Tuesday 1st Sepember 2009

Kenilworth Wardens 3 CCOBFC 1

On a rain swept evening the OBs played their first game of the season against newly promoted Rangers. It is to be hoped that such a drear performance is not repeated. Only a few players can hold their heads up high; the rest were only a shadow of their former selves. Poor passing, little energy, The OBs played like strangers. Within minutes they were 1-0 down when the Rangers broke quickly to bupass the non-existent midfield which the centre forward took advantage of to slot home with ease. From then on the farce continued unabated asnd only fine saves from OBs' keeper Knox kept the score down.
There was some improvement after half-time with the OBs playing with some semblance of enthusiasm. Taking a free kick from some twenty-five yards Curly Coleman fired in an unstoppable shot to level the scores. But within seconds hjero Coleman turened villain with a silly pass which let in Rangers for an easy goal The OBs kept up the pressure and could have scored two with simple headers but with three subs on the OBs capitulated with minutes to go conceding another simple goal. So the OBs got what they deserved after a poor all round performance. Some positives remain however with Coleman overall distribution ( despite the lapse), George Williams' running & enthusiasm, and Knox' fine keeping.

Saturday 5th September 2009

CCOBFC 1 Peugeot 0

With the introduction of three sixteen year olds, namely O'Sullivan, Leahy and McGookin, along with a brilliant display by keeper Knox, the Obs weathered a final onslaught to claim victory against recently demoted Peugeot.After the insipid display during mid-week, manager Taggart was happy to introduce new blood and this transfusion certainly enlivened the display.

Playing with a maturity , energy and grace beyond their years, Leahy and O'Sullivan ran the show with a stream of tackles, running and passing which inspired the rest of the team. Scott Bradley twice their age produced his best performance showing skill and determination.Crean , Haymes and the evergreen Green were solid in defence with Sean crean in particular showing his true colours. Williams too was as ever full of running and it was his goal, running from half way and firing in from a distance which separated the teams at half time for a deserved lead. In midfield Falconer showed his versatility with astute passing and crunching tackles which encouraged and maintained a fine team effort. Along with Sean Kettle's mazy runs and McGookin's introduction in the second half when the OBs customarily tired, came the performance of a lifetime by Knox in goal. When all seemed lost, when a goal was surely scored, Knox's acrobatic display was a wonder to behold and surely kept the OBs in the game to the end. Even ex-keeper father, Knocker Knox watched his son's display with admiration admitting that some of his saves equalled his own!! There is still some way to go but there was spirit, energy and no little skill in this victory which augurs well for the future.

Tuesday 8th September 2009 08-09-09

CCOBFC 1 Copsewood 1

Playing against newly promoted Copsewood who had several experienced first teamers in their squad, the OBs were playing against a strong wind with the advantage clearly with the visitors. The Obs gradually settled after an initial onslaught from a fast moving and vocal team but the wind played a big part in their first goal when a long,high kick caught the wind and deceived the OBs' defence for an easy goal against the run of play. But the OBs did not learn their lesson and only last ditch tackles saved the day. It was a different story in the second half with the OBs doing all the pressing and the youngsters of the team Leahy&O'Sullivan showing skill and maturity. But it was left to the experienced Curley Coleman to "curl" in a subtle corner for wily old fox Scott Bradley to volley home from close range. Both teams fought for the winner with the action becoming quite physical and as the light faded new boys Grumley and McGookin were brought on as fresh legs but ultimately both sides settled for a well-earned draw.

Brinklow 3 Coundon COBFC Reserves 0
On a day and pitch that was begging for a good competitive match, the result was over within 10 minutes. Brinklows first attack led to a high ball not being dealt with by the visiting defence and ended up in the net and a few minutes later again failing to clear their lines allowed a 2nd for the Brinklow centre forward.
Finally settling down Coundons 4-5-1 restricted the home side, until an underhit backpass and let in the centre forward for his hat trick.
Manager Rowland introduced himself for the second half and switched to 4-4-2, this led to an even half but the home side eventually saw out the win fairly comfortably

