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
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