Greyhound 1 - 2 Oaks Athletic

Last season was remarkable; as week after week the stats relating to unbeaten games, clean sheets, goals scored, points accumulated, sandwiches consumed and minutes played by Sharpy without getting sent off became more and more impressive. This all resulted in Oaks Athletic winning both league and league cup, and Mark Tapsell deservedly being named Player's player of the Season (congratulations Mark). Also in a scene that, despite my absence, I imagine was akin to a great leader dedicating victory to his battle weary warriors - Milesy award his Manger's player of the Season award to the entire squad. The football was great, the team spirit was superb, promotion as champions was awesome, the relationship with our Sponsors - The Ship Inn - blossomed, and the dust and cobwebs in the trophy cabinet were replaced with silver.

But this is a new season; a clean slate. Although the memories of last year will always be sweet, Division One is going to be a completely different challenge. We're the new boys here, and much like the team that started last season with so much uncertainty about what the new look side could achieve, we really don't know what we are going to come up against, or ultimately what our rightful position in the league should be. One thing is clear, that if we can all walk off the pitch at the end of each game and say that we couldn't do any more, there is now reason why this year can't be just as enjoyable and satisfying as last.



Oaks Athletic 2012/13 - Proudly sponsored by The Ship Inn, London Road

The biggest positive going into the new season is that the bulk of the squad that gelled so well last season remains. And whilst Sharpy is going to have to do most of his arguing with referees from the sideline this season, the two top goal scoring strikers are going to have to continue to fight for their places thanks to the recruitment of another Kenyon (Dale), whose impressive pre-season displays of pace, skill and vision earned him a starting place today. The squad has also been strengthened by Scott's return, who continued to support the club last year despite horrendous back problems. The full team for today's clash with Greyhound was:

ppppppppppppppppTy

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

NathanppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppRyan

ppppppppppppDaleppppNick

subs: Bunny, Scott, Harry, Luke, Browne

The Oaks started brightly, and Dale quickly showed what a headache he is going to cause for defences this season, as he used his pace and movement to make runs in behind the opposition back line that were providing opportunities for the likes of Taps, Ryan and Nathan to show they haven't lost their eye for a pass over the summer. Last ditch defending, awkward bounce on a hard pitch, a troublesome cross wind and some good goalkeeping meant that none of these chances resulted in the deadline being broken.

It didn't take long for the Oaks to take the lead from another source as a deflected shot from Ryan resulted in a corner. I must admit that I'm in the "Totally pointless" camp when it comes to pre-match handshakes, but one thing it did make apparent on this occasion was that the Oaks may have an aerial advantage over a significant number of the Greyhound players. This was proved as Tapsell rose highest at the back post to power home Nathan's out swinging corner: 0-1.

The Oaks continued to have the better of the early exchanges, and really should have extended their lead. One particular chance fell to Nick, but rather than smash the ball in the direction of the goal, he unselfishly tried to play it across to Dale who he thought was in a better position to score. We'll never know if option 1 would have resulted in a better outcome, but when we know have hard Nick can leather a football this is what we all really wanted to see.

As the rain started to fall more persistently, Greyhound started to get on top as they looked to punish the Oaks for not making more of their early dominance. Our play became a bit more ragged, and we were indebted to Ty for maintaining our slender advantage as he made a fine save diving low to his left from a free kick on the edge of the box.

A succession of free kicks for the opposition is usually a good sign that the Oaks are getting frustrated with their own performance, and the sound of the referee’s whistle was being heard more and more frequently through the middle of the first half. However, the events leading to the Greyhound equaliser were noticeable for lack of a whistle at key moments. Firstly the referee chose to play advantage as the ball broke to the winger down the right after brushing Eye-Ball's arm, but then quickly decided to come back for the free kick before anything further had happened to suggest no advantage was going to be gained from playing on. Then as Ty jumped at the back post to collect the ball under sufficient pressure to cause the ball to spill from his hands, the sound of air vibrating through ball and plastic was again no where to be heard, and in the ensuing scramble the ball was poked home by a Greyhound player: 1-1.

Although not playing an active role on the pitch, it seems referees are still not safe from Sharpy's wrath, as he told the man in black (repeatedly) what a ridiculous decision it was to award the free kick that led to the goal.