Saturday 12th September 2009

CCOBFC 3 Alvis FC 3

With EIGHT regulars away, it was a masure of the club's resources and spirit that a team was fielded. Some were on holiday - should players take holidays during the season we ask - some were working,three suspended and one,in particular failed to turn up. However, those who stepped into the breach along side the recent signings of youngsters did the club proud and can rightly hold their heads up high content that they had played their hearts out. The back four with an average age of nearly forty in Muttley,Snowy Kelly ,Hemmings and Keith Shale,held firm performing heroics, making crucial tackles and passing with accuracy and know-how. In midfield, the combination of James McGookin playing his first full game, Luke Leahy,and Ben Morgan played some imaginative football linking creatively with the forwards and defending passionately. Up front young Danny Grumbley was a constant thorn in the Alvis defence as was Dean Falconer who must have covered the whole pitch.An early own goal gave impetus to the OBs who went two up when Luke Leahy floated a perfectly executed free kick from twenty five yards into the top left hand corner for a spectacular goal. The OBs were now dominant and the hard working Grumbley then latched on to a fine cross to score an opportunist goal to make it 3-0. However, Alvis pulled one back due to slack marking to give an edge to the game. It was perhaps inevitable that the defence would tire and so it proved with Alvis pulling two back; one through a dodgy penalty decision and another through tiredness. At the start of the day manager Taggart would have dreamed of a draw against such opponents. To have nearly won speaks volumes for this "Dunkirk" performance captured in the never-say-die cameo of Nigel "SNOWY" Kelly, father of ten, footballer supreme!! Well done the OBs....

CCOBFC FC 0 Harsthill 15
Manager Russ Rowland just managed to fashion a side together at the last moment but lack of experience against a powerful and promoted team of quality proved too much . At least it's a record for the club!!!

Saturday 25th September 2009

CCOBFC1 CTK 2
Ricky Smith available in defence was an added bonus to a side without striker Dean Falconer and still missing the Knight twins and Liam Barr.
CTK appeared to be a much better team than last season, chasing for every ball and showing an energetic commitment. But this was equally matched by the OBs with Leahy again showing his undoubted talent. Crean was also making his presence felt up front and was rewarded by a well taken goal to reflect the OBs advantage when the first half whistle blew.But it was a different scenario in the second half when CTK threw caution to the wind with wave after wave of attacks finally being rewarded with two goals coming from errors in the defence and bypassing the tiring midfield. A defeat was not expected but hopefully with players returning soon the team will be able to attain a more consitent winning streak.

CCOBFC 1 Copsewood 6 (CUP)
Again manager Rowland worked miracles fielding a team and was rewarded with soime good performances welcoming back Jamie Bramwell to goal.

Saturday 3rdOctober 2009

CCOBFC1 Kenilworth Wardens 3 Telegraph Junior Cup
With keeper Pykett injured Mutley was called up to guard the goal. But in spite of going ahead with the wind behind them after a superb cross from Morgan with Leahy heading in with deadly accuracy, the OBs could not take avantage of the favourable conditions against a determined and skilful defence.Using the wind, the Wardens stormed the second half with one lucky goal and two fine opportunist shots with the defence in turmoil. However, throughout the game Ben Morgan stood out with his running and intelligent passing game along with Dean Falconer who showed such passionate commitment.

Saturday 10th October

CCOBFC 6 Kenilworth Wardens 1
This was a display which the OBs had threatened to produce all season. Having been beaten by the Wardens twice this season the OBs were in no mood to repeat such dire performances. However, from the first whistle it was clear that the OBs meant business.Gone was the panicky hoofing and lax marking which had characterised previous games. Every player seemed determined to produce his best. And so it proved. The OBs were unstoppable with Morgan, Leahy and Barr excelling with their running, passing and outstanding skills weaving intricate yet direct paths which scythed through the usualy solid Wardens' defensive fortress.Barr's return to the OBs fold was a key factor. Not only was he not booked, cautioned or sent off, but his two finely taken goals were a sign of the new Barr who paraded silky skills, pinpoint passing and deadly shooting. Along wiith Leahy's cultured all-round play and a superbly taken goal, interspersed by Knight's well deserved solo effort, came the return of Declan Harkin off the bench. Within minutes his pace and vision were rewarded by a brace of superb opportunist goals which yet again confirmed his rare, raw talent. This was the first time that manager Taggart was able to field a team which reflected the true quality of the OBs and this augurs well for the rest of the season.

