Honours Even

Kidlington 2 Yate Town 2

Kidlington and Yate Town fought out a very entertaining, if a bit feisty, 2 - 2 draw at Yarnton Road Stadium this afternoon in this Evo-Stik League South West match.

After a fairly even start to the game Yate took the lead in the 25th minute, Mike Baker smashing home a free kick from the edge of the box.
Straight from the re-start Kidlington went to the other end of the park and Mark Bell (pictured) netted a superb equiliser twisting and turning before powering his shot into the net from 20 yards.
Within a minute Kidlington thought they had taken the lead as Anaclet Odhiambo headed home a Bell cross, but the goal was ruled out for off-side. In crossing the ball Bell was injured and was substituted off with Callum Harvey coming on to replace him.
An excellent run through the center of the park in the 40th minute saw a Declan Benjamin shot inches away from what would have been a terrific goal, however his attempt from 20 yards beat Harvey Rivers, but cannoned off the bar to safety.
In time added on and you'd have to say against the run of play Yate re-took the lead. Striker Brad Norris firing home after some excellent individual skill for 2-1, and that was the score at the break.
In the second half Kidlington certainly upped the anti and came close on several occasions through Anaclet Odhiambo, Eric Odhiambo and Lewis Coyle. Eventually the ever increasing pressure told when Anaclet Odhiambo was tripped from behind in the box, from the resultant penalty kick Lewis Coyle lashed the ball into the net for 2 - 2 in the 77th minute.
Late in the game Declan Benjamin nearly won it for Kidlington, but his fierce shot was saved by visiting keeper Rivers.

The game was notable as a first for the Odhiambo brothers, this was the first time that all three of them Anaclet, Eddie & Eric, have played together in the same team and on another day Kidlington with those players in the side Kidlington would have taken all 3 points. However the resilience of Yate and Kidlington's killer touch, in front of goal, was not evident today and the Green's had to settle for a share of the points.

Next up is a trip to Winchester City mid-week, then a home FA Cup match against Wantage Town next Saturday afternoon.

[b]COYG[/b]

Updated 01:45 - 2 Sep 2019 by Simon Dickens