On paper this had all the elements to be a cracking game of football: it didn’t disappoint!

The game kicked off at a frantic pace, Kidlington were playing three at the back: a new formation not seen this season for the greens. Early doors and Brimscombe were trying to exploit the narrowness of the Kiddy back line but strong defending and energetic running by wingers Tommy Castle and Lewis Brownhill ensured Brimscombe’s probes came to nothing.
The first chance came to Kidlington, after a corner was cleared, retreating centre back Christien Turner took up a position 40 yards from the home sides goal, as the ball was played in to the box then cleared by the Brimscombe defence it came out to Turner who unleashed an audacious shot which looked like it was going top corner only for the cross bar to thwart the 18 year olds intentions.
Kidlington were getting the ball forward quickly and shortly afterwards the hard working striker, Mike Duerden, had a good opportunity to get the greens ahead, it looked like he was going to beat the defender to the ball and get one on one with the keeper but the defender showed good strength and managed to nick it before Duerden.
Julius Muraga making his first start for Kidlington shot wide after good work from Tommy Castle playing in Mike Duerden for him to cross for Muraga. Kidlington were getting forward in numbers which was leaving space in behind. Brimscombe were producing good counter attacks but the defenders of Chris Weedon, Christien Turner, Liam Rice and an ever vocal Matt Hyslop in goal were containing what on paper was a potent strike force.
It was Rice who made the next chance of the game for Kidlington, a long pin point ball down the left flank towards Tommy Castle was intercepted by the Brimscombe debutant keeper Oliver Hall, unfortunately for him he dropped it at the feet of Tommy Castle. The crowd held its breath and waited for the back of the net to ripple but to everyone’s surprise Castle placed the ball into the side netting.

Kidlington’s breakthrough came in the 42 minute when Matt Hyslop in goal picked out Tommy Castle in an advanced position on the left flank, a Brimscombe defender stormed across to clear the ball, Castle toed the ball forward beyond the defender who had committed himself to the challenge and brought Castle down. The referee pointed to the penalty spot much to the consternation of the Brimscombe players who surrounded the referee to protest, a little too much for the referee’s liking and a card was produced for a Brimscombe player.
Lewis Coyle stepped up on 43 minutes and dispatched the spot kick into the back of the net to make it 1-0 Kidlington which is how the first half finished.

The second half started as the first did with Brimscombe probing down the flanks and Kidlington creating fast counter attacks. Brimscombe created a chance with good work down the left flank crossing the ball which saw it turned just around the post. Kidlington struck back when Ben Fitzmartin and Mike Duerden combined to create a chance for Duerden whose shot went wide.

Kidlington extended their lead on 53 minutes when Lewis Coyle squared the ball to Julius Muraga, the greens striker thrust forward but was hauled back 30 yards form goal. Lewis Coyle stepped up to take the free kick and expertly placed it into the back of the net to make it 2-0 Kidlington. Shortly after Julius Muraga was replaced by Tom Woodbridge as manager Martin Wilkinson looked to keep the front line fresh.
The game opened up even further as Brimscombe tried to get something back, with Kidlington retaining their attacking formation their wide players were finding lots of room. Another good move down the left saw a delicious ball floated across and Ben Fitzmartin who along with Jack Quainton had worked their socks off in centre midfield rose above the home team’s defensive line and headed in to make it 3-0.

Brimscombe were shell shocked, used to scoring goals by the plenty they had been restricted to few chances. The away team continued to press and on 75 minutes the referee awarded the second penalty of the night to Kidlington, a rather fortuitous hand ball decision was given and Lewis Coyle stepped up to get his hatrick, 4-0.
As frustration grew in the Brimscombe ranks, striker Ashley Caldwell was sent off which certainly didn’t help the homes side hopes of further containment.
On 85 minutes Tommy Castle, who along with Lewis Brownhill on the other flank had covered every blade of grass, finished the rout and made it 5-0.
Final Score Brimscombe and Thrupp 0 Kidlington 5