Barton Community Association, of which Headington Amateur's FC is a part, are selling their 17 Seater Minibus.
03 registered vehicle, MOT until September 11, taxed for 6 months, full service history, mileage is 40,060. Can be made available straight away. Garaged since new.
£3,995 or nearest offer. Anyone interested should contact Sue Holden by e-mail - susanholden@hotmail.com
New Facilities On The Way - 22nd April
Headington Amateurs can look forward to a bright new season as plans for a £350,000 pavilion have finally been rubber-stamped.
Work is set to start on the new Barton Pavilion over the next few weeks, and building will be ready for the new football season.
In 2008, community leaders complained to Oxford City Council that the current pavilion was in a poor state of repair. Some residents complained that paint was chipping off the walls and the inside smelt of urine. Training sessions even had to be cancelled when the electricity box controlling the floodlights stopped working.
Funding was approved for the pavilion last year and planning permission was given by the council’s north east area committee on Tuesday. It would be on the same site as the existing building in Barton Village Road recreation ground. Built to the latest Sport England and Football Association standards, the pavilion will have changing rooms, toilets, a bar area and a large community room for use by all.
Mark Lygo, the council’s executive member for sport, play and school liaison, said it had been a long time coming for the area. He said: “This new facility will be an excellent building for the local community to use for sports as well as community use. The community has waited a long time for this to happen and I am delighted that we have been able to approve the planning permission. This is the first step in re-building the pavilion for the community to use.”
The council put in £210,000 and the rest came from developers which had to contribute cash as a condition of getting planning permission from the council for citywide schemes.
Sue Holden, secretary of Barton Community Association, said the new pavilion would mean a lot to the people of Barton and surrounding areas. Mrs Holden added: “We have been without a main social venue for a long, long time now. “This is really great news. The pavilion will be accessed not just by the sports clubs, like Headington Amateurs and Barton United, but we will have a brand new facility for the whole community. It has been a long time coming, but it is absolutely fantastic news.”
Another Two Away Day's - 20th April
Division One West Champions Headington will travel to Purton tonight and Winterbourne on Saturday as they complete a momentous season.
Manager Shaun Pearce, commenting on events, said: "No disrespect to Launton, they gave it everything last Saturday, but we didn't want to travel to the Red House or the 'Bourne still looking for three points. It was good to get it done. After going so close last season it seemed all the sweeter this time round."
Chairman Don Light added: "We always knew it would be tough finishing with eight away games, but the flip side of that was winning our last five at home, giving ourselves a cushion. Getting across the finish line was hard but I think the players' have deserved it over the piece. I would also like to say a public thank you to the clubs and individuals who have congratulated and complimented us; personally, plus by text and e-mail. Praise and recognition from ones peers is always appreciated."
The 'A's now await the demolition and rebuild of their clubhouse and changing rooms for next season.
A's player Luke Cuff, who came off the bench for the last ten minutes at Launton, completed the London Marathon on Sunday. As did mother Angie. Luke completed the course in 4.35.40 hrs, Angie in 5.40.23 hrs. They raised substantial amounts for their respective charities, The Oxford Children's Hospital and Clic Sargent, they reported a great day out and wonderful experience.
Squad for this week's games: Jenkins, Morbey, Brown, Zaja, B.Cuff, Buckle, Pearce, Smith, Williams, Jacob, Hafiz, Simmonds, L.Cuff, McCuaig, Cirilo.
Win Will Bring Title - 14th April
After a hard won 3 points at Easington Sports on Tuesday night Headington will travel to near neighbours Launton Sports in search of three points that would clinch a first Hellenic title in 24 years.
Manager Shaun Pearce is determined that there will be no complacency from his team in the Division One West game. "They may be bottom but they've put in some good performances recently. We have the chance to take the crown with two games to spare, it's up to us to do it".
Liam Morbey is unavailable due to work commitments and Jay Hill, who has a thigh injury, will not play again this season.
