I was staying with family up in the Cotswolds so for the second local game of my stay, I travelled with my father to watch this game at a ground which was new to us both. The Hellenic League Division 1, however, is a league I have visited before, having seen Littleton, FC Stratford, Bourton Rovers and Moreton last season. It has always brought goals and honest, attacking football, so I arrived at Court Place Farm, full of optimism.

In the first game of the season Long Crendon FC had performed well with a 2-5 victory away at Southam. Littleton FC suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat, away at Milton United. Oli Lethbridge scored a brace in the first game for Long Crendon FC. Aaron Brett scored for Littleton in their opening game.

The Court Place Farm ground, also known as Marsh Lane, is located in Headington, Oxford and shared with Oxford City, of the National League South, with a capacity of 3,500. The ground benefits from a modern 3G pitch, floodlighting and extensive seated stands and covered standing.

Long Crendon FC had much of the pressure in the opening minutes of the game and they scored first, on 29 minutes, through Oli Lethbridge.

The second half continued with Long Crendon dominating the play. Littleton FC rallied a little before the break, but looked weak going forward.

The second half opened with Long Crendon continuing to control the passing play. Littleton FC seemed unable to keep possession, even when they regained the ball. In the 60th minute Oli Lethbridge went through to make it 2-0 to Long Crendon.

In the 74th minute a fine header from Long Crendon’s club captain, Oli Lethbridge, gave him his hat trick, as Littleton faded and secured a 3-0 scoreline for the home side.

In the 87th minute, Long Crendon scored their fourth goal direct from a corner when Ollie Lynch made it 4-0.

At the final whistle, the teams left the pitch with Long Crendon having dominated the game and claiming their second three point haul in two games. Littleton FC have nothing to show from their opening two games and know they need to learn from this, in order to turn the season around.