Lakeside Reserves 2 - 2 Oaks Athletic

A late goal, from a dubiously awarded free-kick, deprived the Oaks of the two additional points they deserved for what was the best team performance of the season against a strong Lakeside team.


The Oaks will be hoping to improve their league position by picking up points from their games in hand

With the snow finally subsiding, and the rain not causing lasting damage, it was good to return to action. Milesy was back to pick the starting eleven and decided to pack the midfield whilst also deploying the versatile Tapsell at centre back.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

RobppppppTapsellppppNikippppEye-Ball

ppppppppppppppppNathan (c)

RyanppppppMikeypppppBunnyppppppScott

pppppppppppppppppDale

subs: Luke, Browne, Gollum, Parker

The last time these sides met was in a double header two seasons ago, when Lakeside were on their way to winning the old Division Two B. Amazingly, only three of the starters in this match represented the Oaks two years ago: Nathan, Eye-Ball and Mikey. (Parker and Gollum also played on that day). Having read the report from those games, I am reminded that, despite being beaten 2-0 and 2-1, the Oaks put up one hell of a fight. Whereas this meant hard work and commitment for most of us, it had a more literal meaning for Deano and Sharpy who were both sent off in the first game. The Oaks team today may be unrecognisable from the team two years ago, but the effort and determination was up there with what Oaks teams have been best known for over the years. With the extra quality we now have, we were more than a match for our opponents and created the best chances in a high pace first half.

At the back, Tapsell seemed to be relishing the sweeper role as he and Niki dealt easily with the high balls Lakeside continually pumped towards their tall striker. Eye-Ball and Rob kept their wingers under wraps with amble help from Ryan and Scott, who in particular was having his best half of the season. He was a constant menace to the opposition both in and out of possession. Bunny, Mikey and Nathan were winning everything in the middle and Dale worked tirelessly upfront despite being completed isolated at times. All together, the Oaks seemed to be well organised and pretty comfortable as they continually pressed the opposition.

The breakthrough game midway through the first half, when a free kick was awarded inside our own half when Eye-Ball got to the ball first and received a whack to the head for his troubles. Tapsell floated the ball into the box, and when the lose ball fell to Bunny he hit it goalwards from the edge of the area. The ball looped up off a defender, over the keeper and into the net: 0-1.

The Oaks created some great chances to extend their lead in the first half. The best fell to Scott, whose run into the box was picked out by Ryan. He met Ryan's cross with a diving header, but incredibly headed over from six yards. (That's the last time Mikey and Scott do heading practise together.) Rob also had a good chance with a header following a cross from Scott on the left, but it came at him a bit quick for him to be able to get a proper purchase. Despite their dominance, the Oaks had to settle for a single goal advantage at half time.

With Scott needing to leave for work at half time, Milesy reshuffled the pack a bit with Tapsell moving into midfield, Rob to centre back, Ryan to the left, Nathan to the right and Luke coming on at right back. The Oaks didn't settle into this new set up straight away, and Lakeside took control for the first quarter of the half. On more than one occasion Connor had to be quick of his line to deal with dangerous attacks, but Lakeside's pressure finally paid off when our shoddy marking allowed the striker to turn a low cross into the goal from 12 yards: 1-1.

The Oaks’ response was almost instant as they broke down the right through Nathan. His deep cross came to Ryan on the left, and Dale showed great instincts and agility to volley Ryan's cross into the roof of the net at the front post: 1-2.

The Oaks continued to press for the third goal that would put the game safe. Both Ryan and Nathan came close, but by far the best chance was created and so nearly finished by Dale. The older Kenyon had been terrorising the Lakeside defence with his pace and movement throughout the second half, and when the ball fell to him just inside the opposition half you could almost smell the fear that engulfed their back four. Dale ran towards goal with the ball, and beat every player who got in the way (some more than once). Finally, with just the keeper to beat Dale tried to flick the ball into the bottom right corner whilst running to the left. Time seemed to stand still as we watch the ball drift agonisingly wide. If this had gone in I can safely say it would have been the best individual goal I have seen whilst playing for the Oaks. Even before my time, only the Legendary tales of Geoff's remarkable exploits from left back could surely come close. It was just such a shame for Dale, and the team, that the outcome wasn't the one that was deserved.

To rub salt into the wounds, it turned out that the one goal advantage wasn't going to be enough for the Oaks to claim all three points. Thanks to the aforementioned free kick for a hand ball during a three player sandwich one the edge of the area, Lakeside were handed a lifeline that they duly took. In hindsight we may have been better holding a higher line, but as it was Connor had little chance of seeing the ball through a crowded six yard box, and the tamely struck ball into the box eluded everyone and nestled in the back of the net: 2-2.

