Oxford University Association Football Club

Peter's benefit from high yield corn rows

St Peter's College 1st 5-2 University College 1st

St. Peter's emerged from a scrappy and at times heated affair with all the points as they sent Univ to a 5-2 defeat at Marston. Neither side could get a foothold in the game in the opening exchanges. Peter's looked short of energy and seemed to lack focus early on and Univ deservedly went ahead after 15 minutes. In reply Philipp Peter's continued his rich vein of form as he levelled for the home side after good work down the left from Langridge and Lawrence. Peter's were largely solid at the back, with Smith and Judge both excelling, the latter battling on despite a nasty looking ankle twist on what was undoubtedly a late November surface. However, the disjointed and scrappy nature of the game continued through to half-time and, with full-back Adam Bowler lost to a tutorial (such is Oxford football), Peter's knew they had to up their game to overcome a spirited Univ outfit with obvious creative talent in their midfield.
The game changed with the introduction of flamboyant striker Rico Lewis who arrived with a tidy new hair-do (if a little late). Lewis had an immediate impact for the home side. Set free down the inside left by Langridge after Guy Watmore had won the ball in the midfield in typically solid fashion, he carried the ball into the area before squaring to Peters who couldn't miss, doubling his tally for the afternoon. Peter's began to look more confident and took hold of the game. However, the wheels threatened to come off when Univ equalised from the spot. Peter's gave away possession cheaply and the Univ left-winger, a handful all day, left Langridge for dead before being taken down unceremoniously by Smith. Tempers flared and captain Langridge was guilty of a Gallas-esque tantrum before Lewis steadied the ship, restoring the home side's lead with a classy finish having latched onto a Philipp Peters pass. Lewis added another after a superb turn which left 2 defenders for dead and an emphatic finish as Peter's effectively settled the contest. Daniel Stone grabbed the goal his recent performances have deserved, poking home after the Univ 'keeper spilleed a corner from Watmore.
Not the most polished of performances from the men in green and gold, but after some excellent performances which have gone unrewarded in recent weeks, Peter's will be glad of the points.