Stanford Wanderers 4 - 3 Oaks Athletic

A goal from virtually the last kick of the game prevented The Oaks from taking anything away from a game in which they would have taken all three points if they hadn’t been punished for a series of individual and team errors.

The absence of Milly (shoulder), Gollum (old age) and Deano (lavatory) meant Milesy was forced to do a bit more tinkering with the side, with Captain Stu partnering Rob at the back and Nathan moving into the middle with Eye-Ball:

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNNeil (GK)

pppParker (RB) Rob (CB) Stu (CB) (c) Jason (LB)

pJimmy (RM) Nathan (CM) Eye-Ball (CM) Aaron (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaAl (CF) Sharpy (CF)

subs: Bill

The extra long warm up (it turned out to be an eleven o’clock kick-off) seemed to do the trick as The Oaks were definitely the quicker out of the blocks, and were out-doing Stanford at their own game with some good passing and moving. Jimmy especially was the catalyst for many of these moves, and seemed to be exuding confidence thanks to not being part of the last line of defence.

Much like when these two sides had met the week before The Oaks were kicking into a stiff breeze in the first half, and they again used this to their advantage to score the opening goal. This time though it was Al who brought the ball down and hit a cracking shot which dipped over the keeper and into the roof of the net. The initial reaction was that this was even better than Jason’s effort the previous week, but then we shouldn’t forget that Jason apparently hit his with his wrong foot. Anyway, who cares, The Oaks were 1-0 up.

1-0 became 2-0, again with some help from the breeze, when Nathan decided to ignore the usual game plan from corners to “stick it on Rob’s head” and instead swung it straight into the top corner.

They talk about football being a game of two halves; however, this game could easily be talked about in quarters. At 2-0 The Oaks looked comfortable, and definitely didn’t look like conceding. Unfortunately (again just like last week), a goalkeeping error by Neil – when a tame shot was palmed down and squirmed under his body – gave Stanford renewed hope of getting back into the game.

As much as you don’t want it to, these incidents always have a deflating affect on the team. Unfortunately it also shattered Neil’s already fragile confidence, and any subsequent ball into the box was met with panic by all.

The Oaks really needed to get to half time with their lead in tacked to allow time to get head straight and re-group, but this wasn’t to be. Failure to clear the ball (despite a number of opportunities to do so) following a disputed free-kick led to a tap in which put the scores level going into the break.

The second half was a much scrappier affair, and although the wind was again causing problems (this time for The Oaks), Neil didn’t have a save to make (in fact the two saves of any significance game from Nathan and Stu, both making superb goal line clearances.

Stanford took the lead midway through the second half thanks to a fortuitous bounce from a harmless free-kick which took the ball over Neil and into the net. The frustration at conceding this goal was enough to draw an expletive from Eye-Ball (sorry Nan), but The Oaks rallied well, and with the help of Bill’s fresh legs (well they were fresh for five minutes anyway), Stanford’s goal was put under renewed pressure.

When the equaliser came it was once again a goal of genuine quality, as a cross from the right was met sweetly by Sharpy at the back post, with the ball being slotted calmly between the keeper’s legs. Sharpy has been (at least joint) top of the scoring chart since the opening game of the season, and with Al bagging his eighth goal of the season in the first half he was in danger of being knocked off top spot. If this is how he reacts to this situation then lets hope others keep putting him under pressure at the top. Great goal Sharpy.

With the scores now level at 3-3 and 10 minutes to play, given the way the game had gone The Oaks would have happily gone away with a point, and despite one missed opportunity it looked like the point was in the bag. However, Stanford had one last throw of the dice, and when Parker attempted to block a shot when the ball was played into the box with 30 seconds to go the ball looped up off his leg and into the top corner. 4-3, and again The Oaks had been beaten by a fluke.

We deserved at least a point from this game, but alas it wasn’t to be, and our losing streak has now stretched to three games. Next week we meet the team against which it started, so it would be fitting if we could put it to an end.

Keep your heads up lads, we played well today, and if we consistently play like that we’ll get our reward. Happy New Year, and see you next week.

Eye-Ball

Next Game – Sunday 4th Jan 2009 - Home v Deportivo Thurrock @ Blackshots – 10:30 K.O

Goal Scoring Chart:

Oaks Athletic 1 – 2 Stanford Wanderers

After last week’s shambolic display we can be much happier with this performance. The way we conceded the two goals was still disappointing, but if it hadn’t been for their goalkeeper (and if the wind had died at the right moment), these two goals would have been no more than a consolation. On the plus side the memory of seeing Jason score from 25 (ish) yards has replaced the one of him wearing nothing but his lucky speedos (and I can sleep at night).

Milesy decided a change in formation may help, and called in Jason to replace the injured Gollum in a 4-5-1 set-up:


ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNNeil (GK)

pppJimmy (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Deano (LB)

pppppppppppp Jason (CM) Stu (CM) (c)

Nathan (RM) pppppppSharpy (AM)pppppp Eye-Ball (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaappppppAl (CF)

subs: Parker, Aaron

There is no denying that Stanford are a good footballing side, and they definitely looked worthy of their lofty position in the league. However, their good passing triangles were largely ineffective thanks to the dogged work of Jason and Stu, who received good support from the rest of the side. Even Sharpy looked to be enjoying the challenge of supporting both the midfield in defence, and Al in attack – even if he was looking for somewhere to crawl and die after 10 minutes.