Once all the soap dodgers had departed, the discussion between the few of us remaining turned to the most disappointing aspects of today's events. Top of the list was how we felt Dale had let us down. After showing such promise at Pegasus two weeks ago, we had high hopes that we would have an extra member of the Soap and Shine club. Instead all we got was a quick hair rinse before he skipped away in a shocking attempt to beat us to the sausages at the pub. Fortunately for Dale, we are a pretty forgiving bunch, and I'm sure if he sees the error of his ways he will be welcomed back with open arms...

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 3rd February: Away @ Blackshot v Greyhound - 10:30 K.O

Kynoch Sports 2 - 1 Oaks Athletic (Ted Fairchild Cup Round 3)

On a cold wintery morning The Oaks were edged out in a tight game in which both sides had plenty of chances to put the result beyond doubt. Weather permitting there should be a steady stream of games over the coming months, and although the long term benefits of progressing in this cup are few, this tough test against the top team in division 2 was a useful opportunity to gain some more match practise, and fitness, with plenty more challenges awaiting us over the coming weeks.

With Milesy sleeping off the effects of a 21st birthday party the previous evening (he's not as young as he used to be), it was once again down to Nathan to take on management duties. Although he chose to rest this week, he would have been grateful to have more than the bare eleven to choose from (despite Connor providing the usual panic with his lastminute.com approach to arriving at the games). In particular the return of Luke and Mikey was a big plus, although Deano was missing through work. This meant Niki deputised as captain.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

BrowneppppppRobppppNiki (c)ppppEye-Ball

RyanppppppTapsellpppppBunnyppppppScott

pppppppppppppHarryppppDale

subs: Luke, Mikey, Parker


We always enjoy playing at the Pegasus Club given the general great condition of the pitches and spacious changing rooms (not to mention the adjoining bar). However, the size of the pitch tends to be a bit of a shock and as per usual the Oaks found themselves stretched in the early exchanges.

Despite not having the best of possession, the Oaks found themselves in the lead 15 minutes into the match when Rob showed that, while age may slow the legs, it hasn't dulled the brain. His quick thinking and perfectly weighted pass left the Kynoch defence standing, as Dale raced onto the ball and curled it expertly around the advancing keeper for his 12th goal of the season: 0-1.

The Oaks then had a great chance to double their lead. Browne and Tapsell combined on the edge of the area following a corner before playing the ball out to Scott. His superb cross was met by H, but his glancing header smashed against the near post.

Kynoch then began to pile on the pressure, and got back into the game following a controversial decision not to award a free kick when a player came through the back of Niki to win the ball just outside our area. The ball was then hit goalward, taking a deflection on its way into the back of the net: 1-1.

Kynoch continued to press, with Eye-Ball and Scott being caused particular headaches down the left side of defence. It was from one of these attacks that the Kynoch attacker was able to get in a cross from the byeline that was nodded home inside the 6 yard box: 2-1.

The first half couldn't have been much of a spectacle, as a physical midfield battle resulted in the frequent shrill of the referee's whistle. The second half was a much more expansive, end to end affair despite no goals being added. Nathan fulfilled his duties by getting all the subs on with Luke replacing Browne at the break, and Parker and Mikey replacing Scott and Bunny mid way through the half.

It was two of the subs who came agonisingly close to restoring parity when the ball arrived in the box. Parker nodded it into the middle of the goal, and with absolutely nothing between Mikey and the desired side of the goal line (not even a blade of grass) his first touch of the match was surely going to be a golden one. However, he managed to prove that Jonathan Walters’s achievements the previous day really could be bettered by heading over from 0.001 yards. Now Mikey is a man who understands his odds, and I can't help but wonder weather he knew that progressing to the next round would probably mean a meeting with St Clere's. Therefore the prospect of an extra 30 minutes - and watching H miss another penalty - was not going to result in sufficent reward. I suppose we should therefore be grateful to him for taking 'one for the team', even if it means remaining below Nathan, Connor and Browne in the goal scoring league.

In fairness to Mikey, this wasn't only chance we created, and Kynoch were indebted to their goalie (a ginger Scouse in case you're interested) for keeping them a goal in front. Firstly he denied Tapsell who came close after Niki played the ball through to him on the edge of the box (the second week running that our big centre back has been denied an assist). He then pulled off a great save to deny Rob whose glancing low header from Ryan's cross was destined for the far corner. Dale and H also continued to cause the Kynoch defence havoc, but couldn't just couldn't find any way through.

