Four points from their last two matches against Wootton Bassett and Cirencester have given the A's a real boost as they look forward to the visit of Malmesbury Victoria on Saturday.
Jay Hill, who withdrew from last week's game, should be back to replace James Luckett who begins a long suspension. With another two players also facing suspension in upcoming matches Headington have re-signed centre back Tommy Allen who last played for the club three years ago. Allen is added to the squad on Saturday.
Aftab Hafiz, who has missed the last six games, is due to have the plaster removed from his hand this week, he may also be available.
Player manager Shaun Pearce now has to hope that the minor injuries that have caused such disruption to selection this season are at an end. He comments. "Last season we were pretty lucky on the injury front so we can't complain this time round. However indiscipline is costing us, obviously we have no one to blame but ourselves for that. That's something we can all improve on."
Following the game with the 'Vics' the club is staging a 'Race Night' fund raiser in the clubhouse.
After their remarkable win in the nine goal thriller with Wootton Bassett last Saturday, the A's face another stiff test this week.
A trip to the Corinium Stadium to meet fourth placed Cirencester Town Development. Having ended a run of three defeats Headington will now look to finish as high as they can in the table. Of their long term injured James Brown returned to training this week after knee surgery, but is some way off full fitness. Manager Shaun Pearce has named the same fourteen as last week, something of a luxury following the disruptions over the recent holiday period.
Pearce commented "After taking a 4-1 lead with just about half an hour gone against Wootton it was a bit of a shock when they dragged themselves back level. At that point they looked the only winners but we held on and snatched a terrific winner through Liam Morbey. We have to build on that result and get some consistency back into our game"
There was little Christmas cheer at Headington as they suffered consecutive defeats in their three holiday fixtures
Conceding nine goals, along with collecting a similar number of cards, as their discipline grew more ragged. That was not the turn of the year expected after a run of six wins had preceded the game with Clanfield.
At Hook Norton on Monday, on a 'gluepot' of a pitch, they were unable to test Hooky's goalkeeper in ninety minutes, conceding two second half goals to Hook Norton's more direct and far more practical approach. Injuries plus non-availability have had a debilitating effect but as the management team conced . . ," that is a problem all clubs' have to deal with".
With Wootton Bassett next up on Saturday manager Shaun Pearce will be hoping that centre back Craig Morbey recovers from the knee injury that caused him to miss Monday's game. Aftab Hafiz remains sidelined until the plaster is removed from his arm but fellow mid-fielder Aaron Williams should be ok to start against Wootton. After three games in six days Pearce, nursing a foot injury himself, has decided against training this week and will delay thoughts on his line-up until Friday at the earliest.
Looking To Get Back To Winning Ways - 29 December
Headington's five match winning streak was brought to an end on Tuesday as Clanfield snatched the points with an 88th minute winner.
Without taking anything away from Clanfield in what was an excellent Bank Holiday match, Headington were left to rue defensive errors. Plus the home sides inability to take advantage of territory and possession established in a powerful second half performance.
Aaron Williams made his first appearance for five weeks following his shoulder injury, when he came off the substitutes bench. He suffered no ill effects should be available for this Saturday's visit of Winterbourne United. Jay Hill will also be back after missing the Clanfield game. Hill had purchased tickets for the Boxing Day game between Arsenal and Wolve,s which was then postponed for 24 hours!
Winterbourne are one place above Headington on goal difference, along with a whole cluster of clubs in mid table both sides will be anxious for the points that could see them break into the top six.
Team from: Jenkins, L.Morbey, C.Morbey, Luckett, B.Cuff, Zaja, Hill, Williams, Jacob, L.Cuff, Nkwanyuo, Clarke, Dean, Pearce
A's Host Christmas Robins - 22 December
Clanfield are the visitors for the first of Headington's 'Festive Fixtures' on Bank Holiday Tuesday.
One place and four points separate the teams but Clanfield have two games in hand, both sides in need of points to climb in to the top half of the table. Whilst Headington are on a run of five wins in league and cup competitions, Clanfield have one of the best away records in the league this year having won five times 'on the road'.
Aftab Hafiz is recovering from surgery on a hand, but Aaron Williams who has missed four games with a shoulder injury, plus Craig Dean (ankle) should be fit to boost a Headington line up that has been fully stretched in the last month.
Bottom club Trowbridge Town are the visitors to Barton this week as Headington seek to improve their league position.