Saturday 17th October 2009

CCOBFC 2 Coventry Colliery 0 Foleshill Charity Cup 1st. Round
With Harkin, Sullivan and Smith all unavailable a strong side was nevertheless fielded. Dean Falconer was overheard asking the manager: "How do you want me to play?". The answer somehow summed up Taggy's philosophy; "Well!". As it turned out, Deano did just that. He's enjoying a fine season, leading by example, encouraging his team mates. His was yet another battling performance, tough in the tackle, difficult to get the ball off and quick in his passing. When things get tough he's tougher. He's reliable, he's genuine, he plays "well". And although the team did not achieve the slick passing game of the previous week, there were moments of grace and fluid movement which reflected the hard work of the team. Such team effort was characterised in no small meauire by the outstanding performance of Steve "Rosie" Haymes whose perfectly timed tackles and never- ay-die energy was an inspiration especially in the second when with Colliery coming back into the game a second goal was needed .By this time the OBs had taken the lead with a fine movement down the left which was finished off with finesse by a rampant Kettle. In the second half the determind Liam Barr had been subbed through injury with Grumley coming on and then Pyket in goal suffered an eye injury whilst making a brilliant stop and Williams went in goal with veteran Hemmings slotting into right back. This galvanised the OBs and brilliant work by Knight led to Leah' lethal crossinto the box for Grumley to fire home from close range.The OBs have a developing spirit; they work for each other and for the club. Well done.

CCOBFC Reserves 3 Fillongley 1
The newly reorganised OBs resumed their fixtures with a good win over locals Fillongley. Throughout the OBs passed the ball sharply and with no amount of skill with Clark and Shale outstanding.Impressive too was Wilson's running and Vuko and Knight stretching the opponent's defence. The first goal was well worked with Vukovic' s glorious pass through to Shale who finished with deadly accuracy. The second again provided a pleasing tapestry of passing with Clark passing to Jones who sent Vukovic sprinting down the wing to cross for Shale to head in. New boy Wilson too celebrated his debut after Finn had fed him with a fine, subtle pass which enabled this speedy centre forward to slot the ball home with ease. The result augurs well for the future and manager Russ Rowland is to be congratulated on all his hard working in gathering such a talented and hopefully loyal band of OBs together.

24th October 2009

CCOBFC 1 Collycroft 3
There is no doubt that the OBs without Falconer, Trevor Knight , Hemmings ans Sullivan would find it a challenge against the runaway leaders Collycroft. But going ahead via a well deserved own goal just about measured the OBs' advantage in a fast flowing game. Indeed had the OBs put away gilt edged chances in front of goal they could have gone into half-time with at least a three goal lead. But Collycroft are not leaders for nothing. They work hard as a team and undeterred by the brilliant goal keeping of the OBs' Pyket, they took advantage of defensive lapses to score three goals which in retrospect bore no reflection of the quality of the OBs' overall performance with Morgan yet again showing an example and the returning Tom Hickey busy in his first game.

CCOBFC Res 3 Balsall & Berkswell 1

Saturday 31st October 2009

Stockton Reserves V’s Coundon Court Old Boys 1st’s
Coundon were without a few of their key players, with the ever reliable Dean Faulkner , Rich Green& Pykey missing. Veteran Mick Hemmings returned, bronzed from his week’s holiday abroad in the Algarve and promptly slotted into his Sweeper role next to the towering Sean Crean in a 4 – 4 – 2 line up. minutes had passed in a fairly evenly fought contest when a long throw in from Ben “Morgy” Morgan met the towering head of Sean Crean who guided the ball into the bottom corner. Stockton’s defence was nowhere to be seen and looked uncomfortable on set plays.
Making his debut as substitute was the nephew of Steven “Rosie” Haymes, Scott Haymes a recent signing formerly with local rivals Dunlop.
It wasn’t long before Scott was called upon as Mick Hemmings came off injured after 15 minutes with a badly bruised ankle. Scott promptly slotted into the right back position as Coundon reverted back to a 3 – 5 – 2 formation.
30 minutes had passed with some fairly scrappy play and hard fought tackling in midfield when a stray pass from Morgy went to a Stockton midfielder who promptly put his striker through to make it 1 – 1.
Coundon pressed again and two quick goals in succession, a coolly taken one from the skilful Dec Harkin and the other from Captain Marvel Trev Knight made it Half Time – Stockton Res 1 – Coundon 3.
The Stockton defence was very poor and it looked like Coundon could score from most set pieces and open play.
Coundon started the second half well where most battles in midfield were strongly contested but the passing from both sides left a bit to be desired. Still Coundon looked most likely to score.
Good work down the left from Knight slotted the ball to young striker Luke who provided a pin point cross for Liam Barr to head home again unchallenged by the Stockton defence, 1 – 4.
Coundon’s fifth goal again was courtesy of a trade mark long throw by Morgy that picked out the head of Knight who simply back headed it into the net.
Stockton had but a few chances to score but the defence held strong and stand in goal keeper George did well to keep it at 1 – 5.
Coundon wrapped up the game with a swift move that let in striker Sheeny who slotted the ball home from a tight angle after a breakaway.

