



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 20th March 2010
Kidlington 3 Fairford Town 4

Today’s was a case of snatching ‘defeat from the jaws of victory’. As from a comfortable position when leading 3 - 2 Kidlington surrendered two extremely cheep goals in second half injury time. It had been a case of catch up for the home side all afternoon, but when they finally got their noses in front they threw it all away in catastrophic fashion!!

The first half started pretty slowly and we had to wait until the 7th minute before a shot at goal was achieved. This came from Kidlington’s Mark Flanagan. After being put in by some good solid play on the right by Jack Quainton Flanagan received the ball in a central position. He took one look at goal and let fly, but the ball flew inches over the crossbar.

In a bizarre incident in the 10th minute the visiting defender Charlie Benson totally misjudged a low cross from Flanagan. Benson went to clear his line and only managed to deflect the ball which span across the goal and cannoned off the far post with keeper Lee Clackworth well beaten.

Fairford hadn’t seen much of the ball early on in attacking positions; however in the 14th minute this was to change. A ball out to the right was blatantly handled by a Fairford player. Kidlington committed the fatal sin of stopping to appeal for it. Nothing was given and the ball was passed on to John Magani. Magani advanced and crossed into the box for the unmarked Ashley Rockley. Rockley hit a shot first time which whistled past McNamara, onto the near post and bounced across the face of the goal before going in at the far post for 1 – 0 Fairford.

The rest of this half was pretty nondescript although it looked like Kidlington were playing at half kilter for most of it. The only real chance for either side fell to Flanagan again. Flanagan hit a rasping drive which Clackworth did extremely well with it to palm over the bar for a corner.

H.T. 1 – 1.

As the second period got underway you immediately sensed that Kidlington certainly had more purpose about their game. In the first minute of the half Brad Chalmers had a golden chance to restore parity to the score when was allowed an unimpeded chance from a corner. Chalmers met the ball purposefully, but misdirected his header and it went over the bar.

Soon Mark Baker weaved his way past a couple of defenders before letting fly with a decent shot which was met by an equally decent save from Clackworth.

It was all action now as Kidlington started to totally dominate proceedings. Chalmers had another chance, again from a corner. This time he headed the ball down, but unfortunately it flew across goal and then past the far post, with Clackworthy well beaten. This was followed by Lewis Coyle shooting just wide after bursting through the static looking Fairford defence.

The deserved equaliser arrived in the 58th minute. Chris Weedon delivered the sweetest of crosses for Mark Baker. Baker running into the box met it with a firm header and the ball arrowed into the net for 1 - 1.

Fairford who had been penned in there own half responded almost immediately when Magani received the ball on the right. He ran toward goal, Ben Willoughby tried to stop him but Magani turned inside him. Just inside the box Willoughby appeared to clip the attacker’s heels, Magani stumbled and match referee Mr Murdoch pointed to the spot.

It was a harsh one but I’ve seen them given before! John Magani stepped up and dispatched the perfect penalty giving Tom McNamara no chance.

Kidlington’s reply was almost immediate, straight from the kick off they marauded down field from where Weedon hit a great shot which Clackworth did fantastically well to save.

Jamie Debanks came on for Lewis Coyle with Kidlington intent on getting back into the game again with Weedon now pushing on

It was Weedon, who with more freedom restored parity to the score line again. Baker weaved some magic beating 3 Fairford players before putting the ball on a plate for Chris Weedon. Weedon didn’t disappoint and shot in off the underside of the bar for 2 – 2.

Surely if there was to be a winner now it would be Kidlington as they were absolutely battering the visitors at this stage. Jack Quainton saw a vicious shot saved by Clackworth. Then that man Chris Weedon found some space in the box and slotted the ball home for 3 – 2 in the 83rd minute. At last Kidlington had their noses if front, and oh how they deserved it.

Kiddy were keeping the pressure on. Again Clackworth saved the day for them with another super save before Kiddy’s Flanagan saw his decent attempt fly just past the post.

As we entered time added on no-one could have foreseen what was to happen next. A long ball was chased by Magani down the left. He cut inside and beat 3 players before letting fly with a shot that gave Kidlington keeper Tom McNamara no chance. It was 3 – 3 and somehow Fairford had found what looked a late get out of jail card to take a point.

This wasn’t to be the end though. Kidlington kicked off and lost possession inside the Fairford half. The ball was played up to Mahgani, he ran straight for goal from just inside the half. He brushed aside several meek challenges on his way up the pitch, then from the edge of the box the ball bounced free as he was challenged by Danny Leggett and it wasn’t cleared. Matt Boucher latched onto it and sent a screamer of a shot into the net via the far post. This was the last action of the match before proceedings were drawn to a close by the referee. Cue wild celebrations from the visitors.

Kidlington certainly threw this one away. Although they had to battle hard against a stubborn Fairford back line they finally got their noses in front. Fairford were dead and buried or so it seemed going into time added on. However I feel that John Magani was the difference between the teams. His never say die attitude lifted them. He was effective in mid field and devastating when given the chance in attack. In the dying staged he should never have been given the spaces he was. What more can I add to this, Fairford had 3 shots at goal in this second period and 3 goals, Kiddy had 12 or 14 attempts and 3 goals, still that’s something to work on!

Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, WILLOUGHBY, CHALMERS, LEGGETT BOLTON, COYLE (DEBANKS 61), GEARY (JOHNSON 77), BAKER (JOHNSON 75), QUAINTON (WHITE 85) & FLANAGAN
SUBS: - DEBANKS & HAMLING (dnp)

Simon Dickens



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 9th March 2010
Malmesbury Victoria 0 Kidlington 3

Kidlington returned to winning ways here in Wiltshire last night. It wasn’t quite as easy for the Oxfordshire side as the score line suggests, but after taking a deserved lead Kidlington never looked back. The pitch at ‘the Vic’s’ was unfortunately pretty awful and it was certainly not conducive to Kidlington’s style of play, however, with the returning Mark Baker, Jack Quainton and Lee Bolton they rolled their sleeves up and got on with it.

As early as the 1st minute Kidlington had a golden chance. Mark Flanagan put in a great cross from the left which found Jordan Parker at the far post. Parker got to the ball and his header looked to take a deflection before flying past the post.

In the 5th minute Kiddy central defender Brad Chalmers sustained a nasty cut to his leg in a tackle. He was down for several minutes, but after some ‘magic sponge’ treatment he was able to continue.

For most of this half the match was pretty even with little or no real chances being created. This changed in ‘The Vic’s’ favour in the 35th minute. A ball into the Kiddy box from the right wing eluded the defenders and it fell kindly for Mike Scarff, about 10 yards out. Scarff let go with a blistering shot and only a brilliant save from Tom McNamara kept the scores level.

All in all this had been a dogged half of football with neither team really on top, and the rutted pitch certainly wasn’t helping either side.

H.T. 0 – 0.

Kidlington came out certainly looking in a more determined mood for this second period. They had another early chance when Parker crossed deep for an in-rushing Flanagan. Flanagan raced onto the ball but could not get any real direction on his headed attempt and Keeper Martin Woodhouse went untroubled.

Almost straight away up the other end Chris Oke found some space in the middle of the park. He advanced and then sent a thunderbolt of a shot just over McNamara’s bar.

The game was certainly now warming up and Jimmy Deabill was next to have a chance. Parker was again the provider. His cross found Deabill in space inside the area, unfortunately the big striker caught the ball ‘too well’ and it went straight into the keepers arms.

Kidlington eventually broke the deadlock just before the hour, and it had been coming! Mark Baker this time crossed from the right, Jimmy Deabill went up with the keeper and won it in the air. He knocked it down to livewire Mark Flanagan and he smashed the ball into the back of the net.

You could feel the relief flow throughout the Kidlington ranks; it seemed like a weight lifted off them.

Not long after this Deabill turned his ankle and had to be replaced. Kidlington kept on the attack though and Flanagan saw a rasping shot saved well by Woodhouse.

Kidlington’s pressure finally told again in the 79th minute. Mark Baker who had been instrumental in most of Kidlington’s best attacks beat 2 players before teeing up Jack Quainton with a delightful chip. Quainton was sharp and quick to react as he sent a fierce shot past a Woodhouse for 2 – 0.

Quainton who was carrying an injury had to be replaced soon after this with Lewis Coyle coming on.

The 3rd goal came in the 83rd minutes. This time Parker who was now playing in a more familiar central roll set up Mark Flanagan for his second of the match. From inside the box Flanagan caught the ball perfectly to rifle his shot into the net.

Parker saw a late effort from the edge of the box turned onto a post by Woodhouse, and in the end it proved a comfortable last few minutes. A battling Malmesbury had given as good as they had received for the 1st hour, but Kidlington proved just to good for them over the full 90.. Still as soon as Kiddy netted their 1st they grew in confidence and the Team that had been playing so well this season finally returned. The match was well Refereed by Mr James and great credit should got to him and his assistants for Keeping The game flowing so well. Now let’s hope for more of the same from the ‘Young Guns’ at Ardley this Saturday.


Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, WILLOUGHBY, CHALMERS, LEGGETT, PARKER, BOLTON, QUAINTON (COYLE 80), DEABILL (J.JOHNSON 62), BAKER, FLANAGAN.
SUBS: - HARWOOD (dnp)

Simon Dickens



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 2nd March 2010
Kidlington 1 Almondsbury Town 4

After a few below par performances in the last couple of weeks you certainly couldn’t fault the Kidlington player’s effort in this one. With several players still missing because of injury, suspension and general unavailability Manager Gordon Geary again had to shuffle his pack. There were starts for Lee Bolton, Adam Lovegrove & Ben Willoughby, and a tactical change to a more solid looking 5 man midfield.

Almondsbury came out of the blocks fast and pumped up, which possibly explained the outrageous foul on Kiddy’s Mark Flanagan after only 30 seconds. Flanagan was left prostrate and the perpetrator of the foul was extremely lucky not to have received a red card for his transgression.

Almondsbury pushed on and came close with a couple of decent efforts in the opening 10 minutes. After this initial flurry Kidlington began to get a foot hold in the match.

A hand ball on the edge of the visitor’s box was spotted by referee Ollie Dolton. Jordan Parker spotted a great opportunity and executed the perfect free kick to give Kidlington the lead in the 14th minute. Diving keeper Start Jones got a hand to the ball but the power of the free kick carried the ball into the back of the net.

Kidlington were now having a purple patch. Firstly Jimmy Deabill burst through and only a fantastic save from Jones prevented the hosts going 2 up. Soon afterwards Mark Flanagan who had by now recovered from the knock he received in the opening minutes saw a thunderous shot whistle past Joneses far post.

In the 25th minute Parker found Flanagan in space on the edge of the 18 yard box. The tricky winger beat his man and as Jones came out steered the ball past him. Only a last ditch saving clearance off the line prevented Flanagan increasing Kiddy’s lead.

Almonds were awarded their own free kick just past the half hour. A decent dead ball was delivered into the box which wasn’t cleared. Marcus Mapstone was quickest to react to the situation of the second ball and he fired it into the net from about 8 yards to bring parity to the score line.

This was a little deflating for Kidlington as they had general been on top for the last 15 minutes or so.

Just before half time ‘The Almonds’ Dean Griffiths had a goal bound shot from the edge of the area charged down with the ball spinning away for a corner.

H.T. 1 – 1.

Kidlington started this half brightly. A good team move of one touch passing allowed Adam Lovegrove a run at goal from a central position. Lovegrove was closely pursued by a couple of Almondsbury defenders and keeper Jones came racing off his line to confront him. Before the defenders could get to him Lovegrove tried to chip Jones, however the keeper’s reaction was cat like and he managed to get a hand to the ball flicking it up and collecting it at the second attempt.

As we progressed into this second period Almondsbury seemed to find another gear and in was in the 60th minute Aaron Blackmore gave them the lead. He raced onto a ball played over the top and smashed a stunning shot past Tom McNamara. There seemed to be more than a hint of ‘off side’ about this goal but nothing could sway the linesman’s decision!

Almondsbury seemed to take over after this. Nick Dunn hit a cracking shot just over the bar and a couple of minutes later Blackmore from a good position did the same. Kidlington were on the back foot now, though in the 72nd minute Lovegrove managed to conjure a decent effort from distance that shaved the bar.

Jack Johnson replaced Lovegrove on 75 minutes and shortly after this Danny Leggett was injured going into a tackle. Kidlington’s influential Skipper had to be taken off with Nathan Geary coming on to replace him.

Kidlington were now hanging on bravely, but ‘The Almonds’ looked powerful and were basically camped in Kidlington territory now. From one of several corners forced during this period defender Lee Bridson blasted home a towering headed goal for 3 – 1.

A late substitution saw Kidlington add an extra attacker to the fray when Steve Litten came on to replace Lee Bolton. Unfortunately it was too late as Kidlington’s spirit already looked to have been broken.

Kidlington despite a really decent effort were looking well beaten and it was no real surprise when the visitors added a 4th goal. It came from another set piece corner, and the scorer was Bridson again. He was left all alone in the centre of the goal and he could pick his spot before heading home smartly.

Tonight was a decent effort against a top side, possibly the top side, who knows. Kidlington could and probably should have been 2 – 0 up before ‘The Almonds’ fight back began, but that’s history now. Certainly this was a far better performance and with so many players missing the lads can hold their heads high again. COYG

Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, WILLOUGHBY, CHALMERS, LEGGETT (GEARY 78), BOLTON (LITTEN 86), QUAINTON, PARKER, LOVEGROVE (JOHNSON 75), DEABILL & FLANAGAN
SUBS: - DEBANKS & HAMLING (dnp)

Simon Dickens



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 23th February 2010
Kidlington 1 Wantagae Town 6

After turning in an unexpectedly poor performance against Bicester last Saturday nobody was expecting a repeat performance against Wantage. In saying this, Wantage were a completely different kettle of fish as far of quality in concerned compared to Bicester. On the night to many of Kidlington’s young side were to easily brushed aside as Wantage took total command of the match and won far to easily.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to take the lead. A left wing corner into the Kiddy box was poorly defended. The ball eventually falling to Tom Rowe at the back post, from where he steered the ball over the line for 1 – 0.

Kidlington had lined up in a more attacking formation with 3 at the back and what should have been a far more solid 5 in mid-field, but this just wasn’t working as wave after wave of Wantage attacks were left to rain down onto Kidlington’s defenders as the midfield again crumbled.

Tom McNamara made a good save from Danny Keen before Richard Claydon came close with an effort from about 20 yards which whistled past McNamara’s post.

As an attacking force Kidlington weren’t in it as everything that they tried to create was either broken down early by Wantage or poor passing lost them possession.

On the half hour Kidlington did manage one decent attempt, that coming from a Nathan Geary header after a decent free kick from Jordan Parker. Geary’s attempt was saved well by keeper Rob Durrant.

Wantage didn’t add their second until just before the interval. Richard Claydon chased a ball played through to him by Keen. The striker turned Brad Chalmers left then right and then as he was falling finished smartly past the advancing McNamara for 2 – 0.

H.T. 0 – 2.

Kidlington seemed to start a little better at the start of this half. Mark Baker forced his way past a couple of defenders and let fly with a decent shot, unfortunately the ball flashed wide of the far post.

This was basically as good as it got for the home side as in the 58nd minute it was 3 – 0. Another set play from Wantage saw the ball deflected to that man Tom Rowe again, and he finished smartly from about 8 yards out.

A cross shot from Kiddy’s Mark Flanagan nearly caught Wantage keeper Rob Durrant out on the hour when the ball deflected away off the top of the cross bar, but then it wasn’t long before it was 4 – 0. Kidlington’s defence was caught all at sea and when they failed to clear the ball Tom Molton saw an opportunity and seized it to fire an unstoppable shot into the back of the net.

Kidlington’s players appeared to have lost heart after this and in the 75th minute after more pressure from the visitors is was 5 – 0. Claydon was given time and space on the edge of the box and he curled a superb shot into the top right hand corner of the net, giving the diving McNamara no chance.

Kidlington made a couple of substitutions, but still they couldn’t turn the incessant tide attacks by a Wantage side in full flow.

With 10 minutes to go Richard Claydon added their 6th to complete a richly deserved hatrick. He was left all alone inside the six yard box and when the ball was crossed into him he made no mistake with an unchallenged header.

In the last few minutes Wantage took their foot of the gas and Kidlington sneaked a consolation goal. It was a good one netted by the head of Skipper Danny Leggett at the far post, after a cross from Parker.

Kidlington pushed on late on and a fierce drive from Adam Lovegrove beat Durrant, but then came back off the centre of the cross bar!

The Referee finally called time on this Kidlington humiliation and everyone was able to retire to the bar to drown their sorrows.

Injuries, the condition of the pitches and player unavailability are certainly showing the limitations of the Kidlington squad, but to be perfectly honest a very good Wantage side brushed aside Kidlington’s challenge far too easily. Time for a re-evaluation and a rethink perhaps?

Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, CHALMERS, LEGGETT, PARKER, N.GEARY (75 CASTLE), QUAINTON (66 BOLTON), JOHNSON (63 LOVEGROVE), DEABILL, BAKER, FLANAGAN.
SUBS: - WILLOUGHBY & HAMLING (dnp)

Simon Dickens


FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 20th February 2010
Bicester Town 2 Kidlington 1

This was Kidlington’s poorest performance of the season by some margin, and against certainly the poorest side in the league. All afternoon Kidlington never got started and were deservedly beaten by their hosts who were far more up for the contest. Although the home side obviously lack quality on the ‘pudding of a pitch’ the match was contested on, their more willing and aggressive approach shone through.

