Oaks Athletic 3 - 1 Pegasus Coryton (Div 2 cup quarter final)

This week's match report comes from a different perspective, as I decided to tell Milesy I wouldn't be available due to illness. Before this season I would have pulled on my boots regardless, but with the strength of the squad that we have now, it seemed unnecessary to declare myself fit for selection when we have so many capable lads who stood a much better chance than I did of lasting more than 20 minutes.

West Ham United fans haven't really taken to Sam Allardyce. They expect their teams to play in a certain way, and don't like the ruthless and direct approach that Big Sam is famous for. Although they aren't winning games in style, they are doing enough to win games as their position at the top of the Championship clearly demonstrates. Watching for the sidelines this week, I came to a similar conclusion about the Oaks; we've rarely annhialated teams this season, but every week seem to raise our game to one level higher than our opponents. I'm sure we're yet to see the Oaks really hit top gear, but third was enough today to cruise to victory against a Pegasus side who have improved no end since the 5-1 drubbing we handed to them at the start of the season. In doing so the Oaks set up an away Semi-Final clash against Tilbury United, who beat Jacks Lads 3-2. The Daisyfields on a Sunday morning can be a pretty intimidating place to play, and we'll have to really show what we are made of if we are to stand any chance of achieving a league and cup double this year.


The Poddington Pea gets some catching practice

With Eye-Ball missing, Niki came into the side to partner Rob in the middle while Luke switched to the left, leaving Deano on the right side of defence. The rest of the team was unchanged from the previous match.

ppppppppppppppppTy

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppLuke

NathanppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Joe, Sharpy, Bunny, Al, Parker, Browne

We learnt this week that Jordan has handed in a transfer request, and will be playing for F.C. Deportivo for the rest of season. While we are all sad to see him go, it is also pleasing to know that he will be getting regular football and I'm sure he'll be a real asset to Deportivo. It was inevitable that players struggling to break into the side would look to go elsewhere, but I'm glad that Whiley, Gav, Jordan and Gollum (retired) have all left on good terms and any time they want to pop along to training, The Ship, or even try again next year, I'm sure they will get a warm welcome.

Watching from the sideline isn't as easy as I'd expected due to the many other distractions. As soon as I arrived for example, I was given the job of looking after Parker's bitch, but to be fair to Holly, she was a lot more interesting than the game. So apologies if this week's report is a bit short on detail, but please feel free to comment on any glaringly obvious omissions.

The infamous Blackshots wind once again seemed to be making life difficult, and the Oaks seemed to be struggling to settle into any sort of rhythm. The ball spent far too much time in the air and passes were over-hit or wayward. We looked at our most dangerous when we got the ball out to Ryan on the left, who had the beating of his opposite number, and in drawing the attention of the Pegasus defenders started to make space for Harry and Nick to work in.


Fights break out over who should get to apply the wet sponge for the skipper

Pegasus showed their ability to use the ball on the floor and play neat passes and one-twos, but as has been the case in the two previous clashes between these sides, their final product wasn't good enough to bother the Oaks superior defence. They did create one or two decent chances in the first half from crosses, but couldn't apply the finish to trouble Ty's goal.

I've credited Luke with the assist for the first goal, as it was his long free kick - following a foul on Mikey in the centre circle - that caused havoc in the opposition box. With Harry challenging for the ball, both keeper and defenders failed to clear the danger, and Nick was left with the simple job of passing the ball into an empty net. If Harry got a touch the assist will be his, but until that's confirmed I've given it to Luke: 1-0.


The BFJ gave the Oaks the lead in the first half

That was pretty much it for the first half, and as an observer it was clear that most of the eleven men leaving the pitch were not happy with the way they had played in the first 45. All the critcism was constructive though, and it was great to see everyone sharing ideas and taking on board what was being said to help the team improve.


Cheer up lads; we're winning!

The half time team talk definitely worked, as within 10 minutes the lead had gone from one goal to three, two Oaks players had finally opened their account for the season, and the game had pretty much been won.


Parker is left fuming, as not only is new mascot Holly better looking than him, she thinks she's a better linesman as well!


Nathan obviously believes tricks and old dogs aren't incompatible

Following a corner, and the usual scramble in front of goal, the ball fell invitingly for Nathan who smashed the ball goalwards. Unfortunately for him there was an arse blocking the route from his boot to the goal. Fortunately for Rob, the resulting rebound fell more or less right onto his toe, and he poked the ball home for his first goal of the campaign (I can't believe it's taken 13 games for me to be able to write this!): 2-0.


All hell brakes loose when someone drops a fiver near the front post


I wonder how much Rob would pay to have an empty net in which to score his first goal of the season. Lost a fiver lately mate?

The next goal has a missing assist provider so I'll refer to him as Ronnie (as in Purple) until the rightful owner steps forward. The ball was worked down the right hand side, and played by Ronnie to Mikey in the middle. He let the ball run across him, before hitting it low from just outside the area back across the keeper with his left foot. The keeper was able to get something on it, but it wasn't enough to prevent the ball nestling in the bottom corner. This was also Mikey's first goal of the season; last year Mikey and Rob scored 7 between them, which just goes to show how many scoring options we have now: 3-0.