With both sides adopting a high line, and also both choosing to pack the midfield no one had much time on the ball. This worked to our advantage as there was no alternative but to look for the short, easy pass, and we started putting some good plays together although the final ball was still lacking at times. The high line also meant we conceded less corners which we were thankful to avoid after last week!

The first goal of the game could have gone either way, but of course can only go one way. This time it went the way of the Oaks thanks to that man in his lucky speedos. Having collected the loose ball following a good tackle by Stu, Jason connected sweetly(?) with his wrong foot from 25 yards and the ball floated over the helpless Stanford keeper and into the net. He’d better keep his eye on those lucky speedos as you never know what desperation will do to a man (and I want a goal!).

The Oaks were spurred on by this goal, and could have easily gone into the break 3-0 up if Al hadn’t been denied by the cross bar having expertly lofted the ball over the on-rushing Stanford keeper, and the scoring machine Rob hadn’t seen his effort superbly cleared off the line. As it was we had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the break.

Unfortunately (as the final score line would suggest) the second half didn’t go quite as well as the first. The Stanford keeper may have been a bit disappointed with the goal he conceded in the first half, but he more than made up for it in the second with two amazing saves; the first from a point blank header by Sharpy, and the second denying Rob when Al laid the ball back to him in the box for what seemed a certain goal. If either of these efforts had found the back of the net that would have been game over.

The doggy life that these saves had handed Stanford, combined with the withdrawal of Jason and Deano (the first through fatigue and the latter thanks to a dead leg inducing collision with our petit goalie) obviously unsettled The Oaks, and Stanford took control.

I always think that being the goalkeeper is a thankless task, and that it is the one position where an error is hard to forget (as it is usually accompanied by the name of an opposition player on the score sheet). Neil has been consistently superb this season, and if the equaliser had come at 4, rather than 1 nil it probably wouldn’t even be worth mentioning that a tame shot was allowed to slip under his body. Now Neil is a big man (in character), and I’m sure he wont let this spoil his otherwise fine form.

Stanford now had their tails up, and The Oaks started to look a bit ragged. Still, we were keeping them at bay and Neil didn’t really have any saves to make. And when Stanford took the lead thanks to a fortuitous slice that gave Neil no chance we could have been forgiven for thinking it wasn’t going to be our day. However, you make your own luck in this game and I think we felt that ours had followed Jason to the changing room. We weren’t able to respond and the score finished at 2-1 to Stanford.

We can take heart from the fact that this was a definite improvement on last week, and I for one am looking forward to have another crack at Stanford next week.

Have a great Christmas everyone and don’t put on too much weight (apart from Gollum).

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sun 28th Dec – Away v Stanford Wanderers @ The Billet – 10:30 K.O.

Here is a map showing the location of the Billet in Stanford. Basically turn right at the first round-about half way down the manor way, take the first left and then the first right:

<http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=the+billet+stanford-le-hope&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.598503,38.759766&ie=UTF8&z=15>

Goal Scoring Chart:

CORRECTION – I inexplicably awarded one of Robbie’s goals last week to an opposition player, so Sharpy and Al should definitely be worried!

FC Deportivo Thurrock 4 – 3 Oaks Athletic

In what can only be described as “a bad day at the office” The Oaks lost to the league’s bottom side, which only goes to show that no victory can be taken for granted in this League.

Perhaps the late kick-off – 11 a.m – was partially to blame given it inevitably meant many of our players had lost the edge that the previous night on the booze usually provides. Unfortunately Milesy didn’t have access to a breathalyser, and therefore had to rely on gut instinct in picking the following 11:

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNNeil (GK)

pppDeano (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Eye-Ball (LB)

pNathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Stu (CM) (c) Aaron (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaAl (CF) Sharpy (CF)

subs: Parker, Jimmy, Bill

With no referee assigned the Deportivo manager took charge, and informed us he wouldn’t be giving any penalties – and we thought he was joking! The match couldn’t have started any better for the Oaks, as the infamous Aaron Kempster failed to hold a cross from the right, and Rob – still up from a throw-in – bounced for the easiest of tap-ins.

This early goal proved to be a mixed blessing, as we seemed to go to sleep for the rest of the half. Deportivo’s equaliser exposed unusual frailties from set-pieces which have never before been associated with The Oaks, and in particular reacting to the second ball. You could say it was unfortunate that on three occasions the loose ball in the box fell to a Deportivo player, but you could equally argue that we were guilty of only marking for the first ball, and fell asleep if the ball wasn’t going to be won initially by our man. I definitely learnt this lesson for the first goal as it was my man who slotted home when a free kick from the right was not cleared on the first attempt.

The Oaks could have been 2-1 down soon after when Gollum felled an opposition player inside the box; however, true to his word the temp-ref decided the offence had occurred outside the box and the subsequent free kick didn’t trouble Neil. Unfortunately the scores wouldn’t stay at 1-1 for long, as –despite Neil’s heroics which left a dent in his head and a bigger one in the goal post – a Deportivo player again reacted quickest when the initial goal bound effort from a corner was well saved by Neil.

The next two goals were the only ones of the game not to result from set pieces; firstly Al got the Oaks back on level terms when he collect a pass from Eye-ball, sending the defender the wrong way in the process, and fired a rasping low drive that was too good for Kempster. We were back on level terms for all of a minute as we failed to deal with a ball over the top, and the speedy Deportivo winger was allowed to apply a good finish passed the helpless Neil.
What followed is not worth dwelling on, but needless to say the temp-ref was nothing if not consistent as he awarded the Oaks a free-kick outside the box for a foul on Sharpy that occurred closer to the perimeter of 6 yard box rather than that of the 18 yard box. As it happened we really should have scored from the free kick, but unfortunately on one of the few occasions a rebound did fall to one of our players the shot was put wide.