Squad from : Jenkins, Zaha, Brown, Pearce, Buckle, B Cuff, Williams, Jacobs, Hafiz, L Cuff, Smith, Simmonds, McCuaig, Cirilo
Chance To Make Amends? - 8th April
After being well beaten by the same opposition in a cup tie last week, Headington will have no illusions about their task at Cheltenham on Saturday.
However, buoyed by a superb win at Cricklade in mid-week, they will approach the game in positive mood. Club skipper Adam Simmonds had his first outing from the 'bench' since being injured last September and barring any adverse reaction will retain his place in the squad. The Wednesday night win against a very good Cricklade side, courtesy of goals in either half from Luke Cuff and Jamie McCuaig, came on the back of successive defeats, a welcome return to form at a critical stage of the season.
With five matches to play Headington have opened up a six point lead over both Bicester and Clanfield but both are finishing strongly, as indeed are Cheltenham.
Chairman Don Light commented: " 'Focus, concentration, one match at a time' - all the clichés spring to mind, maybe it's just a question of 'keeping your nerve', or is that another cliché? Hell, let's just play football"
Headington host fellow One West side Cheltenham in an attractive third round Supplementary Cup tie this weekend.
Klaus Buckle is added to the squad after missing the last two league matches. Those two games have seen the A's drop five points as the draw at Hook Norton was followed by defeat at Clanfield. That defeat was the first in eight for Headington but their lead at the top of the table remains at six points.
With six games to play the title is still in Headington's hands as the six sides in contention gather themselves for a hectic April. Manager Shaun Pearce commented: "The real surprise is how Lydney have more or less dropped out of the race with just one point in their last five games, it just shows you what can happen in football. We can have no complaint at the Clanfield result. They are a good side and were better than us on the day. Playing a cup game this weekend will be a welcome break, Sarries will probably feel the same. There's some good teams' left in this competition and both sides will be up for it."
Headington are viewing this as their last home game before the clubhouse and dressing rooms are demolished (work due to start at the end of April) to be replaced by a new modular construction building in the Summer. After the match the players are staging a Race Night, the proceeds from which will be split between the club and childrens cancer charity CLIC Sargent, a charity supported by the Cuff brothers mother Angie, who helps run the race nights is a supporter of CLIC.
On Sunday 17th April Angie and Luke Cuff are running the London Marathon, Angie for CLIC, Luke for the Oxford Childrens Hospital, both worthy causes, all support appreciated.
Amat's In The 'Robins' Nest - 25th March
The Amateurs face a tough trip to fourth placed Clanfield.
After dropping two points at lowly Hook Norton last week they will again be without centre back Klaus Buckle (unavailable), doubts also remain over midfielder Jay Hill (thigh).
The draw at 'Hooky' last week was disappointing after taking the lead with just two minutes of normal time left, then conceding a controversial penalty with added time being played. However manager Shaun Pearce was philosophical with time to reflect. "Their was no doubt in my mind that the penalty award was harsh to say the least, but overall Hook Norton probably deserved something from the game, they looked well organised plus were very committed. We are still in pole position but it just confirms what many have said about One Wes, how competitive it is this year. I know we will have our work cut out at Radcot Road this week, a hard place to go. They are on a pretty good run, but then, so are we."
After finishing off their home league programme with an excellent display and result against title rivals Purton on March 5th and a break last weekend, Headington now begin their run in of eight away matches at Hook Norton this Saturday.
Although on paper there are even tougher games in store, Headington will be wary of a 'Hooky' side that were the first to take points off them this season. Manager Shaun Pearce: "We drew 2-2 at our place in November, a result they fully deserved. We need to get the three points on Saturday, and take advantage of mixed results from our rivals over the last few weeks. We have a hard run in for sure, but so does everyone else & one game at a time is the only approach to take."
Jay Hill should have recovered from a thigh strain, with no other problems the A's will be at full strength.