Losing the lead seemed to spark the Oaks back into life, and we actually relaxed a bit and started to play some of the neat football that had been our bread and butter during the previous season. We started to enjoy more of the possession, and started to find our shape in defence. Ty was relatively untroubled for the rest of the half as fine defending in front of him (including a great covering tackle from Niki) saw any signs of danger being quickly extinguished. We created enough chances to go into half time ahead, but it wasn't to be and we had to settle for parity at the break.



Holly can't convince Deano that it was a horse that had crapped all over the pitch

The second half saw Harry replace Nick, which was a shrewd move from Milesy as the fact that we were now attacking down hill would mean we would want as much pace and directness as possible to make the through balls work. No offence to Nick but I'm sure he'll admit that young H is better suited to this particular task.

The game really started to open up in the second half as first match tiredness became apparent. Chances for the Oaks fell to Dale and Harry, but Greyhound's excellent young keeper was equal to the task.

Whilst the attackers were searching for a winner, the defensive players were doing their bit to ensure that one goal would win the game for the Oaks. Mikey proved his worth to the team in a covering capacity as he made up ground to make a superbly timed sliding tackle as the Greyhound attacker advanced into the box. Also, when the speedy striker broke into the box, Eye-Ball read the danger and sprinted across the six yard box to snuff out the danger.

We weren't able to protect Ty's goal every time, but on the one occasion that the offside trap was breach high up the pitch Ty came out of his goal to make not one, but two superb saves with his legs as he denied both Greyhound strikers in one attack (and all this with a broken finger!).

The winner for the Oaks came with 15 minutes to go, and was thanks in some small part to a former Oaks player. Gav - now playing at the back for Greyhound - scythed Dale down just outside the box on the left corner of the penalty area. Harry and Ryan stood over the ball, but rather than have a speculative pop at goal Ryan deceived the wall by side-footing the ball under it to pick out the late run of Bunny (who had recently replaced Mikey). Bunny's shot may have been scuffed, but it had enough to beat the keeper and sneak inside the post: 1-2.

Milesy made his final change, as Scott replaced Dale (who had been injured in winning the free-kick for the goal), and the priority for the Oaks turned to defending. Many may not have noticed Tapsell injury himself going for a long range shot earlier in the half, but this didn't stop him forming a one man wall in front of the defence for the final stages of the game. He was immense, and more than justified the decision of his fellow team mates to name him their player of the year.

The defending was sometimes a bit "seat of the pants", as attempts to clear the ball from danger were not always successful. Even Rob, who usually has a no nonsense approach to clearing the lines struggled to keep his balance long enough to make the telling punt up field. He even managed to head but the ground on one occasion, leading to speculation that his new hairstyle was making him a bit top heavy.

A few crunching tackles also started flying in, and on one occasion Niki even passed the ball to the opposition when running it out of defence just so he had an excuse to then leave him in a heap. What can you say - the boy loves defending.

Greyhound's replacement winger then decided to take out his frustration on Eye-Ball as he first ironically caught the left back in the eye with a leading elbow, and then attempted to break both his ankles when going for a ball he was never going to get to first. Fortunately Eye-Ball was able to jump over the challenge, and all the winger received for his trouble was a yellow card.

When the referee finally blew the whistle to signal the end of the match, there was a sense of relief that we had managed to hold out for our first 3 points of the season (which trumps the start we made last year). The win was well deserved, with every man playing their part, and it felt good to get the taste of victory sandwiches again.

Eye-Ball



It's early days but good to see some points on the board already

Next game: Sunday 7th October v Vichouse Sports -Meet at Oaks 9:15

Goal Scoring Chart

Wilburn Wanderers 0 - 2 Oaks Athletic

Fortunatley Eye-Ball was not forced to eat his words, having annoyed some of the opposition with his claim in the local paper that the Oaks had enjoyed an unbeaten run to the title. In my defence this was accurate (regardless of the outcome of this final game), and having been called off 2-3 weeks previously I never thought this match was actually going to happen.