We did finish the half on level terms thanks to an own goal resulting from yet another set piece, but despite the scores being level we were far from happy with our performance.

With the injured Gollum forced off a re-shuffle was required, with Parker coming on at right back, Deano moving to left back, and Eye-ball moving to the centre of midfield. The Oaks were more competitive in this half, but it seems that we had already lost the match mentally; mistakes started to arrive with alarming regularity and the whole game got a bit scrappy.

We had a couple of good chances to score, but when the sucker punch came mid way through the second half – Deportivo making it 4-3 from another rebound off a set piece – we couldn’t gain any momentum and really failed to put the opposition under any pressure. Despite this Milly came very close to grabbing us a point with the last kick of the game, but unfortunately his perfectly struck volley (you guess it from the second ball following a corner) was fired straight at a Deportivo player – who I bet wishes he hadn’t been in the way.

This was a disappointing result, but one that can be rationalised when you consider that this was only our sixth game of the season, and hopefully the upcoming regular flow of fixtures will help us individually and as a team.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sun 21st Dec – v Stanford Wanderers @ Home – 10:30 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart:

Sun 7th Dec - Oaks Athletic 4 - 0 Linford Wanderers

Again just a quick post (more details to follow when I have time). The Oz boys returned for this game a few stones heavier and annoyingly tanned. It was a rusty but affective performance which saw the Oaks finish comfortable winners against 10 man Linford (yes Deano - they did only have 10).

A good headed goal from Rob settled the early nerves, and this was followed by an own-goal from another corner (your not have that one Al) to give the Oaks a 2-0 half time lead. The Oaks were more dominate in the second half and a converted penalty from Sharpy (which he also won) and a superb solo effort from Al wrapped up the match.

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNNeil (GK)

pppParker (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Deano (LB)

pNathan (RM) (c) Gollum (CM) Eye-Ball (CM) Aaron (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaAl (CF) Sharpy (CF)

subs: Jimmy

(No scoring chart til next week, but Sharpy id still top with 7, but Al is catching with 6.)

Eye - Ball

Next Match : Sunday 14th December v F.C. Deportivo Thurrock @ Blackshots - 11 a.m K.O.

Sunday 30th Nov - Oaks Athletic 2 - 3 Concept B (All leagues Cup)

Milesy must be given credit for getting a competitive team together for this game - which wasn't confirmed until the Wednesday before the match - especially given the Oz Boys were still away and yours truly was also unavailable.

More details (team, goal scoring chart etc) to follow, but the long of short of it was that a two nil half-time lead was lost in the second half to give Concept B an unlikely victory. Al assures me he got one of the goals and is trying to claim the other - although given the one he tried to claim last week it seems he can score without being within 10 yards of the ball!

Eye-Ball

Linford Wanderers 0 - 3 Oaks Athletic

Two goals from Sharpy and one from Al wrapped up a satisfying win in a game where our superiority in defence and the clinical finishing of our front two was the telling difference between the two sides. The funny thing is that Sharpy suggested we shouldn’t even play this game given the fact that an official referee had not been assigned! As it was the guy from Linford Wanderers was fair, and did a much better job than the man in black last week.

For the first time this season Milesy had the same 15 players to choose from, and the team was largely unchanged apart from the re-introduction of Eye-Ball and a starting place for Bill who had impressed when coming on as a sub last week. Bill was sporting yet another pair of football boots in an attempt to prove that the reason he keeps falling over is down to inadequate studs (your not fooling anyone Bill!). The full starting line-up was as follows:

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNNeil (GK)

pppDeano (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Eye-Ball (LB)

pNathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Stu (CM) (c) Bill (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaAl (CF) Sharpy (CF)

subs: Parker, Jimmy, Aaron

The game started following a respectably marked two minutes silence in memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives in times of war. Linford started the brighter of the two teams, but for all their possession they simply couldn’t find a way through with Rob and Milly not giving their front two an inch. In contrast Sharpy and Al were winning the majority of balls played up to them, and were getting good support from Nathan and Bill, who won the free-kick that led to the opening goal of the game.

Stu’s free-kicks are an equally dangerous weapon as Nathan’s long throws, and having already hit the post with one effort Stu whipped in a perfectly weighted free-kick from the left hand side which was met by Sharpy at the back post to head home from 6 yards. 1- 0 to The Oaks.

The rest of the first half continued in a similar vain to how it had started, with Linford having most of the ball, but not achieving much. You always want to get that second goal to settle the nerves, and Sharpy duly obliged when following good link up play with Nathan and Al he beat the keeper to the ball and finished from close range with a well controlled volley. We all know that Sharpy was developing a phobia of the six yard box, so hopefully today’s two goals will have put this hoodoo to bed.

We were delighted to go into half time with a two goal lead, and winning or losing the match would be down to us battling together as a team and getting in any tackles in the penalty area before Eye-Ball got anywhere near them. Linford did create chances, but these tended to be restricted to long range efforts which very rarely found the target.

