I learnt this Sunday that there are two things you should never do: write off The Oaks, and let Parker use your towel! Discounting last weekend’s walkover, the Oaks have had a torrid time of late, with two very tough double headers and their worst defeat in recent memory. With confidence already low, the fact that we were up against the only undefeated side in the league, who had beaten us 7-4 earlier in the season, wouldn’t have done much for morale. However, not only did we win this match, we outplayed G&D for large periods of the game and thoroughly deserved to earn all three points.
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With Deano passing a late fitness test (which involved running from one end of the living room to the other), and Milly also back from injury, Milesy was able to name his regular back four for the first time since the start of January. Unfortunately the instructions on Ty’s antibiotics clearly stated that shouting “Out!” and “You’re all watching!” was an absolute no, no, so there really wasn’t any way he could play. Parker stepped in, who we all know can do a job if his head is screwed on and he is reasonably sober.
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With Sharpy’s ankle still not 100%, he had to settle for a place on the bench as Milesy started with the following eleven:
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pppppppppppppppppParker (GK)
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ppDeano (RB) Rob (CB) Milly (CB) Eye-Ball (LB)
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Jordan (RM) Gollum (CM) Micky (CM) Aaron (LM)
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pppppppppppNathan (CF) (c) Nick (CF)
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Subs: Jimmy, Sharpy, James
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Watchers: Tyrone
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Milesy summed up the first half as: first fifteen not very good, last half hour much better. We started slowly, and seemed also in awe of G&D as we allowed them to pass the ball around us and enjoy the lion share of possession. As if a disallowed goal for a narrow offside wasn’t enough, we once again got caught playing too high a line and the G&D forward ran in behind our defence to shoot passed Parker, who got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep it out: 1-0.
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I have been told the majority of the seven goals conceded last time these two sides met were scored in this fashion, and it took Mikey to remind of us this fact and suggest we drop off five. The advice was taken, and set the tone for the remainder of the match. The Oaks started to find their feet, and found some time on the ball. With Nathan dropping deep to link up with Mikey and the wingers, and Nick causing havoc in the swirling wind, the Oaks began to get on top.
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Nathan started to find space between the defence and midfield, and with good service from those around him would have been disappointed not to test the keeper with a couple of scuffed efforts. Even Nick got a shot away at one point, which proved too hot for the G&D keeper to hold as he could only deflect it onto the post.
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The Oaks deservedly got back on level terms before half time when Aaron – who was having a superb half – executed a cheeky volleyed flick with the outside of his left boot following a good delivery from Rob. The ball looped passed the bemused G&D keeper and into the net: 1-1.
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The Oaks were now on top, having discovered that this young G&D side weren’t particularly up for the rough and tumble that the Oaks are so good at. With the defence quick to put their men under pressure from goal-side as soon as the ball was received, and Gollum breaking up play in front of the back four, G&D’s passing started to go astray. This allowed Mikey to pick up the loose balls and link up with Aaron, Jordan and the two front men who were causing the G&D defence all sorts of problems.
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It was a real blow when Nick, who was having one of his best games of the season, limped off just before half-time. This meant an early debut for new signing James, whose initial contribution was to fall over every time he ran towards the ball. Despite the obvious rustiness, James was set to play a major part in the outcome of this match.
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The second half was a really competitive affair, with the play moving from end to end. G&D created chances but, when they did break through, Parker was equal to the threat and produced some fine saves. On one occasion he charged out to meet the advancing attacker, and blocked the shot with what was later described by one of the Oaks players as his “moo moo” (which I think roughly translates to nose). He also leapt (or flopped if you want to be more accurate) to his left to stop an effort that was destined for the corner of the net. As well as a knock to the nose, Parker also sustained damage to his left elbow when a G&D player fell on it. The person who showed most concern was the referee, who was particularly interested to know if Parker was left handed, and if this would affect his evening entertainment. When he offered Parker “a hand” that was the cue for the rest of us to return to our positions. Maybe Parker can update us next week…
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When G&D were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the area, their lack of experience was once again evident as, despite Deano making his intention to drop back onto the post evident to everyone (he even demonstrated how this would work before the kick was taken) no attacker went with him, and he was perfectly positioned to deflect the goal bound effort behind unchallenged.
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Sharpy may not have been fit enough to start this match, but nothing was going to stop him playing some part in the game, and with about 20 minutes to go he came on for the exhausted Aaron, who had put in a great shift down the left. James moved to left midfield, and Sharpy took up his customary position spearheading the attack. Sharpy admits that he has often been used as an impact player, and it’s easy to see why as defences tend to think they are going to get an easier time when a sub striker comes on. However, with Sharpy chasing down every ball and competing in every challenge he must be a defence’s worst nightmare. Perhaps he works so well in this role because he hasn’t spent an hour getting more any more angry and frustrated with himself.
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It is therefore no surprise that he was heavily involved in The Oaks winning goal, as the Oaks caught G&D on the counter attack. I can’t quite remember exactly what happened in the build up, but I think Sharpy held the ball up before laying it off to Nathan. The ball then found its way back to Sharpy on the edge of the area, and he turned his man before seeing his shot deflected and looping up over the keeper towards the goal. James, who had made up good ground was then on hand to poke the ball over the line. It is debatable whether or not the ball would have gone in without James intervention but nobody (including Sharpy) was moaning: 1-2.
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The Oaks actually held out quite comfortably, and the strength of the squad was once again demonstrated as Jimmy slotted in for Deano, who had been struggling since his goal line clearance, and more than once popped up in the right place to clear the danger.
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The full-time whistle was greeted with muted celebrations (I think we tend to be more relieved than anything when we get a win), with the oppositions management team (yes “team”) being very gracious in defeat and acknowledging that the best team had won.
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Including the three points for the walkover, we now have 21 points with 9 games remaining so should be looking to better last season’s tally of 26 points. Next week’s game against Rec Rovers should be a real opportunity to get 3 points closer to that goal, but worryingly our second best performance of the season (I would rate this week as number one) in beating LTD was followed by a dismal display against Rec the following week – let’s make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.
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Eye-Ball
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