Headington return to league action with an attractive home match against fourth placed Bicester, opponent's who will doubtless prove a tough nut to crack.
With six wins and a draw in their last eight league games they are the 'form' team in One West. Both sides have recently had wins by a two goal margin over second placed Lydney making this game difficult to call. Both were also amongst those who suffered postponements last week. In their previous encounter at Bicester back in October, Headington scored two without reply.
Headington make the short trip to Premier Division Shrivenham for this twice postponed 2nd round tie. Astonishingly, this will be their first away fixture for thirteen weeks.
The upside of this weather distorted calendar sees the A's seven points clear of the chasing teams in One West, the downside a series of tough away matches looms large on the horizon. Before all that though, Headington will hope to fare better this week than in their previous encounters this season with Premier opposition, losing out in both County and League Cup ties to Kidlington and Flackwell Heath respectively. With no new injury worries Shaun Pearce is able to name a near full strength squad.
Headington host bottom club Launton tomorrowas they look to maintain their four point lead at the top of Division One West.
Liam Morbey, Jay Hill and a fit again Shaun Jacob are all available. As is Klaus Buckle, who dusted off his boots last week for his first outing since the opening game of the season, as the A's gradually return to full strength. They supplement the team that thrashed a depleted Malmesbury last week. Launton will be accorded every respect with manager Shaun Pearce determined that complacency will play no part with three points the only target.
Headington return to league action tomorrow when they host lowly Malmesbury Victoria.
Aftab Hafiz serves the first of a three match suspension and they are also likely to be without Shaun Jacob who is struggling with a knee injury, but Liam Morbey and Neil Lockhart should return. After last week's Supplementary Cup tie at Shrivenham fell victim to the weather for a second time Headington were hoping that the delay would at least mean the return to something like a full strength squad. However, Jacob's problematic knee is still troubling him and Jay Hill's unavailability this weekend (holiday),has compounded matters. Neil Lockhart has had a change of heart about returning to local football but manager Shaun Pearce may still have to rely on unfit players if he is to have anything like a full bench. "Although we have plenty of players' registered many who don't command a regular place play locally and you can't blame them for that. We just have to hope that all will be available for what is going to be a hectic run in."
The match against Vics' is the first of four successive home league games before Headington complete the season with their last eight all away! Not quite what anybody would opt for in a tilt at the title, oh for a 'normal' winter, unless what we have experienced these last couple of seasons is now the norm!
Following last weeks fine win against league rivals Lydney, Headington move into cup action as they visit Premier Division Shrivenham for this 2nd round tie, a match that was originally scheduled for last November.
The win over Lydney was particularly gratifying after Liam Morbey (work) and Shaun Jacob (knee) were late withdrawals. Ashley Smith and manager Shaun Pearce made their third and second starts of the season respectively, whilst injured club skipper Adam Simmonds sat on the bench for what Pearce considered the Amateurs most disciplined performance of the current term. "My booking apart - which I thought was harsh, well I would say that I suppose! - we concentrated very well when Lydney were in possession, and gave away few free kicks against a side physically bigger than us. We know we are generally good in possession, we just have to keep working on the other aspects of our game."
Aftab Hafiz, who moved into midfield last week to accommodate the changes and hit that terrific second goal, starts a three match suspension but Morbey and Jacob should return after missing out last week in a squad that is still pretty thin on numbers.
From: Jenkins, Smith, Zaja, B.Cuff, Brown, Morbey, A.Williams, Hill, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Pearce, Simmonds.
Top Two Battle On Saturday - 20th January
The top two in One West clash as Headington host Lydney this Saturday. Just one point separates the sides in what is effectively a six pointer.
However player manager Shaun Pearce doesn't think that this game can remotely be considered a title decider. "Yes it's a big game for both, but a glance at the table shows once again how competitive this division is. I think there are seven sides with genuine title aspirations, all capable of taking points off each other. As the season progresses fixture congestion may well play a big part and the aim has to be to put ourselves in contention before a very 'crowded' month in April." Neil Lockhart has moved into local football after being left out of the starting line up for Amateurs last game, a decision that has disappointed Pearce. That apart Headington should be at full strength.
