Oaks Athletic 1 - 3 AFC Blackshots

I'd like to start by thanking Keith for updating the blog. It was in need of a refresh, and looks really good. Keith has also pointed me to a new lineup generator, that I'm trying out today.

There are lots of links between Oaks and Blackshots players, as some play together on a Saturday whilst Rob's three sons and nephew are also part of the Blackshots squad. As a result these games tend to highly physical, ill tempered affairs, and this encounter was no exception. The Oaks showed great spirit and work rate, and were more than a match for the title chasing opposition. Perhaps we were a little guilty of getting too caught up in the moment, and the quality we have shown in possession over the last few weeks was diminished. We did well to come back from a goal down, and held on well into the second half before finally being undone with a taste of our own medicine from two set pieces.


The Oaks remain in 6th, just a point behind Springhouse

Milesy had a strong squad to choose from, and stuck with the 4-5-1 formation that has been so successful recently.



Subs: Scott, Nicky, Browne, Sharpy, Parker

Oaks and Blackshots are two teams with very similar strengths: both have a prolific striker, big physical midfielders and experienced defences. Both also chose to play 4-5-1, which meant it was a game of few clear cut chances as both sides cancelled each other out and spent much of the game battling for the ball in the midfield.

The danger posed by Acer Lawrence was all too familiar too us, and for 90% of the game we successfully cut off his supply line, and prevented him from getting any space behind. However, the one time he was allowed to break through lead to the opening goal as he raced towards goal, beating Niki and Connor to the ball to lift it over our keeper and into the net. There was a sense of injustice in conceding this goal, as Blackshots gained possession when Dale was given a nasty kick to the ankle deep in Blackshot's half. The ref put the whistle to his mouth, but had a late change of heart, allowing Blackshots to play on and score: 0-1.

We all owe Connor a huge debt of thanks, as if Joe Lawrence had scored against us we would never have heard the end of it. It wouldn't have been too bad for most of us, but Rob would dread every family gathering, and Connor would be reminded every time he went to work. The chance came from a corner, when Joe rose well to head towards goal, but Connor managed to get a hand to the ball and deflect it just wide of the target. Connor made another vital (if a little unusual) save as he rushed of his line and showed his aerial ability to beat the Blackshots player to the header before his team mates cleared the ball from danger.

Mikey has been waiting even longer than Nathan to get his first goal this season, but he does so much more for the team that isn't reflected in the stats. This game was a prime example as he was in a right place at the right time to cut off any attempt Blackshots made to exchange the ball between midfield and attack. His endeavours were finally rewarded when, on the stroke of half time his gamble to run from the keeper to the near post following Ryan's low delivery from a corner paid off, and he dived forward to glance a header into the back of the net: 1-1.

The Oaks very nearly caught the shell shocked opposition cold, as Dale pounced on a defensive error and raced clear. Unfortunately the chance was on his less favoured left side, and the ball was put wide with the outside of Dale's right boot. Still, the Oaks could walk off at half time very happy with their work in the opening 45 minutes.

Niki is a big Liverpool fan, and I imagine a big admirer of fellow defensive great Jamie Carragher. However, I'm not sure he meant to emulate his hero's back pass against Zenit in the week. His scuffed attempt allowed Acer to race clear, but fortunately Deano tracked the run of the supporting attacker and was able to get to the cross first and clear the ball.

It had been a highly physical and fast tempo game, and as the second half wore on the tiredness was beginning to show, as more and more tackles were mistimed, and the sound of the referee's whistle became all too familiar. One particularly bad challenge, on Dale near the byeline lead to Ty (over to watch the game with wife Becky) getting irate, as his nice shoes were in danger of being scuffed. However, I reckon this was just an excuse, and that he just couldn't believe his luck at not having to run 50 yards from goal to get involved in a ruck.

The Oaks were struggling to create any clear cut chances for Dale, and we resorted at times to long range efforts, with both Tapsell and Nathan having good strikes that would have caused the keeper problems had they not been down his throat. The stalemate from open play meant corners and long throws were the route from which both teams looked most likely to score. Blackshot's keeper was particularly vulnerable from these, and got lucky on more than one occasion when palm downs and spills fell to his own players rather than a man in purple. The Oaks always feel they should be able to deal with the threat from set pieces, but Blackshots must also be given credit for the quality of delivery and aerial strength that saw them win this game with headed goals first from a corner, and then a long throw that gave them a 1-3 lead with 10 minutes remaining: 1-3.