Kidlington should have taken the lead in the 9th minute. Mark Flanagan tore through the heart of the Bicester defence, but then saw his shot come back off the inside of the far post.

For the next 25 minutes or so the game was really poor with neither side able to put more than 2 passes together. Neither keeper was tested and to be honest this wasn’t helped by the fact that the players spent nearly as much time on the floor as they did standing up, such were the conditions!

Kieran Sanders had an excellent opportunity to give Kidlington the lead in the 26th minute. He was clean through with just the keeper Craig Jones to beat. Strangely Sanders ran the ball straight at him and Jones was able to save the situation.

As we neared half time Bicester were seeing more of the ball in the attacking third and the hosts were winning all the midfield battles. A warning was sent out when from a decent position when Dan Green sent in Bicester first real shot at goal which Tom McNamara was able to field easily.

A few minutes later the lively Kyle McCoy got in a great shot which McNamara was forced to palm out for a corner.

Kidlington weren’t able to heed these warnings and in first half injury time McCoy gave Bicester a shock lead. Kidlington Skipper Danny Leggett lost the ball to McCoy on the edge of the box, the striker controlled the ball well before striking a good shot past McNamara for 1 - 0

H.T. 1 – 0.

In the second minute of this second half Kidlington definitely should have been awarded a penalty. Mark Flanagan was un-ceremoniously brought down from behind. Mystifyingly Match referee Kieran Bushnell waved play on, it was a stone waller!

In the 55th minute only a brilliant save from Jones denied Adam Lovegrove a goal when he dived full length to push his shot round the post.

Kidlington were having their best period of the match and deservedly scored a stunning equalizer. Some good work on the left flank allowed the skilful Flanagan to deliver the perfect cross for returning Jimmy Deabill to power a header into the net for 1 – 1.

Shortly after this Flanagan headed over from a cross from a free kick by Kieran Sanders. This free kick was given for a terrible challenge by Bicester’s Mike Spaull who undoubtedly should have received a red card for such an appalling two footed lunge.

After this Kidlington seemed to start losing their way and in a rare attack Bicester substitute Rob Johnson was upended by Ben Willoughby in the penalty area. Referee Bushnell rightly awarded the hosts a spot kick and dismissed Willoughby with a second yellow. McCoy took the penalty and looked to have mishit his shot, but the ball bounced horribly in front of McNamara and it was 2 – 1.

The game was now one of attrition which suited Bicester. Kidlington were inexplicably light weight especially in the middle of the park and this was costing them dearly. With only 10 men Kidlington were up against it and hardly got into a goal scoring position, where as Bicester were battling for their lives and were first to the ball on every occasion. Time eventually ran out for Kidlington and Bicester had a justifiably taken the 3 points.

This was an extremely disappointing performance from Kidlington and compounded in the club house after learning the results from other teams around them in the table. Several key players missing this afternoon certainly didn’t help, but in saying this sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and complete. Just being able to pass the ball around certainly won’t win you every game as this proved, you have to get stuck in!

To lose a player to a sending off is one thing but to lose the midfield battle against a bottom of the table side is inexcusable. Cerainly more grit and determination required in situations like this and with Wantage next, let’s hope for something a lot different from this diabolical display, hopefully the return of Jack Quainton and Mark Baker will be the catalyst for this.

Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, WILLOUGHBY, CHALMERS, LEGGETT, PARKER, SANDERS, JOHNSON (83 CASTLE), DEABILL, LOVEGROVE (N.GEARY 72), FLANAGAN.
SUBS: - BROOKS, HARWOOD & APPLETON (dnp)

Simon Dickens


FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 13th February 2010
Kidlington 4 Carterton 1

Kidlington were nowhere near there best today, but were still far too good for a struggling Carterton side who look to be low in confidence at the moment. For ‘The Greens’ there was still no Jimmy Deabill or Luke Holden so Manager Gordon Geary shuffled his pack again. This time partnering the ever impressive Mark Baker up front was Adam Lovegrove.

Kidlington made all of the early running and Mark Baker really should have put them in front in the 6th minute. Baker burst through the middle of the Carterton defence and bore down on goal. Carterton keeper James Domm was a little slow coming out and when Baker reached the edge of the box he opted to shoot. Baker’s shot went straight at the keeper and he had little difficulty in saving it.

Kidlington took the lead in the 9th minute and it was Baker who was instrumental in setting this one up. He tore down the wing winning a ball he had no right to then pulled it back across the area for Adam Lovegrove. Lovegrove was in the perfect position and slotted it home well for a good and well deserved opening goal.

In the 17th minute Domm saved a decent effort from Jack Quainton, diving to his left to turn Quainton’s shot round the post.

Baker provided another great chance for Lovegrove in the 18th minute. His run down the left flank left his defender stranded; he cut back with the ball and laid it to Quainton. In turn Quainton laid it off 1st time to Lovegrove who had a good site of goal but couldn’t find it with his shot.

The only surprising thing was it took until the half hour for Kidlington to finally secure their second goal. On this occasion it was a powerful run down the right flank by Lovegrove that proved the catalyst. Lovegrove sprinted away and then picked out Mark Baker marauding down the centre of the park. When Baker received the ball he controlled it well before cheekily chipping the ball over the advancing Domm and into the net.

Not long after this it was 3 – 0. Jack Johnson saw an opportunity and lifted a great ball over the top for Mark Baker to run onto. Baker sprinted away down the middle and as Domm came out went round him and slotted the ball home for another well crafted goal.

The half finished with another save from Domm, this time it came after a decent attempt from Lovegrove, but the keeper clung on well.

H.T. 3 – 0.

I can only imagine what sort of roasting the Carterton Manager gave his lack lustre side during the half time interval, but it obviously worked as they came out looking a different side for the second half.

Kidlington for there part seemed to think the job was done and had a slow start to this half. Ben Willoughby had replaced Mark Flanagan who had taken a knock and the pattern of the play certainly wasn’t the same, not that this was anything much to do with Flanagan’s substitution.

As early as the 46th minute Kidlington did create one decent chance. Jordan Parker knocked in a pass for Kieran Sanders. Sanders turned and shot, but his attempt went wide of the mark from about 10 yards out.

After this Kidlington seemed to take their foot off the gas and Carterton created a couple of chances of their own. On both these occasions they were unlucky not to score as both attempts hit a post. The first of these was a drive from about 20 yards out from Kevin Lewis. He caught the ball sweetly and as Tom McNamara dived a cross his goal it looked as if the keeper may well have got a fingertip to the ball and it struck the outside of the post and rebounded away to safety.

The second of these chances was pot shot again from distance from Mike Duerden. This time the shot looked to have beaten McNamara, but once again the ball rebounded away of the outside of the post.

This seemed to spur Kidlington into action once again. In the 59th minute after some decent pressure exerted on the visitors defence Kidlington reaped their reward. Jordan Parker turned the ball into the net after it was fed into him from the right after a number of Kidlington players had been involved in the build up to it.

The game as a competition had been over long before this, but Kidlington had the opportunity to go on and force more chances against a fragile looking Carterton defence. In the end though they opted to play a bit of keep ball and took there foot right off the gas.

Carterton scored their consolation in the 67th minute. Kidlington didn’t clear their lines particularly well after a corner. Mike Duerdan seized his opportunity to get his name on the score sheet rifling home a shot through a crowd of players from about 12 yards out.

There was little of note in the last 20 minutes or so of the match. Kidlington had it well won and Carterton although not giving up were generally second best all over the park.

As we neared time Baker had one last run at goal. He was playing deeper in this second period after a reshuffle and rarely had an opportunity for a shot at goal. Still he broke through and exchanged passes with Quainton on the edge of the box before firing in a shot which went just wide of the left hand post.

As stated by their own admission Kidlington weren’t at their best, but to win 4 – 1 when you aren’t certainly can’t be a bad thing. Mark Baker was excellent all afternoon and I thought Chris Weedon and Danny Leggett also had good matches. After a match played in such cold weather conditions this one was the victory that certainly warned everyone’s spirits, especially in the bar afterwards. COYG

Team: - McNAMARA, WEEDON, FLANAGAN (WILLOUGHBY 45), CHALMERS (HARWOOD 77), LEGGETT, SANDERS, QUAINTON, PARKER (BROOKS 60), LOVEGROVE, BAKER & JOHNSON
SUBS: - COYLE & HAMLING (dnp)

Simon Dickens



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 10th February 2010
Oxford City Nomads 2 Kidlington 4

After suffering defeats in their last two outings it came as a big relief to everyone at Kidlington that they bounced back to winning ways against local neighbours City Nomads. Kidlington made it hard for themselves after going behind twice, but in the end and after a few scares on the way, quality shone through and Kidlington won comfortably in the end.

