Bicester Hallions First vs Bodicote Sports First Match Report

After last week’s exciting Jersey Cup win at Deddington , Hallions entertained Bodicote Sports in the Coronation Cup quarter final.
Hallions previous meeting with Bodicote saw them slip to a rather embarrassing defeat, so hopefully the team would be hyped up to erase the memory.
As is the norm these days there was the usual array of non-appearances which once again left the manager to utilise his immense juggling skills. In fact there was NINE changes from the previous week’s fixture!
The writing was on the wall in the very first minute when a bad defensive error gave Luke Gibbs a gifted goal to give Bodicote the lead.
Gradually the Hallions seemed to regain their composure following this disastrous start, with Stu Bridges pulling the midfield strings.
In the 7th minute a brilliant threaded ball by Stu Bridges opened up the visitors defence, although a last ditch tackle by Alec Hale saved the day at the expense of a corner. From the resulting corner kick a rasping effort from Ellis Godin was somehow deflected over the crossbar.
It only seemed a matter of time before Hallions would equalise, however in the 15th minute yet another charitable donation saw the grateful Luke Gibbs increase Bodicotes advantage.
Yet again Hallions seemed to be controlling the game, but not the score line as they pushed Bodicote back.
In the 30th minute another great effort from the tireless Liam Godin skimmed the visitor’s crossbar.
Minutes later and the same players game was over when he substituted with a rather nasty looking injury.
Half time arrived with Bodicote having created nothing, but winning 2-0.

HT BICESTER HALLIONS 0 V BODICOTE SPORTS 2

Straight from the kick off Hallions had a golden chance to reduce the arrears but unfortunately Ryan O’Connor’s effort sailed narrowly wide of its intended target.
Immediately Bodicote counter attacked and increased their lead with a clear offside goal from Gibbo, however the goal stood.
At last in the 60th minute Max Taylor netted a fine goal to give Hallions a glimmer of hope.
Signal a bit of Hallions pressure with both Smudger Smith and Jason Hallatt going close, together with Stu Bridges striking the crossbar.
Then late in the game with the game stretch Bodicote Dave Gibbs netted, before Luke Gibbs completed the scoring.
A great chance to progress in this competition had basically been thrown away.

FT BICESTER HALLIONS 1 V BODICOTE SPORTS 5