Result – Stockton Res 1 – Coundon OB’s 6


CCOBFC Res 1 Folly Lane 1
Firstly a big thanks to the 2nd team players that have re-grouped or came back to the club to make us a force to be reckoned with again .Two weeks ago we played Fillongley in the cup and with players like Clarky Finny keieth shale etc to be fair each and every player ,we were back and playing football ,playing exciting football beating them easily. The following week away against Balsall with a few changes welcoming back Sheeny into the fold we looked even better.This game could have been all over in the first five minutes without Balsall getting a look in ,pass after pass without interception by the opponents and chance after chance. Cometh the hour cometh the man -Sheeny with a delicate volley from an acute angle netting Coundon's first. This is how the first half continued but a shock was to come Balsall grabbed a shock goal back just before half time on one of their few attacks. Half Time Coundon 1 Balsall 1 The second half was much the same with Coundon with all the play. 20 mins in that man again Sheeny drives in a shot along the floor -coundon take the lead 2.1 Balsall tried to rally but with minutes to go Coundon grab their 3rd and the game was over.Coundon win 3 2 with some outstanding performances throughout the team Well done boys The next to play us were Folly Lane on a good run with 5 out of 7 wins and with a decent team .The first half Coundon were the better team missing a handfull of easy chances with the odd attack coming from Folly lane .This wasn't Coundon playing at their best but battling away when things wern't going as well as they have been but getting what they deserved the lead with a goal mouth scramble and Finny eventually heading the ball home. 1 0 coundon Folly lane tho getting an eqaulizer on the stroke of half time with a messy headed goal . HALF TIME 1 1 The 2nd half saw the visitors with more of the ball and to be fair more of the chances but Coundon are no longer an easy touch and fought to the bitter end and were unlucky not to get a winner in the dying moments . Final score 1- 1 I'd just like to finish by saying it's nice to have great players coming back to the club Clarky Sheeny etc And with new players Liam, Ash and Hicky Coundon are going from strenth to strenth .........

Saturday 6th November 2009

CCOBFC Reserves 2 Potters Green 5

CCOBFC 1Alvis 1
The OBs welcomed back Pyket in goal along with Ricky Smith and promoted Keith Shale to right back in the absence of Williams. The Alvis team appeared more balanced than the one fielded in the early season draw with in particulat their number seven midfielder pulling all the strings.But with the defence playing constructively and the midfield led well by the tireless and creative Morgan supported by the energetic Harkin and the ingenuity of young Lujke Leahy, the OBs began to put together a tapestry of fluent moves. Inevitably this resulted in a well-deserved goal which Ben Morgan slotted home with aplomb. But with Liam Barr's sending off after a dubious refereeing decision,Alvis raised their game in the second half and after a glaring miss right in front of goal by Phil Knight, luck was on their side after keeper Pyket saved well only for the Alvis forward to take advantage of a rebound.

Saturday 14th November 2009

CCOBFC Reserves 6 Follongley 3
The Obs roared back to a resounding victory over the league leaders at Fillongley.A brace each from Crean and Hickey with a first goal for newcomer Morris was climaxed by a screamer ftom Justin Clark which flew into the net from all of thirty yards and right into the left hand corner of a billowing net.