The Oaks didn't give up at this point, and Milesy brought on Scott and Nick for Eye-Ball (cramp) and Bunny (battered testicle) to give the game some fresh impetus. Through no lack of effort, the second goal that would have set up an interesting finish could not be found, and the game ended with Blackshots winning by two goals (it would have been three if not for a late clearance off the line by Mikey) and keeping their hopes of winning the league in tact.

There are plenty of positives to take from this game, not least that since losing to Brema we have competed (and could have gained points) in every game. Also, we didn't pick up any injuries ahead of our semi final clash against George and Dragon next week. It may seem odd to be one game away from a final given we have only played once to get to the semi, but this has got to be our biggest game so far. We've already had a good first season in Division 1, and making the final for the second year running would make it an even better one.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 3rd March v George and Dragon - away @ The Billet.

Goal scoring chart

Oaks Athletic 7 - 0 Thameside

This game started with Eye-Ball having a minor moan about the fact that the majority of the team were busy getting themselves ready for the match, whilst four of us struggled to get the goals and nets up. However, if the lads promise to play like they did every week, I'll put the posts up, mow the grass, paint the lines, clean all the boots and wax Parker's back. Thameside must be absolutely sick of the sight of us. That's now five wins for the Oaks over two seasons, with and aggregate score of 17-4. The gap in quality that led to a 15 point difference at the end of last season seems to have grown, as in the past the Oaks have never won by more than two goals against a Thameside team who were always up for a battle and defensively solid. They now seem to be severely lacking in quality, especially at the back where every ball caused panic and disarray.


7 points from 3 games sees the Oaks stretch away from those below whilst keeping pace with Springhouse who also won against Greyhound

Steve had asked some players if they would volunteer to sit out this game, but it isn't surprising that everyone wants to play and in the end it was only Nathan who was rested.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNiki ppppEye-Ball

BunnyppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppRyan

pppppppppppppHarryppppDale

subs: Gollum, Browne, Nick, Scott


The Oaks are renowned as slow starters, but they got off to a flyer this time and were three nil up in no time. With Dale stepping in for long throw duties, his first effort at hurling the ball into the box was met with a glancing header from Tapsell, which was directed perfectly for the top corner: 1-0.

The second goal was quite something, and started with Deano collecting the ball under pressure in his own half. He wriggled clear of the danger before laying the ball off and continuing his run up the line. He collected it again and played it on to Tapsell, who lofted the ball over his head into the area. All the while Deano had continued his run to goal, but it looked to have been a wasted journey with the keeper odds on favourite to collect the bouncing ball. However, Sharpy must have put money on the unlucky goalie, who let the ball slip through his fingers leaving Deano to nod the ball into an empty net: 2-0.

If the second goal was a touch ridiculous, the third was truly sublime. Ryan collected the ball on the left and took on the right back before making it to the byeline. He then put in a fantastic left foot cross that was met by a flying Bunny, who made a firm connection despite almost over-running the flight of the ball. The ball flew off his head and rocketed inside the far post: 3-0.

Whilst the goals were flying in at one end, at the other the Oaks defenders were trying their hardest to gain another clean sheet. Niki was leading this fight, and was always in the right place to win the headers or cut out the through balls. One particularly brave clearance in the penalty area resulted in him getting a nasty kick to the thigh, but fortunately he was able to shake it off and continue to lead the charge.

The Oaks added a fourth goal before the interval when Bunny cleared long from a corner, and Thameside's high line was caught out as Dale raced past them, and H, before beating the keeping to the ball and slotting into an empty net: 4-0.

The same team started the second half, and continued where they left off. H was making a rare start, and was having a great game as his pace and energy was more than Thameside's fragile defence could handle. He also showed what a formidable partnership he makes with Dale, who was grateful to have someone to talk to having spent a number of lonely weeks up front on his own. The two strikers combined for the fifth goal when H played a short pass in behind the defence that Dale ran onto before firing low back across the keeper and into the corner of the net: 5-0.

Bunny has been meaning to change his decaying boots for some weeks, but every time he decides to do it he scores another goal with them. In the second half of this game the left one gave up completely. Rather than risk completely spoiling his luck, he chose to just change the left one. I imagine it must have felt a bit weird, wearing different boots, but fortunately it didn't affect his heading ability, as he arrived unmarked at the back post to head Ryan's corner into the net: 6-0.