The Oaks took the lead inside the opening minute; after kicking off, an interchange of passes followed between Eye-Ball, Mikey, Nick and Tapsell before Harry let fly from the edge of the area. The ball took a wicked deflection that wrong footed the keeper, and the ball sailed into the net. The dubious goals committee later confirmed that Harry would be credited with the goal: 0-1.

The Oaks continued to dominate early exchanges, with Deano being in a particularly exhubarent mood as he was often seen bombing down the right and linking up with Bunny. Harry was also running rings around the opposition, and should have had a second when he arrived at back post, but could only shoot straight at keeper.

Similarly to when we played Wilburn in the cup final, the referee was giving a lot of soft decisions to our young opponents. This resulted in us having to do some defending, but apart from one scare when Ty dropped the ball we were more than equal to the threat, with Niki especially having one of his best games to date in an Oaks shirt.

The second half was not the best from the Oaks as lack of match fitness due to the long break between games started to become evident. For the most part we were able to keep the opposition at bay until their striker found himself through on goal. His shot rebounded off the post and fortunately Ty reacted quickest to dive on the ball.

With the title of top goal scorer at stake Nick looked like he was going to equal Harry's seventeen goals as he found himself through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Unfortuntately he didn't have as much time as he seemed to want, and gave the defender time to get back and make a challenge.

Bunny settled the game with 5 minutes to go when his initial effort was blocked, but the rebound fell to him again to fire into the roof of the net: 0-2.

And that was that; 50 points on the board, and the end to the most successful season in the Oaks history. I definitely couldn't end the season with a synopsis that would do it justice. I just hope that these match reports (and your own memories) will still put a smile on your face in years to come when you look back on what we did together back in 2011/12 (I'm talking football Browne :) ). It was great fun, and I hope we can enjoy 2012/13 just as much regardless of whether or not there are trophies, cup finals and countless victories.

Thanks for listening

Eye-Ball

Goal-Scoring Chart:

Congratulations to Harry, who is this season's top goal scorer, and to Nathan for providing the most assists.

Oaks Athletic 6 - 1 Belhus Park Rangers

Opinion is divided in the Oaks camp as to whether or not we should care about finishing the league season unbeaten. Those who think it is immaterial rightly argue that we have already proved beyond any doubt that we are the best team in this league; by beating Belhus Park we have now beaten 9 of the 10 other teams in the league, and have taken at least four points from each of them. The one team we haven't beaten in the league were defeated in the cup final, and this Sunday we collected our league shields to display proudly next to our cup medals. We've shown we can win games from any position, and have won games when no where near our best (and with half the team intoxicated). Having said all that, when you've achieved all that we have this season, success can become an addiction, and destroying other teams is the drug that fuels this addiction for some in the squad. These addicts feel that we still have a little unfinished business to settle with Wilburn Wanderers; the one team we haven't beaten over 90 minutes, and who we gifted four goals to a few weeks back. While the season can't be tarnished, finishing unbeaten would definitely be the cherry on top of the greatest season in the Oaks history.

Thameside lost their last game against Tilbury, which means we'll win the league by at least 11 points!

For the penultimate game of the season Milesy mixed the team up a little with Luke deputising in goal after Ty had volunteered to sit out, Niki returning and Browne earning a start at left back:

ppppppppppppppppLuke

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppBrowne

NathanppppppTapsellpppppBunnyppppppRyan

ppppppppppppSharpyppppNick

subs: Al, Parker, Gollum, Eye-Ball


The less said about the first half the better. The Oaks were really off the boil, as possession was too easily given up and Belhus were able to press and frustrate the double winners. However, it was still a surprise to see Belhus take the lead when a speculative effort from the Oaks' right caught Luke off his line and dipped into the net: 0-1.

A one nil deficit with 70 minutes to play against the bottom side in the league really shouldn't have been a cause for concern; especially when you consider that we've scored at least 4 goals in each of our last 6 league games. It may have taken the Oaks a little longer than usual to get going, but parity was restored before half time when a N.A.T.H.A.N. alluded everyone before brushing a defender on its way into the net. Obviously Nathan can't be credited with the goal, but does pick up the assist. Interestingly this goal also meant a late entry into the goal scoring chart for Own Goals; with this being the first scored on our behalf this season: 1-1.