Headington will be well aware that Trowbridge recorded their first league win of the season at home to Clanfield last week, whilst Headington themselves struggled to overcome Lydney Town in a disappointing encounter. Benji Cuff and James Luckett return having served one match suspensions, while Aaron Williams will hope to be fit after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury.
The Amateurs host Lydney Town on Saturday, 2pm Kick Off, as they return to league action after two weeks of cup football.
They will be without two of their regular back line as James Luckett and Benji Cuff serve one match suspensions. Manager Shaun Pearce will hope that Anthony Clarke plus Aaron Williams are both fully fit. Craig Morbey also returns after being unavailable last week.
Pearce, who had to play himself at Wootton Bassett commented. " We were really stretched last week at Wootton but the lads put in a great all round display, keeping a clean sheet against a very good side. Yannick (Nkwanuo) who normally plays up front, made his full debut at full back - the score line says it all about his performance."
Pearce will have to reshuffle again and will be wary of a Lydney team who probably pulled off the result of the round in last week's Bluefin Cup, knocking out Premier Division title challengers Slimbridge.
From: Jenkins, L.Morbey, C.Morbey, Zaja, Hill, Williams, Hafiz, Jacob, L.Cuff, Nkwanuo, Clarke, Hayhurst, Dean, Pearce.
A Challenge In Challenge Cup - 24 November
Amateurs face a tough challenge in form Wootton Bassett on Saturday in the Bluefin Insurers Challenge Cup third round tie.
Bassett have moved up to fourth in One West with four successive league wins but the "A's" manager Shaun Pearce is in positive mood.
He comments. "This is after all a cup match and our form in this competition has been good. We haven't been particularly fluent of late but we've found a way to win in our last couple of games. Last week against a very good Woodcote side we were two down with twelve minutes left, but the guys just didn't give up. In other games we've played well without much luck, but that's football."
Anthony Clarke and Jack Hayhurst will be in the squad if they have recovered from injury.
Headington take a break from league action on Saturday when they entertain Reading Senior League side Woodcote Stoke Row in a second round OFA cup tie.
With two good wins this season over Hellenic Premier sides in the Bluefin Challenge Cup, Amateur's will be wary of a side from just one tier below them, who have a fine record against Hellenic League sides in this competition, they currently lie second in their own league. Defender Anthony Clarke is a doubt (thigh) but otherwise the Amateurs should be able to pick from a full strength squad.
Despite last week's last minute defeat to Tytherington Rocks manager Shaun Pearce is convinced that his side will start to climb the One West table soon.
"Our last two league games against Purton, then Rocks, have seen a real improvement in our performance, yet we took only one point from those games. It's frustrating for everyone but we have to be patient, stick to our own game, I'm sure the results will come." Commented the manager.
Headington drew 2-2 in August at Carterton and expect another testing game from a side that is rebuilding from within. James Luckett returns to the squad after his one match suspension.
With last week's morale boosting win in the Bluefin Insurance Cup against near neighbours Kidlington behind them, Headington now look forward to the visit of One West leaders Tytherington Rocks.
In the reverse fixture in September Headington found themselves 0-5 down with less than hour played before they almost staged the unlikeliest of comebacks, scoring four goals of their own before the end. However, manager Shaun Pearce is under no illusions about Tytherington's qualities. "You can't give a side like Tytherington the start we did, we need to be on our game from the off if we are to get anything from this weekend". James Luckett serves a one match suspension, but Ollie Zaja returns to the squad.
Headington host near neighbours Premier side Kidlington in the 2nd Round of the Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup.
Ollie Zaja serves a one match suspension, otherwise they will pick from the same squad as last week. Saturday's match in the 'Bluefin' Challenge Cup is a repeat of last season's tie in the Oxon Senior Cup and is a proper 'local derby', Kidlington having to make a very short trip down the A40. In that game last year our visitors' were convincing winner's, although the 2-5 score line was certainly tough after what was a pretty close fought encounter in all but chances taken. Both sides have struggled in their respective leagues' this term compared to last season, although Headington have shown an improvement of late, four points from the last two league games seeing them climb several places in One West.
After recording their first league win in five at Malmesbury last week Headington host fourth placed Purton this week.
Craig Morbey, Aaron Williams, Sam Webb and Jamie McCuaig should all return to the squad after missing out through injury. James Brown will again make himself available after turning out last week for the first time since the opening day of the season whilst he awaits knee surgery.
Headington know that the improvement shown away to the 'Vics' will have to be maintained in their home fixtures; Barton has proved a real fortress over recent seasons but two defeats out of three already this term is not the kind of form that carried them to the title last year. Purton have had a decent start & will no doubt prove as difficult an opponent as usual.