From: Jenkins, Smith, Zaja, DeGarces, B.Cuff, Brown, Morbey, A.Williams, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Pearce
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Amateur's Lead Being Whittled Away - 14th January
With just one win in their last five games, the lead at the top of One West cut to just one point, Headington make the trip to Easington hoping for a return to their early season form.
During this lean spell the Amateurs have in fact scored thirteen goals, but have also leaked plenty, and it is the defensive side of their game that needs to be improved. With this in mind Manager Shaun Pearce may tinker with his line up but as he himself says. "There's not much wrong with our general play, but individual errors and collective indiscipline have cost us".
Matches between Saturdays' sides invariably produce close fought encounters, none more so than this season's earlier fixture, a late goal from Headington's Jamie McCuaig proving the only difference.
After their stunning defeat at home to Letcombe on Bank Holiday Monday, the Amateurs know they will have to recover quickly with another home match tomorrow.
Manager Shaun Pearce commented: "Three goals up inside the half hour, playing some great stuff, the game looked done and dusted, but somebody forgot to tell Letcombe!"
" You have to give them credit, to come back from that was pretty impressive although I thought the penalty award at the end was a bit harsh. No excuses though, the ref had a good match and we have to look at ourselves after conceding a lead like that."
Headington shaded the reverse match in September by the odd goal in three, they will be aware that Rocks had a good win at Winterbourne last Monday.
With no injury problems the A's will pick from their usual squad: Jenkins, Lockhart, Smith, Zaja, DeGarces, B.Cuff, Brown, Morbey, A.Williams, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Pearce.
Tough One for Amateur's- 16th December
The Amateurs head to 5th placed Purton on Saturday for what is sure to be a tough encounter. Purton have won five of their last six games as they have gradually climbed back into contention, matches between the sides' have always been hard fought and often high scoring. Last season produced twelve goals in the two league encounters with neither side prevailing.
Headington themselves got back to winning form last week with a solid win over a Trowbridge side who performed far better than might have been expected given their league position. James Brown will return to the squad after his one match suspension.
Like the rest of the Hellenic family Headington will be hopeful of some football this week as they prepare for the visit of Trowbridge.
However, with the overnight temperatures in Oxfordshire still dropping below freezing, preparation is something that is proving as difficult as playing. Training was cancelled last week and is still in doubt this week although the weekend forecast is favourable. Having picked up just one point in their last two league games and lost their unbeaten record at Lydney, the Amateurs will want to get back on track. James Brown should be the only absentee from Saturday's squad as he serves a one match suspension. Adam Simmonds recovery from his knee injury continues and he could figure for the first time in three months. Olly Zaja will also return to the squad.
From: Jenkins, Lockhart, Smith, Zaja, DeGarces, Morbey, A. Williams, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Simmonds, G.Williams, Pearce.
AmateursFace Premier Struggler's - 26th November
Following their heavy defeat last week at Lydney Headington will make the short trip along the A420 to Premier Division Shrivenham for this 2nd round Supplementary Cup tie.
Despite the score line in last week's game manager Shaun Pearce is confident that his team can get back on track. "We had a great unbeaten run in the league and although I could not get to the Lydney match I'm told that we played some good stuff going forward, we just did not defend well against very good opposition. We have to be positive and go on another run; a cup game is as good a place as any to start." Pearce had the best news possible this week when skipper Adam Simmonds informed him that he would resume training this week. With Aaron Williams and Jamie McCuaig also in line for selection and Pearce himself available again, Headington are gradually approaching full strength, although Benji Cuff will miss out to attend a family wedding.
From: Jenkins, Lockhart, Brown, Smith, DeGarces, Morbey, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Williams, Pearce.
