Thameside 1 - 3 Oaks Athletic

On their return to league action, The Oaks came from behind to take all three points against old rivals Thameside. The opposition gained promotion with the Oaks last season, but the gulf in quality that saw the Oaks defeat them three times last year and finish 15 points ahead seems to have only got wider. We all noted that they seemed to have lost some of the fight and competitiveness that made them tough to beat last year, but as is normal we only really moved out of second gear and cruised home once Thameside took the lead.


The Oaks move up two places to fifth

It was pretty typical that, with Milesy absent, all sorts of issues should face the stand in player-manager. Most pressing for Nathan was the lack of players. There was no sign of Connor (he later turned up once we had kicked off having got confused between meet and kick-off times), and Tapsell and Browne were having to attend to some urgent business. The team was therefore announced about 3 minutes before kick-off, with Deano volunteering to wear the gloves.

ppppppppppppppppDeano (c)

BrowneppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

RyanppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppScott

pppppppppppppNathanppppDale

subs: Bunny, Connor


There wasn't much to savour in the first half as the Oaks seemed happy to cruise along without looking to dominate the opposition. The best chances fell to Dale, with the first being put on a plate for him by his brother. Ryan's low cross from the right left Dale knowing that any touch from 6 yards out would see the ball end up in the back of the net. Unfortunately a bobble (that's what Dale called it anyway) got the better of our prolific goal scorer and the ball continued on its merry way. Dale's second chance deserved more than just the thud of leather on metal, as he skipped on to a through ball and, running away from goal, lifted the ball first time over the keeper only for the upright to come to Thameside's rescue.

The only other contribution worthy of note was that of Deano in goal. Much like in a night club, where Deano is often observed marking his territory by strutting about with his chest puffed out, the six yard box was his new manor. Any ball or player who encroached was swiftly dealt with as he succeeded in keeping a clean sheet to the end of the half.

Nathan's half time decisions were made easier by the fact that Scott had to get to work, and Deano was struggling with an injury. This meant Bunny replacing Scott on the left and Connor relieving Deano of his duties.

As I have already mentioned, Thameside took the lead early in the second half through a soft goal. The usually impenetrable Oaks defence parted like the red sea to allow the Thameside striker to break into the box. He hit the ball powerfully and although Connor got a hand to it, the ball still nestled in the back of the net: 1-0.

This goal sprung the Oaks into life, with one player in particular taking it upon himself to drive the team forward. A popular member of the squad, Steve Browne is often overlooked but still turns up week in week out to support his team and his friends. However, on this occasion he was guaranteed 90 minutes of football and boy did he make the most of it. It was Steve who was responsible for getting the Oaks back on level terms when he put in a delicious cross from the right that was perfect for Dale to nod into the net from 8 yards: 1-1.

The Oaks were in complete control now, and it didn't take long for them to take the lead. Inside the box, Mikey showed great skill to send his opposite number the wrong way with a Cruyff turn. His subsequent cross from the bye-line looped up off a defender, enabling Rob to get to the ball in front of the keeper and head home: 1-2.

It wasn't all plain sailing for the Oaks, and some good defending was needed at the other end. First Tapsell took up a good position and some how managed to head the ball over from under our cross bar, following a well struck free kick from the edge of the box. Then Browne showed what tough stuff Oaks full backs are made of when he bravely won a header in the box and got a whack on the head for his trouble. An almighty roar and a few rubs were all that was needed for him to be ready to commence battle again. Connor and Browne then combined with the former just getting enough on an attempted lob to stop it going over the line, and the latter being on hand to clear the ball to safety. Then for the second week running Eye-Ball cleared the ball behind precariously close to his own goal when a cross-come-shot was glanced wide with his head.

With this pressure averted, it was crucial that the Oaks put the game beyond doubt. Thankfully Eye-Ball's half time shooting advice was taken on board as Ryan won the ball from a Thameside goal kick, and his nod down was pounced on by Dale. He raced clear and finished in style past the helpless keeper: 1-3.

It's not often that we discuss man of the match awards, but everyone agreed that this accolade should be bestowed on Steve Browne for an outstanding display that saw him terrorise the opposition with his runs down the right, whilst also bravely defending the Oaks advantage. He was also agonisingly close to getting his first Oaks goal to add to the first assist he had already collected. Tapsell played the ball into Dale from the left, but he let the ball run on (deliberately this time I think) into the path of the onrushing Browne whose first time shot stung the hands of the keeper as he pushed it to safety. This great move and Steve's effort deserved more, but it wasn't to be on this occasion and we had to be happy with a convincing 3-1 victory that was welcome after a couple of tough weeks.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 16th December @ home v Brema Utd - 1030 Kick off

Goal scoring chart