The strength of the Oaks squad this season was demonstrated when Milesy made three changes in the second half; with Parker replacing Deano – who by this time had sobered up enough to realise he was still injured and as Milesy had left his hipflask at home he was unable to continue. Aaron replaced Bill, who had given it all for the cause, and Jimmy replaced Gollum whose back had given up on him. The fresh legs gave us an extra boost, and when Al found the net via the near post from a tight angle the victory was sealed. The main aim was now to get our first clean sheet of the season, which we subsequently did, and was just reward for an excellent defence display.

We played to our strengths in this game, and I don’t think there are many teams who have a full squad of players who are prepared to get stuck in and battle for each other. So provided we all turn up with our right heads on there should be many more victories to come.

We’ve got a couple of weeks off, but still check the blog as hopefully we’ll have some updates from our Australian delegation – have a great time lads and see you in four weeks.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sun 30th Nov - TBC

Goal Scoring Chart:

Oaks Athletic 2 - 3 Rec Rovers

The Oaks came back from behind once in this game, but were unable to repeat the feat a second time in a game that was dominated by a poor referee and yet another penalty conceded by the Oaks (the third in three games).

I don’t like to talk about referees in these match report, but given the incidents in today’s game, and the affect I think it had on our performance, I believe it’s worth discussing.

I believe that refs shouldn’t be subject to the abuse you hear every Sunday – we all moan when there isn’t a ref, and I’m not the only one who felt getting cold and wet on a Sunday morning just to be public enemy number one wasn’t worth the money they pay. That said good referees get a lot less grief than the bad ones, but we need to accept that, at our level, we are going to get more bad refs than good ones, and (as we saw today) confronting the referee only has a detrimental affect on your own side.

I thought of an analogy of how a teacher deals with a poorly performing student. Little Jimmy (no relation to our Jimmy) gets an F in his maths test. Mr Jones can see that Jimmy tries hard – he turns up to every class and always gets his homework in on time – it’s just he’s not very good a maths. Mr Jones gives Jimmy some constructive feedback, but has to do this in a gentle manner so as not to dampen little Jimmy’s spirits. Jimmy sits the test again, and again he gets an F. Mr Jones is feeling frustrated at this point; it seems that he can’t say or do anything to make Jimmy better at maths. However, he can’t let his frustration be known to Jimmy, and he definitely can’t tell him what he really thinks of his lame attempt at long division – he’d risk losing his job if he did. What he can do is reflect his concerns about Little Jimmy’s performance in his end of year report, and give his parents the opportunity to deal with the problem.

I know it can be hard as emotions run high and injustice can be hard to swallow, but if we try and put ourselves in Mr Jones’ shoes (that was an unintentional pun by the way), and let Milesy deal with little Jimmy’s assessment I’ll guarantee that we’ll see the benefits – for one thing we’ll more than likely finish the game with eleven men unlike Rec Rovers.

Anyway, that’s the preaching out of the way; let’s talk about the football. Milesy was unable to start with the same eleven that had finished so strongly the week before; Kieron once again had work commitments and Eye-Ball was taking longer than expected to get back from Southampton. The team to start the game was as follows:

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNeil (GK)

pppDeano (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Parker (LB)

pNathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Stu (CM) (c) Aaron (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaAl (CF) Sharpy (CF)

subs: Jimmy, Bill, Eye-Ball

The first two goals of the game were of higher quality than we are accustomed to in this league. The first went the way of Rec Rovers, as a deep cross was met at the back post with a smart header. This goal also brought about the early departure of Deano, whose injury problems seem to be going from bad to worse; hopefully four weeks in Oz will provide the rest his body needs (obviously excluding his liver).

The Oaks responded to going behind with an even better goal - Stu putting in an outswinging free kick which was met on the run by Rob who headed emphatically back across the keeper and into the net from about 15 yards.

This was Rob’s first goal of the season, and The Oaks took the lead through another player who got his name on the score sheet for the first time this year. Another free-kick from a similar position to the last was again whipped in by Stu. Rec Rovers failed to deal with another excellent delivery, and the ball feel to Aaron who showed good composure to slot home from 6 yards (we’re just grateful it fell on his left foot!).

The Oaks went into half-time leading 2-1, and Milesy rightly pointed out that the next 20 minutes would be vital; if we could get the third goal we’d be more or less home and dry. We had shown in the first half that we had more goals in us, and Sharpy was especially disappointed to miss a headed chance that is usually his bread and butter.

Unfortunately Milesy’s wise words didn’t quite have the affect he would have hoped, and we started the second half in lacklustre fashion; allowing Rec to get the upper hand and put our goal under sustained pressure. We were struggling to clear the ball, and when possession was lost as we tried to catch Rec on the counter-attack their right winger was left unmarked and was able to find the bottom corner to bring the scores level.

The Oaks were seemingly shell-shocked at this point, but although we didn’t look like scoring ourselves we were also dealing comfortably with the little attacking threat Rec possessed – with Neil once again making some fine saves. Eye-Ball then decided that seeing as we seem to play better when we are losing, why not gift the opposition a golden goal scoring opportunity. If it means you get to kick a man to the ground then all the better! Eye-Ball’s mistimed challenge in the area had the desired affect, and The Oaks were 3-2 down; leaving some wishing there had been more traffic on the M3 this morning.

The introduction of Bill and Jimmy did bring some much needed fresh impotence to the team, but unfortunately we weren’t able to find the equaliser and winner to give us the result that we felt we were more than capable off given the quality of the opposition and our recent performances.

