Veni, Vidi, Whoopsi

Quarry started well, a rapid passing move finishing with the neat footwork and flashing cross that has become Tobi's trademark. Jacob and Milton waited like a pair of salivating hounds in front of goal but, like a biscuit bouncing off the nose of a hungry retriever, Jacob's effort glanced narrowly wide. The half rattled along like an express train, or at least quite a fast tram, with both teams playing proper football in a proper football spirit. However it was Ardington who seemed to want the result that little bit more, challenging for the ball first, taking on the headers and attacking with belief to notch four by half time. Without the intelligent and hard work of Jo-Dee and the usual slightly terrifying focus and determination of Joseph it could have been worse. Quarry went in more surprised than shell-shocked. What were Ardington and Lockinge thinking, coming to Headington and playing significantly better football than Quarry?

No harsh words were spoken at half-time so it is all credit to the Quarry boys that they sorted themselves out. They were reshuffled, but the same players marched out second half. The quite fast tram had now reached 'almost quick' and was running in the opposite direction. Isaac ran midfield, directing in defence and releasing the ball early in possession. Jo-Dee, whose skilful turn was a highlight of the first half, was released up field. Jacob played as if he was auditioning for a soccer skills video, repeatedly taming the ball with one touch, then heading down dead-ends, three or more defenders around him. No sooner had the coaches said 'well you've definitely lost it this time' than out he would pop, ball at his feet, homing in on goal. It was great to watch (the skill, not the coaches). Milton, now in goal, after a first half in which he played some intelligent and skilful football but fed on scraps, barely had a touch, and Quarry won the second half 1-0, although so far their appeals for one and a half points have fallen on deaf ears. That they only scored one is down to a great keeper. The one, when it finally came, was a worthy winner (of the second half). Alex won the ball on the half way line, and took it past two players before drilling it home from inside the box. He really deserved a goal as nobody worked harder than him in that second half. And it was his birthday.

The second game was another fascinating encounter, again played in great spirit. Azlan played a huge role, popping up everywhere and playing with maturity and skill. Edward again ran and tackled tirelessly, but added some penetrating passes to his game. Adam had a good game, his strength and speed key to the team. On several occasions he got into good positions but couldn't quite finish things off, but as his confidence and touch grows that will come. He also defended well, tackling back even when striker. Striker in the first half was Burhan who is starting to believe in himself - he has skill and pace and is starting to use them both in bursts. George, who made his first Quarry start last week was a different player this time. He was constantly involved, tenacious in the tackle - players often have to beat him twice - and learns fast. And Kane seems to improve every week. His positioning again key, and his movement improving. Last week I said that Oliver was a different kind of hero. This week he was the usual kind. Again the development team were playing against the same players that the first team played. And again it was hard going, but this time the whole team really rose to the occasion, and indeed could have scored on several occasions. But at the other end Oliver was amazing. He threw himself in front of everything, making one double save that nearly knocked his head off.

The post match interviews were predictably dominated by questions about players off-field activities but Coach Ian Davis made the position clear. "Our boys work hard for Quarry, and afterwards they need to relax. If that means drinking the odd lemonade, or having some sweets, in moderation, we are happy" he mumbled whilst shoving an entire snickers bar in his mouth.