" A's in the Forest" - 18th November
Headington face selection problems ahead of their trip to the outskirts of the Forest of Dean, for the One West table topping clash at Lydney on Saturday
Lydney are also unbeaten in the league this season. Whilst the A's have failed to produce their best form in the last couple of matches, manager Shaun Pearce is sure the players' will be fully focused come Saturday.
However, as well as long term absentees Adam Simmonds and Olly Zaja, Pearce now faces the prospect of being without Jamie McCuaig and Aaron Williams, although any decision will be left as late as possible.
Over the last two seasons the clubs' have met four times, never more than a couple of goals separating them and this terms first meeting looks likely to be just as closely contested.
After securing the win that gave them a perfect start of ten out of ten in One West last Saturday the A's host Hook Norton this week.
That win against Easington, by the narrowest of margins, came courtesy of a late Jamie McCuaig goal as Headington were given what everyone - management, players and supporters alike - agreed was their toughest examination in the league this season. The Banbury side were not just well organised but played some fine football and will have rued their profligacy in front of goal during a first half in which they outshone the home side.
Aaron Williams should return after missing out through illness last week but the A's will again be without Ollie Zaja (suspended) and club captain Adam Simmonds, who has to see an orthopaedic specialist having not kicked a ball or even trained since sustaining a knee injury at Tytherington on 11th September. Midfielder Rui DeGarces is also extremely doubtful with a back injury.
Headington will look to make it ten out of ten in One West when they entertain old rivals Easington on Saturday but will be wary of the competitive Banbury side.
Games between the clubs having always been hard fought and usually close run affairs. Last season was typical as in three matches there was never more than the odd goal between them. After last week's fine win at Bicester the Amateurs will pick from the same squad.
After consecutive defeats in two weeks of cup football Headington make the short trip to Bicester on Saturday looking to defend their 100% record in One West.
Although the results were disappointing the Amateurs will be pleased with their performances against Premier Division opposition, although last weeks 92nd minute winner from Flackwell Heath was a bitter pill to swallow, a stirring comeback from a four goal half time deficit snuffed out. Manager Shaun Pearce believes his team will learn from the experience as they resume their quest for league honours.
Another Cup Challenge For Amateur's - 22nd October
After last week's loss to Kidlington in the County Cup, Headington again take on Premier Division opposition with a visit to Flackwell Heath in the Challenge Cup.
Despite the disappointing score line in last week's match manager Shaun Pearce was pleased with the way his side performed. "Kidlington are a very good side, I thought we more than matched them for long periods of the game. However, their finishing was obviously better than ours, we were probably guilty of naive defending at times. We will approach Saturday's match in positive mood and will not compromise on our passing game".
Pearce himself is back in training much earlier than anticipated and will probably name himself on the 'bench'.
From: Jenkins, Lockhart, Brown, B.Cuff, Smith, DeGarces, Morbey, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Williams, Pearce.
Facing The Formidable - 14th October
After scraping through by a single goal in last week's Challenge Cup clash with Penn and Tylers Green, Amateurs face a formidable Kidlington side in this week's County Senior Cup tie.
Gordon Geary's side have made a terrific start to this season, just two points behind Ardley at the top of the Premier Division with a game in hand. With Headington's own 100% record on the table and the 'derby' element also in the pot, the stage is set for what could be a thriller of a match.
Headington manager Shaun Pearce, whose expected return to the technical area last week was delayed as he recovered from recent surgery, is hopeful that James Brown - withdrawn early in last week's match after sustaining a 'dead leg'- will be fit.
From: Jenkins, Lockhart, Brown, B.Cuff, Smith, DeGarces, Morbey, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Williams, Muze
Amateurs In Cup Mode - 7th October
After completing their eighth successive win against Cheltenham Saracens last week the Amateurs take a break from league action with successive home cup games, Penn and Tylers Green from One East first up this Saturday in a 'Bluefin' Challenge Cup 1st Round tie.