I think we all agreed that this was a disappointing result, but we should be even more determined to make amends next week. This will be Gollum, Parker, Deano, Sharpy and Nathan’s last game before they head off to Oz – so let’s send them off in style.

Eye Ball




p.s. Good luck for Tuesday Sharpy.

Next Game: TBC.

Goal Scoring Chart:

Concept B 1 - 3 Oaks Athletic

Last week I had the pleasure of describing Gollum’s first goal in 2 years, and today it was only the width of the crossbar which prevents me from writing of the end of an even longer goal drought – mine! I did score once when playing Under 14 football, but apart from that I haven’t managed a goal (not counting those at the wrong end) in an eleven aside match. This isn’t a big issue, and as long as Sharpy and co. keep banging them in I’m more than happy to stick to my job of helping to stop them going in at the other end. That said, we might need to start looking for a replacement No. 9 given our top scorer’s bizarre attempt to get an earlier-than-planned trip to Oz – someone could have told him it takes at least 5 weeks to get there by boat!

Manager Milesy is having to earn his money lately, as he once again had to change the team for this encounter. Milly was on family duty, and Bill was also absent. Captain Stu and Kieron did return, and the following side was named to start the game:

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaNNeil (GK)

pppParker (RB) Rob (CB) Deano (CB) Eye-Ball (LB)

pNathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Stu (CM) (c) Kieron (LM)

ppppaaaaaaaaaaaAl (CF) Sharpy (CF)

subs: Aaron, Jimmy

After a few tough games on the bounce this was game which – on paper – we felt we should win. However we really did not start well, and the only time I can recall a pass going where it was meant to was when I threw the ball to Nathan, after one of the numerous times I had to collect the ball from the other side of Blackshots Field. The only noteworthy incident of the first half was a very dubious penalty awarded to Concept following an apparent “push” by Deano on their small centre forward. The penalty was converted, and The Oaks went into half time 1 – 0 down.

I say that there was only one noteworthy incident of the first half, but I suppose I should mention the “lover’s tiff” between Sharpy and Nathan following one failed attempt to link up, with the dialogue going something like:

Nathan: “What are you doing running over there you infuriating halfwit?”

Sharpy: “I always run over there! How long have we been together, and you don’t know anything about me! And Halfwit! That’s rich coming from someone who thought that the sum of two fractions equals the sum of the numerator of the two fractions divided by the sum of the corresponding denominators!”

Nathan: “I do know that someone will be bathing alone tonight, and if you think I’m letting you use my loofah you’ve got another thing coming”

Sharpy: “Suits me fine. If you want to be the only one who cleans the toilet I’m not going to complain”.

Nathan: “…”

Following some far more constructive discussions during the half time interval, we took to the field for the second half determined to put in a better performance. We certainly achieved this, and started to play like the Oaks that had been so impressive in recent weeks. We defended from the front, and didn’t give our opponents time to settle on the ball. We also sorted out our passing, and our offence quartet of Kieron, Sharpy, Al and Nathan started to link up much more affectively.

It wasn’t long before we were back on level terms, and it was fitting that Nathan – who had been terrorising the Concept left back since the half began – should get his first goal of the season, when he game inside and slotted home inside the right-hand post with his weaker left foot.

The Oaks weren’t going to be happy settling for a draw, and with 15 minutes left to play it took another intervention from the referee to give us a golden opportunity to take the lead. Again Nathan was involved, as he made a run into the area, and just got to the ball before the onrushing keeper who could only upend Nathan and concede the penalty. Despite Deano reassuring members of the opposition that we don’t score penalties, Sharpy stepped up to calmly slot home from the compulsory 12 yards and consequently take the lead at the top of the scoring charts. Some of us were slightly concerned that he might aim for the corner flag rather than the goal given that he had previously shown a genuine phobia of shooting at goal despite making himself a quilt edge opening with a sublime turn.

At 2-1 The Oaks were comfortable, and Neil didn’t have a save to make. He is quickly becoming a commanding presence behind the back four, and the dealt with Concept’s long ball tactics with ease. We starting creating more chances, and Deano was particularly unlucky (and vocally disappointed) to see a well guided header from a corner cleared off the line.

Now we come to Eye-Ball’s “nearly” goal, which I have been given permission to describe in great detail. It was inevitable that Concept would commit more bodies forward in an attempt to find an equaliser, and when Kieron picked up the ball on the half way line Eye-Ball looked to exploit the space down the left wing. The ball was played over the top by the aforementioned Left Winger, and Eye-Ball gave chase, out-jumping the defenders who looked to snuff out the danger, and holding off the challengers as he advanced into the area. With the ball still bouncing, and the danger of being muscled off the ball being imminent, Eye-Ball stuck out the (un)trusty right boot and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper.

“This is it” I thought, “my first goal for The Oaks. How should I celebrate? Nathan’s already done the cartwheel (although that was pretty naff), so I’ll go for gyrating at the corner flag – the one that isn’t lying on the floor would probably be best”.

Unfortunately I didn’t bank on the below-regulation height goals at Blackshots (I will have a tape measure with me next week), and as the ball re-bounded off the cross bar I could only pick myself up and retreat back to the left back position. On the plus side, Concept failed to clear the ball as well as the crossbar had, and Nathan was able to double his goal tally with a blistering rising shot that gave the keeper no chance.

It was a relief to get the third goal; although we should have been able to defend the one goal lead, you just never know! It’s just a shame we didn’t finish off the game earlier. Because we were playing well, but didn’t score the third goal until late in the game, Milesy really couldn’t change the team, and as a consequence Jimmy and Aaron didn’t get a run out today. However they both showed a real team mentality (as always), and will get the chances their loyalty deserves.