The opening exchanges of the game certainly didn’t go the way Kidlington would have liked and in the 9th minute it wasn’t a surprise when Kidlington old boy Ben Moses gave the home side the lead. Moses finished from close range after some good work on the flank by Adam Morris.

Kidlington without the presence of Jimmy Deabill and Luke Holden were struggling to force any real chances for themselves in or around the Nomads penalty area.

In fact it was Kiddy Keeper Rob Hamling who was the busier of the two stoppers. Hamling saved well from Filipe Barcelos in the 28th minute, then did well to smother the ball when Moses was in a threatening position just inside the box.

As the half went on Kidlington began to grow in confidence and scored a well deserved equalizer in the 35th minute. Mark Baker sent in a great cross from the left, Brad Chalmers out jumped the Nomads defence and when his header crashed back off the crossbar Jordan Parker was on hands to turn the ball home for 1 – 1.

Shortly after this Hamling was forced to save a decent effort from Adam Morris. Just after this Nomads Keeper Milan Barisic pulled off a fantastic save to deny Baker what would have been a super goal.

Kidlington had turned the match around in the last 20 minutes of the half and when the whistle went for ½ time they were comfortably on top.

H.T. 1 – 1.

After the break it was the Nomads who started the more brightly of the two sides again. Much the same as what happened in the 1st half with the home side looking lively.

Hamling was called into action to deny Morris and in the 53rd minute Nomads re-took the lead. Some enterprising football played predominantly down the left flank gave Filipe Barcelos some time and space on the edge of Kidlington’s box. The young striker fired for goal, Hamling looked to have it covered, but was only able to palm the ball into the net for 2 – 1 to the home side.

This goal brought about a Kidlington re-shuffle and with it a total change of fortune and the pattern of the match. Just after the hour mark Mark Baker was unceremoniously brought down in the Nomads box. For reasons only known to the match referee Ian Douglas he waved play on seemingly oblivious that the incident had occurred.

Kidlington were not to be denied very much longer as in the 73rd minute the equalizer arrived. Mark Flanagan marauding down the left sent in a glorious ball, Jack Quaintion controlled it brilliantly and smashed his shot past Barisic.

Kidlington’s large travelling support was in full voice and this was certainly lifting the player’s spirits. Kidlington’s pressure was incessant and only a great save from Barisic prevented Baker giving Kiddy the lead.

A cross from Kieran Sanders was handled in the box by the raised arm of Matt Fessy, again the referee inexplicably waved Kidlington's protests away.

A Sanders shot then hit a post before finally a splendid goal from Jack Quainton did give the visitors the lead. This time Quainton ran in on goal and hammered his shot into the net. Kidlington were rampant now and only another fine save from Barisic denied Adam Lovegrove.

It was four for Kidlington in the 83rd minute and this goal was easily the best of the match. Some great build up play saw the ball worked to Mark Baker. Baker executed some superb skill on the edge of the box flicking the ball over his defender before smashing a stunning volley into the net.

Nomads were all over the place now and with a bit more luck Kidlington would have added another couple of goals to their tally. Lovegrove headed just over then Jordan Parker was unlucky to see a dipping shot hit the underside of the bar and the ball was then hacked away to safety.

The last action of the match saw Baker win a header in the box which beat Barisic, but also then grazed the outside of the post.

All in all Kidlington had returned to winning ways in some style although they left it till the latter stages of the match. There were some good performances out there, none more so than that of Mark Baker and Jack Quainton who were back to their best.

Team: - HAMLING, WEEDON, FLANAGAN, CHALMERS, LEGGETT, GRAY (SANDERS 45), JOHNSON, QUAINTON, PARKER (WILLOUGHBY 86), BAKER & COYLE (LOVEGROVE 60)
SUBS: - RENDELL & T.McNAMARA (dnp)

Simon Dickens


FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 6th February 2010
Wantage Town 1 Kidlington 0

For this one Kidlington managed to patch up a few of their injured players, but were still missing leading scorers Luke Holden and Jimmy Deabill, amongst others. To be fair to the visitors until the incident that changed the game, the sending off of Mark Baker, Kidlington generally had the better of things, but all this went out of the window after this.

For the first 20 minutes or so Kidlington were completely on top. During this period Chris Weedon saw a powerful headed attempt whistle past a post and Baker had a snap shot saved well by keeper Rob Durrant.

Again during this spell Baker swung a corner into the box which was horribly miss punched by Durrant, only a last ditch clearance off the line prevented the visitors going one up.

Baker who was playing as a lone striker did magnificently well to carve himself an opening in the 21st minute. He beat 2 players and darted into the box. When he got there he let fly with a good shot which Durrant saved with his legs.

Wantage up until this point hadn’t troubled Rob Hamling in the Kidlington goal. Then in the 23rd minute it looked as it this was going to change. Richard Claydon controlled the ball inside the visitors penalty area, but then hit his shot high and wide.

A few minutes later Claydon finally did get to test Hamling. The prolific striker hit a fierce shot but found the Hamling equal to his attempt.

As the half went on some of the tackling from the home side was leaving a bit to be desired, as firstly Mark Flanagan then Jack Johnson were felled needlessly. Match referee Mr Bailey was in my opinion being far too lenient as I considered at least 3 of the home side’s challenges had warranted cards!

As we neared half time it was Kidlington’s Jack Quainton who picked up the first card of the match. This looked a far lesser foul than some of the others that had been committed, but it was Quainton’s name that went into the book!

The last action of the half that Kidlington had generally bossed saw the agile Durrant deal superbly with another attempt from Baker.

H.T. 0 – 0.

Early in the second half Lewis Coyle replaced a tiring Lee Rendell. Coyle immediately set up a chance for Jordan Parker, however Parker’s shot lacked power and Durrant saved easily.

Parker was then gifted another chance when he was able to intercept a back pass. This time it beat Durrant but Sam Belcher was back covering and headed the ball away off the line.

Wantage’s Danny Keen tested Hamling from 20 yards before the turning point of the match. Baker was clearly fouled from behind when going up for a header, unfortunately Mr Bailey appeared not to see it. A frustrated Baker’s then said something untoward directed at the official and the red was brandished immediately. I can’t condone this and the decision by Mr Bailey was correct, however several of the Wantage players had been cussing him throughout the match and no action had been taken against then?

From this point on Wantage seemed to get a second wind and started to dominate proceedings. Keen and Claydon both had decent attempts at goal. Kidlington’s Danny Leggett and Brad Chalmers, although under a lot of sustained pressure seemed to be coping well and had the situation under control.

In fact Kidlington were only a whisker away from snatching the lead in the 67th minute. Jack Quainton won the ball in a decent position, he clipped a shot goal bound which substitute Adam Lovegrove followed in. It looked to be going wide so Lovegrove turned it home only for this strike to be ruled out for ‘off-side’.

The match looked to be heading for a draw until the 85th minute. Wantage’s substitute Richard Guy got himself on the end of a deep cross into the box, he headed over Hamling and the ball bounced into the net off the underside of the cross bar.

After this Wantage were able to run the clock down and record a very creditable win, albeit against a depleted Kidlington side, that certainly deserved at least a point from the game. There were no bad performances in a Kidlington shirt, it just wasn’t to be. That’s now 2 blanks on the trot and with Deabill and Holden side-lined and Baker will follow them, for his transgression, Kidlington need to find someone to put the ball in the net very quickly as the games are coming thick and fast!


Team: - HAMLING, WEEDON, FLANAGAN, CHALMERS, LEGGETT, QUAINTON (WILLOUGHBY 72), GRAY (LOVEGROVE 65), PARKER, JOHNSON, BAKER & RENDELL (COYLE 49)
SUBS: - HARWOOD & T.McNAMARA (dnp)

Simon Dickens



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 2nd February 2010
Marlow United 2 Kidlington 0

Kidlington took to the field with a vastly different line up than had been contesting the majority of their matches this season. A whole host of players were missing either because of injury or unavailability. On the day though the team that strode out in the green jersey should have been more than capable of winning the contest, but in the end came up short after not managing to take any of their many chances.

The opening few minutes saw Kidlington have 4 decent chances to score, however it set the tone for the rest of the match as none of these attempts tested the home sides keeper!

On 11 minutes Kidlington nearly committed footballing suicide. Brad Chalmers knocked a square ball across his own penalty box. Andy Nichol intercepted it and only a terrific save from Rob Hamling kept the strikers shot out.

Hamling was called into action again shortly after this. This time it was a shot from the edge of the box from Jamie West.

Up the other end Kidlington were still applying plenty of pressure. Home keeper Carl Murray saved well from Lewis Coyle before Jordan Parker was really unlucky to see a chipped shot come back of the bar.

