Athletic Comfortable Winners

The Athletic boys ran out comfortable 8-1 winners away at Charlbury. In a match that was dominated from start to finish it took only 10 minutes for the away team to find the net. Some smart play by Barrett inside the box followed by sideways layoff left Joshua McConnell with the goal at his mercy. No mistake, one nil Launton.

The second came from a Barrett corner, his delivery was met by Gough who got the slightest of touches into the path of Dylan Lazarus who headed (I think?!) home from six yards.

The same combination for the opener combined again, with Barrett finding McConnell who nearly took the net with his shot. A pearler for the third. The opposition hit back with a goal against the run of play just before the break, but Athletic had a commanding 3-1 lead.

Half time saw a number of changes and the Athletic boys continued to pile on the pressure.

The goal of the game was arguably the fourth. The ball went from back to front in a series of short, sharp passes and ending up on the wing with Dylan Lazarus having far too much pace for his man down the right hand side. His cross was met by Barrett who met it first time and hammered a home half volley. From defence to attack, playing free flowing football. A joy to watch. Maybe those coaches do know what they’re talking about every week!

The opposition tried to attack and counter quickly if an Athletic attack broke down. They mainly met the stonewall of James Launchbury and Spencer Maciejewski. Who were both having an outstanding second half.

Johnny Webb made it two in two with a cool finish after McConnell and Barrett dissected the defence. From provider to goal scorer, McConnell grabbed his hat trick, calmly slotting past the keeper after an aerial knockdown from Barrett. 6-1. Not content with the hat trick, McConnell added another. Burrows battled and picked up the ball, he passed to Johnny Webb who neatly found McConnell. The outcome was inevitable, McConnell wasn’t missing today. 7-1.

On the stroke of full time, Launchbury intercepted a long pass and went pass the advancing midfielder with a majestic drag over. He picked out Johnny Webb who put the ball on a plate for Barrett to slam home his second.

A great performance by the Athletic boys and a healthy boost to the goal difference! Man of the match was a tough decision, Spencer Maciejewski, James Launchbury, Dylan Lazarus and Joshua McConnell were all contenders, but it went to Barrett for an impressive performance, work rate and unselfish team play.

Onto the big one next week! The top of the table clash. COYY.