As frustrating as the first half was for the large crowd of Oaks supporters to endure, the second half was an absolute hoot. The Oaks finally found their rhythm, and looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves while crushing any hope Belhus may of had of dragging themselves off the foot of the table.

The lead was taken when Ryan ran diagonally from left to right, and chose to play a difficult reverse ball over the top rather than the simpler pass out to the right to Nathan. The risk paid off as his ball was latched onto by Sharpy who finished superbly; lofting the ball over the tall keeper and into the onion bag: 2-1.

This will be the last game of the season for Sharpy, who goes in for a long overdue operation on Friday. It's been an up and down season for Sharpy who has had to fight for his place with Nick and Harry forming such a prolific partnership. He hasn't always helped himself, but no-one will be prouder of what the Oaks have achieved this year, and a fine return of 12 goals despite limited starting opportunities proves what an asset he can be for this club when he has his head screwed on. Unfortunately I don't think we can convince the surgeons to sort that out while he is in, but I'm sure the whole squad will join me in wishing Sharpy all the best, and we hope to see him in an Oaks shirt again soon.

Sharpy's second goal was converted from the penalty spot after Nathan had been sent tumbling in the box. Sharpy took responsibility despite Nick being on the pitch, but the BFJ still deserves credit for teaching Sharpy how to score from 12 yards, with power over placement being the evident order of the day with the ball being smashed into the roof of the net: 3-1.

So often the provider, Ryan has started to cash in with the goals himself in recent weeks and notched up his 9th of the season as a well struck shot from the left took a deflection before nestling in the back of the net. The assist for this goal is up for grabs as I can't remember who made the final pass (too busy waving my flag around): 4-1.

With the game surely won Milesy went sub crazy; making three in one go and rewarding a couple of Oaks old boys for their loyalty with some well deserved game time. Parker replaced Browne at left back, Gollum slotted into midfield in place of Bunny and Al Blake replaced Nathan, who damaged his foot in a tackle and unfortunately will miss the last game of the season.

The change in personnel did not affect the Oaks dominance, and they soon scored a fifth when Bunny tapped home into an empty net after Tapsell's shot inside the box had been well saved. The keeper was determined to keep Tapsell from scoring, as earlier in the half he pulled of an incredible save to stop a header from the cup hero: 5-1.

No one has enjoyed this season more than the BFJ; like many of us he has experienced little success on the football pitch up to now, and being part of such a great side with so much competition for places has seen him really up his game this season, and more than double his goal tally from the previous campaign. He openly admits that finishing top scorer would be the icing on the cake, and would have fancied his chances of at least getting level with H given that the prolific youngster was missing through injury. He left it late to get on the score sheet, but it was well worth the wait as this individual effort is up there with the best goals we have scored this year (and there have been a few). With a corner successfully defended, Nick collected the ball on the right (another assist up for grabs here) inside his own half and ran some 60 yards down the right hand side of the pitch, and into the box. At this point he was spoilt for options: he could pull it back for either Nathan or Tapsell, or better still play it across the goal to Sharpy who was ready to tap the ball home and complete his hat-trick. However, having done all the hard work himself you can't blame him for wanting to collect the prize, and that he did, finishing in style low across the keeper. Given that Sharpy was still a little upset not to receive the pass, I hate to think what would have happened if Nick had missed. To score under that sort of pressure emphasises the quality of this goal in my opinion: 6-1.

With yet another victory secure, all that was left for the Oaks to do was collect their league winners medals, pose for a few photos and head off to the Ship to do the one thing we arguably do better than playing football: drink and be merry!

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 29th April - Away v Wilburn Wanderers @ Belhus Park: 1030 Kick Off

Oaks Athletic 8 - 2 Jurgens Sport

When the second from bottom team turn up to play the double winners with only 8 players (they managed to increase this to 10 in the first half), the only question to ask is how many will the Oaks score? Despite strolling to victory it is actually a little disappointing that we didn't get into double figures; we definitely created enough chances to do so. Not to get a clean sheet is also a bit of a shame, but then credit to Jurgens for converting their only two shots on goal with two well struck free kicks. The net result was 3 more points, 6 more in the GD column, and still a big fat 0 under L.