Murray then pulled of another great stop to deny Mark Baker, whilst Chris Weedon couldn’t direct a header at goal after he got on the end of a pin point cross from Adam Lovegrove.

The last action of the half saw Hamling race from his goal to clear after Ollie Flint was set free by a ball over the top.

H.T. 0 – 0.

Into the second half and Kidlington were again the team applying all the pressure. Adam Lovegrove was through on goal, but Murray came racing out and the striker overran the ball and the keeper smothered it.

Mark Baker was then guilty of a glaring miss. He was in a great position coming onto goal from the left, but as he neared the target he hit a powerful shot wide of the mark.

The 53rd minute saw Marlow’s 1st attack of the second period and they took the lead. A ball played through the Kiddy defence was chased and then finished well by Jamie West.

Kidlington really should have been level only a couple of minutes later. Lovegrove broke through and was one on one with Murray. The keeper did really well to save Lovegrove’s initial shot and when the ball broke to Baker, somehow Murray got back across his goal to prevent Baker’s shot finding the net. Top goal keeping in my book.

Kidlington were starting to push on now in search of an equalizer. This left space at the back which was nearly exploited by Ross Middleton, however keeper Hamling was equal to his effort and saved well.

Baker then had another golden chance in the 72nd minute. He was clean through but overran the ball and Murray was there to clean up again.

Kidlington made their substitutions next to try and add extra impetus, however a rear break-away earned the home side a corner. From the corner the ball fell invitingly to Jamie West who volleyed home from about 8 yards out for his second of the game.

Kidlington had plenty of huff and puff in the final stages of the match, but this had no end result and it finished 2 – 0 to the home side!

Kidlington had many absentees including Jimmy Deabill, Luke Holden, Kieran Sanders, Jack Quinton, Mark Flanagan, James Philpott, Tom McNamara & Lee Rendell. Still even without all these players Kiddy had enough to take the points and probably would have, had they taken their chances and Marlow’s Keeper not been in such fine form!


Team: - HAMLING, WILLOUGHBY (MORGAN 60), GRAY (KAPRAL 63), CHALMERS, LEGGETT, JOHNSON, WEEDON, PARKER, LOVEGROVE, BAKER & COYLE (NORRIS 65)
SUBS: - HARWOOD & MITCHELL (dnp)

Simon Dickens


FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 30th January 2010
Kidlington 2 Shrivenham 0

After a slow start to this one and going a goal behind against a very spirited Shrivenham, Kidlington turned it around in the second half. The pitch was very tacky on top after the frost had thawed and Kidlington’s usual passing game was stifled, however the young guns dealt with it and to their great credit came out on top.

Certainly the visitors had the best of the early exchanges with their forwards Rory Sproul and Ben Carter keeping the Kidlington defence on its toes. In these early moments of the match Kiddy’s Mark Flanagan was injured in a tackle and this saw him lose part of his effectiveness and he was later substituted.

As it was Kidlington calved out the first real site of goal. Mark Baker and Kieran Sanders exchanged passes with Baker having a pop which fizzed over the bar.

A couple of minutes later Baker again saw the white’s of Shrivi keeper eyes and hit a powerful shot in, but Luke Alford was equal to it and caught it well.

Shrivenham then had a golden chance to take the lead. Kidlington’s defenders misjudged a ball over the top. Carter was quickly onto it and as he was pursued went wide of Kiddy Keeper Rob Hamling. Hamling then dived at his feet and smothered the ball to avert the danger.

Kidlington came far more into the match as it went on. Luke Holden saw and effort palmed behind for a corner, then Sanders weaved some magic before shooting, however he didn’t get enough purchase on his shot and the ball was fielded easily by Alford.

Shrivenham snatched the lead in the 28th minute. Ben Carter found some space wide right inside the Kiddy box, he cut inside and fired a low toward the near post, Hamling got down to it but the ball ricocheted off him and into the side netting for 1 – 0.

Not long after this Flanagan had to be taken off with Ross Gray coming on to replace him.

H.T. 0 – 1.

Shrivenham started this second half just as the first with some early pressure. Sproule broke free down the middle of the park and as Hamling came out he shot powerfully, but wide of the mark.

After this Kiddy’s tricky right winger Sanders who looked to have been at half kilter was also substituted, Adam Lovegrove coming on to replace him.

Holden soon had a decent chance after a cross from the right, he did the hard work by controlling the ball, but then volleyed the ball onto the club house roof!

In the 54th minute Lewis Coyle also had to be substituted, Jack Johnson was the player coming on, on this occasion. Within a minute of this change Rob Hamling had to be at his very best to thwart the tricky Andy Brien. Brien burst through and shot and Hamling saved well.

Shrivenham caught Kidlington out again with a good interchange of passes in their next passage of play. This time Shane Davies drifted in from the left, but as he neared goal he shot well wide of the mark.

From about the hour make Kidlington then started to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Baker saw a speculative overhead attempt saved by Alford, before Luke Holden made it 1 – 1. Chris Weedon crossed into the box Lovegrove got up well and headed the ball at goal, Alford made a good one handed stop but the ball rebounded out and Holden was there to poke it home.

Weedon then saw a goal bound shot deflected wide, before Alford was called into action again to prevent Lovegrove from finding the net with a rasping drive.

In the 71st minute Weedon broke free in the middle of the park. He was racing for goal when Shaun Carter scythed him down. Match referee John Livingston had no hesitation in producing a card, in this instance a yellow, as he had already been booked for a similar incident he was off!

The pressure eventually told in the 77th minute. Another sweet cross into the box, this time by Johnson saw Lovegrove again head for goal. Alford did well and got a hand to it, but the ball hit a post and this time Mark Baker was there to fire it home.

Shrive, to their great credit kept going spurred on by their skipper Mark Peters. They very nearly sneaked an equalizer on the break when substitute Blain Fitzgerald got himself one on one with Hamling. As Fitzgerald tried to shimmy him Hamling guessed right to make a great save.

In the 82nd minute Holden very nearly made it 3 for Kiddy. He dinked a ball over the defenders and a back Peddling Alford just managed to push the ball over the bar.

Alford them made a late save from Baker before the referee brought the match to and end.

All in all this won’t go down as one of Kidlington’s better performances this season. However, if you are not at your best and can still craft a win that’s surely a sign of a good team. The Oxford United match probably took more out of them that we realised, but a win is a win. The major problem at the moment seems to be the mounting injury list. Already out are Jimmy Deabill, Tom & Darren McNamara, James Philpott and Ben Willoughby, it looked today that Mark Flanagan took a nasty one and Kieran Sanders and Lewis Coyle also both took knocks. Let’s hope they can all heal quickly as we now have games coming thick and fast.


Team: - HAMLING, WEEDON, FLANAGAN (GRAY 42), CHALMERS, LEGGETT, SANDERS (LOVEGROVE 49), QUAINTON, PARKER, HOLDEN, BAKER & COYLE (J.JOHNSON 54)
SUBS: - HARWOOD & MITCHELL(dnp)

Simon Dickens


Oxfordshire Senior Cup Quarter Final

Wednesday 27th January 2010

Kidlington 2 Oxford United 3 (aet)

Attendance 578

Brave Kidlington denied by Turley brilliance

In a pulsating cup tie here at Yarnton Road Kidlington were extremely unlucky to lose to a very strong Oxford United side. Kidlington led twice but were pegged back and finally undone by a Franny Green goal in extra time. If you ever wanted an advert for Hellenic League football then this was certainly it. Kidlington stretched their more illustrious neighbours to the limit and you really couldn’t tell who were higher league team over the 120 minutes
United applied the early pressure and the first real chance of the match fell to Jamie Cook from a free kick. Cook whipped the ball in well, but Kiddy Keeper Rob Hamling was equal to it. Soon after this a fine ball turned inside found Oxford’s Richard Groves but he shot wide from the edge of the box.

After Oxford’s early dominance Kidlington began to peg the visitors back. Lewis Coyle saw a powerful shot whistle over Billy Turley’s bar, after that Turley was tested twice in a matter of minutes, firstly by Luke Holden and then Mark Baker. Both times the experienced keeper pulled of excellent saves.

It was now Kidlington making all the running and on 35minutes they took the lead. United defenders, Adam Chapman's and Henry Owen got themselves in a pickle and Jack Quainton was able to rob the ball away from Owen. Quainton ran at goal and drew Turley, as the keeper came out he squared the ball to Holden. Holden shot but the outstanding Turley got a hand to it, quick as a flash Quainton was onto the loose ball and calmly stroked it home for 1-0.
Shortly after this Kieran Sanders delivered a wonderful cross into the box from the right flank. Holden and Turley went for the ball and Turley managed to tip it behind foe a corner.

