Swindon Supermarine 2 Kidlington 2

If the Boxing Day draw felt like a defeat for Jules MaCalmon team then our 2-2 draw with Supermarine was a great victory for a team that just won’t lay down.

With three forced changes and several positional alterations the game started in familiar fashion for The Greens scoring an early goal from Mark Janes, but it was in defence that the changes had been forced. With Harry Whithead replacing the injured James Organ, our back Line had an unfamiliar look to it as he partnered the returning Ben Brown. Jack Quainton's inclusion at right back saw player coach Eddie Odhiambo switch to the left flank on tricky surface not helped by further morning showers. Exactly how The Greens arrived at the half way stage leading 1-0 remains a mystery as Supermaine constantly overwhelmed us down either flank and our goal led a charmed life.

If we thought half time would allow us some respite Supermaine came out supercharged and had turned it around within seven second half minutes. Slack marking allowed Campbell to sweep home a right wing cross virtually unopposed at the far post. And this was closely followed by a jinking Parsons who beat several desperate tackles before lashing a shot in to the roof of the net.

Stung by this The Greens clawed there way back into the game but despite plenty of possession they created few clear cut chances. When Lewis Gabbidon limped off the writing was on the wall but Declan Benjamin had other ideas and produced a glorious equaliser with a shot from 20 yards beating the Keeper with ease. At two a piece the game was there for the taking but it moved heavily in favor of the home side when Harry Whithead clashed with Campbell, the resulting Red Card was the product of a second yellow for youngest player on the pitch. With 15 minutes to go and yet further reorganisation in the visitors defence, the pressure was beginning to build.
Lance Williams and Ben Brown in particular were colossal, but in all truth every member of this team made blocks and last ditch tackles in order to defend our goal. Five minutes of injury time for the ten men only toughened The Greens resolve and in fairness Supermarine had so much of the ball in the closing stages the only surprising thing was that they could not create that killer chance.

MOM Lance Williams

Warrell, Quainton, (Willoughby), Brown, Whithead, E.Odihambo, Gabbidon (R.James), Williams, Martin, Benjamin, Janes A.Odihambo (Bell).

Report by Nick Duval

COYG