Although they have not had the best of starts Penn will be accorded the utmost respect. Chairman Don Light said, "Cup football is usually unpredictable and with our record in recent seasons poor to say the least we will have to be 100% concentrated if we are to make progress".
Manager Shaun Pearce will be able to return to the 'dug-out' after completing a 'carried over' time based suspension, also having had day surgery to remove a benign cyst, although medical advice is not to resume training for six weeks. "It has been frustrating having to watch from 'behind the fence' but the team has performed brilliantly all season, the biggest problem will probably be team selection when everybody is fit and available again."
Adam Simmonds is still out (knee), Ollie Zaja is suspended so Headington will pick from the same squad as last week: Jenkins, Lockhart, Brown, B.Cuff, Smith, DeGarces, Morbey, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Williams, Muze.
West Toppers Take On Sara's - 30th September
Last week's fine win over Clanfield took Amateur's seven points clear in One Wes, although the "A's" play certainly merited the four goals scored, their first clean sheet of the season was particularly satisfying.
"A's" chairman Don Light said. "Despite the score line Clanfield were always in the game, creating chances of their own, it was to our credit that we kept them out. With injuries and suspensions kicking in the defence has stood up well to changes that have had to be made, a pertinent point with the visit of 'Sarries'."
"Last season they finished fourth to our third and were the division's top scorers with eighty four goals. It was a win apiece between the clubs', Sarries knocking us over at Barton 1 - 3 while we reversed that result with a hard fought 0 -1 win at their place late in the season. Cheltenham will certainly be in the mix again this term, we should see another cracking game."
Unbeaten Amateur's Home Match String - 23rd September
Headington's best start to a season since the Oxon Senior League days of the 1980's sees them top of Division One West with maximum points from six successive wins.
With the possible exception of last Saturday when Malmesbury Vics' looked pretty demoralised after the first quarter of the match none of those games have been easy, but the result of disciplined defence and bright imaginative attacking football. The usual injuries, holidays and the odd suspension carried over from last season (disappointing, considering a much improved disciplinary record, although two of the three were from local football!) has meant that the full squad has had to be utilised and the performances carry all the more merit for that.
The A's now have four successive home matches, including ties in both cup competitions, starting with today's match with Clanfield, this is probably a good time to take stock. The season can only get tougher from here, Clanfield themselves sit halfway in the league but last week secured a place in the first round proper of the FA Vase with an excellent win over Warminster Town of the Wessex League. Last season we shared the spoils in the league, both winning our home matches and we should expect nothing less than a highly competitive contest.
On the ground development front five contractors have now visited the site and are preparing to tender bids for the work with at least two more ready to view. Again, everyone will be kept up to date with progress by any or all media.
Aaron Williams will be added to last week's squad after missing the game for personal reasons. From: Jenkins, Lockhart, Brown, B.Cuff, Zaja, Smith, DeGarces, Morbey, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob L.Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig, Williams
Win Marred - 15th September
The satisfaction that came with the A's fifth straight win at Tytherington last Saturday was tempered when skipper Adam Simmonds had to leave the field after sustaining what looked like a serious knee injury after just twenty minutes.
Manager Shaun Pearce drove the player (pictured right) back to Oxford at half time, straight to the JR where 'damaged ligaments' was the verdict, four to six weeks 'out' the prognosis. Simmonds had moved back from his normal midfield slot to replace retired centre back Klaus Buckle, the versatility of Headington's squad tested again (passing the examination!) as it will be in the coming weeks.
However with Shaun Jacob due to return after his 'Las Vegas expedition' manager Pearce should still be able to pick from near full strength for this weeks trip to Malmesbury. The Vics have not made the best of starts after their relegation but Headington do not have a great record at the 'Flying Monk Ground', something they will need to focus on improving on Saturday.