With Niki Law going on the pre season team jolly a bit too early, the welcome return of Luke, and Cup Hero Mark Tapsell being rested (or maybe dropped...), the starting eleven looked a little different this week. Still, one look at the side highlights the immense strength in depth that the Oaks possess.

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppDeano (c)ppppEye-Ball

NathanppppppAlpppppBunnyppppppRyan

ppppppppppppSharpyppppNick

subs: Harry, Tapsell, Parker, Gollum, Browne

Up to now I have been reluctant to concentrate too heavily on the goals and assists table (although I know that is all most of you look at!), due to the risk that individuals could get competitive with each other on the pitch. However, there is no doubt that everyone plays for each other first and foremost, and with the league and cup now won I can't see any problem with a little healthy competition to keep the spirits up. I therefore thought I might use this report to explore the runners and riders.

1. Harry Judge - 16 Goals, 7 Assists

Keeps his place at the top of the table despite failing to make an impact in a 25 minute cameo appearance.

2. Nicholas Myers - 15 Goals, 6 Assists

Moves a goal closer to Harry after latching on to a superb through ball from Ryan. The keeper got a hand to his side footed shot into the corner, but for once Nick put enough behind it to claim the Oaks 4th goal of the game before half time.

3. Mark Tapsell - 12 Goals, 15 Assists

Another non mover at 3. Only had 25 minutes on the pitch today, but still looked a threat with a powerful header from 18 yards that may have troubled a shorter goal keeper. More interested in being the top Assister, which is good news for the strikers.

4. Iain Pitney - 10 Goals, 6 Assists

Moving up one place to number 4. thanks to 2 more goals and 1 assist. Claimed goals 6 and 7 for the Oaks; the first being a penalty after Eye-Ball was felled in the box, and the second a simple finish into an empty net after Nathan had beaten the off-side trap and drawn the keeper out of goal. Completed his second 90 minutes in a row, which is an achievement in itself (and I'm not just talking about fitness).

5. Nathan Kerin - 9 Goals, 18 Assists

May have been responsible for dropping a place in the standings by setting up his mate Sharpy, but also improved his own stats thanks to one goal and 2 more assists. Scored the second goal when he latched on to a great through-ball from Al Blake and made no mistake with the finish. Missed an even easier chance to score when he unwisely attempted to lob the 6ft 3 keeper from 6 yards when clear through on goal. Now has 3 more assists than any other player in the squad.

6. Ryan Kenyon - 8 Goals, 15 Assists

The quality of his delivery was once again a highlight with a hat-trick or assists, as he set up two goals with his crosses, and also slipped Nick in for his goal. Scored a good goal himself as Sharpy played him in down the left, and he showed the pace and composure needed to break free of the defence and slide the ball into the net.

7. Robin Lawrence - 7 Goals, 3 Assists

With minimal defending required Rob spent most of the match in the opposition box and was rewarded with two fine headed goals. The first broke the deadlock and came from a good cross from Ryan following a corner. His second was the 5th for the Oaks, with Ryan once again the provider, this time direct from a corner. In powering the ball home, Rob battered the whining Hanson wannabe, much to the amusement of the rest of the team. Rob came seriously close to completing his hat-trick as he dived at the far post to head a cross from Nathan goalwards. Unfortunately though his effort hit the post, hit him a second time and fell straight into the arms of the keeper.

8. Ash Bunn - 3 Goals, 1 Assist

Had to take on the role of midfield general in this game, and controlled the play. Didn't have the opportunity to unleash the right boot, but hopefully we'll see another screamer before the end of the season.

9. Dean Wright - 2 Goals

With Rob disappearing into the opposition box whenever a free-kick, corner or throw was won Dean shared the defensive duties with Luke and Eye-Ball. Convinced he would have powered home a header from one corner if Luke hadn't jumped in front of him and headed over. Revealed before the game that his superstitious tendencies had led to him not cutting his toe-nails since January in case this may derail the Oaks' push for the title. With toe-nails freshly cut he admitted feeling feather light on his feet and like a new man.

10. Mikey B - 1 Goal, 2 Assists

Injury means Mikey missed this game, and a thumping head ache meant we missed his input from the side lines as well.