Id like to start this report with a thanks to tags and the few of his first team players that have came in and out of the 2nds this season on a number of occassions helping us to continue playing a 2nd team. Thanks to them the 2nd team have a strong squad now and should continue to grow and go on to become a force in there league .I.d also like to point out how none of the teams could go on without the continued support of people like jonesy pop rib dick and the many more who turn up week in week out to do the real hard work apologies to any names not mentioned but we all no who you are so thanks. On to all the first and 2nd team players who are without doubt the best bunch of characters i.ve met in and out of football and i.ve been around a while....Anyway now i.ve made myself popular on to the game against fillongly .From the 1st whistle only one team was going to win this with coundon defending superbly on the odd occasion they we.re attacked to the brilliance throughout the team . The 1st goal a screamer from a clarky free kick 15 mins into the game a class class goal the 2nd an exceptional team effort with hickey finishing in style. the third another hickey special with his strength pace and finishing ability all on show .the third was a cool finish from Liam with the fifth and sixth coming from creaney after all the heckling from the sides he kind a got his own back .Oh forgot fillongly scored three but to be fair the game was over and they we.re never in it coundon 6 fillongly three final score thanks again ALL......

Saturday 21st November2009

CCOBFC 4 Collycroft 3 Foleshill Cup 2nd. Round 2
This was a cup match to beat all cup matches. Tough tackling, goals galore and nail bitting suspense right up to the last second. in many ways there was no surprise when the OBs started without impetus. The opposition had been warming up for half an hour whereas the Obs were stuck in the changing room waiting on players. It tales a lot of effort to organise a match on a Saturday. Some of us arrive at mid-day, open up the changing rooms, hang the kit up, check the medical kit, pump up the balls, erect the nets, check the pitch, greet the referee, collect he subs, pursue the fines, etc,etc,etc. So it's somewhat incredible and majorly disappointing when some players by their very lateness can affect the actual result and performance of the team and negate all the efficient, committed hard work that goes into amateur club football.
The OBs were two nil down in the first twenty minutes. Collycroft caught the OBs napping, caught them cold. But it was a reflection of the team spirit and determination within the side that the OBs got back into the game in no small part due to a man of the match performance from Tom Hickey.
Fleet of foot and difficult to shake off one he's up to speed Tom restored some belief in the side when he headed a cross from closs range. 2-1. His second would have graced any professional pitch when he powered home a free kick from twenty five yards which accrately dipped elegantly beneath the crossbar by an exact inch. 2-2. Another run by Hicket in the second half saw him scythed down in the box and ever reliable captain Knight delivered with his usual aplomb.3-2 But this spuured the fast moving Collycroft side to surge forward peppering shots at keeper Pyket which he dealt with confidently as did the OBs' resolute defence in which Clark had been outstanding.But the pressure paid off with a fine goal 3-3.Minutes remained ; a subtle pass down the right wing by the energetic and skilful Leahy found Steve Sullivan whose cross beat the keeper to hit the back of the net with a screamer.4-3. game over and perhaps this exciting victory is a sign of things to come.....

Saturday 28th November 2009

CCOBFC 1 Collycroft 0

An important match for both teams with Collycroft out to revenge the previous weeks defeat by Coundon in the Foleshill Cup and Coundon desperately needing points to maintain their push up the league table.

On a cold and damp day, Collycroft came out all guns blazing creating quite a few chances to take the lead. Coundon were having problems in midfield and it took an important decision from Justin Clarke to tighten up the central area where most of the problems were coming from.Coundon had but a few chances in the first half, the best coming from young Luke Leahy who was put through into the box and unfortunately on his wrong foot put the ball wide.

On the first half performance Collycroft were much the better side. Coundon needed to improve second half if they were to have any chance of getting anything out of this match.After a few choice words from manager Taggart Coundon came out the second half and immediately imposed themselves on the game.Coundon had chances to take the lead with efforts by Trev Knight, Sean Crean and Tom Hickey all going close.

The second half was now being dominated by Coundon, Collycroft were not the same team as in the previous half and word on the touchline was that Coundon might just nick this one. Ten minutes to go and a fine run by striker Hickey through the Collycroft defence enabled him to get a shot away that took a fortunate deflection off the goalkeeper and loop delightfully into the empty net. 1-0 Coundon.

This seemed to spur Collycroft on and consequently they started to apply some pressure on the Coundon defence. Crosses were coming in from all angles, Clarke clears just over his own bar, Rosie heads just wide of his own post. Coundon did well to hold on for a 1-0 win but took the second half honours. A fair result would probably have been a draw but, hey….shit happens!!