From: Jenkins, Lockhart, Brown, B. Cuff, Zaja, Smith, DeGarces, Morbey, Hill, Williams, Hafiz, Jacob L. Cuff, Cirilo, McCuaig.
Sitting On Top - 9th Sepember
With four successive wins Headington sit top of Division One West but nobody will be getting over confident at such an early stage of the season.
However, with several players unavailable for their last outing at Letcombe on Bank Holiday Monday, to come away with a 1 – 6 win was particularly satisfying, the performance as well as the result outstanding.
Headington resume their league program this Saturday with a trip to Tytherington Rocks all players having returned from ‘Deano’s’ Blackpool stag weekend in reasonable health. Adam Simmonds, Liam Morbey, and Jay Hill should all be available after missing out at Letcombe, while playmaker Shaun Jacob is on holiday.
On the downside Klaus Buckle has announced his retirement from competitive football. An elegant ‘footballing’ centre back Klaus was an imposing and calming presence on and off the pitch, his strong Christian faith never at odds with the sometime ‘industrial’ atmosphere of the locker room or his competitive nature; no one ever mentioned the ‘Respect’ program to him, it wasn’t necessary. He will be sorely missed although he has intimated that he just might be available in an emergency! The club wishes Klaus and his wife Gail good luck in whatever they do.
With wins in their opening two matches, Amateurs will look forward to a challenging bank holiday weekend. On Saturday they host Cricklade Town and on Monday make the short trip to Letcombe. Cricklade have taken a win and a draw from their opening fixtures, Letcombe have won both whilst honours were shared last season, home advantage prevailing.
Klaus Buckle will miss both games, but Liam Morbey should be back from holiday for the Monday game. Adam Simmonds will also miss out on Monday as he starts a one week suspension carried over from last seasons Sunday football.
Steve Skyrme, who had a previously successful spell with the club, has re-signed to give Headington goalkeeping cover after Ramos Pereira joined Didcot at the start of the season.
Squad for both games: Jenkins, Brown, B.Cuff, Muze, Buckle, Zaja, Simmonds, Williams, Hafiz, Hill, Jacob, Lockhart, L.Cuff, Cirilo, DeGarces, Smith, Johnson, Morbey.
Bourne Visit A's - 18th August
After their very solid opening day win at Trowbridge the Amateurs host Winterbourne United this Saturday.
Winterbourne secured an excellent point away to Easington in their first game will provide a good test of Amateur's. Liam Morbey is unavailable but Ollie Zaja returns. Jay Hill, who missed most of pre-season with a persistent injury, proved his fitness last week with twenty five minutes from the bench.
Headington kick off their 2010 programme with a visit to Trowbridge Town tomorrow, a venue that is now their longest trip but where they recorded a fine 0-2 win last term.
With almost all of last years squad re-signed, 29 year old Justice Muze is the one notable new face having been with Dorchester last season. With manager Shaun Pearce serving a carried over suspension, Justice will be a welcome addition. Jay Hill (knee) misses out with injury and Ollie Zaja is unavailable, but Pearce is confident that he has the quality to repeat last years successful campaign that saw a third place finish attained. Headington’s preparations were somewhat scuppered when last Saturdays friendly with neighbours Quarry 08 was called off late on Friday night but the team will travel with confidence whilst according their opponents every respect, Trowbridge is always a tough place to go.
Earlier in the summer the club suffered the disappointment of having their new clubhouse and changing rooms project postponed. Chairman Don Light and Steve Giles felt they had no choice but to agree to defer until the end of the 2010-11 season without a firm schedule that could be put with confidence to the League. Necessary maintenance and repair work has now been carried out by landlords Oxford City Council to the existing building.
Barton Community Association, of which Headington Amateur's FC is a part, are selling their 17 Seater Minibus.
The satisfaction that came with the A's fifth straight win at Tytherington last Saturday was tempered when skipper Adam Simmonds had to leave the field after sustaining what looked like a serious knee injury after just twenty minutes. 