As we went into added time United were pressing for an equilizer. Jordan Parker who had sustained a cut was requested to leave the field to change into a ‘blood shirt’. Whilst he was still trying to get back on United’s Franny Green seized this opportunity. After Chapman’s initial cross was cleared, from the edge of the box Green hit a great strike which Hamling did well to get a hand to, but couldn’t prevent going in for 1 – 1.

H.T. 1 - 1

In the 1st 5 minutes of the second half Turley make two tremendous saves again, firstly to deny Baker and then Holden what looked certain goals. From this point Kidlington’s pressure was immense and on 58 minutes they reaped their reward when Jordan Parker prodded the ball home after Turley could only parry a header from Holden. The majority of the largest crowd for many seasons at Yarnton Road when crazy as Kidlington’s lead was restored.

However, I don’t know if it was the shock of leading again but Kidlington allowed United to level again only a minute later. James Dobson whipped in a decent cross from the left which was brilliantly controlled by Jamie Cook, Cook surged forward and seeing he was unchallenged let fly with a stunning shot which found the far corner of the net with Hamling well beaten. This was a goal worthy of any match anywhere..

Franny Green and Matt Green linked up well in the 67th minute, with the latter’s header arcing toward goal until Hamling pawed it away.

In the 74th minute Kidlington nearly snatched the league once again. Kieran Sanders again provided a fantastic cross into the box where Baker rose well and headed powerfully for goal. That man Turley was there again to make another telling stop.

As we neared the 90 minute mark of this ‘full blooded’ cup tie both teams were battling it out in mid-field and the tie really could have gone either way as both teams had late half chances. As it was though neither team could conjure up a winner, so we went into extra time.

Into the extra time phase and you could see that Kidlington’s players who had given their all over the 90 minutes were starting to visibly tire. On 102 minutes Franny Green volleyed home at the far stick firing his shot into the roof of the net from the 10 yards out to make it 3-2 and give United the lead for the 1st time in the match.

As the pace of the game dropped dramatically as two tired teams slugged it out., the second period of extra time will be remembered for two incidents. The first of these was a nasty foul committed by Lee Fowler on James Philpott, for which Fowler received a yellow card, perhaps in other circumstances the punishment would have been more severe?. Philpott had to be carried form the pitch and Kidlington were thus reduced to 10 men.

The second of these incidents was the disqualification of what looked a perfectly good goal for Kidlington substituted Lee Rendell. Another of the Kidlington substituted Jack Johnson created the opportunity, Johnsons ball in found the onrushing Rendell who out jumped his marker and he powered a header past Turley. He wheeled away in triumph but then inexplicably the official on the far side raised his flag and the goal was chalked off.

There was still time for a late effort from Mark Flanagan, but his rasping drive fizzed over Turley’s bar and the referee Mr Jon Farries brought proceedings to a close.

At the end of the day this had been a great match contested fiercely with no quarter asked or given. Oxford really knew they had been in a battle Royal. I can’t say for sure but on the night it is my opinion that United’s Keeper Billy Turley was the difference. He made 4 or 5 fantastic saves which in the end proved decisive. Their really wasn’t a difference between the two sides out there on the pitch and considering the age of the Kidlington team this was a fantastic performance, you could say a coming of age. All I can add is COYG & roll on Saturday – More of the same please
KIDLINGTON - HAMLIN, WEEDON, FLANAGAN, PHILLPOTT, LEGGETT, PARKER (CHALMERS 104), SANDERS, QUAINTON (JOHNSON 90), HOLDEN, BAKER, COYLE (RENDELL 67)
UNUSED - MORGAN & MITTCHELL

OXFORD UNITED - TURLEY, CHAPMAN, OWEN (PARISH 90), CREIGHTON, SANDWITH (WEST H/T), FOWLER, DOBSON, GROVES, COOK, M GREEN (WOODLEY 77), F GREEN SUBS
UNUSED - MCDONAGH, SILVER

REPORT – SIMON DICKENS






FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 23rd January 2010
Kidlington 3 Flackwell Heath 0

This game turned out to be a very entertaining one, well for the Kidlington supporters anyway. With The pitch at Yarnton Road not having been played on for several weeks it was pretty flat, but owing to the amount of wet weather we have suffered lately the pitch was also pretty soft and toward the later stages of the game began to cut up. Still, this didn’t hinder Kidlington as they passed the ball around and won comfortably, but they could have turned in a goal fest had their luck been different.

To be perfectly honest the start to the game was pretty even in terms of possession. It always appeared the home side were looking to be the more incisive, though it took a full 20 minutes before Kidlington had their first real chance. This fell to Jordan Parker on the edge of the box. Parker controlled the ball and hit a good dipping shot which passed narrowly over the bar.

Kidlington from this point kept the pressure on the visitor’s goal with a series of half chances. Eventually pressure told, Jack Quainton charged down an attempted clearance from visitors keeper Sam Southerden, then followed the ball in to tap it over the line for 1 – 0.

The last few minutes of the half saw a good move end when Chris Weedon hit a powerful shot from 25 yards just over the bar, and then a slick move involving Mark Baker and Kieran Sanders culminated in Parker sending in a dipping shot which was well fielded by Southerden.

The half had been full of good flowing football with both sets of defenders seemingly on top though Kidlington’s lead could possibly have been more than the one goal.

H.T. 1 – 0.

Some early hesitancy and a poor clearance by Southerden saw Kidlington nearly add to their lead inside a couple of minutes of the re-start. Baker picked up the clearance and powered back a shot which beat the keeper but came back of the angle of post and bar!

Flackwell very nearly got themselves right back in the match on 51 minutes. Callum Coull picked up a loose ball in midfield and sprinted for goal, as Kiddy’s giant keeper Rob Hamling raced out Coull tried to bend it round him but the ball went wide.

This appeared to spur Kidlington back into action as they really seemed to pick their game up from this point. Firstly Lewis Coyle had a shot saved, Baker then shot powerfully at goal from just inside the box with the ball grazing the outside of the far post.

Shortly after this Flackwell’s Mark Weedon, who had been having a decent game at the back, made a very poor challenge and received a second yellow and ultimately a red. The visitors already struggling to contain a rampant Kidlington with 11 players were now down to only 10.

Kidlington sensed their moment after this sending off and attacked the visitors defence with a passion. Coyle was unlucky with an attempt which Southerden saved then an audacious over-headed attempt from Luke Holden was also saved.

Mark Baker won the ball well inside the visitor’s half, beat his defender then shot, but the ball went wide when he really should have netted. Finally the second goal arrived in the 70th minute courtesy of Mark Flanagan. Flanagan started the initial move weaving his way down the left flank before delivering the ball into the box. Kieran Sanders picked it up and then crossed back into the area where Flanagan had sprinted in to head powerfully home.

A couple of minutes after this a shot was charged down in the area from Sanders. It fell to Baker who let fly. Southerden palmed the ball away to where Quainton hit a rasping drive from 10 yards which came back off the underside of the crossbar.

Flackwell were struggling at this stage but to their great credit were still trying to be constructive. A ball played through midfield was released upfront to Ricardo Cannon. He raced away, but under challenge from James Philpott saw his shot well saved by Hamling.

In the 74th minute Hamling was called into action again. This time Coull shot from 20 yards and the keeper was more than equal to it.

Kidlington were still the dominant team, and Holden was unlucky to see his powerful headed attempt hit the underside of the bar with Southerden well beaten.

It was 3 – 0 in the 79th minute. Kidlington substitute Lee Rendell crossed from the left for Mark Baker to head skilfully home from around 12 yards guiding the ball inside the far post.

The last few minutes saw more chances for the home side. Firstly another of the substitutes, Adam Lovegrove, shot wide then Jordan Parker’s chipped attempt beat Southerden but passed agonisingly over the bar.

This display today was one of the best Kidlington had put together so far this season. Flackwell are a good side, but on the day were made to look pretty ordinary by Kidlington’s young guns. The play from defence into mid-field then upfront was great to watch. Kidlington are a team growing in quality and confidence and exploited the frailties in this Flackwell side. The team are now unbeaten in 6 matches, 5 of which have been wins and have moved back into 5th spot in the table.

Team: - HAMLING, WEEDON, FLANAGAN, PHILPOTT, LEGGETT, SANDERS, QUAINTON, PARKER, HOLDEN, BAKER & COYLE
SUBS: - RENDELL, CHALMERS & LOVEGROVE (played) HARWOOD & APPLETON(dnp)

Simon Dickens



Oxfordshire Senior Cup 3nd Round – Tuesday 19th January 2010
Carterton 1 Kidlington 3
Classy Kidlington dispatch Carterton

Football at last! Kidlington progressed to the ¼ final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup in comfortable fashion after waltzing past fellow Hellenic side Carterton 3 – 1.

Kidlington always held the upper hand during this match, though they had to fight their way back after surprisingly going a goal down in the 26th minute. However after a Luke Holden brace put them firmly in control there was only ever going to be one winner.