The attacking definitely wasn't all one way, with Kynoch creating plenty of chances themselves. Fortunately Connor was on hand to deny their strikers on at least two separate one-on-one situations, despite almost having to swim through the boggy goal area to claim the ball on one occasion. The defence also played their part, with Eye-Ball making a last ditch tackle to stop the attacker as he bore down on goal. The subsequent sound of the ref's whistle resulted with the Kynoch player's unsportingly calling for Eye-Ball's head to roll, however the ref agreed with Eye-Ball's belief that he had got some of the ball. Needless to say I didn't spend long arguing why he'd awarded the free-kick, as he had really done us a favour by giving us a chance to re-group.

Kynoch held out to the final whistle to claim the win and progress to the next round. There was a general consensus that the Oaks did not play with enough intensity in this game, and with that now being 3 loses on the bounce, there really should be no excuse to not summon up the desire to turn over Orsett next week. Especially given the fact that we threw away a two goal lead against them earlier in the season. Still, losing a few games won't do us any harm and will make the next win all the more sweeter when it comes.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 20th January away v SSC Orsett @ Orset Rec - 10:30 k.o.

Oaks Athletic 3 - 4 George & Dragon

The Oaks deserved to get something from a game that they dominated for large periods. However, a combination of errors and a failure to take our chances proved fatal against one of the top teams in the league. Performances are more important than results this year, and after our heavy defeat last time out we should be proud of the way we competed in this game, with our opponents being very lucky to walk away with all three points. We do owe George and Dragon thanks for giving us a good laugh prior to the game, as we watch on in amazement at their intricate and multicoloured array of cones and the well choreographed drills being performed within their perimeter. Surely this was a bit OTT for the Thurrock Sunday league, and it was good to see Tapsell and Browne holding up the tradition of this level of the game as they completed the pre-match jog across the pitch with cigarettes in hand; that's more like it!


There are almost three leagues forming in div 1, with the Oaks competing in the second tier

We had reported back to Milesy that George & Dragon had overrun us in midfield on our previous encounter, so this time 5 in midfield was the tactic to match our opponents. Gollum stepped up for the injured Mikey to provide the defensive cover that should allow Tapsell and Bunny to prevent any build up play that had troubled us before.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

ppppppppppppppppGollum

NathanppppppTapsellpppppBunnyppppppRyan

pppppppppppppppppDale

subs: Harry, Browne, Scott, Parker

The first half was dominated by the Oaks, with Tapsell and Bunny winning the physical battle in the middle whilst Gollum was his usual disruptive self. Our biggest problem was getting support for Dale, who battled valiantly but was often a lonely figure up the top of the pitch. When Ryan and Nathan did break forward the only option was an all too predictable one that George and Dragon were more than capable of dealing with.

At the other end of the pitch it was a similar story, with George and Dragon's single striker proving pretty ineffective against a well drilled and experienced Oaks back four that was buoyed by the return of Niki and Deano.

Despite all this the Oaks found themselves two nil down at half time. Connor has proven himself to be a fine young keeper since joining the Oaks, which is why it was such a surprise to us all to see two goals conceded in the manner they were. The first one was a speculative strike from the edge of the area which lacked power but dipped late, catching Connor off his line and dropping over his head and into the net. The second was an almost identical finish, but this time from a controversially awarded free kick following a coming together between Niki and Tapsell that surely shouldn't have resulted in a free kick to the opposition: 0-2.

With the Oaks now chasing the game, tactics had to be changed for the second half. H replaced Gollum and the Oaks went 4-4-2. This made a big difference, and the George and Dragon defence were far more stretched against two young, quick strikers who were prepared to work hard and chase everything. H especially showed his ability to time runs in behind the defence, but unfortunately his finishing was nowhere near as sharp as it had been when he found the net 17 times last season. The best of his chances was created by Niki, who fed a sublime ball in between the defenders only for H to shoot straight at the keeper.

H wasn't the only one failing the make the most of the chances we were creating, and when the ball wasn't flying high and wide of the target the George and Dragon keeper and defence were pulling of last ditch saves and tackles to deny the Oaks. On one particular occasion Ryan met a cross from the right, but headed the ball into the ground giving the keeper a chance to scramble across and make the save. Another chance saw Scott (on for Bunny) put a cross into the six yard box, which no one quite managed to get on the end of.