11. Al Blake - 1 Goal, 1 Assist

Has really made the most of his recent run in the side. Deceptively tall, he was once again colossal in the air (even taking a few headers from Nathan), and showed great vision to slip the ball in behind the defence for Nathan to score.

12. Michael Parker - 1 Goal.

Easily the biggest mover in the chart, rising an incredible 12 places (it would have been 13 if not for Al's assist) by grabbing the 8th goal with virtually the last kick of the game. Parker has suffered more than anyone due to the influx of players this year, and has found it almost impossible to get a spot on the bench let a lone getting anywhere near the pitch. This was in fact only his second outing as he came on as a second half substitute for Eye-Ball. Those who go to training will be in no doubt of this man's undoubted ball skills, and the stats from this game speak for themselves: 100% pass completion and 100% shot to goals return. The goal itself was a gem; a N.A.T.H.A.N. was fired in from the right with everyone in the box (including Ty). When the defender could only partially clear Parker was on hand to open up his body and volley the ball from around his shoulder into the roof of the net. Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to see something special again from this Oaks legend before the end of the season.

13. Luke Williams - 2 Assists

A welcome return at right back, and showed us all what we have been missing with a few mazy runs.

14. Eye-Ball - 1 Assist

Even Eye-Ball was spotted advancing into enemy territory in this game, but unfortunately when defending is ingrained in your very being, it can be hard to kick the ball towards a goal. This was demonstrated when the ball fell in front of Eye-Ball in the box; in attempting to hook it towards goal he only succeeded in kicking it into his own face, for which a bloody nose was his only reward. Ty may argue this was retribution for admitting to turning his head in the wall for Jurgens first goal, which meant the ball only skimmed his face rather than hitting him full on in the hooter. Did earn his first assist of the campaign when a darting run saw him collect the ball from Sharpy before being felled in the box to earn the penalty that Sharpy duly converted.

15. Tyrone Owen - 1 Assist

A very quiet day for the Oaks number 1. Can only really remember him picking the ball out of the net twice, taking a few goal kicks and running 80 yards to get involved in the last action of the game and subsequent goal celebration with Parker.

16. Niki Law -

Won't trouble the chart whilst sunning himself in Spain

18. Steve Browne

Now recovered from his damaged ankle, should be making a start next week if he stays wrapped in the cotton wool.

Just two more games to go now, and next Sunday we'll be presented with the league trophy before the game, so make sure you do your hair!

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 22nd April @ Home v Belhus Park Rangers

Oaks Athletic 4 - 4 Wilburn Wanderers

With the league and cup in the bag, double winners Oaks Athletic can afford to give out a little charity to their defeated opponents between now and the end of the season. They were definitely in a generous mood today as missed chances, individual errors and a lacklustre second half performance gifted Wilburn a point that they were more than grateful to take.

With the league won it will now be interesting to see who will be joining us in promotion to Division One next year. It is impossible to say how many teams will go up as this will depend on how many teams are pushed up to the Premier Division (there are currently only eight teams in that league) and how many fold over the summer. Still, it's a pretty safe bet that at least four will go up, and with Thameside beating Tilbury they have secured promotion. Jacks Lads beat Stanford, but they have left it too late to get into the top four, having finished with 31 points. Pegasus were the other team to win this week, beating Jurgens, but they will have to wait to see if their 32 points will be enough to finish in the top four as it could well come down to goal difference.



Despite Bunny being available again, Al (Blake) was rewarded for a good performance last week with another start alongside Tapsell in the centre of midfield. Sharpy was also given a start, partnering H up front, and with only a few weeks until his operation we all hoped he would make the most of this opportunity.

ppppppppppppppppTy

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

NathanppppppAlpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppppSharpyppppHarry

subs: Nick, Bunny, Parker

The Oaks played well in the first half, and looked to make the most of the freshly mowed surface as they passed the ball around with confidence. It was clear that H, Nathan and Ryan had the better of their opposite numbers and Blake, Tapsell and Sharpy looked to play the ball in behind the defence whenever possible.

Ty had very little to do in the first half, and despite a couple of efforts that went wide, Wilburn never threatened our goal.