We now had two players on a hat-trick, and H seemed to be determined to help his team-mates complete this most sought after achievement. First he played a deep diagonal ball that was perfectly weighted to get over the defender and fall onto Bunny's foot. Bunny's touch with that trusty boot was sublime, as he brought the ball down and opened his body to the goal in one move. All that was needed now was the finish, and although there was nothing wrong with the shot, the keeper pulled off a great save to deny Bunny his hat-trick.

H wasn't to be denied his hat-trick assist a second time, and showed great tenacity to hassle the defender into making a mistake. With only the goal keeper now to beat, he unselfishly crossed the ball for Dale to tap into an empty net, and in doing so collect his third hat-trick of the season and 21st goal in total: 7-0.

This goal was Dale's last contribution as he was replaced by the returning Nick. Browne and Gollum also came on shortly after for Tapsell and Eye-Ball. The goals may have dried up, but there was still time for some drama as a penalty was harshly awarded against Connor as he went up to challenge for the ball, but was deemed to have punched too much of the player. Despite his best efforts, the clean sheet was kept in tact as Stu put the ball wide despite the overwhelming desire from his manager and team mates for him to get the kick (hence why we all now know his name).

Next week's game against AFC Blackshots is going to be a much sterner test, and one that we will have to take on without the impressive H, who is off to Sheffield for the weekend. All the pressure is on Blackshots, who can't afford to drop points if they are to make up ground on Brema, and if we play with the same confidence and energy that we have displayed over the last few weeks, the opposition are going to have to be at their best to get any points off us.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 24th February @ home v AFC Blackshots - 10:30 k.o.

Goal scoring chart

Players needed for Oaks Celebrity XI

As you can see below, the Oaks Celebrity XI is already a formidable line up, but we're short of players so please give your suggestions to fill the squad. Thanks to Nathan for recruiting almost the entire team up to now.

I'll leave it to you to match the celebrity with the current member of the Oaks squad.

(click to enlarge)

Springhouse 0 - 5 Oaks Athletic

The Oaks best performance of the season saw them rewarded with their biggest winning margin and second clean sheet of the league campaign, and a first win in four. All this was achieved against a team who, on paper, should have provided a close match. Springhouse had lost against the top sides and beaten the bottom ones - much like the Oaks. However, the Oaks' fast, counter-attacking football was a lot more effective on a muddy pitch than Springhouse slow, midfield "keep ball" approach.


We aren't alone in being thumped by Brema as Orsett lost by 8-3. Our victory by the same margin moves us into positive goal difference and above Orsett to 6th.

With Milesy most probably nursing a hangover following the celebration of his birthday (happy birthday gaffer), Nathan was left with the task of handing out the team orders. The 4-5-1 formation that had proved so effective over the last two weeks was again deployed, with Dale once again leading the line. You'll be amazed to hear that Connor actually turned up more than 30 minutes before kick-off - hopefully his Dad will bring him every week.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

DeanoppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

ppppppppppppppppNathan (c)

RyanppppppMikeypppppTapsellppppppScott

pppppppppppppppppDale

subs: Harry, Browne, Bunny, Gollum, Parker

The pattern of the game was established right from the start, with Springhouse having the lion’s share of possession while the Oaks remained well organised and waited patiently for them to either make a mistake or attempt in vain to breach our defence. We would then look to hit them on the break, by exchanging a few quick passes before Tapsell, Ryan and co. would look to release the lively Dale with a defence splitting pass. It took a while for these passes to find their range, but once they did we looked like creating something every time we had possession. Springhouse are an experienced side, but their ageing legs seemed to sink into the mud like quicksand whilst, in comparison, Dale was walking on water. With the ball holding up in the soft ground Dale was favourite to get to the ball first every time.

Despite the threat of the through ball, it was from a much more familiar route that the Oaks took the lead. Ryan swung in a dangerous corner from the left, which fell to Scott. His shot was blocked, and Rob showed he has much quicker reactions than most of the young pretenders by poking the loose ball into the net: 0-1.

The Oaks created some great chances to extend their lead in the first half. First, Mikey was cruelly denied his first goal of the season when he put the ball into the net following a corner only for Rob to be penalised for one of those challenges that always seem to result in a free kick to the keeper. Then Scott - another player yet to open his account for this season - could only pick out one of the bodies on the line when the ball fell invitingly to him in the penalty area. Scott did redeem himself by diving in to make a block in our area that helped in no small part to protect our slender lead.