Another classic after-action shot. Hopefully the description of Mikey's goal is enough.

With a good lead now established, Milesy took the opportunity to introduce some fresh legs, with Nick and Harry making way for Sharpy and Bunny. Joe also replaced Ryan a little later in the half.


Holly tries to escape an Aaron Bass Special

Pegasus showed that they weren't ready to give up, and pulled one back with a neat corner kick which caught the Oaks defence napping as the attacker was allowed to run to the front post unmarked to meet the low cross and flick it into the net: 3-1.

This didn't seem to faze the Oaks; in fact Niki felt so confident that the game was won that he decided to leave his defensive post and go on a mazy run that saw him replace Sharpy as the lone striker at one point. I didn't have chance to ask Rob what he thought of this, but I reckon he would have been pretty impressed.


Watch out, ginger about. Not you taps; look left!

Some other moments that stick in the mind from the second half include Sharpy coming close to connecting with a header following a good cross from the right, Deano getting his foot out of his mouth just in time to congratulate Sharpy on some neat footwork to get the ball out to Ryan on the left, Mikey B's ultra heavy socks, and Luke belittling the opposition by showing that, while they couldn't stop his run, thin air and a few blades of grass were more than capable of doing so.


OK son, explain again how your socks could fall down with those lovely shoe laces tied round them?

Unfortunately we have another week off next week, but the following week we return to league action with a massive game against Socketts Heath who are second and just a point behind us (although having played three games more). A glance at the league table shows that they could go in to the game top of the table, and although we know this to be a false representation they're going to be up for a fight to stop us regaining our rightful position. Let's make sure they know they're only keeping it warm for us.




Eye-Ball

Next game: Away @ Palmers College v Socketts Heath - 10.30 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart



Don't worry Nathan, I've given you the assist for Rob's goal.

Oaks Athletic 2 - 1 Tilbury United

The nerves and doubts brought about by a tough opening fixture of 2012, following 4 weeks (incorporating Christmas) without a game, were soon forgotten as the Oaks put in a mature and controlled performance to continue their good form and extend their lead at the top of Division 2 to 4 points (with at least one game in hand over all of our nearest rivals).

Much like circling vultures, the Oaks' job of winning the league (I don't think anyone would disagree now that this is the aim) is being made a lot easier by the lack of any other consistent performers, with every team regularly dropping points leaving us to then swoop in and snatch the best of the left-overs. Results are also starting to make some of our less satisfying performances seem all the more sweet: 6 points from Jacks Lads for example, who since losing to us have taken 7 points from 9 including a win against Beauchamps, and depriving Sockets Heath (the form side) of 2 points this week. 3-0 against Jurgens also now seems all the more significant, as this week they held second place Thameside to a nil-nil draw. Then there is our 2-2 draw against Pegasus, who are 3rd in the form table based on results since this game. The overall shift in power has also been dramatic, with Wilburn and Beauchamps - seen as our main contenders for the title in the early form guide - self destructing and tumbling down the table (Wilburn lost to surely the most inconsistent side in the league - Stanford Wanderers - who have scored more, and conceded more goals per game than any side). Sockets Heath and Thameside now look like our main threat, and given that we have already taken maximum points from Thameside, our next league game (unfortunately not until 5th Feb) against Heath will be key.



The loyalty of the Oaks squad members shows no sign of waining, as Milesy once again had more players to choose from - 18 - than he is allowed to name. With our ambitions of winning the league now being foremost in most minds, making significant changes to the starting eleven becomes increasingly difficult, and Ty (missing from the last game through injury) was the only player to come in; dislodging his younger brother in the process:

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppDeano (c)ppppEye-Ball

NathanppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Joe, Sharpy, Bunny, Jordan, Niki, Parker, Browne

The Oaks showed no signs of rust (or the affects of Christmas over-indulgence), as they took early control in this game. Possession was kept well as the ball was worked around on the floor, whilst the opposition were hounded and quickly dispossessed when the ball was lost. Despite this dominance the early chances were restricted to speculative long range efforts, whilst Tilbury showed they had a dangerous weapon usually associated with the Oaks, with their new captain showing he was capable of hitting the far side of the six yard box with his long throws.

Whilst the Oaks dealt with attacks from this source, Tilbury didn't do so well when the boot was on the other foot. I've written this so much in match reports over the years that I've decided to save some (virtual) ink and come up with an acronym: N.A.T.H.A.N. : Nathan Amazing Throw Has Athletic Netting. On this occasion Rob beat the flapping keeper to flick the ball on and leave Harry with the easy task of directing the ball into the net with his head (his first headed goal of the season I believe): 1-0.