The Oaks took the lead in the first half when Sharpy got to the ball first on the the edge of the 18 yard box, and back heeled the ball into the danger zone for H to chase. The defenders really should have dealt with the ball, but their hesitation was enough for H to stick out a boot and poke the ball past the keeper: 1-0.

The Oaks should have been at least two or three up going into the break, but some good saves from Wilburn's fine young keeper, and a few misses - including a tame finish from H from 5 yards that went straight to the keeper (sorry H, that one stuck in the mind) - kept the scoreline looking respectable.

With the league and cup won (just thought I'd mention that again), and a comfortable one nil lead it's not surprising that some of the intensity that has been so key to the Oaks success was missing in the second half. Despite a couple of glimpses of what we can do when we play the ball along the floor (a defence splitting left to right pass from Ryan being a prime example), we never really got into top gear and a combination of poor decision making and lapses in concentration gifted four goals to Wilburn in the second half. Still, the Oaks always play with a lot of pride which was evident in the fact that we came back from a goal down twice in the second half and really should have left with all three points.

Wilburn equalised when the ball broke to their striker in the box, and he was allowed time to get the ball out of his feet and lift it over Ty into the roof of the net: 1-1.

The Oaks then regained the lead when the industrious Sharpy beat the keeper to the ball when it was played into the box and was subsequently brought down. Sharpy took the penalty he had won, and admitted to taking a leaf out of Nick's book as he smashed it hard down the middle. Despite getting something on it, the keeper could only redirect it into the roof of the net: 2-1.

The Oaks then leaked two goals in quick succession, both of which came from individual errors that 9 times out of 10 wouldn't have happen. Firstly, Niki moved up the pitch to the win the ball and played it to Ryan on the left. Rather than play the way he was facing, Ryan then tried to play a reverse pass back to Niki that was intercepted. With Niki out of position Wilburn broke into the box, and despite Eye-Ball making the initial tackle, the ball broke nicely for the Wilburn striker who finished sweetly into the bottom corner: 2-2.

The third Wilburn goal came from a much bigger howler as the ball was played diagonally behind the Oaks centre backs for their speedsters to run on to. As he has done on countless occasions Eye-Ball read the danger and drifted across to clear the ball with his favoured right foot. Unfortunately the right foot proved to be the best of a bad punch on this occasion as the ball looped up off his shin right into the path of the on rushing forwards. Ty made the initial save, but the ball fell right at the feet of the second striker who tapped home into an empty net: 2-3.

With 15 minutes still to play, the Oaks needed to lift themselves, and with Nick now on for Harry we looked to make the most of our physical presence to dominate from set pieces. The equaliser came when a long throw from Nathan was nodded down by Tapsell into the path of Ryan, and the young winger let out his frustration on the ball as he whacked it through a crowded box into the net: 3-3.

I believe the fourth goal for the Oaks also started from a Nathan throw. This time Wilburn did manage to clear the ball, but only as far as Nathan. He then broke to the bye-line, and had time to pick his spot. This he did perfectly as he put the ball right on the head of Nick, who was unmarked in the box. He rose and nodded the ball into the net for his 14th of the season: 4-3.

The Oaks, and most of the Wilburn players as well, thought this would be the winning goal. However, Wilburn had already shown that if we gave them a whiff of goal they were capable of capitalising. With Deano preparing to take a throw on the right, the usual "up the line - flick on" combination seemed the most likely option. However, Tapsell decided to make himself available to receive the ball inside our half (for which he should be commended). Unfortunately the one Wilburn player who had shown any desire to win the ball was in close proximity. He caught Taps in possession, raced clear and finished superbly off the inside of the far post for his Hat-Trick and to grab his side a point: 4-4.

On reflection you may say that this was a disappointing result from a good side who were far too casual in the second half. However, we should just shrug it off: we're still unbeaten; we've still won the league; we've still won the league cup; we're still having a great season; we can still have a laugh about it all in the pub, and our beer still tastes a lot sweeter than anybody elses (oh, and Sharpy made it through 90 minutes!).

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 15th April @ Home v Jurgens Sport: 1030 KO.

Goals and assists chart