It was pleasing that so many of the squad turned up for this game; especially as many knew before the game that they would not be playing. Sharpy (who had been given a vote of confidence by the board after an impressive first week in charge) stuck to Milesy's plan to give a lot of the new lads - who had played a limited part in the first two games - the opportunity for a good run out. This meant a first start in goal for Luke, and with Gollum, Parker, Al also getting their first taste of the action this season:
pppppppppppppppppppLuke (GK)
pSteve (RB)ppWhiley(CB)pppDeano(CB) (c)ppppChris (LB)
Jordan (RM)pppGollum (CM)ppAl (CM)ppppppEye-Ball (LM)
pppppppppppppParker (CF)pppppHarry (CF)
Subs/Watchers: Nick, Rob, Mikey, Ty, Joe, Gavin, Tapsell, Nathan, Sharpy, Ryan
This week's introduction to the new players sees us take a look at Harry:
Harry
Known as: 'H'
Biggest hit: 'Tragedy' - a UK no. 1 with over 1 million copies sold
Young enough to be mistaken for: Robbie Lawerence's grandson
Best Position: Striker
Best attributes: Pace, quick feet, an eye for goal, and legs that miraculously turn to jelly inside the 18 yard box (funny, sounds remarkably like our old skipper...)
Don't be surprised to hear him shout: "Triangle R1!" as he forgets this is real football (OK perhaps only loosely speaking) and not FIFA 2012.
The Oaks started well enough with Al and Gollum breaking up the play in midfield, whilst linking up well with Jordan, Harry and Parker. However, it wasn't long before the Catalans got into their stride and showed that they were at least one level above us in every area. If any of us had ever wondered what it would be like to defend against Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Villa (yes Harry, I know you probably have done), this is probably the closest we'll come, as their speedy wingers terrorised us down the flanks whilst their midfielders started to over-run us through the middle as well.
As a result of their almost constant attack on our goal, Catalans won numerous corners and free kick. It was these set pieces that exposed the main weakness of the Oaks starting eleven for this game, as all our main aerial ball winners were either on the bench, suspended or semi-retired. The first goal conceded was a prime example of what we were missing, as Eye-Ball found himself knocked off-balance from a corner in an area that Rob and Milly would usually dominate, which subsequently left his man free to nod the ball home.
At least two more of the other three goals conceded in this half came as a result of us not clearing the ball from set pieces, and Catalans found various ways to get the ball past Luke, including an overhead kick from their centre back and skipper (says it all really!)
It wasn't all doom and gloom in the first half, as we managed to create two half chances with Harry heading goal wards from a cross by Jordan, and Parker failing to capitalise on a chance to show his technical ability as a volley skewed off the side of his boot. Luke also pulled of a fine diving save to keep the scoreline looking slightly more respectable than it could have done.
Even Deano's boots couldn't cope and had to be retired during the game
Joe, Tapsell and Gavin came on at half time for Chris, Gollum and Parker, and although things didn't improve dramatically we did manage to cut down the number of corners and free kicks which helped slow the rate of scoring. In fact both the goals in this half came from open play, with Eye-Ball once again having to put his hands up for the 5th goal as he was outrun by their forward following our own corner, and the striker was allowed to centre the ball for his partner to score. The 6th goal was scored by one of the Catalan substitutes who seemed to be even quicker and more skillful than the ones they had replaced. This was proven as the aforementioned player glided round Deano and Eye-Ball and shot low across Luke and into the bottom corner.We did have our moments, with Tapsell once again showing his eye for a defence splitting pass; unfortunately on this occasion it was our defence he decided to split! Al repeated the feat, but this time the pass was for Harry, who may have continued his goal a game ratio if it hadn't been for a dubious linesman's flag that was to frustrate him all afternoon.
It was becoming apparent that, with the score at 6-0, the Oaks watchers were beginning to lose faith in their team mates. This was confirmed when Eye-Ball's attempt to raise the spirits of his team mates by proclaiming that "we're doing alright lads", was met by a barrage of hysterical laughter - very disappointing...
Anyway, the referee finally put us out of our misery and allow us to return to our new home at The Ship and reflect on what can only be put down as an experience. The good thing is that confidence should remain high going into next weeks game as we know we won't ever be this far out of our depth in the Thurrock Sunday League.
Eye-Ball
Injury List: Ryan damaged his ankle ligaments during the week and will be out for around 4 weeks, but this didn't stop him coming to support the team. This is a big blow given the great start he has made to the season, and we obviously wish him a speedy recovery.
Next Game: Sunday 16th October Away @ Blackshots v Lakeside Trojans - Ted Fairchild Cup.
Scoring chart to be added later in the week.
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