The Kenny men are Cartered off as Cropredy triumph

Cropredy ended Kennington Athletic's unbeaten run in the Oxfordshire Senior League after a thrilling 3-1 win at Williamscot Road on Saturday. It was another valuable 3 points for Danny Fox's side as they remain top of the Premier League, Kennington are still in the chasing pack along with Heyford Athletic and Freeland looking to knock Cropredy off the top spot.

A lively start saw Kennington dictate play, creating space and delivering some dangerous balls into the box asking questions of the Cropredy back line. The home side content with sitting off Kennington soaked up the pressure well. Midway through the first half Cropredy started to get a foothold on the game, pushing the vistors back into the final third and creating a flurry of chances to take the lead before Ryan Carter broke the deadlock. Carter driving a low effort across the goal which the Kennington custodian Cattell could only parry into his net. Although Kennington had admirably looked to go toe-to-toe with Cropredy, the open spaces played into the hands of the home side as they doubled their lead moments later, unrelenting pressure in the final third paved the way for Carter to grab his second. Carter showing great pace and power to beat the full back before racing clear and slotting the ball past the oncoming keeper to make it 2-0.

The 2nd goal spurred Kennington on as they upped their tempo as the game opened up, with spaces offered for both sides to take advantage of and it was the away sides turn to offer a viable threat from a James Smith free kick. The Kennington man curled the ball into the top hand corner from the set-play, but keeper Kurt Fox was at full stretch to tip the ball away from what would of been a certain goal. With the last kick of the half Kennington got themselves back into the game, Rob Andrews got into a good position on the left hand side, before drilling the ball into the bottom corner of the net leaving Fox no chance.

Cropredy restored their two goal lead just after half time, a great ball from Kurt Fox released Dan Watkin down the flank, Watkin skipping past his marker before curling the ball past the keeper and off the post to give the home side a 3-1 lead. In the 49th minute the visitors were reduced to 10 men, Adam Croad receiving his marching orders after a very late challenge on centre half Sean Snelling. Danny Fox's men were content to slow the tempo of the game down for the remainder of the match, Kennington rarely threatened as Cropredy picked up another vital win.

Cropredy will now switch gears to a Cup tie against Middleton Cheney on Saturday, whilst the Reserves host Launton Sports in Division 2.

Updated 18:40 - 31 Aug 2019 by Webmaster .