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.