All in all a good solid performance by all involved especially in the second half. The Coundon Spirit lives on!!

Saturday 5th December2009

CCOBFC Reserves 1 Brooklands Jaguar 2
Tom Hickey's lone goal was scant reward for the OBs who dominated this game throughout. Had it not been for two defensive and uncharacteristic lapses the OBs would surely have won comfortably against this young "Sphinx" second string. It was incredible in the first half when Hickey scored a clear goal which hit the crossbar and went in a least a foot over only for the linesman to change his decision and signal no goal. Hickey was unlucky later in the second half with two superb shots hitting post and cross bar again. Later brought down in the box Hickey allowed capatin Clark to take the penalty which was missed alarmingly which would have levelled the score. The Obs pumelled the Brookies' goal in the final stages of the game but it was not to be and sadly the final whistle was blown on an entertaining game in which Finn was had one of his finest games along with Vukovic and veteran Hemmings.

Saturday 12th December 2009

CCOBFC 2 Alvis 1 Bermuda Cup 1st. Round

There is no doubt that since Carl Pyket has grabbed the goalkeeper's shirt the OBs have looked defensively solid and more confident. In addition Justin Clark's widely ebullient experience, speed of thought and natural abilty has given the back four a strength which frees the midfield to be both more creative and play as a unit.This has led to an all-round, genuine spirit to the extent that this is now looking a very good side. In midfield especially both youngsters Leahy and Sullivan are exciting prospects both defensively and in attack where their trickery and directness are displayed but also in their utter enjoymnt of the game and as a side issue their involvement with the lads. But yesterday in this tricky first round draw the OBs more than anything played as a team with Morgan personifying the spirit of the side in covering the whole pitch, Willaims yet again showing that he must be the best back in this division and Crean enjoying his best game to date - always creative and always determined and deserving his well taken goal. Leahy took a corner but passed to nearby Knight who swung a perfect cross to the far post for Crean to leap as if on springs to head accurately into the far corner. But Alvis never gave up drawing level almost immediately by taking advantage of an uncharacteristic lapse in defensive focus. .The second half maintained the momentum of the first half with the OBs peppering the Alvis goal.Their reward came late on; a melee in the Alvis goal with five shots being blocked resulted in Sullivan slotting home through a maze of legs to claim a glorious victory.

Saturday 23rd January 2010

CCOBFC 3 Stockton 1

Into the new decade with a back line whose ages totalled nearly a century! With Clark babysitting and Barr working and Williams unavailable, veteran Martin McKewan with five centuries of games for the OBs and loyal member was drafted in. And what a game he played. Positionally perfect, his vocal chords could be heard throughout the game, encouraging the side with passion, cajoling, congratulating. What an example of the old boys' spirit. The spirit that moulded the club through the years. But on to the game itself. Stocton were better than formerly.they attacked quickly and directly. And they possessed a goalkeeper worth his weight in gold. he constantly foiled the OBs with superb saves. But up popped Sean Crean with a finely directed header from a great cross to put the OBs ahead. But in spite of Morgan's energy ,Leahy's quality passing along with Sullivan's outstanding midfield play and the promptings of captain Trevor Knight, the OBs tired in the second half letting Stockton draw level through a lacklustre defensive moment. With only minutes to go Knight dramatically stole in and through a tangle of legs and bodies scored from five inches! With the referee about to blow for full time, a breakaway and Leahy ever comscious of an opportunity hit the ball from just over the half way line to to score a miraculous goal with the keeper out of position. So a fine win after no matches for five weeks and a move up the table to third spot!!

Sunday 24th January2010

Shilton 7 Coundon 4
Coundon back in action after a 7 week winter break were cugfht cold in the first 5 mins by a breakaway goal from the hosts. Coundon then began to settle and equalised. However, lack of match fitness and the ambition to attack from the home side led to further goals and a needless own goal, H/Time Shilton 4 Coundon 1
Second half and with the slope the visitors started to play their trademark football of 3 passes and a mis-kick and Tom Brown pulled one back. Again the home side bossed the midfield to create further goals until Sheen bagged a brace to restore some respectability. Post match manager Rowland demanded bodies at training and a more focused attitude on Saturdays otherwise the season will slip away as quick as the January snow.