Well played today everyone, and let’s make sure this is our first win of many in the league.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sun 2nd Nov 10.30 K.O. vs Rec Rovers @ Blackshots (we’re at home so get there early to put up nets)

Goal Scoring Chart:

Kynoch Sports 3 – 2 Oaks Athletic (Dvision 2B Knock Out Cup)

This game will be remembered not so much for the disappointed of defeat, but for a special moment for one of the Oaks most loyal servants; Paul “Gollum” Webb. Gollum has taken a fair bit of flack (though all in good humour) for managing just one goal in two seasons, despite starting the majority of games at Centre Forward. This is not to say that Gollum hasn’t contributed significantly in other ways, and his determination and willingness to get stuck in has caused defences no end of problems. Al’s arrival this season has seen Gollum deployed in the centre of midfield, and he has relished his role as the “break up” man.

It was somewhat fitting that Gollum’s replacement in attack assitted in ending his goal drought, with Al’s corner finding the unmarked Gollum in the six yard box, who put the ball home with a bullet header to give the Oaks the lead midway through the first half. It was great to see Gollum score, and especially pleasing for our old friend Jacko who had come over to support us (although was there really any need to seem so amazed!).

Injuries and work commitments meant that milesy once again had to change the team around, with Aaron and Parker replacing Stu and Kieron in the starting eleven, which looked as follows:

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaNeil (GK)

aaParker (RB) Milly (CB) Deano (CB) (c) Eye-Ball (LB)

aaaaNathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Rob (CM) Aaron (LM)

aaaaaaaaaaa Sharpy (CF) Al (CF)

Subs: Bill, Jimmy.

In a high tempo first half The Oaks had chances to extend their lead, and also road their luck as Kynoch squandered some good chances. However this luck didn’t last for long, and the failure to deal with a long goal kick lead to the Kynoch striker crossing low for his team mate to tap in at the far post.

Injuries are still a major problem for The Oaks, and Vice-Captain Deano – who had been struggling since the initial warm up – had to reluctantly step down at half time and hand over the cursed arm band to Nathan. This meant another shake up from Tinkerman Milesy, with Rob moving back into defence and Bill coming on with the unenviable task of tracking Kynoch’s most influential player.

Having done more than hold our own for 45 minutes against a good side -who had spent the previous season in the Division One – it was a shame that we weren’t able to carry on where we had left off in the second half, as we allowed Kynoch to get on top of us. To be fair, they made much better use of the large Pegasus pitch, and their sustained period of possession finally bore fruit as the newly named “Titanium Pepperami” tried too hard to intercept a floated cross into the danger area, and only succeeded in flattening the opposition player. The ref had no hesitation in awarding the penalty, which was subsequently converted to give Kynoch a 2-1 lead.

Kynoch remained on top following the goal, and The Oaks players – by their own admission – failed to raise their game to the required level. Sharpy even admitted that he would have substituted himself, by what could he do ...”he’s not the manager”. Nathan rightly tried to encourage his troops to put more pressure on the opposition higher up the pitch, but unfortunately a third goal for Kynoch came before an equaliser. There was still to be a potentially interesting finish as Al slotted home smartly between the keeper’s legs from 20 yards to make the score 3-2, but unfortunately the only other noteworthy incident was in the bar where Deano fulfuilled a lifetime ambition of burping, coughing, and sneezing at the same time.

I don’t think any of us would disagree that the better team won on the day, but what was encouraging was that we all felt we could, and should have done better – so let’s up it again next week!

Eye Ball

Next game – Sun 26th Oct 10.30 K.O vs Concept B @ Blackshots (Away) (league match)

Oaks Athletic 3 - 2 Linford Wanderers (Combined League Cup)

The Oaks are starting to show real self-belief, as they twice came from behind to win a match in which they were by far the better side.

I'm afraid I don't know the official name of this cup competition (it's probably something like the Dulux Dog Magnolia Challenge Cup), but it's basically the one where you can meet any team from the five divisions of the Thurrock Sunday League. The draw for the first round saw The Oaks pitted against Linford Wanderers, who are in our league this year and beat us 4-2 in the same competition 2 seasons ago.

Manager Milesy decided not to stick with the team that had played so well the previous week against Belhus Park, and instead chose to put the returning Rob and Eye-Ball back in and hand a starting spot to Kieran, who had really impressed the previous week when coming on as a sub. I'm sure everyone will agree that having Kieran available regularly will add an extra bit of class - even if it means our centre backs can't see much when he is playing with Gollum in the midfield.


The starting 11 for today's game was as follows:

Neil (GK)

Deano (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Eye-ball (LB)

Nathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Stu (CM) (c) Kieran (LM)

Al (ST) Sharpy (ST)

and this left Parker, Jimmy, Bill and Aaron starting on the bench.

The Oaks kicked-off the match, playing towards the flats in the lifting fog. It was a bright start, with The Oaks quickly settling into the slick passing game that is becoming a bit of a trademark. There was a really good balance to the side, with Nathan and Kieran linking up time and again with Al and Sharpy to provide a real attacking threat, whilst Stu and Gollum held their ground in the midfield, preventing the opposition from having any sustained posession. With the back four looking comfortable, and Neil obvioiusly having put the previous week behind him, there was really only one team that looked likely to win - and the only surprise was that The Oak went behind after 20 minutes.