Kidlington made several changes to their starting eleven with injuries, suspension and unavailability to several key players still prevalent. The side that did play looked well balanced and so it proved as Kidlington blew away the competition on a good pitch at Kilkenny lane.

Kidlington were fast to take the game to Carterton, Luke Holden was unlucky in only the 4th minute when his shot beat keeper James Domm, but ended up in the side netting. A couple of minutes later following a Kidlington corner the Home defence got itself in a terrible mess.

They were lucky not to concede when they failed to clear the ball properly and Mark Baker couldn’t connect positively from inside the 6 yard box.

It was more of the same the 14th minute as Kidlington kept the pressure on when a Lewis Coyle effort was headed off the Carterton line, this was followed by a desperate clearance, again on the line from a Baker shot this time.

In Carterton’s first meaningful attack in the 26th minute Mark Threlfall gave the home side a shock lead with a wonderful strike.

From about 25 yards out Threlfall curled a shot past Kidlington’s giant keeper Rob Hamling and it went in off the far post for 1 – 0.

Kidlington weren’t down hearted by this and kept probing and playing their own game. Mark Flanagan saw Domm save a good effort from distance and then Domm also dealt well with a rasping drive from Jack Quainton.

As we neared half time the only surprise was that Kidlington were not leading, such was their dominance. Holden saw another attempt whistle wide and then the last action of the half saw Lewis Coyle smash a shot narrowly wide of the near post.

H.T. 1 – 0.

Into the second period and it was all Kidlington once again. Holden saw a shot beat Domm, but a defender raced back to hack the ball off the line, before Baker saw a fierce shot saved by Domm.

With Kidlington pushing on they were nearly caught with a breakaway goal. A ball over the top was chased, after Kiddy keeper Hamling failed to clear properly. Mike Fellows picked up the loose ball and tried a chip from about 30 yards out. This attempt went over the bar and Kidlington collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

In the 55th minute Kiddy finally secured their equalizer. Mark Baker weaved some magic down the right flank before crossing the ball in for Luke Holden, Holden beat a couple of defenders at the far post and headed powerfully home.

Only a fantastic fingertip save from Domm prevented Kidlington taking the lead in the 59th minute. Kieran Sanders sent a dipping free kick over the wall, but Domm’s reactions were spot on as he leapt to turn the ball over the bar.

Kieran Sanders then proved provider of a chance for Barker. Sanders cut in and slid the ball to Baker, then from an angle Baker shot, the ball went under Domm, but yet again a covering defender bludgeoned the ball away before it went over the line.

Quainton saw a shot whistle wide before Holden finally gave Kidlington the lead. Mark Flanagan did really well to beat his defender and turn the ball back across goal in the 70th minute.

Holden steaming in was there too side foot it into the net to close out what was probably the move of the match.

In a rare attack Carterton nearly found an equaliser. Threlfall beat Kiddy Skipper Danny Leggett to the ball in midfield and powered forward, however Hamling raced out from goal and the attacker shot wide of the mark.

In the 82nd minute Mark Baker tied the game up when he netted skilfully after some good work from substitute Jordan Parker.

A few minutes after this Baker thought he had added a 4th goal, but he was denied by the keen eye of the linesman.

After this there were no more real chances and Kidlington had come through this tricky looking tie and now have the reward of a home tie against Oxford United in the next round to look forward to.

Team: - HAMLING, PHILPOTT, FLANAGAN, CHALMERS, LEGGETT, QUAINTON, SANDERS, J.JOHNSON, HOLDEN, BAKER & COYLE
SUBS: - PARKER, MORGAN, RENDELL (played) HARWOOD & MITCHELL (dnp)

Simon Dickens




Oxfordshire Senior Cup 2nd Round - Saturday 2nd January 2010

Garsington 0 Kidlington 1

Kidlington Slide past Garsington!

Kidlington hadn’t seen any competitive action for nearly 3 weeks so they were extremely happy that this match with Garsington went ahead. After beating Hellenic table toppers Reading Town in their last run out Kiddy faced another previously unbeaten side in Oxfordshire Senior League favourites Garsington and in the end won it by the narrowest of margins.

The pitch at Garsington had seen little action of late and was in a terrific condition considering the semi frozen state of the playing surface and this allowed the game to go ahead. Kidlington were certainly the faster team out of the blocks as the game started taking the play to the home side and trying to play some neat football in the process.

Jimmy Deabill played a ball inside to Jack Quainton in the 7th minute, Quainton controlled it well, but after he shot Garsington keeper Chris Flowers saved well.

Kidlington took the lead in the 14th minute. A good incisive move down the left flack culminated in Quainton playing a ball across the 6 yard area for the prolific Luke Holden to finish smartly, side footing home into the corner of the net for 1 - 0.

After this Garsington pushed on to try and secure an equilizing goal. This nearly arrived in the 23rd minute. Kidlington old boy Liam O’Callaghan stormed into the visitors box, he delayed his shot though which allowed Kiddy Captain Danny Leggett to get back and make a saving tackle.

As the match progressed you could see that the Garsington players were started to get frustrated with their inability to break Kidlington’s defence down. Some over zelous tackles earned a couple of their players yellow cards.

Certainly the hosts were having a go in the latter stages of the half but Kidlington held firm and although Garsington’s tricky winger Jerome Constant had a decent chance he couldn’t beat Kiddy keeper Tom McNamara with a shot from the edge of the box.

H.T. 1 – 0

After the break Kidlington’s Lewis Coyle was really unlucky to see a rasping drive come back off a post in the 47th minute.

As this half progressed you could see and hear that the pitch beginning to freeze up again. Players were loosing their footing and finding it extremely difficult to turn with the ball.

Both sides were managing to create half chances, but no further goals were forth coming with defences generally on top.

Garsington, who are not used to loosing were still persisting with some strong and over the top tackling which was earning them more and more yellow cards.

In the 82nd Garsington fashioned themselves a really good opportunity. After Kidlington’s James Philpott had slipped over in the centre of the park O’Callaghan raced forward with the ball. He played it inside to another Garsington player who’s goal bound shot was parried by McNamara. The ball fell kindly for Constant who hit a rasping drive which looked destined for the top corner. McNamara though sprang across his box and made a magnificent save to keep Kidlington’s lead intact.

In the closing minutes Garsington’s indiscipline really cost them as firstly their Skipper Colin Ryan received a straight red for a really nasty foul, then Aaron Armstrong received his second yellow and Garsington finished the match with only 9 men.

To Kidlington’s great credit they never got involved in any of the shenanigans that were going on and won the game without any of their players receiving a caution. To be fair this was a test today for Gordon Geary’s young side and they came through it with flying colours. With so many players either suspended or injured this was a great result and Kidlington will now go on to face fellow Hellenic Premier side Carterton in the next round.

Team: - T.McNAMARA, GRAY, WILLOUGHBY, WEEDON, LEGGETT, QUAINTON, MORGAN, J.JOHNSON, DEABILL, HOLDEN & COYLE
SUBS: - PHILPOTT & FINCHER (played) BOLTON, HARWOOD & K.APPLETON (dnp)

Simon Dickens


FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 15th December 2009
Kidlington 2 Reading Town 1

Kidlington became the first side to beat Reading in a league match this season and over the 90 minutes they thoroughly deserved it. From 1st to last whistle Kidlington’s players were ready and wiling; they knew the task ahead and gave it 100% application. Pre-match Jordan Parker pulled up in the warm up and this necessitated a late change with Jack Johnson coming into the side at late notice.

Early doors you could see that Kidlington’s Management had made a decision to play with only one up front, this looked to be working and it was indeed Kidlington that had the 1st meaningful attempt at goal in the 8th minute. Big Jimmy Deabill flicked the ball into the path of Mark Baker. Baker had the opportunity to shoot, but opted for a touch and then when he did shoot the ball flew high and wide.
Reading’s Aaron Parfitt and Graham Lewis were busy up front but it seemed that Kidlington’s defence was able to cope with their threat.

Kieran Sanders was seeing plenty of the ball and when he had it at his feet he was constantly tormenting the Reading defenders. His crosses and skilful wing play were a feature of the match all evening.

It was in the 24th minute that Kieran Sanders gave the home side the lead. Baker beat a couple of Reading players in the midfield before passing the ball out wide to Sanders. Sanders turned his defender and sprinted in from the wing. As he closed in on goal he shot powerfully and the ball thumped against the far post and nestled in the back of the net. I can’t do justice to the quality of this strike in words, you had to be there to appreciate it. It really was a fantastic bit of skill from the young maestro!

Kidlington now in front looked comfortable against their unbeaten visitors. Deabill and Sanders combined to play in Jack Quainton in the 37th minute. From just outside the box Quainton hit a dipping shot that went just the wrong side of the far post.

