After all this horribly wet weather it was really nice to get back to playing football on a dry pleasant Saturday afternoon, although going under foot would still have to be classes as soft.

Kidlington lined up with a very unfamiliar formation of three at the back, though Manager Martin Wilkinson had played this way when Kidlington inflicted their 5 – 0 defeat on ‘The Lilywhites’ earlier in the season.

Early doors and the visitors looked to be taking the initiative with some good movement through mid-field and decent attacking play.
Kidlington playing this ‘new’ system looked to be having trouble coming to terms with it; Brimsombe’s attackers were finding space on the flanks and trying to exploit it.

First blood went to the visitors on 16 minutes when Ashley Cardwell scored with a terrific volley giving keeper Matt Hyslop no chance.

Their lead didn’t last long. Only a couple of minute’s later dynamic midfielder Jack Quainton restored parity with a stunning shot with his left foot. Quainton received the ball form Lewis Coyle, moved to his left, and hit a stunning strike into the far corner of the goal from about 20 yards out. Once again the keeper was powerless to prevent it.

The game now was far more even with both sides attacking well and each team’s respective defences seemingly able to keep the other at bay, although both Keepers did have to pull off a couple of excellent saves to preserve the parity as shots got through to them!

Then just before the break, Kidlington’s usually ultra-reliable defender Chris Weedon was caught horribly in possession on the edge of his own box by Caldwell. Caldwell won the ball and calmly drifted past Weedon and into the box where he placed his shot past Hyslop for 2 – 1 to the Gloucestershire side in the 43rd minute.

Kidlington’s response to this was swift. From the kick off Kidlington put pressure on the Brimbscome defence with Mike Duerden putting a great ball across the area which Quainton just failed to convert. The ball was crossed back in by Lewis Brownhill and Danny Bone rose highest to brilliantly head home for 2 – 2, just a minute later.

This first half had been end to end football for virtually all the 45 minutes and I expect everyone was glad of the half time break.

The second period started really well for Kidlington with first Bone then Coyle then Brownhill hitting decent shots at goal, though nothing came of it.

Brimscombe seemed to be finding this half hard going and with Kidlington now seemingly always in their opponents half, with their tails up, they needed more players to defend.

Kidlington were becoming dominant, but also wasteful with the final ball and often shooting from too far out.

As the half wore on Kidlington were pushed right on into the visitors half, but they still had to be aware that ‘The Lilywhites’ possessed a couple of really decent forwards and be mindful of the quick breakaway.
Around the 75th minute Lewis Coyle was substituted with Charlie Cassettari coming on to replace him in mid-field.

Kidlington were still hell bent on trying to find a winning goal, but a combination of decent defending, good goalkeeping and unfortunately poor finishing were preventing this.

In the 81th minute Tom Woodbridge looked to have found a way through to goal but his shot wasn’t powerful enough and was hacked off the line!
It looked like this wasn’t to be Kidlington’s day try as they may, but then a minute from time leading scorer Tommy Castle came up with the winner.

Kidlington were awarded a free kick to the left of the 18 yard area. Brownhill took it and swept the ball into the box, Castle took one touch and rifled the ball into the net from about 8 yards out, 3 – 2 to Kiddy, cue mass celebrations.

Although Referee Williamson who had a good match added another 4 minutes of injury time there were no further scares for Kidlington as time ran out and Kiddy had all the points.

In summing up I’d have to say it wasn't a classic match. Kidlington seemingly struggled with the formation, especially with their leading scorer and usual creator of chances having major defensive responsibilities in this set up, though he did push on in the closing stages and scored the vital goal. I'd also have to say it was quite an exciting game as Kidlington only hit the front just before the tapes but a win is a win.

So after five matches in 2014 Kiddy remain unbeaten and will move on to play Hook Norton away in the Supplementary Cup this Wednesday evening, k.o. 7:30pm. This before travelling next Saturday to the Corinium Stadium in Kingshill, Cirencester to take on Wootton Bassett who are ground sharing whilst their new ground is built. The k.o. for this game will be the usual 3:00pm.

COYG