Oaks Athletic 6 - 1 Belhus Park Rangers

Opinion is divided in the Oaks camp as to whether or not we should care about finishing the league season unbeaten. Those who think it is immaterial rightly argue that we have already proved beyond any doubt that we are the best team in this league; by beating Belhus Park we have now beaten 9 of the 10 other teams in the league, and have taken at least four points from each of them. The one team we haven't beaten in the league were defeated in the cup final, and this Sunday we collected our league shields to display proudly next to our cup medals. We've shown we can win games from any position, and have won games when no where near our best (and with half the team intoxicated). Having said all that, when you've achieved all that we have this season, success can become an addiction, and destroying other teams is the drug that fuels this addiction for some in the squad. These addicts feel that we still have a little unfinished business to settle with Wilburn Wanderers; the one team we haven't beaten over 90 minutes, and who we gifted four goals to a few weeks back. While the season can't be tarnished, finishing unbeaten would definitely be the cherry on top of the greatest season in the Oaks history.

Thameside lost their last game against Tilbury, which means we'll win the league by at least 11 points!

For the penultimate game of the season Milesy mixed the team up a little with Luke deputising in goal after Ty had volunteered to sit out, Niki returning and Browne earning a start at left back:

ppppppppppppppppLuke

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppBrowne

NathanppppppTapsellpppppBunnyppppppRyan

ppppppppppppSharpyppppNick

subs: Al, Parker, Gollum, Eye-Ball


The less said about the first half the better. The Oaks were really off the boil, as possession was too easily given up and Belhus were able to press and frustrate the double winners. However, it was still a surprise to see Belhus take the lead when a speculative effort from the Oaks' right caught Luke off his line and dipped into the net: 0-1.

A one nil deficit with 70 minutes to play against the bottom side in the league really shouldn't have been a cause for concern; especially when you consider that we've scored at least 4 goals in each of our last 6 league games. It may have taken the Oaks a little longer than usual to get going, but parity was restored before half time when a N.A.T.H.A.N. alluded everyone before brushing a defender on its way into the net. Obviously Nathan can't be credited with the goal, but does pick up the assist. Interestingly this goal also meant a late entry into the goal scoring chart for Own Goals; with this being the first scored on our behalf this season: 1-1.

As frustrating as the first half was for the large crowd of Oaks supporters to endure, the second half was an absolute hoot. The Oaks finally found their rhythm, and looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves while crushing any hope Belhus may of had of dragging themselves off the foot of the table.

The lead was taken when Ryan ran diagonally from left to right, and chose to play a difficult reverse ball over the top rather than the simpler pass out to the right to Nathan. The risk paid off as his ball was latched onto by Sharpy who finished superbly; lofting the ball over the tall keeper and into the onion bag: 2-1.

This will be the last game of the season for Sharpy, who goes in for a long overdue operation on Friday. It's been an up and down season for Sharpy who has had to fight for his place with Nick and Harry forming such a prolific partnership. He hasn't always helped himself, but no-one will be prouder of what the Oaks have achieved this year, and a fine return of 12 goals despite limited starting opportunities proves what an asset he can be for this club when he has his head screwed on. Unfortunately I don't think we can convince the surgeons to sort that out while he is in, but I'm sure the whole squad will join me in wishing Sharpy all the best, and we hope to see him in an Oaks shirt again soon.

Sharpy's second goal was converted from the penalty spot after Nathan had been sent tumbling in the box. Sharpy took responsibility despite Nick being on the pitch, but the BFJ still deserves credit for teaching Sharpy how to score from 12 yards, with power over placement being the evident order of the day with the ball being smashed into the roof of the net: 3-1.

So often the provider, Ryan has started to cash in with the goals himself in recent weeks and notched up his 9th of the season as a well struck shot from the left took a deflection before nestling in the back of the net. The assist for this goal is up for grabs as I can't remember who made the final pass (too busy waving my flag around): 4-1.

With the game surely won Milesy went sub crazy; making three in one go and rewarding a couple of Oaks old boys for their loyalty with some well deserved game time. Parker replaced Browne at left back, Gollum slotted into midfield in place of Bunny and Al Blake replaced Nathan, who damaged his foot in a tackle and unfortunately will miss the last game of the season.

