Learning curve against a flagging team

The game started positively with a fit looking Heyford side pressing Horspath all over the pitch, forcing errors and stopping them playing. Chances were missed with the best falling to James Gregory, who planted a header over following an excellent corner delivery from Denty. Matthew Gardner pulled up injured 25 minutes in and was forced off to be replaced by Delahunt. DD started off excellently, bombing up the pitch and pumping crosses into the box. He must of felt this wasn't entertaining enough though, as he decided to fall over and act like an Otter from SeaWorld, balancing the ball on his forehead in a lame attempt at control to which the sideline fell about laughing at. Callum Lloyd looked like his hard work had paid off when his shot beat the keeper, but not the post and the scores remained level. He did however get his just desserts (which is stressed backwards Cal) when he was allowed time in the box, Heyfords answer to Harry Pagan applied a cool finish for 0-1. He then celebrated in his ever calm manner, head down, arms by his side, trotting back to starting position. Special mention to the opposition linesman, who seemed to be directing local air traffic at times his flag was in the air so much.

Half Time 0-1

Spurred on by a "Happy" Suter at half time, the Bears trotted out into a nervy second half display, failing to create the chances of the first half, but looking solid in defence. A moment of magic or a freak goal would be needed from the opposition to draw level. And this is exactly what happened next. The Horspath winger, who had wowed the crowd with his amazing (pony) touches throughout the game, came inside from the right wing and either A) curled in a Worldy, lobbing an unaware Macca with his wrong foot, or B) swang a hopeful cross into the mixer which caught everyone unaware and sailed into the net for 1-1. I'm inclined to go with the Latter. (Rhys, the Latter being Answer B).

Heyford reorganised and got going again, introducing Steve Roberts for the injured Greeny, who sounded like Wheezy from Toy Story when he came off and Dan Savin on for Grandad Greg's, who had Werthers waiting for him when he sat down to watch the end. Heyford created a couple of chances but looked to have edged the game when a good move down the right saw Callum Lloyd fizz the ball across the goal mouth for Sub Savin to steer in an excellent finish on his weaker foot to put the away side ahead 2-1 with 15 to go. Heyford looked nervy and have silly fouls away in shooting range and this was to be their undoing. A classic free kick , a cross cum shot that went across the face of the goal and nestled in the far corner for 2-2 with 3 minutes to go. Heartbreak for the Bears who thought they had the game won.

Heyford Athletic made history tonight, recording their highest ever league point and going unbeaten, away in the first game of the season. An excellent achievement and one that everyone at the club can be proud of.

The Bears regroup and go again for next week, facing another midweek fixture, this time against Eynsham, away from home. Massive thankyou goes out to all our Ultras for coming to support us in force, as always very much appreciated to see so many of you there.

Fines (tonight and previous fixtures)
Danny Delahunt £3
Jack Evans £2
Matthew Gardner £2
Dan Savin £2
Aaron Phipps £5
Matt Horle £5
Steven £2
Man of the match: Callum Lloyd
Dick of the day for an inspired sit down header and being unable to get back up: Danny Delahunt