The home fixture against high flying Santos Panthers brought down the curtain on Banbury United U14s first season in the Midlands Junior Premier League. The lads going into the game on a good run of form, but missing a number of key players because of the half term holidays. Santos themselves assured of a cup final next week, and a league title play off match over the coming weeks were at full strength and determined to continue their dominant run.

With Aidan, Finlay, Tyra and Lennon missing their were starting places for skipper for the game Ollie Corney, Jake, Jack K and George. The game started very evenly. With very little in terms of goalmouth incidents. Both teams combative, and defending well. The Santos defence were all physically imposing, and full of pace, meaning our forward players were struggling to get into the game.

Nathan was quickly off his line on a couple of occasions to clear up the danger, and comfortably dealt with some balls into the box, but no real chances were created up until the breakthrough on 17 minutes. A corner kick was well delivered into the box, the Santos forward winning the header, knocking down for the the forward to turn into the goal. The first real goalmouth incident of note leading to the opening goal 0-1.

For the remainder of the half we contained the Santos threat very well. They were a surprisingly direct team, with their main weapon being long throws into the box and set pieces. There was the occasional nice passing move, but the lads matched them every step of the way. Lex and Ollie Corney who was brilliant throughout marshalled the defence well.

There were two or three good opportunities to work goal scoring chances, but the final ball wasn't quite right either over hit or under hit as we looked to counter attack at pace. Jack K did have the ball in the goal, but he was adjudged to have been offside before beating the keeper.

At half time Ben and I explained to the lads that we were in the game, and were pleased with how we had played against a top side. We didn't want to chase the game early, instead continue to contain as we were, and then try and press to get something out of the match as the game wore on.

Unfortunately it didn't take long in the second half for the game to slip from our grasp. Two quick-fire goals effectively settled the match for Santos Panthers. The first goal came from one of the numerous long throws that came into our box. The ball was cleared to the edge of our penalty box, where Santos number 11 hit it back towards goal with his left foot. The ball looked to be going safely into Nathan's hands only for it to be deflected and into the roof of the net. Cruel for the lads 0-2.

The third goal came on 40 minutes. Another Set piece!! A corner was taken and a free header from a Santos defender went into the net despite Nathan's best efforts who got a hand to it, but couldn't quite keep it out. A disappointing way to concede as the player was unmarked and unchallenged. Something that we will need to work on and address for next season.

Nathan made a good save from another free header from a corner, but other than that there were no further good chances for Santos Panthers. Infact despite being 3 down we started to get a foothold in the game ourselves, and could and probably should of scored a couple of goals ourselves.

Firstly - Toby got away from his full back on the right wing, delivering a good cross into the box, Jack K met it on the half volley, the Santos keeper somehow making a point blank save. The next chance saw Jack F looked set to connect with a volley on the edge of the area but he couldnt quite get the desired connection to trouble the keeper.

The lads seemed to be denied a clear penalty moments later. The ball was played forward in search for Wills upfront but inexplicably the Santos defender clearly handled. From where i was standing the indiscretion happened in the penalty area, but the referee adjudged for it to be offside. The referee wasn't really up with play to see from where he was. For some reason the clear handball wasn't deemed worthy of a card of any colour, Baffling!

Our final good chance fell to Jake. He appeared to have a free strike at goal with 5 minutes to go, but didn't quite get his strike right as he looked to beat the keeper who had strayed off his line, the ball sailing high and slightly wide.

At full time the score line of 3-0 perhaps flattered the visitors slightly as it was a game of very fine margins. In general play there was very little between the two teams, United were just undone by three set pieces (2 corners and a long throw).

It will be interesting to see how Santos Panthers line up next season with talk of several of their players being linked to academies at Leicester, Derby and MK Dons.

But for us, we look forward to next season with a tremendous amount of encouragement. The team finishing 8th in the MJPL - an incredible achievement in their first season. Enjoying some excellent results, and playing some great football along the way. There are areas that we can look to improve upon, but having played the best teams that the MJPL has to offer over the current season, there is nothing there that we should be fearful of, the lads can compete with the best of them, Were all looking forward to the under 15s and the 2021/22 season!