The change in personnel did not affect the Oaks dominance, and they soon scored a fifth when Bunny tapped home into an empty net after Tapsell's shot inside the box had been well saved. The keeper was determined to keep Tapsell from scoring, as earlier in the half he pulled of an incredible save to stop a header from the cup hero: 5-1.

No one has enjoyed this season more than the BFJ; like many of us he has experienced little success on the football pitch up to now, and being part of such a great side with so much competition for places has seen him really up his game this season, and more than double his goal tally from the previous campaign. He openly admits that finishing top scorer would be the icing on the cake, and would have fancied his chances of at least getting level with H given that the prolific youngster was missing through injury. He left it late to get on the score sheet, but it was well worth the wait as this individual effort is up there with the best goals we have scored this year (and there have been a few). With a corner successfully defended, Nick collected the ball on the right (another assist up for grabs here) inside his own half and ran some 60 yards down the right hand side of the pitch, and into the box. At this point he was spoilt for options: he could pull it back for either Nathan or Tapsell, or better still play it across the goal to Sharpy who was ready to tap the ball home and complete his hat-trick. However, having done all the hard work himself you can't blame him for wanting to collect the prize, and that he did, finishing in style low across the keeper. Given that Sharpy was still a little upset not to receive the pass, I hate to think what would have happened if Nick had missed. To score under that sort of pressure emphasises the quality of this goal in my opinion: 6-1.

With yet another victory secure, all that was left for the Oaks to do was collect their league winners medals, pose for a few photos and head off to the Ship to do the one thing we arguably do better than playing football: drink and be merry!

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 29th April - Away v Wilburn Wanderers @ Belhus Park: 1030 Kick Off

Oaks Athletic 8 - 2 Jurgens Sport

When the second from bottom team turn up to play the double winners with only 8 players (they managed to increase this to 10 in the first half), the only question to ask is how many will the Oaks score? Despite strolling to victory it is actually a little disappointing that we didn't get into double figures; we definitely created enough chances to do so. Not to get a clean sheet is also a bit of a shame, but then credit to Jurgens for converting their only two shots on goal with two well struck free kicks. The net result was 3 more points, 6 more in the GD column, and still a big fat 0 under L.



With Niki Law going on the pre season team jolly a bit too early, the welcome return of Luke, and Cup Hero Mark Tapsell being rested (or maybe dropped...), the starting eleven looked a little different this week. Still, one look at the side highlights the immense strength in depth that the Oaks possess.

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppDeano (c)ppppEye-Ball

NathanppppppAlpppppBunnyppppppRyan

ppppppppppppSharpyppppNick

subs: Harry, Tapsell, Parker, Gollum, Browne

Up to now I have been reluctant to concentrate too heavily on the goals and assists table (although I know that is all most of you look at!), due to the risk that individuals could get competitive with each other on the pitch. However, there is no doubt that everyone plays for each other first and foremost, and with the league and cup now won I can't see any problem with a little healthy competition to keep the spirits up. I therefore thought I might use this report to explore the runners and riders.

1. Harry Judge - 16 Goals, 7 Assists

Keeps his place at the top of the table despite failing to make an impact in a 25 minute cameo appearance.

2. Nicholas Myers - 15 Goals, 6 Assists

Moves a goal closer to Harry after latching on to a superb through ball from Ryan. The keeper got a hand to his side footed shot into the corner, but for once Nick put enough behind it to claim the Oaks 4th goal of the game before half time.

3. Mark Tapsell - 12 Goals, 15 Assists

Another non mover at 3. Only had 25 minutes on the pitch today, but still looked a threat with a powerful header from 18 yards that may have troubled a shorter goal keeper. More interested in being the top Assister, which is good news for the strikers.

4. Iain Pitney - 10 Goals, 6 Assists

Moving up one place to number 4. thanks to 2 more goals and 1 assist. Claimed goals 6 and 7 for the Oaks; the first being a penalty after Eye-Ball was felled in the box, and the second a simple finish into an empty net after Nathan had beaten the off-side trap and drawn the keeper out of goal. Completed his second 90 minutes in a row, which is an achievement in itself (and I'm not just talking about fitness).

