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Travelodge XI
Fosse City
Hoegger
Goddard (2)squad:
Dobson-Holt, Maher, K. Carter, Bowerman, S.Cobley, Hillsdon, Morgan, Goddard, Hickling, Laywood, Hoegger, N.Cobley, Barnett, Bayliss, FisherFosse travelled down to take part in their fourth annual away day fixture in good spirits after a 100% record in their pre season to date. After a night in Oxford, it was time to prepare for a game at the best venue Fosse have ever played at, home of the mighty Oxford City Football Club.
It would be fair to say that there were a fair few sore heads on the morning of the game along with empty wallets. Nonetheless, the 15 players gathered together in the reception and left for the game.
Upon arrival, we could see that the pitch and facilities were top notch and that only added to the anticipation of playing in this game. So after getting changed into the new look Fosse home strip, it was ready for kick off.
Fosse started in the usual 4-4-2, with a back 4 of pure pace (Maher, K Carter ©, S Cobley, Bowerman) but even that 4 could not cope with the onslaught that awaited at the kick off. A minute had barely gone when neat play by Travelodge cut open the Fosse team, leading to a simple finish to make it 1-0. Having thought this was a bad start, it was soon 2-0 when from a corner, the Travelodge number 8 got free to head home. Maher did all he could on the line to ensure it went in and it certainly did.
This was certainly a wake up call for the team and as the Jaega Bombs slowly wore off, they started to knock the ball around neatly for a few spells of decent, if not cutting edge, possession.
Having looked like this would be the foundation for a fight back, unfortunately it was undone by a moment that the elder Cobley would rather forget (but has to remember as he’s writing this report!). A hopeful punt from the Travlodge defence looked to be an easy one to cut out, but having got himself into position, Cobley proceeded to control fresh air, rather than the lovely new Mitre match ball, leading to the nippy & impressive Travelodge number 9 to run through and coolly slot the ball home.
This did dent Fosse’s spirits somewhat and it was made 4-0 before the half time whistle. This led to some stern words at half time as, albeit a friendly, we certainly did not want to be on the end of an embarrassing score line and so the troops were rallied to at least go out and win the second half, if not the match itself.
A few more changes were made at the break as Fosse looked to get back into the match. There was certainly a more positive look to how Fosse played and after a lot of good pressure, a ball broke to Hoegger on the left of the box for him to fire in a left footed drive. This made it 3-1 and lifted everyone’s spirits.
A couple of more changes were made and with Morgan and Hickling now bossing the midfield, Fosse looked to create more chances. This was however a fruitless exercise, until getting fairly late on in the match, Goddard found a bit of space 25 yards out and sent an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net. The only thing straighter than that drive was his hair the night before. A lovely goal.
Having thought this maybe a way back into the game, Fosse again looked to be positive, only to be undone again by some good play by the Travelodge front line. A neat cross from the right was well headed into the corner, despite Dobson-Holt’s despairing dive.
At 5-2 there was no way back for Fosse but they kept on pushing forward, trying to create chances and impress manager Hillsdon with the season fast approaching. There was a small reward for this when Goddard picked the ball up 20 yards out to fire another shot at goal. Not quite as well struck as his first he will admit, but it somehow found the corner of the net to leave the game at 5-3, which was how it ended.
Although Fosse tasted defeat for the first time this pre season, it was still a good work out and a pleasure to play on such a good pitch. After being 4-0 down at half time, there was certainly a positive reaction from the players in the second half and that is certainly something to take into the new season.
After the match, everyone gathered in the clubhouse for the raffle and details of the charity, for which the match was entirely for. It is certainly great to know the club has played a big part in raising money for such a worthy cause and thanks must go to the elder Carter for organising the whole weekend.
Fosse now go onto their next pre season friendly on Sunday 17th August against a strong West End side away at Dorset Avenue.