Saturday 30th January 2010

CCOBFC 3 Nuneaton Griff 4
There were high expectations of moving up to second in the division with this fixture but with the continued absence of Clark and Hickey and with Green and Sullivan unavailable, the defence proved recklessly fragile and this combined with a number of players selected who had not played in recent weeks, there was no surprise when Nuneaton took the lead and were in spite of Trevor Knight's equaliser good value for their 4-1 lead at half-time. However, the OBs roused themselves in the second half and with a storming finish with fine goals from Morgan and Sheen pulled the score back to 4-3. So a massive disappointment with a result which had the OBs taken their chances could have produced a convincing win.

CCOBFC Reserves 2 CTK 4

Saturday 6th February 2010

CCOBFC 3 Hartshill 1 Internal Cup
With Steve Rosie Haymes partying and Liam Barr failing to arrive ,a fragile Sean Kettle was chosen to line up in this important quarter final tie against high-flying Hartshill who are the top goalscorers in the whole Alliance league.And it was immediately evident that their reputation was not unfounded. Their style of football was crisp, attractive and co-ordinated; much in the style of their impressive kit. So much so that the OBs never got into their game and failed to assert themselves and play the sort of sweet flowing game that they can produce.It was no surprise therefore when Hartshill took the lead when a poor defensive pass gave the opponents an opportunity which they seized with a shot which hit the far post to rattle in.But it was a differet Obs performance after the whistle. Leahy upped his game to keep the ball in on the left and sprinting forwards curled a spectacular shot into the far corner. The hitherto confident Hartshill lost focus, the OBs responded, and the fight back continued. Spurred on by captain Trevor Kinght debuting as sweeper, two long balls down the centre provided a re-juvenated Sean Crean with a brace of superbly taken goals to crown a spirited display by the OBs which was engineered in no small part by the second half appearance of prodigal son Declan Harkin whose skill, vision and tireless running was an inspiration to the team.


CCOBFC Reserves 0 Brooklands Jag 8

Saturday 13th February 2010

CCOBFC 7 Bourton & Frankton reserves 0 STOCKTON CHARITY CUP
The ease with which the OBs demloished a patchy Bourton team on a freezing afternoon gave some measure of satisfaction in that the goals themselves were well worked and the result of quick interpassing,unselfish running and individual skill. It is to be hoped therefore that such a display will be carried forward into more challenging fixtures in future matches. With Sullivan unavailable Declan Harkin started and proved in may ways that he is actually able to sustain his effort, energy and enthusiasm for a full ninety minutes. In fact the midfield of Morgan,Leahy,Knight and Kettle displayed a potent blend of tireless running,skill and attacking impetus which provided strikers Crean and Sheen with countless opportunities. had they both taken advantage of these the final scoreline could have been double. With so much emphasis on attempting to score the focus on a measured, tactical progress was occasionally lost, but nevertheless the goals were beautifully worked: Knight P, Sheen,Leahy and Barr deserved their fine efforts and Sean "Striker" Crean crowned his recent goalscoring feats with a superb and creditable hat-trick.

Saturday 6th March 2010

CCOBFC 3 Copsewood 0
In this important clash between ancient rivals , the OBs were able to field a full-strength squad with the exception of George Williams for whom Keith Shale deputised.With Sheen , Barr and Falconer as subs the Obs withstood early pressure from a confident Copsewood squad that displayed an eager, quick passing pattern. But the Obs soon matched their tempo with fine defensive work complemented by a hard-working midfield. There was nothing between the sides at half-time and the Obs had everything to play for. And so it proved. Another fine throw by the creatively inventive Morgan was headed on by Crean for Trevor Knight to open the scoring with a well deserved goal. The pace was hectic but the Obs took advantage of a lull in the play with yet another Ben Morgan throw which the enthusiastic Crean tucked away with aplomb.Copsewood never gave up. But the fine defensive display with Keith Shale particularly impressive and a captain's performance by Trevor Knight inspired a quality team display. Ultimately the Obs put the icing on the cake when a subtle pass from Sullivan found sub birthday boy Sheen whose leap enabled lithe Luke Leahy to stroke the ball into the net to capitalise on the best performance of the season.

CCOBFC Reserves 0 Hartshill 3