5. Nathan Kerin - 9 Goals, 18 Assists

May have been responsible for dropping a place in the standings by setting up his mate Sharpy, but also improved his own stats thanks to one goal and 2 more assists. Scored the second goal when he latched on to a great through-ball from Al Blake and made no mistake with the finish. Missed an even easier chance to score when he unwisely attempted to lob the 6ft 3 keeper from 6 yards when clear through on goal. Now has 3 more assists than any other player in the squad.

6. Ryan Kenyon - 8 Goals, 15 Assists

The quality of his delivery was once again a highlight with a hat-trick or assists, as he set up two goals with his crosses, and also slipped Nick in for his goal. Scored a good goal himself as Sharpy played him in down the left, and he showed the pace and composure needed to break free of the defence and slide the ball into the net.

7. Robin Lawrence - 7 Goals, 3 Assists

With minimal defending required Rob spent most of the match in the opposition box and was rewarded with two fine headed goals. The first broke the deadlock and came from a good cross from Ryan following a corner. His second was the 5th for the Oaks, with Ryan once again the provider, this time direct from a corner. In powering the ball home, Rob battered the whining Hanson wannabe, much to the amusement of the rest of the team. Rob came seriously close to completing his hat-trick as he dived at the far post to head a cross from Nathan goalwards. Unfortunately though his effort hit the post, hit him a second time and fell straight into the arms of the keeper.

8. Ash Bunn - 3 Goals, 1 Assist

Had to take on the role of midfield general in this game, and controlled the play. Didn't have the opportunity to unleash the right boot, but hopefully we'll see another screamer before the end of the season.

9. Dean Wright - 2 Goals

With Rob disappearing into the opposition box whenever a free-kick, corner or throw was won Dean shared the defensive duties with Luke and Eye-Ball. Convinced he would have powered home a header from one corner if Luke hadn't jumped in front of him and headed over. Revealed before the game that his superstitious tendencies had led to him not cutting his toe-nails since January in case this may derail the Oaks' push for the title. With toe-nails freshly cut he admitted feeling feather light on his feet and like a new man.

10. Mikey B - 1 Goal, 2 Assists

Injury means Mikey missed this game, and a thumping head ache meant we missed his input from the side lines as well.

11. Al Blake - 1 Goal, 1 Assist

Has really made the most of his recent run in the side. Deceptively tall, he was once again colossal in the air (even taking a few headers from Nathan), and showed great vision to slip the ball in behind the defence for Nathan to score.

12. Michael Parker - 1 Goal.

Easily the biggest mover in the chart, rising an incredible 12 places (it would have been 13 if not for Al's assist) by grabbing the 8th goal with virtually the last kick of the game. Parker has suffered more than anyone due to the influx of players this year, and has found it almost impossible to get a spot on the bench let a lone getting anywhere near the pitch. This was in fact only his second outing as he came on as a second half substitute for Eye-Ball. Those who go to training will be in no doubt of this man's undoubted ball skills, and the stats from this game speak for themselves: 100% pass completion and 100% shot to goals return. The goal itself was a gem; a N.A.T.H.A.N. was fired in from the right with everyone in the box (including Ty). When the defender could only partially clear Parker was on hand to open up his body and volley the ball from around his shoulder into the roof of the net. Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to see something special again from this Oaks legend before the end of the season.

13. Luke Williams - 2 Assists

A welcome return at right back, and showed us all what we have been missing with a few mazy runs.

14. Eye-Ball - 1 Assist

Even Eye-Ball was spotted advancing into enemy territory in this game, but unfortunately when defending is ingrained in your very being, it can be hard to kick the ball towards a goal. This was demonstrated when the ball fell in front of Eye-Ball in the box; in attempting to hook it towards goal he only succeeded in kicking it into his own face, for which a bloody nose was his only reward. Ty may argue this was retribution for admitting to turning his head in the wall for Jurgens first goal, which meant the ball only skimmed his face rather than hitting him full on in the hooter. Did earn his first assist of the campaign when a darting run saw him collect the ball from Sharpy before being felled in the box to earn the penalty that Sharpy duly converted.

