THE GAFFER

Lyon Theoharous

Let me start by thanking everyone for the amazing support and for coming along to support us against Sherborne this afternoon. It means a lot to all of us to see so many people here to get behind us and we will do everything in our power to reward you with a famous win today.

It won't be easy. We've done our homework and Sherborne are a good team. They will bring plenty of support and it's a big occasion for both clubs. It's amazing what a cup run can do to raise the profile of the team and one of these two teams is going to have a day to remember. We just have to make sure it's us.

The last round was an amazing advertisement for everything that's good about women's football. We had a record crowd and the atmosphere was electric. When Billie put a last minute free kick into the box and Grace scored the equaliser I think that's a moment we are all going to remember for a very long time. Then to hold our nerve in the penalties was fantastic and the players deserve incredible praise for the way they handled that situation.

I could do without my nerves being shredded like that again today but whatever it takes, I guess!

Finally, I wanted to say a big thank you to all of the staff behind the scenes. It's a big day and everyone at the club has stepped up and offered help, whether that's the bar, the PA announcing, the safety team: I'm not going to list everyone or I'll miss someone out, but so many people have made this a great day for women's football at Oxford City.

Let's make sure we all leave the ground smiling after a job well done today.

Lyon

TIt’s a Sunday afternoon. It’s my daughter’s birthday. She hasn’t been home for six weeks. I collect here from Haddenham station. "Where are we going?” she asks, expecting a birthday meal perhaps, or, just maybe, a present. “Ah, no, sorry, I’m off to watch Oxford City Women. It’ll have to wait”.

 I drop my crestfallen offspring off at home and head straight for the MGroup Stadium because it’s FA Cup day and the least I can do is come along and help where I can. This is a great group of people and the fact they are quite good at football is a nice bonus. Photographer Darrell Fisher feels the same way:

“Wouldn’t miss it” he says” as he and wife Pauline arrive. Home and away, they support this team. “I’ve been made to feel so welcome “ Darrell continues “Everyone chips in and helps and you can see things moving in the right direction with every season. Well, every month and every game really”

 As we chat another volunteer, Paul Reavell is setting up the club shop while Burnout BBQ are just opening the hatch to serve the matchday food. New Head of Hospitality Rachel Burt is welcoming guests from Darcica and Manor Flooring. Owner Justin Merritt has booked a place, as has club Chairman Andy Sinnott. One Club. Not an empty slogan, just reality here at Oxford City.

 Steph Best shoves a microphone in front of me just as I start to tuck into pulled pork loaded fries. Timing aside, Steph is a great host on the PA: voluntary of course. She interviews  the three teams who have come along as mascots. Well, really, she interviews half the ground because everyone is having a good time and we haven’t even got to kick off yet. 

When we do, the game turns out to be a cracker. Readers, reporting on a game is tricky at the best of times but a last minute goal can induce panic in even the most grizzled of match report writers. Imagine how young Peter is feeling to my left: he’s offered to write one for the very first time and is staring in horror as he tries to capture the penalty drama for the whatsapp channel. Andy Gate, media guru, is behind the goal with the fans, swept up in the hysteria and hoisting his infant daughter aloft in jubilant delight.

 It is brilliant. It is all that a cup tie should be, and when City go through it is a wonderful moment: one that the staff and players should be very very proud of.

 I leave them to celebrate and go home and get my daughter so we can go and celebrate her birthday. “Sorry I had to go to work” I apologise.

“It’s OK Dad” she smiles, “I know you love your football. We’ll do it another day. I’m back again on the 26^th…”