The key moment in the match then came in the dying seconds of the first half and resulted in one of the goals of the season so far. The ball went off for a throw-in half way into our own half on the left, and having heard the bleep of the ref's watch Sharpy (running the line complete with garish pink boots that were purchased following Doctor's orders to get back to getting angry on a Sunday morning - at least that's how the orders were interpreted) pointed out that we just needed to see out the last few seconds. Perhaps Springhouse heard this as well, and switched off as Nathan made space to receive the ball from Eye-Ball. He then played the ball forward to Dale who, running away from goal, played an exquisite back heal into the path of Mikey. Tapsell was now the furthest player forward, and Mikey picked out a superb arcing ball for Tapsell to chase with a defender in close proximity. (Not bad considering Mikey had woken up more or less blind in one eye.) As the keeper rushed out (as much as you could through the sludge that was the penalty areas) Tapsell got to the ball first and poked it past him into the empty net: 0-2.

The timing of this goal couldn't have been better as the referee blew up for half time immediately after Springhouse had restarted.

The second half started with two changes: Bunny replaced Scott, meaning Ryan moved to the left and Nathan to the right. Also Browne replaced Deano at right back. The two nil lead had a dramatic effect on the Oaks, as they now played with the confidence and swagger that had been evident throughout the previous season. We hassled when the opposition had the ball, and looked like scoring every time we had it. The only disappointing aspect was the number of free kicks conceded around the area, but even through this route Springhouse could not breach our defence.

Even though we were dominating the game, two nil is always a worrying score line, and getting the third goal was key to killing off the game and securing the three points. It was apt that this goal should come from our Skipper for this game; a man who has in the past been one of the Oaks few attacking options but this year had failed to find the net in 13 previous attempts. H - now on for Mikey - collected the ball in a crowded penalty area and made room before moving the ball across to Nathan who was about 16 yards out from goal. He lashed the ball through the crowded area and it rifled into the bottom corner despite the keeper getting a hand to it. Nathan's squeals of "I've scored, I've scored" signified how much it meant to finally get off the mark, and I'm sure we can allow this slight feminine incursion into our most manly of sports: 0-3.

With the new 4-5-1 formation working so well, H is going to have to work hard for his place, but he proved his worth to the side right from his first touch. This saw him bring down a goal kick and swivel in one movement before chipping the ball through for Dale to race clear. Unfortunately Dale's finishing let him down on this occasion, and it seemed that for once the rest of the team may fill their boots without him getting in on the action.

Despite not yet getting on the score sheet, Dale could claim the assist for the 4th goal when he was fouled on the left hand edge of the area. Eye-Ball decided to take up an interesting position, facing the goal behind the assembled wall. It turn out to be the perfect position to watch Ryan's low side footed shot creep inside the post. Incredibly Springhouse tried to argue that the ball had gone through the side netting (but I can assure you it didn't). I think this was probably through disbelief at how badly positioned the wall was to leave such a gaping hole for Ryan to slide the ball into: 0-4.

Dale's team mates had done all they could to get him a goal, and whilst he hadn't provided any of them with an assist he went and let Springhouse put a goal on a plate for him. Dale isn't the first person you'd want to lose possession to straight from your kick off, and when he gratefully collected the ball all that was left was to race clear and score past the helpless keeper: 0-5.

I haven't mentioned Connor much in this report, which is a big commendation to the defensive unit that did such a good job of protecting him. Having said that, Eye-Ball did force Connor into his first save of note when he stooped to intercept a ball across the box, and almost headed it past the Oaks keeper who had to dive back across the goal to collect the ball. We were all desperate to keep a clean sheet, and at the back we continued defend like we were defending a one goal lead rather than five. Connor pulled off a great diving save to deny Springhouse's attempt from distance, and Niki sprinted back to put himself between the striker and out goal when he seemed destined to score.

Officially the clean sheet was earned, but this didn't mean Connor didn't have to pick the ball out of his own net thanks to one or our own players putting it there. Great own goals are ones where a neutral may not realise that the player has scored at the wrong end, such is the quality and conviction of the finish. Gareth Barry gave a great example of this at the weekend, and our very own Ryan Kenyon looked like he had trumped this. A free kick for Springhouse on the edge of the area was chipped across the box, and was tracked by Ryan. I assume he was attempting to get his right foot around the ball to clear it from danger, but instead it spooned off the outside of his boot, swerved towards the far side of the goal and went in off the post. Fortunately for him, the free kick had been taken too quickly and the ref's whistle blew at the exact moment that Ryan made contact with the ball. It must have put him off...