15. Tyrone Owen - 1 Assist

A very quiet day for the Oaks number 1. Can only really remember him picking the ball out of the net twice, taking a few goal kicks and running 80 yards to get involved in the last action of the game and subsequent goal celebration with Parker.

16. Niki Law -

Won't trouble the chart whilst sunning himself in Spain

18. Steve Browne

Now recovered from his damaged ankle, should be making a start next week if he stays wrapped in the cotton wool.

Just two more games to go now, and next Sunday we'll be presented with the league trophy before the game, so make sure you do your hair!

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 22nd April @ Home v Belhus Park Rangers

Oaks Athletic 4 - 4 Wilburn Wanderers

With the league and cup in the bag, double winners Oaks Athletic can afford to give out a little charity to their defeated opponents between now and the end of the season. They were definitely in a generous mood today as missed chances, individual errors and a lacklustre second half performance gifted Wilburn a point that they were more than grateful to take.

With the league won it will now be interesting to see who will be joining us in promotion to Division One next year. It is impossible to say how many teams will go up as this will depend on how many teams are pushed up to the Premier Division (there are currently only eight teams in that league) and how many fold over the summer. Still, it's a pretty safe bet that at least four will go up, and with Thameside beating Tilbury they have secured promotion. Jacks Lads beat Stanford, but they have left it too late to get into the top four, having finished with 31 points. Pegasus were the other team to win this week, beating Jurgens, but they will have to wait to see if their 32 points will be enough to finish in the top four as it could well come down to goal difference.



Despite Bunny being available again, Al (Blake) was rewarded for a good performance last week with another start alongside Tapsell in the centre of midfield. Sharpy was also given a start, partnering H up front, and with only a few weeks until his operation we all hoped he would make the most of this opportunity.

ppppppppppppppppTy

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

NathanppppppAlpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppppSharpyppppHarry

subs: Nick, Bunny, Parker

The Oaks played well in the first half, and looked to make the most of the freshly mowed surface as they passed the ball around with confidence. It was clear that H, Nathan and Ryan had the better of their opposite numbers and Blake, Tapsell and Sharpy looked to play the ball in behind the defence whenever possible.

Ty had very little to do in the first half, and despite a couple of efforts that went wide, Wilburn never threatened our goal.

The Oaks took the lead in the first half when Sharpy got to the ball first on the the edge of the 18 yard box, and back heeled the ball into the danger zone for H to chase. The defenders really should have dealt with the ball, but their hesitation was enough for H to stick out a boot and poke the ball past the keeper: 1-0.

The Oaks should have been at least two or three up going into the break, but some good saves from Wilburn's fine young keeper, and a few misses - including a tame finish from H from 5 yards that went straight to the keeper (sorry H, that one stuck in the mind) - kept the scoreline looking respectable.

With the league and cup won (just thought I'd mention that again), and a comfortable one nil lead it's not surprising that some of the intensity that has been so key to the Oaks success was missing in the second half. Despite a couple of glimpses of what we can do when we play the ball along the floor (a defence splitting left to right pass from Ryan being a prime example), we never really got into top gear and a combination of poor decision making and lapses in concentration gifted four goals to Wilburn in the second half. Still, the Oaks always play with a lot of pride which was evident in the fact that we came back from a goal down twice in the second half and really should have left with all three points.

Wilburn equalised when the ball broke to their striker in the box, and he was allowed time to get the ball out of his feet and lift it over Ty into the roof of the net: 1-1.

The Oaks then regained the lead when the industrious Sharpy beat the keeper to the ball when it was played into the box and was subsequently brought down. Sharpy took the penalty he had won, and admitted to taking a leaf out of Nick's book as he smashed it hard down the middle. Despite getting something on it, the keeper could only redirect it into the roof of the net: 2-1.

The Oaks then leaked two goals in quick succession, both of which came from individual errors that 9 times out of 10 wouldn't have happen. Firstly, Niki moved up the pitch to the win the ball and played it to Ryan on the left. Rather than play the way he was facing, Ryan then tried to play a reverse pass back to Niki that was intercepted. With Niki out of position Wilburn broke into the box, and despite Eye-Ball making the initial tackle, the ball broke nicely for the Wilburn striker who finished sweetly into the bottom corner: 2-2.

