This week the boys took on Wycwood at Eynsham Park. After last week’s lack of numbers, Gaffer Wyatt had a full squad to pick from. The only change saw Callum Keyes come back into the side upfront. Wychwood were unbeaten from their first 3 games, so this was always going to be the boys toughest test of the season so far.
The game stated at a fast pace with North Leigh dominating possession and were looking really good with the boys passing the ball from back to front that was a joy to watch. However the boys this week came up against a well organised Wychwood side who were stubborn in defence and the only real chance in the first half came in added time, when another good passing move saw Keyes play a delightful cross into the penalty area for Conor Murphy who side stepped the keeper but a defender got back in time to tackle Murphy just before he could pull the trigger and clear the danger.
The message at half time to the boys was to keep it going, as the boys had arguably playing their best football of the season. The Second half started in a similar fashion with North Leigh continuing to play well but unable to unlock the Wychwood defence. With 10 minutes to go Cameron Hadfield was introduced for Keyes. Almost immediately Murphy played a dangerous cross into the box that produced a goalmouth scramble which neither Hadfield or Toby Gregory could force the ball home, the ball eventually fell to Taylor Savin on the edge of the box who drove in a shot that the goalkeeper palmed away to safety. Within 2 minutes the ball broke to Hadfield who was one on one with the keeper on the angle, he striked the ball well but unfortunately straight at the keeper. With 5 minutes to go Wychwood forced a throw in deep into North Leigh’s half and from this a ball was played into the area and a Wychwood midfielder toe poked the ball home from close range. Then with North Leigh pushing for an equaliser they got caught on the break with Wychwood sealing the victory with a well struck shot that gave Jack Cooper no chance in the North Leigh goal.
The result gave North Leigh their first defeat of the season, however it did not tell the full story as the boys played some very good football for a majority of the game and on another day the result could have been very different. Credit to Wychwood, who defended very well and took their chances.
Final Score 0-2

Man of the Match Conor Murphy

Second Game

North Leigh 1-1 Wychwood

Goal Scored by Ethan Austin.

Man of the Match Blaine Eason