Oxford University Association Football Club

Blues Play-off opponents announced

BUSA have announced the format for the playoffs for promotion to next season's Premier League. Northern conference winners, Leeds, have been automatically promoted to the Northern Premier League leaving the winners of the 3 other conferences to play-off for the single place vacated by Southampton in the Southern Premier League. Oxford have been given the unenviable task of having to win 2 matches to gain promotion, with the first being scheduled away at Southwestern conference winners, Exeter, on Wednesday 27th February (7th week) with the winners playing Southeastern conference winners, Hertfordshire, at home the following Wednesday. In the same announcement, it was confirmed that the Centaurs will not face a relegation play-off, which was an outside possibility after they finished 4th in their division.

Oxford Geologists inflict usual annual humiliation on Cambridge

Last Saturday, the 2nd Varsity Earth Sciences Football event took place at King’s College sports ground, Cambridge. Following last years convincing men’s (7-0) and women’s (2-0 on penalties) wins for Oxford, the Tabs were seeking revenge and the chance to regain some pride, and the summer signing of dynamic midfielder Andy Smye from their opponents had given them renewed optimism. However this optimism was to be short lived as Oxford once again completed their ritual humiliation of Cambridge running out 8-1 winners in the men's match and winning the women's game 3-2.

After a pre-match pitch inspection by the exquisitely-attired Oxford team, and a delay while locating the exact whereabouts of several key players (found to be dining in a pub), the men’s match got underway. An uncertain start by Oxford allowed Cambridge early chances, with the Tabs hitting the post in the opening exchanges. Oxford replied with some slick and rapid counter-attacks, with Ben Fox also finding the woodwork. Smye proved to be the stand-out player for the home side, making a series of surging runs through the dark blue ranks, but it was Oxford who broke the deadlock after 10 minutes. A series of neat passes led to Fox seeing the opportunity to slot a shot past the immense figure of the Cambridge goalkeeper (a Blues rugby player), a task he duly undertook with much aplomb.

Oxford’s defence, bolstered by the post-pub introduction of Teddy Hall captain Waldron , tightened up, and the half continued to be dominated by Oxford. Two efforts from captain Liu, both deflected off hapless Cambridge defenders, gave Oxford a deserved 3-0 lead at half time.

The dark blues got straight back to business after the break with Dutch striking sensation Cees-Jan de Hoog tapping in masterfully. A combination of youth and ‘experience’ at the back from Keechinho, ‘Bele’ Bell, Eoin ‘Kak(a)’ McManus, ‘Spicy’ Price and returning 2006 stalwart Dave ‘Knockers’ Knocker continued to keep Cambridge at bay, while up front strikers Toogood and Fox continued to harass and provoke the light blue defence.

Despite one blip as a goalkeeping blunder led to a Knocker own-goal, Oxford closed out the game with strikes from Nielsen, Fox (adding two to complete his hat-trick) and a Toogood penalty to record an 8-1 victory.

However, this goal-fest was only the curtain raiser to what was to be a thrilling and dramatic ladies encounter. Despite several early saves by ‘keeper Sophie Lawrence, Oxford fell behind as they struggled to adapt to Cambridge’s free-flowing and composed style of play. However at 2-0 down, captain Mari Tomos rose to the challenge and scored a stunner directly from the restart to bring Oxford back into it. The contest suddenly burst into life, and Oxford drew level just before half-time with a second for Tomos.

The second half saw a truly inspirational performance from the dark blues with the whole team working flat-out in an end-to-end battle. Ros ‘Rickety’ Rickaby and Nicki Merehan were immense at the back, putting in numerous crunching tackles, while Kate Hendry, Caroline Hobbs and Rachel Garland ran tirelessly to support the dangerous Tomos in attack. As crucial refereeing decisions seemed to go against Oxford the away crowd became more agitated, but the Cambridge side, now devoid of their raucous and highly irritating support due to the sudden disappearance and destruction of their megaphones, didn’t look like creating anything special.

With the game looking set for penalties and a repeat of the 2007 game, the relentless pressure of Oxford’s attack finally allowed Rachel Garland to fire home the winner in the last minute, provoking scenes of jubilation and delirium from the Oxford crowd. Oxford again emerged victorious with a 3-2 win.

Cambridge were gracious in defeat, providing post-match refreshments, but they have requested a change of sports for next year, suggesting cricket or rugby. A glorious and historic day for Oxford ended in the not-so-glorious surroundings of a curry house and a nightclub, but those who participated can be proud of their monumental achievements.

(Adapted from an article by Alex Liu)