Subs: Gollum, Nick, Harry
Defeat means the Oaks will definitely finish 6th
It was a hot, sunny day and although this was a pleasant change it meant you didn't want to be the team chasing the ball. Unfortunately this was the Oaks, as Springhouse's experienced midfield took control in the early exchanges. They kept the ball well, and put the Oaks under a lot of pressure when out of possession. They took the lead when a clearance from a corner caught the Oaks out at the back, and the striker raced clear to score: 0-1.
The lead was doubled from a long throw that the Oaks failed to clear, and a Springhouse player pounced on the loose ball: 0-2. The Oaks could have found themselves even further behind if it hadn't been for Connor (sporting a new short haircut), who pulled off a couple of fantastic saved including a one-on-one block and a flying save from a close range header that was reminiscent of David Seaman's save against Sheffield United.
The Oaks pulled a goal back before half time when Ryan's corner was met by Tapsell at the back post, and despite the best efforts of the defender on the line, he couldn't keep the ball out: 1-2.
There were some other good chances for the Oaks in the first half. Sharpy came close when he threw himself at a cross from Scott, but could only glance his header wide. Sharpy was involved again when he bravely challenged for the ball with the keeper. The loose ball dropped to Dale, but he couldn't avoid the defender on the line.
Harry replaced Scott at half time, and played on the right with Ryan switching to the left. The Oaks started the second half brightly, and scored a fantastic equaliser. Ryan played a diagonal ball into the box, where H was waiting and side footed the ball on the volley low into the far corner: 2-2.
The Oaks were unable to capitalise further as the Springhouse left winger cut inside and hit a shot into the top corner that was out of Connor's reach. This then became the story of the rest of the half as the Oaks midfield tired in the difficult conditions and allowed Springhouse time and space to try their luck from distance. The fourth was a scorcher from 35 yards, and there was quite a lot of controversy surrounding the fifth. A free kick was awarded on the edge of the area, and despite Connor obviously trying to get his wall set, the referee decided he would let Springhouse take the kick early and it was lifted into the goal off the post. The Oaks players were incensed that the referee hadn't made it clear that he would allow a quick kick, but the Oaks learnt a valuable lesson and will always position a man over the ball from now on.
It wasn't our day today, but it is always worth remembering that there are usually others having a worse day. On this occasion it was AFC Blackshots, who would have been odds on favourites to win the league. All they had to do was beat lowly Mossops in their final game. They obviously didn't bank on Mossop's determination to gain the win they needed to stay up, and Mossops ran out 4-3 winners, handing the league to Brema in the process. Although we can't now finish any better (or worse) than sixth, hopefully we can finish the season next week on a high as we take on Greyhound in our final game of the season. Will Dale get to 30 goals? Will Eye-Ball or Niki get a notch on the goals/assist chart? Will Sharpy last another 90 minutes? We'll find out on Sunday.
Eye-Ball
Next game: At home v Greyhound - 10:30 k.o.
Goal Scoring chart
No comments:
Post a Comment