COXA 1st 8 - 0 Manhattan Kickers
Goal scorers: A. Smith-Joseph, R Davis, O Pocock, A. Dumdas x 2, R. Bogle, I Holland, A N other (No one is claiming the 8th!, or we can't count!)

Squad: Photo
Top L to R: Matt Benedict (gaffer) Richard Pemberton, Owen Pocock, Oliver Blackman, Alex Hope, Andy Dumdas, Jason Arday, Liam Grier,
Bottom L to R: Reece Davis ©, Chris McLoughlin, Rio Bogle, James Farrer Fisher, Alex Whelan, Ian Holland, Athan Smith-Joseph

The Manhattan Kickers over from NY for a 14 day 'soccer' tour, opened up their playing tour schedule with a game against COXA 1st XI. Straight from the Kick off COXA looked comfortable, keeping possession and passing the ball around nicely. Oli Blackman and Alex Hope had the back 4 well organised, with both players always looking for the ball to feet and to play through the middle of the park. Jason Arday, the COXA keeper, despite having very little to do all game, showed impeccable distribution.

Some of the football in the early stages of the game was great to watch. Athan Smith-Joseph and Liam Grier in the middle looked lively, winning all their tackles and looking to penetrate the Kickers’ defence. It was fair to say that the kickers’ couldn’t handle the pace, strength and technical ability of Grier/Holland/Smith-Joseph, with Ian Holland his usual tenacious self, breaking up the play and supporting Owen Pocock up top.

COXA had three or four early chances, with Owen Pocock shooting wide and Athan Smith-Joseph having a fierce long range effort fizz past the post. The Kickers should’ve used that as a warning sign, as 12 minutes into the game, Smith–Joseph picked up the ball in the centre of the park, and with the shortest of back-lifts, he drilled the ball into the top corner from 22 yards, leaving the keeper with no hope. It was the goal we needed, and from that moment on it was all one way traffic.

The Kickers’ very rarely troubled the Clapham back four. Both full backs, Andy Whelan and Chris McLoughlin were able to push on to support the wide men, with Reece Davis always looking a threat with his pin point deliveries and James Farrer Fisher on the right turning his defender inside out. A well taken goal from Reece Davis, picking the ball up just on the edge of the 18 yard box and curling the ball passed the keeper inside the left hand post allowed COXA to enter into cruise control. Owen Pocock showed his usual strength and dogged determination in closing everything down. His perseverance paid off, after he won the ball on the edge of the Kickers box, turned and drilled the ball into the top corner, the pace of the shot beating the keeper at his near post. Even our very own ‘Roy of the Rovers’, wondering Centre back, Oli Blackman was getting involved in the attacks! COXA went into half time 3 goals to the good.

A few changes were made at half time – with Andy Dumdas entering the fray wide on the right, Rio Bogle coming on up top and Richard Pemberton dropping into midfield- sporting a freshly inked tattoo. Dumdas got involved quickly with front play linking up nicely with Rio and Ian Holland to stick 2 goals in the back of the net in quick succession. The kickers struggled to cope with our sharp passing around the box, and Rio Bogle had an easy finish from short range. Some skilful play from Ian Holland after a chip through from Davis, saw him beat Kickers Centre back and the keeper and still attempt to ‘lob’ the ball into the net- very nearly missing and very nearly an easy ‘MOOSE’ shout! They all count though!

Man of the Match :- Athan Smith-Joseph.
By far the youngest player on the pitch (16 yrs old) he was a real live wire and showed real class, topped off with a belter of a goal. Well played Athan.

Final score COXA 8 – 0 Manhattan Kickers. We all ventured to The Earlsfield for beer and BBQ ribs, with the US team in good spirits and in ‘holiday mode’, it made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening and good early signs for the first team for the season to come.

Cracking win lads. Check out and 'Like' the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/claphamoldxaveriansFC

Chris McLoughlin (Macca)
Club Captain