Tytherington Rocks 5 - 4 Headington Amateurs

J.Bishop 7, A.Griddle 18 S.Jacob 60,70,90+(p) J.Wood 20, T.Colbourne 41 O.Zaja 90+ T.Bennett 58

Headington slumped to a second successive defeat,conceding four goals in a ragged first half performance, a spirited late comeback not disguising their current defensive frailties.

The late arrival of two cars did not help Headington's preparations but they still carried the early threat, Aaron Williams & Luke Cuff both saw efforts kicked off the goal line before Tytherington broke away to take a 7th minute lead through Justin Bishop. Headington should have been level three minutes later but Shaun Jacob's spot kick was brilliantly saved by Tom Sheppard. Bishop missed a sitter with just Harry Jenkins to beat before centre half Andy Criddle doubled the lead in the18th minute. Completely unmarked at a corner kick, his header was beaten away before he followed up to net at the second attempt. Within two minutes it was three as first Benji Cuff gave the ball away & then Jenkins got hands to but could not hold a weak effort from Jason Wood. Headington were still creating decent chances of their own, Jamie McCuaig hitting a post after 30 minutes, but more sloppy defensive work saw Toby Colbourne take full advantage to make it four in the 35th minute.
Half time 4 - 0
With little more than pride to play for Headington reorganised for the second half but soon found themselves five down, Tony Bennett finishing off in the 58th minute from yet another devastating counter attack. At last the visitors got on the scoresheet, Jacob tucking the ball away after Williams, Luke Cuff & McCuaig had put together Headington's best play of the game with an hour gone. Jacob pulled back another ten minutes later to add some respectability to the score before, playing added time after an injury toTytherington 'keeper Sheppard, Jacob converted a second penalty award. Almost immediately Ollie Zaja added a fourth for Headington as the unlikeliest of comebacks almost materialised. In truth Headington were second best, the defence of their title already looking an uphill task.