The third Wilburn goal came from a much bigger howler as the ball was played diagonally behind the Oaks centre backs for their speedsters to run on to. As he has done on countless occasions Eye-Ball read the danger and drifted across to clear the ball with his favoured right foot. Unfortunately the right foot proved to be the best of a bad punch on this occasion as the ball looped up off his shin right into the path of the on rushing forwards. Ty made the initial save, but the ball fell right at the feet of the second striker who tapped home into an empty net: 2-3.

With 15 minutes still to play, the Oaks needed to lift themselves, and with Nick now on for Harry we looked to make the most of our physical presence to dominate from set pieces. The equaliser came when a long throw from Nathan was nodded down by Tapsell into the path of Ryan, and the young winger let out his frustration on the ball as he whacked it through a crowded box into the net: 3-3.

I believe the fourth goal for the Oaks also started from a Nathan throw. This time Wilburn did manage to clear the ball, but only as far as Nathan. He then broke to the bye-line, and had time to pick his spot. This he did perfectly as he put the ball right on the head of Nick, who was unmarked in the box. He rose and nodded the ball into the net for his 14th of the season: 4-3.

The Oaks, and most of the Wilburn players as well, thought this would be the winning goal. However, Wilburn had already shown that if we gave them a whiff of goal they were capable of capitalising. With Deano preparing to take a throw on the right, the usual "up the line - flick on" combination seemed the most likely option. However, Tapsell decided to make himself available to receive the ball inside our half (for which he should be commended). Unfortunately the one Wilburn player who had shown any desire to win the ball was in close proximity. He caught Taps in possession, raced clear and finished superbly off the inside of the far post for his Hat-Trick and to grab his side a point: 4-4.

On reflection you may say that this was a disappointing result from a good side who were far too casual in the second half. However, we should just shrug it off: we're still unbeaten; we've still won the league; we've still won the league cup; we're still having a great season; we can still have a laugh about it all in the pub, and our beer still tastes a lot sweeter than anybody elses (oh, and Sharpy made it through 90 minutes!).

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 15th April @ Home v Jurgens Sport: 1030 KO.

Goals and assists chart

***Oaks Athletic 7 - 2 Stanford Wanderers*** Oaks confirmed as Division 2 Champions!

As the referee's whistle confirmed another comprehensive victory for the Oaks, we awaited the result of the game between Wilburn and Jacks Lads to discover if the 40 points we had now accumulated would be enough to clinch the league title, or if we would still need one more point from the last four games. Later in the evening news filtered through that Jacks Lads had triumphed 3-2 against Wilburn which meant no one in the league could now catch us, and within five days of winning the league cup, the Oaks are now crowned as league 2 champions as well!


I think I might get this framed...

To be honest, the league has been won for some time, and we have just been crossing off the games before it would be confirmed beyond any doubt that we are champions. When the news came it was therefore unsurprising that it was greeted with muted excitement. At the end of the day, we already knew that we are by far and away the best side in this league, and when we are able to put the league and cup trophies side by side there can't be a person alive who can question that fact. Congratulations to everyone involved with the Oaks; especially to those who have warn the Oaks shirt with pride for all these years without even getting a whiff of success. Being one of these people I'd also like to give a massive thank you to the boys who have come in this year, fitted in perfectly to the Oaks family and helped take this great club to the next level.

Anyway there will be plenty of time to blow our own trumpet between now and the end of the season, so lets get on with the details of the latest victory.

This win was an impressive fifth in a row in the league for the Oaks (the best run of the season), and extends our unbeaten streak in all competitions to a monumental 18 games! Some of you will remember that, earlier in the season, Tyrone vowed to not cut his hair until the Oaks lost a league game. He soon realised that this would soon start affecting his ability to see, and obviously didn't fancy the prospect of an alice band. Just imagine if he had kept to his word!