On their first attacks of any note Linford got the ball into the heart of The Oaks penalty area, but when a good block from Rob was prevented from going behind by the arm of a Linford player on the ground, the injustice felt by the absence of any whistle from the referee was compounded by the fact that a Linford player was consequently able to fire the ball into the net to give his side an undeserved 1-0 lead.

The frustration caused by this horendous decision unsettled The Oaks, but composure was soon restored, and it wasn't long until the equaliser arrived. The referee was not having the best of games, and when Rob was barged off the ball in the opposition penalty area he decided that this offence was only worthy of an indirect free-kick! In hindsight we can't complain about the decision, as Nathan rolled the ball into Stu's path to calmy drill the ball into the bottom left hand corner and level the scores. The only person still slightly disappointed was Sharpy, who saw his chance of catching Al in the scoring chart snatched away (because of course he would have scored the penalty).

This score proved the catalyst for all out war on the Linford Wanderers goal; unfortunately the Linford keeper wasn't ready to throw in the towel, as he pulled out a string of quite remarkable saves to keep the score at 1-1 going in at half time.

The Oaks weren't able to start the second half in the dominating fashion they had displayed in the first, and Linford were able to get on the front foot. The home side were subsequently made to pay when some slack defending, and a failure to clear the ball on several consecutive occasions lead to the replacement winger getting on the end of a tame throw-in to slot in and put Linford 2-1 up.

The Oaks had shown in the first half that they were capable of creating genuine scoring chances from open play, but as always we were still very dangerous from set-pieces. It was from the tried and tested O'Kerin bullet throw that The Oaks equalised for the second time; Sharpy once again causing all sorts of problems in the box and finally converting with his rosy cheeks. 2-2.

2-2 soon turned to 3-2, as The Oaks took the lead for the first time. Linford's policy of launching it long in an attempt to capatilise on the rising sun back-fired as Neil confidently collect one such long ball, and whose quick distribution saw the ball find it's was through to Sharpy, who wasn't about to give the keeper more saving practise as he calmly slotted the ball into the corner.

The game was by no means over, and Linford pushed forward looking for an equaliser. It was all hands to the pumps, and some dogged defending plus some outstanding saves from Neil - including a fine reaction stop from a volley from about 8 yards - saw The Oaks over the line.

Well done to all for the first (and overdue) win of the season; now let's make it a habit. I hope those who didn't make it on this week feel like they contributed to the team effort. We've got a really strong squad, and if we have 15 players turning up every week those who do start will know they have to perform because Milesy will know he can replace anyone not pulling their weight with someone eager to impress.

Eye-Ball

Next Game : Sun 19th Oct - 10.30 KO Vs Kynoch Sports @Pegasus Club (another cup game)

Goal scoring chart:

Belhus Park Ath 2 - 2 Oaks Athletic

I'm not really in a position to comment on this match, as I wasn't there and I haven't seen the highlights on Match of the Day yet!

I have been reliably informed that The Oaks could (and possibly should) have won the game, and that early fears that we might be out of our depth in this league have already been dispelled.

Well done to Al for bagging his first two goals for The Oaks - I'm sure there will be many more to come.

If someone lets me know the starting 11 (and who came on as sub) I'll update the scoring chart. Also if you want to supply any info about the game I will add it to the report.

Well done lads.

Eye-Ball

Sutton Sports 5 - 2 Oaks Athletic (Essex Cup)

The full title of this match was: The Sunday Junior Cup - Group Eleven - Preliminary Round; which is slightly demoralising for a few reasons: Firstly it gives the impression we were beaten by a bunch of kids; secondly a better draw could have seen us play Kaktus or Asda rather than a half decent side from the Southend League; and thirdly, we didn't even make it to the first round!

Given the opposition, and the general consensus that this cup is a bit of an unwanted distraction, it says a lot about the expectations of the team that we were all disappointed with the final result. With a couple of strong performances pre-season, and the introduction of some new blood to the squad everyone was itching to get the season underway.

Milesy had to make a last minute change to the side, with Milly taking the sensible decision not to risk his dodgy calf. New man Bill stepped in to the starting 11 which also included two more new signings in Al and Neil; all three having already proven themselves to be valuable additions in pre-season.


The full starting eleven looked as follows:

Neil (GK)

Parker (RB) Robbie (CB) Deano (CB) Eye-ball (LB)

Nathan (RM) Gollum (CM) Stu (CM) (c) Bill (LM)

Al (ST) Sharpie (ST)

The Oaks started well, with Sharpie, Al and Nathan supplying the main attacking threat. However, it was apparent early on that it was not going to be an easy game for the defence, with the ridiculous policy of not having linesmen meaning you could have no confidence in playing offside. This was made even worse when the eagle-eyed amongst us noticed the ref was wearing a Sutton Sports shirt under his kit. To make matters worse his incontinence pants were obviously hampering his mobility, and he subsequently had to make every decision from the safety of the centre circle.

The Oaks went behind in the first half when Neil was unfortunate to parry a shot straight into the path of an opposition player, who rifled a low shot which went in off the post.

It was not long until The Oaks were back in the match when Nathan "Delap" Kerin hurled in a trademark long throw which was met at the back post by Sharpie, who opened his goal-scoring account for the season.

1-1 soon became 2-1, when the opposition number 10 was allowed to meet a diagonal ball and slot in with ease at the back post. The Oaks were now on the back foot, and a neat volley finish by the same number 10 (you're right Deano - he really was doggy do-do) made the score 3-1 at the break.

