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:
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