With both Mikey B and Bunny missing, Al started in the centre of midfield, and although the rest of the team had a familiar look there were some old faces on the subs bench, with both Jordan and Gollum stepping into the gaps left by the four regulars who were unavailable.

ppppppppppppppppTy

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

NathanppppppAlpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Sharpy, Jordan, Gollum

I thought for a change I would summarise the details of this game in MOTD 2 style with 2 Good, 2 Bad, and 2 Ugly.

2 Good.

The Oaks once again showed that they were far 2 good for their opponents, who I bet wish they had the strength of squad that the Oaks possess. They started with nine men, and the Oaks capitalised to take an early 2-0 lead before scoring a further five goals when the two Stanford ringers had arrived.

1-0: Stanford's keeper may have been big, but that boy was scared of the ball. On this occasion rather than simply catching Nathan's over hit free kick he palmed it straight out to Rob, who took one touch before firing home from 8 yards.

2-0: Harry took control of the ball and responded to the call from cup hero Tapsell, who had made an overlapping run. He raced on to Harry's through-ball and netted low past the keeper.

3-0: Tyrone gets a 1 in the assists column as his quick thinking and expert kicking from hand sets the young speedster clear of the Stanford defence. H gives the keeper no chance as he supplies the quality finish that merits his 15 goals for the season.

4-0: The ball is played across the box where Tapsell and Ryan are standing in close proximity. Ryan dutifully leaves the ball on the orders of Tapsell, who draws the defender and then plays the ball to Ryan. He takes one touch inside before curling the ball out of the keeper's reach and into the back of the net.

5-1: Harry is once again the provider as this time he spots the run into the box of Nathan from the right. Nathan races onto the ball and keeps up the high quality finishing standards set before him, as he fires an unstoppable low shot across the keeper.

6-2: Sharpy directs the ball into Tapsell's path, and the cup hero again supplies the finish to notch up his fourth goal in 2 games.

7-2: Tapsell returns the compliment, and Sharpy accepts as he heads the pin-point cross into the roof of the net.

2 bad

They say all good things come in pairs, but in this game we had a pair of 2 bad winners. 2 bad (this being an understatement) misses, and 2 bad bits of defending that stopped the winning margin being as big as it should have been.

Bad miss 1: Harry is clean through on goal, lifts the ball over the keeper and from two yards out, with only net in his field of vision, missing is surely impossible. Not for a player of H's quality. He side foots the ball towards goal with his left, but from nowhere his right foot appears and performs the mother of all last ditch tackles to re-direct the ball to safety. I can safely say I have never seen a miss more extraordinary than this one: hats off you to H.

Bad miss 2: Eye-Ball's cross-come-shot is met on the volley by Jordan on the right hand side of the goal. Perhaps Nathan wasn't expecting Jordan to catch it so sweetly, because he didn't seem ready when the ball bounced into his path no more than two yards from goal. He got under the ball a little too much and managed to lift it over the crossbar.

Bad defending 1: The Stanford player is left unmarked in the box, and when the ball falls to him he has all the time in the world to find a way past Ty to make the score 4-1.

Bad defending 2: The lone Stanford striker, who had run himself into the ground could probably think of nowhere he wanted to be more than the meat in a Rob and Ty sandwich. Well he got his wish, with a penalty served up for afters. Despite an excellent save by Ty from the initial kick, the follow up fell perfectly for the Stanford player to score with his second attempt.

2 ugly: Much like the small child, whose sulking and whining is met with the unhelpful conclusion that "someone must be tired", it seemed that the Oaks were suffering from the mid week cup exertions in the second half of this game. The quality of the football decreased, and unfortunately we weren't as patient with each other as we should be. We'll put it down fatigue, but I do hope success doesn't ever stop us supporting each other, and that we remember the two most important things about Sunday football: 1. if we weren't meant to cock up someone would be paying us, and 2. it's our own choice to get up on a Sunday morning so it's our responsibility to make sure we, and everyone around us, enjoys it.

Rather than be content with the league and cup double, the new challenge has been set to go the rest of the season unbeaten. Four games to go, so lets give it our best shot.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 8th April @ home v Wilburn Wanderers: 10:30 K.O

Goals and assists chart