The Oaks didn't sit on this one goal lead, and continued to control the game. We've scored some good goals this season already, but few (if any) have been better than the one that doubled the Oaks lead when Tapsell showed great awareness to spot Nathan's run behind the back four on the right. Tapsell's slide rule pass was perfectly weighted for Nathan to arrive on cue, beating keeper and defender to the ball and side footing it into the far corner of the net, to remind us of the deadly finishing that has been missing in recent games: 2-0.

The strong smell of weed (not a reference to Jordan's odour problems), that engulfed both the changing room and the pitch suggested that some of the Tilbury team were already in a daze, and this second goal should really have enhanced their drug induced disorientation. As it was we once again took pity on our inferior opposition by handing them a ill deserved tonic, to raise their spirits going into half time. It was the Oaks turn to be undone by the long throw as Deano and Rob challenged for the same ball, and only succeeded in helping the ball into the middle of the area where only Eye-Ball and the opposition striker were in attendance. Surprised to see the initial ball not being dealt with, Eye-Ball was inexcusably caught off balance, and couldn't adjust in time to stop the Tilbury striker from lashing the ball home: 2-1.

The second half saw the Oaks continue to dominate proceedings, with every player excelling in their position. Nathan completely dominated his opposite number, and Tilbury's best player, whilst the dynamic duo of Tapsell and Mikey continued to stake their claim as the most feared centre midfield partnership in the league. Crunching tackles, dominance in the air, composure on the ball, accurate and intelligent passing, tireless work to support in both attack and defence; if it weren't for their looks these boys would have it all!

[N.B. Before I get any abuse we all know their heads wouldn't have fitted through the Ship door if I hadn't deflated them a little]

In addition was the energy and determination of the Young Ones - Ryan and Harry - whose willingness to carry the ball and turn the opposition inside out gives us granddads a chance to get our breath back. Then there was the regular sight of the BFJ swatting off Tilbury defenders as if they were flies on his jerk chicken, whilst the back four of Eye-Ball, Deano, Rob and Luke worked in packs to hunt down and nullify the Tilbury hounds (and the squealing pig who made an appearance mid way through the second half). Finally the Poddington Pea - who gives so much more than just stopping shots - came out quickly and bravely to claim the ball whenever it came anywhere near the goal, and his intelligent distribution was key in helping the Oaks keep possession and run down the clock towards the end of the game.

The only real disappointment was poor finishing, which prevented the game from ever being put beyond doubt. Subsequently this prevented us from having the cushion that would have enabled Milesy to make changes, and give the faithful Oaks members on the bench the pitch time that they deserved. Countless chances went begging, and I'm sure Nick and Harry would be more disappointed than any that they weren't able to add to their respective goal tallies.

Nick's best chances included a tame shot that was no reward for some excellent work to make space for the shot in a crowded box, a close range effort that was scrambled off the line by a wall of Tilbury bodies. Then there was another scuffed shot after he had broken free in the box and received the ball on the left. The frustration for all of us is increased by the fact that we know what the big man is capable of, having witnessed his thunderbolt of a penalty in the previous game.

Harry's finishing has been sublime up to now, but he too was guilty of squandering excellent chances: following an awful clearance from the keeper, Harry was perhaps surprised to find himself clear through on goal and snatched a shot straight at the relieved goalie. Then when the ball fell to him following a corner the ball was slashed wide from 8 yards.

It wouldn't be fair to only mention the misses of the strikers, as plenty of us missed good chances, including Rob who beat everyone to another Nathan throw but couldn't achieve a N.A.T.H.A.N. as he managed to head over from under the cross bar.

Despite there being much rejoicing to be done for a superb performance and another three points, I felt it was necessary to highlight that we can still make significant improvements. With half the season gone, there are still four teams who, for us, are an unknown quantity, and if we underestimate any of them (or the other teams who have improved since we last played them) we are sure to come unstuck. However, I think we are all hungry for the league title now and I'm sure the renowned Oaks fighting spirit we give us every chance of a feast come the end of the season.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 22nd January @ Home v Pegasus (Cup Match): 1030 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart:

Oaks Official 2011 Christmas Knees Up

With a 1230 KO, the Ship on London Road was the venue for this annual fixture in which drinking copious amounts of beer, playing the 10p football game, losing our money at Killer to the pub pool team captain, arm wrestling, trying to remember how you got home and hugging the toilet bowl were the main activities.

We also had the awards for the 2011 season:

Manager Milesy's player of the season

3rd place: Jimmy Edwards(unfortunately no longer with the team, but a deserved mention for dedication to the team with weekly train journeys from Sutton. Often had to settle for a place on the bench, but if you needed someone to break up a game and harrass the opposition, Jimmy was your man).

Runner up: Deano Wright

Joint winners: Paul "Gollum" Webb and Nathan Kerin





Player's Player of the Season

3rd place: Mikey Bradon

Runner up: Nathan Kerin

Winner: Paul "Eye-Ball" Radford



Thank you to all the staff and patrons of the Ship for letting us invade and have a throughly enjoyable day.

Eye-Ball (Your very proud and humbled 2011 Player's Player of the Season)