This was a great result, which shows the rich vein of form the Oaks have found over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully this will continue next week when we play Thameside, and we can collect another three points to move us up the league. The top three teams may already be out of reach, but there is still plenty to play for and I believe we should set our sights on finishing fourth, which would be a fantastic achievement in our first year at this level.

Eye-Ball

Next Match : Sunday 17th February @ Home v Thameside - 1030 KO

Goal scoring chart

Greyhound 2 - 7 Oaks Athletic (League cup quarter final)

Due to there only being ten teams in Division One, only one victory was required to put the Oaks into the semi final of the league cup. They got there in some style, with a thrashing of bottom of the league Greyhound, that included a Hat-Trick (+1) from prolific front man Dale. With Nick leaving, Sharpy retiring and H often working (or on the lash in Dublin) we have relied heavily on Dale, and his four goals today (taking his tally for the season to 17 already) are well deserved for the hard work he puts in leading the line on his own. Dale has been somewhat of a cup specialist, with 13 of his goals (including two hat-tricks) coming in knock-out games. This is probably reflective of the fact that the confidence and swagger we play with when up against inferior opposition, has been lacking when we've been the underdogs against the top sides in the league. I'm sure as we continue to acclimatise to life in division one, we'll play more of the type of football we displayed on this occasion, which will surely result in Dale increasing his goal haul further.

With Deano and H back, Milesy had plenty of options and went with the following line up.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

Eye-BallppppppRobppppNikippppBrowne

ppppppppppppppppTapsell

NathanppppppMikeypppppBunnyppppppRyan

pppppppppppppppppDale

subs: Luke, Harry, Scott, Deano, Gollum, Parker

The game was as full of incidents as it was goals, and even before the match started there was drama. Confusion over who should have contacted the referee resulted in him having a lie in, and the match was delayed whilst the opposition manager composed himself to take on the task of blowing the whistle. We were kept entertained by Sharpy and Alec, who engaged in a little impromptu mud wrestling as Sharpy slipped and took Al with him.

The game finally got underway with the Oaks kicking into a swirling wind. It didn't get off to the best of starts as a kick on Niki, that went unpunished, resulted in the Greyhound striker breaking free through the middle and slotting calmly past Connor: 1-0.

There really wasn't any need to panic, as it was obvious that Greyhound wouldn't be able to hold onto the lead for 80 minutes. Even Eye-Ball was making runs in behind the defence, as he took it in turns with Nathan to do the running down the wing (neither of us are as young or fit as we used to be). Eye-Ball had only just had time to congratulate the amiable striker on his goal before Bunny was powering a header into the back of the net from Nathan's corner to level the match: 1-1.

To be fair to Greyhound, they did try playing football and showed that they were capable of keeping the ball with some neat passing. However, they were always going to end up short changed in midfield against the trio of Mikey, Tapsell and Bunny. Even if they did get beyond this first line, Rob and Niki were in no mood to let the strikers get anywhere near the ball.

The Oaks were soon in the lead as Dale collected his first goal of the game, which was thanks in no small part to the contributions of Ryan and Nathan. Ryan floated a delightful diagonal ball behind the defence, which Nathan was on to in a flash. With the goal at his mercy, he unselfishly rolled the ball across the six yard box of Dale to tap into an empty net without breaking stride. It is unheard of for Nathan to go 13 games without a goal, which made his decision to pass rather than go for goal himself even more commendable - a true team player: 1-2.

There was time before half time for the Oaks to extend their lead further, with Dale once again benefiting from the service of his team mates. This time it was Tapsell who slid the ball through, and under pressure from the defender Dale fired the ball low into the right hand corner from 12 yards. The defender's intervention may have straightened up the effort a little, but there was no doubting that this was Dale's goal: 1-3.

There was no excuse for giving Greyhound a sniff from this point, but we were nearly kicking ourselves when Greyhound were allowed to play the ball through us in the box. We were indebted to Connor for keeping our lead in tact as he rushed of the line to block the shot at the feet of the opposition player.