Quainton then had another pot shot at goal in the 41st minute after a ball played inside from Baker. This time Grace positioned himself well and saved it relatively easily.

Kidlington were having a really good half and I expect they didn’t want it to end. Generally they had been on top and their lead was certainly justified. Sanders and Baker had been exceptional and the defence extremely strong.

H.T. 1 – 0

Reading as you would expect came out for the second half in a more determined mood. It was Kidlington again though that mustered the 1st shot at goal. Sanders still weaving his magic down the right flank crossed the ball in for Deabill, Deabill flicked it on to Baker, but he just couldn’t direct his shot on target.

Reading’s Lewis and Ian Brooks combined well in the 57th minute. Brookes advancing toward goal before turning the ball back for Parfitt to strike. Parfitt’s shot was powerful, but also wide of the mark.

Some hesitant Kidlington defending in the 62 minute allowed Reading a corner. From this the ball found its way to Mark Hughes who was unmarked at the far post. Hughes swivelled and hit a shot which keeper Tom McNamara couldn’t keep out and Reading had their equalizer.

Unbowed by this Kidlington very nearly restored their lead only a couple of minutes later. Sanders weaved his way past his marker, cut in again and hit another powerful shot which Grace did well to keep out.

In the 68th minute lady luck shone ‘big time’ on Reading. Baker sprinted clear of the Reading defence, he rounded Grace and from the angle tried to steer the ball into the net. A Reading defender who had ‘wrung his neck’ to get back got his head to the ball and it flew up against the bar and with Kidlington players supporting the ball bounced straight back into Grace’s hands on the 6 yard line. What a let off, was it really going to be Kiddy’s day after this?

Reading were also trying to attack, but Kidlington’s defence were not in a charitable mood, limiting the visitors to long range efforts that were seldom threatening to McNamara’s goal.

Baker was extremely unlucky in the 75th minute. Deabill controlled the ball skilfully inside the visitors’ box; he then laid it back to Baker who hit a rasping drive. Grace reacted instantaneously and smothered his shot amongst a crowd of players.

It was Baker again in the 78th minute that let fly with a rasping shot which appeared to be heading for the top corner. This time the agile Grace palmed it over for a corner.

The game had become very niggly with Reading’s players getting involved ‘on and off’ the ball with some really unnecessary and unsavoury tactics. The match Referee Mr Dalton eventually had to Red card Reading’s Ian Brooks for an outrageously late challenge. To be honest though by the end of the 90 minutes they could have been down to 8 or 9 players as their discipline degenerated badly!

Kidlington sensed their opportunity and after a series of attacks and corners received their reward. Sanders fed in a corner which Baker flicked on. Chris Weedon coming in on the back post rose highest and looped a stunning header over Grace and into the net for 2 – 1.

There was now barely time for the match to restart, but when it did it lasted a further agonising 60 seconds or so, but Kidlington were not troubled in this time.

This was Kidlington’s best performance of the season and it had to be against the league leaders. The players belied their young age, which averaged under 20. It was wonderful to watch them play as on the night some of the football was of the highest order. Praise should alsso be given to groundsman Bake’s and his crew for giving the teams a decent surface to perform on and perform they certainly did. Well done and COYG

Team: - T.McNAMARA, GRAY, WEEDON, PHILPOTT, LEGGETT, QUAINTON, SANDERS, J.JOHNSON, DEABILL, BAKER & COYLE
SUBS: - HOLDEN (played) MORGAN, PARKER, HARWOOD & HAMLING (dnp)



FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Saturday 12th December 2009
Fairford Town 0 Kidlington 0

This match was a feisty affair with both teams having chances to take the points, in the event neither side’s keeper was unduly troubled as it seemed the attackers from both sides forgot to lace up their shooting boots up. The pitch a Cinder Lane looked pretty decent at first glance considering the wet weather we have been having lately, but as the match got underway you could see that it was a bumpy as cobblestones, and this made it very difficult to play any decent football on it.

Kidlington had their 1st chance of the match in the 2nd minute. Luke Holden broke clear of the Fairford defence, as he neared goal he shot weakly though and keeper Jamie Morse claimed the ball.

Fairford had their first real chance on 13 minutes when Martin Stratford benefitted from total confusion in the Kidlington defence. Stratford took the ball down then shot wide of Kiddy keeper Rob Hamling’s far post.

Jimmy Deabill had a couple of chances in the next few minutes. Firstly he beat a defender in the box then hit a shot at goal, but this attempt was straight at Morse. Then Mark Baker put in a good cross which Deabill met with a powerful header. This time the ball beat Morse, but cannoned away to safety of the angle of bar and post.

Kidlington felt they should have had a penalty in the 34th minute. Mark Baker beat his man in the area and as he was about to shoot he was bundled over from behind, with the transgressor making no contact with the ball. Kidlington’s players and management looked incensed, but match referee Mr Lee waved their protestations away. To me though it was a ‘stone waller’!

Near the end of this 1st period Kiddy’s Brad Chalmers was injured going in for a tackle, His injury necessitated medical attention and he was stretchered off, Ross Gray coming on to replace him.

H.T. 0 – 0

The second half brought with it little better football as the pitch just got worse and worse.

Baker had an opportunity around the hour make, which Morse dealt with comfortably and then shortly after this Deabill charged down an attempted clearance from Morse. The ‘Big Man’ was then foiled from opening the scoring by a last gasp clearance from Fairford’s Steve Bennett.

Fairford’s John Magani caused problems for Kidlington all afternoon. His powerful running and all round athleticism were evident, but on this showing the one thing he lacks is goal scoring, if he had this in his locker then Fairford would have one hell of a player on their books.

Kiddy substitute Steve Litten went on a run on 85 minutes. He dragged the home sides defenders with him, but had Lewis Coyle and Jack Quainton supporting him and clear on goal. Had Litten looked up and played the ball across to one of them it really would have been a golden opportunity. In the event he lost the ball to Fairford’s first defender!

The game petered out toward the 90 minutes with misplaced challenges and bookings a plenty. It hadn’t been a dirty game, in my opinion, more competitive than aggressive, but the officiating at times left quite a bit to be desired. I am not convinced that some of the ‘men in black’ understand all the laws of the game, or how they are supposed to be interpreted nowadays!!

Team: - HAMLING, WEEDON, PHILPOTT, LEGGETT, CHALMERS, QUAINTON, SANDERS, BAKER, DEABILL, HOLDEN & COYLE
SUBS: - GRAY & LITTEN (played) CASTLE, McNAMARA & APPLETON (dnp)
Simon Dickens


FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League Premier Division
Tuesday 8th December 2009
Kidlington 2 Ardley United 1

Kidlington got back to winning ways in this thrilling match against neighbours Ardley United. It was goals in both halves that eventually did the trick, but then a late strike for the visitors by Kidlington old boy Danny Mason certainly made for an exciting climax to the match.

Kidlington kicked toward the clubhouse end in the first period and were looking to take the game to the visitors. With both sides so close to each other in league position it became a game of ‘cut and thrust’ with neither side seemingly able to get an upper hand as the game progressed.

Kidlington welcomed back Skipper Danny Leggett and he was involved early on taking a knock to his face for his trouble.

The home side came close in the 20th minute when Luke Holden Shot over from just inside the box, and shortly after this Lewis Coyle weaved his way down the left flank before cutting inside and sending a shot fizzing across the face of the goal.

Kidlington were having an excellent period around the half hour mark and were rewarded with a smashing goal from Coyle in the 32nd minute.
Again Coyle cut in from the left, Luke Holden out wide right beat 2 player then crossed into the box, Coyle controlled the ball well then hit a rasping drive which Ardley keeper Gareth Tucker got a hand to, but he couldn’t prevent it flying into the net for 1 – 0.

In the 37th minute Ardley’s Andy Stidder had a shot from distance which Kiddy Keeper Rob Hamling did well to hold on to, then up the other end Jimmy Deabill got a flick onto a Kieran Sanders cross, keeper Tucker just managing to smuggle the ball behind for a corner.

H.T. 1 – 0

Ardley started this second half very brightly working Hamling with a couple of early attempts. Kidlington for their part were attacking on the break and Deabill nearly benefitted from this, but he shot wide under a challenge from Beckett.

Stidder saw a shot saved by Hambling before Mark Baker looked odds on to score for Kidlington, it seemed he had done the hard work but then shot straight at the keeper.

In the 72nd minute Ardley’s Wayne Blossom found some space to run into after some hesitant defending by Kidlington. He muscled his way into the box and went down under the challenge of a Kiddy defender. Match referee Mr O’Hare was right on top of the incident and waved play on despite vociferous protests from the visitors and their supporters.

Kidlington then went on to score their second goal in the 78th minute. After a good spell of pressure Brad Chalmers netted with a powerful strike after a Coyle corner had found its way to him at the back post.

Now 2 – 0 down Ardley threw everyt