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