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.
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