Very good performance all round, but agree, Hamilton was immense.  Very enjoyable game with both sides playing some decent stuff.  

Today was my first ever visit to Hardenhuish Park ( although I have been to Chippenham RFC twice this season ! ) and it was a perfect opportunity seeing as I watch Oxford City about half a dozen times a season.

I have to say it was a fair result, with Chippenham fully deserving all three points, although from a neutral's point of view the second half was a bit of a let down after an entertaining first half. Not that home fans will be to worried about that !

 

For anyone interested, attached is a fuller review of today's game, and I hope you enjoy reading it
https://fatbearssportingdiaries.blogspot.com/2022/04/chippenham-town-1-0-oxford-city-att-572.html

Thoroughly enjoyed the game today. As has previously been stated the entire team played well and credit must also go to the new management team. I thought the back four were immense and stopped Oxford from creating many chances, although they did look good going forward. Credit also to whoever looks after the pitch, looks great even though we are near the end of the season. Looking forward to Saturday now!

On arrival at the TSS yesterday His Lordship sensed  a good feeling in the air. Spring renaissance? A new  era?  The sun was out, a stiff breeze tugged at the flags aloft the dug-outs; the pitch looked a picture of immaculate, glossy  stripes; the CTYFC kids looked equally shiny and bright carrying out their Guard of Honour duties; Simon's upbeat introductions and team lists even elicited some proper cheers! ( a first?)  All seemed set fair for Young Gary H's first home game in charge.  And so, best beloved, it turned out.....

His Lordships' Inexpert Analysis No. 17

A really enjoyable game of football served up by two entertaining sides. Good performances everywhere, not least from the referee (and his asistants). who had occasion to  issue only one yellow card and from His Lordship's perspective, pretty well, got every call right.

OCFC:
Must be, physically, the smallest team in the NLS. Proper footballing side, with lots of small, quick players
always carrying some threat, especially down the left flank, from whence stemmed their best chances. Looked lively and dangerous for the first half  but gradually ran out of ideas as the game progressed.  Latterly, employed the high ball far too much ... making it relatively easy work for Spencer H., Will R and KP  to win almost every aerial battle.

CTFC:  played to our strengths... resolute defence and quick breaks.  His Lordship was initially doubtful seeing young Alex Bray elevated up the pitch to out-and out striker role... but he kept at it well and caused problems.  His goal... which was very much all his own work ,  was deft and excellent. Well deserved. The midfield worked hard, harried and always looked to release the front 3 quickly. His Lordship has no problems at all with Spencer H's MoTM status... I think he won everything thrown at him and worked his socks off.  At the risk of boring repetition ( surely not you Your Lordship! - Ed.) I cannot overstate just how much difference young Jordan Young has made to this team. He is simply everywhere.. always trying something different, always hungry to make things happen.  As fits the description of  a "false No.9", he tracks back, collects , initiates and drags defenders from one side of the pitch to the other. MoTM again for His Lordship.
There were 10 or 15 minutes towards the end of the game when--I never thought I'd  be saying this this season--CTFC played with real "swagger.".  such was their self-belief and confidence, despite only having a one goal cushion.  Lots of neat interpassing between Alefe, Jordan, Alex and others .. all possible from the foundation of a rock-solid defensive display.  Well done all round.

Overall: It isn't just winning that warms the heart.. it's the manner and style of doing so that counts.  Maybe it was just Spring fever  and "one swallow" syndrome.. but His Lordship left the  ground yesterday with a sense of  hope for the future.  A crowd of 570 lends weight to that sentiment. At least it's the right direction of travel. It will be fascinating to see just who is responsible for player retention over the summer months.. but, in a brief half time discussion with a fellow spectator, His Lordship pencilled in 6 names he would definitely retain if  at all possible, with options on another  3.  How events unfurl will, as ever, be fascinating and part of the continuing drama of supporting CTFC.
PS Apart from  some mild malarial after-effects and a touch of dengue fever after her Asian trip,  Her Ladyship is in rude good health and threatening to attend one of the final 2 home games... Won't let her out in the Clubhouse afterwards, though.  Half a pint of "Old Speckled Hen" and she'll be sitting on you knee!