The two fit(ish) subs Aaron and Jimmy came on at the start of the second half, replacing Bill and Parker respectively (the latter needing to get back to his Donkey World apparently - we've got to get that photo on here!). The second half saw a 13th man added to the opposition's side, with mother nature playing havoc with our vision. They looked to take advantage of this by peppering shots at our goal, one of which Neil was only able to parry into the path of an on-rushing Sutton player who made the score 4-1.

The game was not over by any means, and a good attacking run and rasping shot from Aaron resulted in a corner which Sutton failed to clear, and Deano smartly slotted home at the back post to make the score 4-2 and apparently earn himself a hair cut (?).

First game fitness issues became apparent in the last 15 minutes, and Sutton always looked the more likely to score, which they duly did when efforts of Neil, the cross-bar (twice) and Eye-ball could only result in the ball being bundled over the line.

So 5-2; a disappointing result, but an encouraging first performance of the season which will hopefully give everyone some confidence going into the first league game next week.

Eye-Ball

Next Game : Sun 5th Oct - 10.30 KO Vs Belhus Park Ath @Lakeside (between M&S and Ann Summers)

Goal Scoring Chart

Football Fixtures

Check out when you can see the latest footy matches on sky/setanta etc

Live TV Football Fixtures

Big Match this weekend - England V Andorra. Expect a 3-0 win. They will defend deep, we need to get to the byline to cross you morons!

Anyway. It's on Setanta :)

Steve McClaren - What's up with the accent? Interview

haha classic...

Cheap England Away Shirt with Printing

A good deal for England's new world cup qualifying campaign....which begins on Wednesday this week!

New England 08-10 Away shirt with Gerrard or Rooney Name and Numbering – only £29.99! – save £22 on SubsideSports.

England Shirt with Gerrard Printing


England Shirt with Rooney Printing


Older England gear is also available with 50% off at kitbag.com.

New Season, New Oaks?

The new season kicks off soon!

I want to know how the guys from oaks ath are getting on - had any friendlies? Has the season started? Come on - someone should update this!

Get your new season's kits out for the lads! Liverpool are trying to bring back the 80s... but can they match their past successes? I doubt it!




Also, Setanta Sports has all the England qualification matches, if you want to put yourself through some nailbiting sessions. They seem to be showing all Arsenal games and west ham fans have to wait until december to get a game. I am boycotting it!

Check out my new website for the latest digital TV offers. I will hopefully list all of the premiership matches this week.

New Liverpool Strip Out

A horrible dull grey and red strip from Liverpool... eugh! This could be one for DEANO!

Kuyt trying to look hard and failing. Do Liverpool have any photogenic players? Soon every club will employ a beckham-style player just for his advertising skills.



Also, Spain for the win! I reckon Torres will get some goals in the final. Hopefully beating the Germans about 5-0.

Early Retirement for 'Homebase'

The time has finally come for me to hang my boots up for good.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320262813371&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=011

I would have loved to have finished playing on a high, rather than leaving the pitch and hopping into an ambulance, but this is the way of things in sunday league football I suppose. I am still having issues with my knee now and I can't see myself ever having the same determination on the pitch. Knowing that the cruciate tear could rip entirely at any moment is very unsettling, given the pain it caused me.
I've been playing football for the last twenty years as an amateur sunday league player, so I've had my share of Promotions, Relegations, League and Cup Match defeats and Victories, Cup Finals, Trophies and Medals, Injuries, Goals! But not a single booking or sending off.
I've got a few things to hand over to the team, one of them being the Captain's Armband. I'm sure that Milesy will make the right choice when he picks the next Captain.

There is training this Sunday (22nd June) at Blackshots at 10.30 am.

Euro 2008 Tickets available from Seatwave

Seatwave have tickets for all of the Euro 2008 matches, if you did still want to see a game. Could be a nice relaxing break without England in it :(

The Site

Should work now with no issues. Long time in coming. The website address has changed though. Change your bookmarks to oaksathletic.blogspot.com.

LATERS!

Free Capello T-Shirt with New England Shirt

The Great man that is Capello, on a t-shirt. Plus you also get the new England away shirt free! Or is that the other way around?

Cup Match: Oaks Athletic 4 Vs (other team) 3

Oaks played well for about the first 20 minutes and could have been six-nil up in that time had they taken their chances. At three nil up (Jacko 2, Sharpy 1), the concentration seemed lacking as the opposition scored two soft goals before half time. Oaks had the wind with them in the first half, so we knew that the second half would test the resolve of the players. It was tough playing against the wind and the opposition clawed another goal back, and at this point, it really could have gone either way. Jacko really put in the effort with a long run and shot, which the number 12 of the opposition accidentally volleyed into his own net. So, they actually scored four goals, we only scored three, and we've gone through to the next round! It's a funny old game isn't it?

Injury Watch
Jamie: Hamstring strain suffered during this match
Jacko: Knackered.

Long term Injury Watch
Homebase: Partially torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the knee(R). (radiologist confirmed)
Dan: Metal Leg

Johnny Gay Watch
"I can fucking see the number 10! Fuck off!" -Ok John, just trying to help.

Eye-Ball Watch-This-Space
Eye-Ball-Paul will be writing match reports soon too.

Next week's game is a league match at home to Rec Rovers.
Blackshots 09.30am, 10.30am k.o.