From: Jenkins, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, B.Cuff, L.Cuff, McCuaig, J.Luckett, Webb, C.Morbey, Zaja, L.Morbey, Hill, Nwankuo, Brown, Pearce.
Cup Win Brings Confidence - 6 October
Buoyed by last week's excellent Bluefin Challenge Cup win over Henley, Headington are back in league action this week with the visit of Cirencester Town.
Ruled out is James Brown (right), who has had a scan which confirmed cartilage damage to his knee, requiring surgery. Anthony Clarke (hamstring) is still out, but Ashley Smith and Aaron Williams should return after missing out last week.
Player manager Shaun Pearce, pushed into action last week just twenty four hours after returning from holiday, is pleased that the injury list is beginning to improve. "If we get everyone available then perhaps we can address our inconsistency this season. Having slipped into the bottom six we need to start climbing the table pretty quick. Once we can pick from a near full squad their can be no excuses."
From: Jenkins, Smith, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, B.Cuff, L.Cuff, McCuaig, Hayhurst, Webb, C.Morbey, Zaja, L.Morbey, Hill, Pearce.
Amateur's Light for Saturday - 22 September
The "A's" assistant manager Adam Simmonds faces a selection crisis ahead of Saturday's trip to Wootton Bassett.
With manager Shaun Pearce on Holiday, Simmonds will also be without fellow defenders Benji Cuff and Liam Morbey (work), Anthony Clarke (hamstring).
With James Brown on the long term injured list and mid-fielder Jay Hill on the second week of a work related course Simmonds must check on the availability of all his registered players' before he can name a match day squad.
Challenging Trip - 16 September
Headington face a challenging trip to third placed Tytherington Rocks still searching for the consistency that was such a feature of their strong start in Division One West last season.
Manager Shaun Pearce: "It's been a difficult start, playing our first five away was obviously not ideal, but we knew that. All the games have been tough and very competitive. We've looked good for periods in games but I can't put a finger on why we've not been more effective. These next two (Wootton Bassett the following week) look as hard as any so we just have to keep working at it".
Craig Morbey and Jay Hill are added to last weeks squad after recovering from injuries.
From: Jenkins, Smith, L. Morbey, Pearce, Clarke, B.Cuff, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, L.Cuff, McCuaig, Hayhurst, Webb, C.Morbey, Zaj
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Seeking Benefit - 8 September
Brimscombe & Thrupp are the visitors this week as Headington seek to build on a fine performance, and win, against Cricklade last week.
Manager Shaun Pearce was well pleased with his side's determination in pulling back a two goal deficit. "Cricklade are a very good team, but we played some good stuff to turn the match around. Now we have to show consistency. Brimscombe will be tough, after losing their opening three games I see they've put together a good run, climbing to fourth in the table".
With players' returning from injury & holidays Headington will pick from almost a full strength squad. From: Jenkins, Smith, Brown, L. Morbey, Pearce, Clarke, B.Cuff, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, A.Luckett, L.Cuff, McCuaig, Hayhurst, Webb, C.Morbey, Zaja
Tough Home Start For Amateur's - 2 September
Headington entertain high flying Cricklade Town in their first home match of the season. After last Saturday's drubbing at Purton followed by Cricklade's win at the same venue on Monday Amateur's players know they will face a stern test. Ollie Zaja and Craig Morbey are still on holiday, whilst 'keeper Harry Jenkins is also unavailable. James Luckett starts a suspension carried over from last season. Steve Skyrme replaces Jenkins, whilst forwards Jay Hill & Jamie McCuaig face late fitness tests.
From: Skyrme, Smith, Brown, L. Morbey, Pearce, Clarke, B.Cuff, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, A.Luckett, L.Cuff, McCuaig, Hayhurst, Webb.
New Clubhouse Opening - 25 April
Headington's new clubhouse and changing rooms will officially open on Sunday 28th August when our partners in the Phoenix Sports Association Barton United FC will stage their Annual Fun Day.
Oxford City Council have arranged for Oxford United Chairman Kelvin Thomas to 'cut the ribbon' for the official opening at 1:00pm. Meanwhile age group football tournaments will be underway as well as entertainment for children.
Sequence Completion - 25 August
Amateurs will complete their five match sequence of away fixtures when they travel to Purton on Saturday.
After winning at New College at the weekend the visit to Carterton on Tuesday night ended in a share of the spoils. Manager Shaun Pearce said he had to be reasonably pleased with the result: "After missing early chances we found ourselves two down after 25 minutes, so to take a point was pretty good. However we haven't struck the consistency yet that we showed last year, but then we have made changes for every game, that's not an excuse though, all sides have to cope".
