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
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
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