After a disappointing end to Pre-Season versus Hartpury University, Craig McKay made 3 changes to the side that started the game ahead of their visit to play Tuffley Rovers.

Charlie Bacon comes in to the side, along side Felix Robertson & Fraser Allen. Whilst the back four remained unchanged.

Cheyce Grant starts for his first competitive appearance in a Kidlington Shirt, looking to add to his impressive start throughout Pre-Season.

Match Report

Kidlington made it a winning start in the Emirates FA Cup after beating Tuffley Rovers 0-3 at Glevum Park, with Jack Smith, Zarius Edwards Giraud and Charlie Bacon all being on the scoresheet.

In the fourth minute, great feet from Cheyce Grant allowed him to gain the advantage over his man; with the Tuffley Rovers defender then going on to constantly foul our number 11 to try and stop him. Eventually, he would be booked for his efforts.

Kidlington then had a Free-Kick in a dangerous area that allowed John Dennis to deliver a teasing ball into the box that was connected by our Skipper, Jack Smith. However, his effort would go north of the bar.

We also had plenty of exciting football played down the right side, with Charlie Bacon running in behind his man and delivering plenty of dangerous crosses that just need someone on the end of.

Finally, after plenty of pressure on Tuffley Rovers’ defence, Jack Smith headed us in front. Charlie Bacon was charging down the right side as he was brought down, the referee gave a foul. From this resulting Free-Kick John Dennis delivered a pitch perfect ball which then was smashed home from the forehead of the Skipper.

Tuffley Rovers then had their chances to make the game level with the ball in the back of Tom Carter’s net. However, their celebrations were swiftly cut short by the officials flag.

Unfortunately, with plenty of positives there came a negative as Kidlington’s number 2, Sam Jenkins, hobbled off holding his hamstring which ended his afternoon.

The second half began with plenty of pressure from Tuffley Rovers, however, with Super Tom Carter in goal, Kidlington had other ideas. A quick reaction save that required the Kidlington number 1's max effort, the ball was quickly cleared and danger had been averted.

A new half with the same outcome, Cheyce Grant & Charlie Bacon were just toying with Tuffley’s fullbacks. Cheyce Grant beat Tuffley’s number 2 numerous times this afternoon but with the number 2 deciding to choose the rugby tackle on Cheyce we won ourselves a Free-Kick. John Dennis found the head of Zarius Edwards Giraud, resulting in putting us up two goals to nil.

With 84 minutes on the clock, Charlie Bacon danced his way through the Tuffley Rovers defence with his effort being denied on the line by their number 1. However, 10 minutes later, Streaky would get his efforts rewarded by a beautifully composed finish which saw us go 0-3 ahead.

As the Referee blew his whistle calling a halt to proceedings for the final time, the Kidlington faithful once again began the chant ‘We’re going to Wembley Que Sara Sara’.

Kidlington Starting XI: Carter, Jenkins, Taylor, Edwards Giraud, Smith (C), Richards, Bacon, Robertson, Allen, Dennis, Grant

Subs: Clarke, Costa (60’ Allen), Davies-Small (72’ Dennis), Middleton (42’ Jenkins), Al Jabari (81’ Grant)

Tuffley Rovers Starting XI: Merchant, Mustoe, Simpson, Stevens, Pritchett, Clifford, Smith, Turner, McGuirk, Alder, Chambers

Subs: Hicks, Clinton, Lee, Mann, Bevan, Walters, Lander

Attendance: 141