Milesy made two changes at half-time with Deano replacing Browne (Eye-Ball reverted to left back), and Luke having his first taste of action between the sticks this season - since injuring his wrist (you can make your own diagnosis). Greyhound made their own change, with a familiar face taking up a striking position. Much like Fred Flintstone when the full rack of T-Rex ribs are served up, I'm sure I spotted Rob and Deano licking their lips as the sizeable frame of the BFJ lumbered towards them. This was actually going to be the last time Nick turns out for Greyhound, as he has decided to re-join the Oaks. It's a ballsy decision, and whilst he will be welcomed back he will surely understand that there are a lot of blokes who have turned up every week who will be pulling on a shirt in front of him.

With the cushion of a two goal lead, the Oaks came out for the second half relaxed and eager to fill their boots. First to get in on the action was Tapsell. Eye-ball came close to getting there first when, loitering in the box, he poked the high bouncing ball towards the goal. There was some suspicion that the defender used his hand to deflect the ball behind for a corner, but we had no need to worry, as Ryan's subsequent ball in was met at the back post by Tapsell (it's been a while since we've seen one of them): 1-4.

Dale's hat-trick would have to wait, as he turned provider for his brother. Ryan was put through down the left, and cut inside onto his right before curling the ball expertly into the far corner of the net: 1-5.

Greyhound were then gifted a consolation goal as Luke failed to hold onto a swirling drive by Nick from the edge of the area. If the pitch hadn't been so muddy he would have collected the ball at the second attempt, but his slip allowed the Greyhound player to waltz in for the easiest of tap ins: 2-5.

Any thoughts that this might spark a come back were soon erased as Dale completed his hat-trick before adding a fourth for good measure. First he was put through by Bunny, and then by Tapsell, who won the ball deep in our half before performing a trick most escape artists would be proud of. On both occasions Dale finished in the calm and assured manner that we have become accustomed to. He came very close to getting a fifth, but smashed the ball against post and bar from a tight angle: 2-7.

If a goal fest and booing Nick wasn't enough for our faithful supporters, Milesy had another very special treat for them. Now I reckon God must have a sense of humour, as Nature is littered with cases where you think, 'that’s just harsh.' There is the Daddy Longlegs: apparently the deadliest venom on the planet, but fangs that can't penetrate a tissue. Then there is the Mayfly: spends months as a larva under decaying vegetation, only to die within a few hours of developing wings and seeing the big bright world. However, these anomalies pale into insignificance when you consider one of his greatest balls ups: Michael J Parker. A man (loosely speaking), blessed with the footballing brain, touch and technique of Zinedine Zidane, but the body, speed and agility of Susan Boyle after 12 cans of Special Brew.

Milesy decided to give Parker a run out ahead of the other attacking options (how must H and Scott feel), and he made quite an impact. Firstly he was involved in one of the most surreal moments I have ever seen on a football pitch. Picture the scene: Parker is standing with the ball on the edge of the box, planning his next move. All of a sudden none other than "Where's Robby Lawrence" (he's in the six yard box of course) comes rushing past him. Parker's telepathic instincts (or it could have been the earth shaking) mean that, without looking, he slots the ball behind the back four for Rob to run onto. Instead of stooping to head the ball off the ground, or even ignoring the ball to destroy the nearest breathing object, Rob casually lifts the ball over the on-rushing keeper. Silence descends, and for a split second time stops as we all stand and watch as the ball floats towards the goal, but drifts agonisingly wide under the influence of the wind (that God again!).

As you would expect, Parker's contribution quickly went from the sublime to the ridiculous. There was an attempt at a cross field ball to Deano, which would have been perfect had we been playing on our pitch by the running track rather than directly in front of the club house. Then there was the chance to be the hero (OK, forget the fact we were 4 or 5 goals up at the time). Parker had drifted into the box unmarked, and when Ryan drew the keeper and played the ball across the box surely any contact from Parker's ample frame would have directed the ball into the empty net. However, he decided he'd rather join H, Mikey and Scott in the "I can't believe you missed that" club as he skied the ball over the cross bar from six yards.

Parker may end up as the butt of many of our jokes, but I for one would like to thank this most loyal servant of the Oaks for reminding me that whatever happens in the game, there are far worst places to be on a Sunday morning than running around in a cold, muddy field and having a laugh with your mates.

Eye-Ball

Next Game: Sunday 10th February Away @ The Springhouse Club v Springhouse - 10:30 KO

Details can be found at the following website: http://www.thespringhouse.co.uk/howtofindus.htm

Goal scoring chart