The under 16s belatedly started their 2022/23 season this morning at home against Tamworth Academy.
Before kick off there was a minutes silence impeccably observed as both sets of players paid their respects to HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
United were dealt an early blow with two late withdrawals to the matchday squad through Illness and injury. Leaving the team a little unbalanced from the kick off.
The match was played in lovely sunshine, something we need to make the most of, as I'm sure in the coming weeks the weather will turn.

During the back end of last season and through our pre-season fixtures we had often started slowly, unfortunately despite our team talk calling for a fast start, being slow out of the blocks would again prove to be our downfall.

We started the game very sloppily. Tamworth were a decent side, and threatened occasionally in forward areas, however we handed most of their opportunities to them on a plate. In the 13th minute, we gave the ball away at the back, which led to the Tamworth forward being presented with an opportunity in front of goal which he took full advantage of.

For the next 20 minutes or so, the play was scrappy. Decision making was poor, seemingly choosing to pass when the opportunity wasn't on. Then playing long when there were spaces to play through the lines. When we did pick the right options are passing wasn't accurate or was too short or overhit. In short we were a yard off the pace all over the pitch.

Tamworth Academy extended their lead by two further goals inside the first 30 minutes. Both goals were hit well from long range. The first on 16 minutes a speculative strike that took a deflection and looped into the top corner. The next on 27 a well placed curling effort past Nathans outstretched arm.

Despite our overall poor play, we were still creating chances. Josh done well to turn his marker on the right wing, playing a good ball across the box that Toby just failed to reach. Toby hit a half volley from another right wing cross that the keeper pushed wide, and Fin tried a speculative long range effort that the keeper comfortably fielded.

Our best chance of the half just five minutes before the break should have really got us back into the game, Toby's cross-shot was parried out by the keeper it fell to Lewis on the edge of the box, who shot towards goal with the keeper on the floor, but his shot was high and wide.

At half time United were 0-3 down, had played poorly, but on the balance of play had created just as many chances as Tamworth, and had the majority of territory.

The second half started in the same vain. Tamworth were trying to play out from the back, but they too were not assured on the ball, and passed the ball to Tyra in the penalty area. With just the keeper to beat Tyra tried to place it in the corner, but the keeper made a good save to deny. The next chance fell to Luke, having won the ball back on the right side of the box his shot was once again well saved by the keepers feet.

It just felt at this stage like it just wasn't going to be our day. Further efforts came and went, Lewis shooting wide, and Toby striking the side netting with his left foot when in a good position.

The game was punctuated with a number of subs, Jacob unfortunately picking up an injury and having to leave the pitch. The game started to become niggly with the referee having a particularly poor morning. Inconsistencies on decision were clear to see, and frustrations were high as both Finlay and Lewis were booked.

Tamworth rarely threatened but should of had a fourth goal ten minutes from time, as their striker somehow shot wide when clear and in front of goal, seemingly hard to miss! The reprieve was only temporary though as with their next attack Tamworth played a ball into the box and the forward struck it low into the corner of the net for 0-4.

United got what proved to be a consolation goal in the last minute of the game. A corner from the left by Toby, evaded several defenders and attackers in the box, before Lennon shot low into the bottom corner.

A disappointing start to the season, despite creating more chances than the opposition, this game proves that margins are fine, and the game is won and lost in both penalty boxes. Tamworth took their limited chances today, and United couldn't.

We hope for a positive reaction next week, when we welcome Proline Coaching Academy to Horton View

Full Time
Banbury United U16s 1 Tamworth Academy U16s 4

Goalscorer - Lennon
Assist - Toby
MOTM - none awarded