Pearce will be hoping that Jay Hill, Alex Luckett and Luke Cuff are all available after missing out at Carterton. Liam Morbey, who was on the bench mid-week has returned from holidays but brother Craig now takes his. James Brown who has a knee injury has not featured since the opening day and remains sidelined
From: Jenkins, Mapplethorpe, Smith, L.Morbey, Pearce, Clarke, B.Cuff, Zaja, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, J.Luckett, A.Luckett, L.Cuff, McCuaig.
Mixed Start for A's - 20 August
Headington travel to New College Academy on today after mixed results and performances in their first two outings.
An excellent win on the opening day was followed by defeat at Easington in mid-week. Despite taking an early lead they were pegged back in the second half by a determined, persistent, Banbury outfit who thoroughly deserved the win. New College will present a different challenge, new to the league, an unknown quantity for The A's. Skipper Benji Cuff will face a late fitness after having to withdraw early in the second half on Wednesday with an ankle injury. Meanwhile club captain and newly appointed Assistant Manager Adam Simmonds has finally undergone corrective surgery to his knee eleven months after he sustained the injury. the modern techniques employed meant that after 'day surgery' on Monday he was able to take his place 'on the bench' at Easington – crutches included!
From: Jenkins, Mapplethorpe, Smith, Brown, C. Morbey, Pearce, Clarke, B.Cuff, Zaja, Hill, Hafiz, Jacob, Williams, J.Luckett, A.Luckett, L.Cuff, McCuaig, Hayhurst, Webb.
Champs Take On New Boys - 12 August
Headington kick off the defence of their One West title with a trip to promoted Brimscombe & Thrupp, which will be the home club's inaugural fixture in the Uhlsport Hellenic League.
The Gloucestershire County League champions look a tough proposition. Manager Shaun Pearce is without Liam Morbey and Klaus Buckle (holidays), there are doubts over the fitness of Harry Jenkins, Jamie McCuaig and Ashley Smith. But he has included several new signings in his squad. Pearce is sure that his team will have to be at their best on Saturday: "I see that they won their league last season by a massive sixteen points,that speaks for itself. They will be 'up for it' so it's up to us to make sure we are not caught out"
After three weeks of well attended training Headington look forward to their first pre-season game when they take on Abingdon United in the 'Jim Newman' tournament at Clanfield this Saturday.
Club captain Adam Simmonds has been appointed to Shaun Pearce's management team. 'Simmo' missed a large chunk of last season after sustaining a serious knee injury although he returned for the title run-in. He will also start this season but still requires extensive reconstructive surgery, once he has the 'op.' will face several months of rehab. He joins Mark Roper as one Pearce's two assistants, Tony Craft having left the club.
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It's Not There . . It Is! - 10 July
After reporting for pre-season training in the last week Headington's players' were met with a 'razed' site where their clubhouse existed before.
A pleasant surprise then, two days later, to see their new clubhouse & changing facilities perched in place. With all last years regulars committed to re-signing plus a couple of new faces appearing the A's will look forward to defending their One West title. The new changing facilities and social amenities should also be a more welcoming experience for visitors.
The contractors have pulled back some of the time lost earlier in the schedule for the new facility. However the agreed September start for home fixtures should see the new facilities fully commissioned. The Hellenic League will arrange an inspection of the facilities prior to Headington staging their first home match, hopefully this will be done in late August.
Headington Amateurs Presentation Evening - 14th June
Headington celebrated their 2010-11 campaign with a well attended BBQ & Disco at "The Chequers" in Headington Quarry on Saturday night (11th June).
The Division One West Championship Shield took pride of place as the players collected their individual league winners mementoes'. Following presentations of flowers to the ladies who work on refreshments & fundraising (Gemma Witney, Angie Cuff, Tracy & Hattie Roper) the following Club Awards were made:
Managers Award (Player of Season) – Luke CUFF
Norman Smith Cup (Players Player of Season) – Benji CUFF
Maurice Kyle Shield (Most improved Player) – Aaron WILLIAMS
Chairman Don Light was left with 'little to say' after he was presented with a framed shirt signed by the players & non-playing staff.
Climb Expected - 10 November
Ruled out is James Brown (right), who has had a scan which confirmed cartilage damage to his knee, requiring surgery. Anthony Clarke (hamstring) is still out, but Ashley Smith and Aaron Williams should return after missing out last week.