The Oaks really didn't deserve to be two nil down, but then things were to get even worse as they conceded twice more in the second half. The third goal was an inevitable consequence of committing too many men forward for a corner as we desperately searched for a goal to get us back in the game. Dragon cleared the ball and broke in number leaving Eye-Ball and Connor with the impossible task of preventing a goal scoring chance. We were shown how it should be done as the ball was rolled into the bottom corner: 0-3.

The fourth goal was a combination of a mix up and bad luck, as with many players crowded around the edge of the 18 yards box Niki attempted to clear the ball towards the left of the pitch. Eye-Ball, who was only 5 yards away was unsure whether the ball was meant for him, and what would be the consequence of letting it past. It turns out that trying to control it was the wrong move, and he ended up giving an assist to the grateful Dragon player who was all too happy to smash the ball into the net: 0-4.

Surely, with 20 minutes left, there was no way back for the Oaks, and when Tapsell stroked the ball into the back of the net after a Robin flick on from a Nathan throw, a consolation goal was all many expected this to be. The truth was quite different, as it sparked what was almost another famous Oaks comeback. About 5 minutes after this goal Tapsell turned provider as he slipped the ball through for H who finally found his range and slide the ball past the keeper and into the net: 2-4.

The Oaks were now throwing everything forward, which in turn left George and Dragon with opportunities to break. However, Connor - pulling off a great diving save to his left, and Browne (on for Eye-Ball) - an outstanding block tackle in the box - kept George and Dragon feeling the nerves and the Oaks dreams of gaining something from the game alive.

The Oaks were now being spurred on by some additional fans as Dragon's title rivals AFC Blackshots had come across to see if the Oaks could do them a favour following the completion of their game. They were there to see the Oaks pull back another goal with 5 minutes to go when the keeper could only palm the ball into the middle of the box as he climbed over his on players following a long throw into the box from Nathan. Deano reacted first, claimed the ball as his own, and fired it into the roof of the net: 3-4.

The Oaks created one final chance, but Rob couldn't react quickly enough when the ball bounced in front of him in the box and ended up hitting him in the face. If only there had been another five minutes the Oaks surely would have scored again, but it wasn't to be and George and Dragon were very relieved to hear the final whistle that gave them a lucky escape with all three points.

The result may not have been the one we wanted, but this was a good performance and an enjoyable game. As long as we play like this as a team every week there will surely be more good days than bad.

Eye-Ball

Next game: away v Kynoch Sports @ Pegasus Club - 1030 k.o.

Goal scoring chart

Corrections

It is pleasing to see that people pay enough attention to the match reports to point out errors in my accounts of events. Both the errors that have been pointed out to me recently relate to the same goal against Dynamo Basildon. Connor tells me that he should have been honoured with the assist for Tapsell's goal, and Tapsell feels hard done by to only be credited with an 18 yard strike when it was more like 30 yards. I've addressed this by reassigning Dale's assist to Connor, and ensuring that Tapsell knows how brilliant he is. (We love you Taps!)

Oaks Athletic 2 - 8 Brema United

Some believed that the conclusion of the Mayan Calendar would bring the end of the world on 21st December 2012. At 1032 on Sunday 16th December, the Oaks players were left wondering whether the apocolypse had come early, as only 2 minutes into their match with Brema they were three nil down and in complete disarray.

The world didn't end on 21st December, and although any significance associated with this date will soon be forgotten, you could argue that these predictions remind us of the importance of making the most of the time we have left and not dwelling on what has happened in the past. This result against Brema should have a similar affect. While it was humiliating and painful to be six nil down at half time, there is nothing that can be done about it now and in fact it should inspire us to make sure our next outing is a more enjoyable one. It could be argued that we were hampered by only having eleven regular players (we were grateful to Parker and Gollum for stepping up to give some cover), and were missing people in key positions (including the manager), but there is no way we should ever lose quite so heavily. It did seem that everything that could go wrong did, and boy did Brema's young and skillful players punish us for every mistake. Still, there were some positives; we got two goals through Ryan (put through by his brother via a deflection off the defender), and Tapsell (heading home a N.A.T.H.A.N.), and we stuck together and took the defeat as a team.


This result saw Brema move top of the table with the Oaks dropping to seventh due to wins for Springhouse and Orsett

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, and see you in 2013 for a fresh start.

Eye-Ball

ppppppppppppppppConnor

MillyppppppRobppppNathan (c)ppppEye-Ball

RyanppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppScott

pppppppppppppBunnyppppDale

subs: Parker, Gollum


Next game: Sunday 6th January @ Home v George & Dragon - 1030 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart