Oaks Athletic 3 - 4 George & Dragon

The Oaks deserved to get something from a game that they dominated for large periods. However, a combination of errors and a failure to take our chances proved fatal against one of the top teams in the league. Performances are more important than results this year, and after our heavy defeat last time out we should be proud of the way we competed in this game, with our opponents being very lucky to walk away with all three points. We do owe George and Dragon thanks for giving us a good laugh prior to the game, as we watch on in amazement at their intricate and multicoloured array of cones and the well choreographed drills being performed within their perimeter. Surely this was a bit OTT for the Thurrock Sunday league, and it was good to see Tapsell and Browne holding up the tradition of this level of the game as they completed the pre-match jog across the pitch with cigarettes in hand; that's more like it!


There are almost three leagues forming in div 1, with the Oaks competing in the second tier

We had reported back to Milesy that George & Dragon had overrun us in midfield on our previous encounter, so this time 5 in midfield was the tactic to match our opponents. Gollum stepped up for the injured Mikey to provide the defensive cover that should allow Tapsell and Bunny to prevent any build up play that had troubled us before.

ppppppppppppppppConnor

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

ppppppppppppppppGollum

NathanppppppTapsellpppppBunnyppppppRyan

pppppppppppppppppDale

subs: Harry, Browne, Scott, Parker

The first half was dominated by the Oaks, with Tapsell and Bunny winning the physical battle in the middle whilst Gollum was his usual disruptive self. Our biggest problem was getting support for Dale, who battled valiantly but was often a lonely figure up the top of the pitch. When Ryan and Nathan did break forward the only option was an all too predictable one that George and Dragon were more than capable of dealing with.

At the other end of the pitch it was a similar story, with George and Dragon's single striker proving pretty ineffective against a well drilled and experienced Oaks back four that was buoyed by the return of Niki and Deano.

Despite all this the Oaks found themselves two nil down at half time. Connor has proven himself to be a fine young keeper since joining the Oaks, which is why it was such a surprise to us all to see two goals conceded in the manner they were. The first one was a speculative strike from the edge of the area which lacked power but dipped late, catching Connor off his line and dropping over his head and into the net. The second was an almost identical finish, but this time from a controversially awarded free kick following a coming together between Niki and Tapsell that surely shouldn't have resulted in a free kick to the opposition: 0-2.

With the Oaks now chasing the game, tactics had to be changed for the second half. H replaced Gollum and the Oaks went 4-4-2. This made a big difference, and the George and Dragon defence were far more stretched against two young, quick strikers who were prepared to work hard and chase everything. H especially showed his ability to time runs in behind the defence, but unfortunately his finishing was nowhere near as sharp as it had been when he found the net 17 times last season. The best of his chances was created by Niki, who fed a sublime ball in between the defenders only for H to shoot straight at the keeper.

H wasn't the only one failing the make the most of the chances we were creating, and when the ball wasn't flying high and wide of the target the George and Dragon keeper and defence were pulling of last ditch saves and tackles to deny the Oaks. On one particular occasion Ryan met a cross from the right, but headed the ball into the ground giving the keeper a chance to scramble across and make the save. Another chance saw Scott (on for Bunny) put a cross into the six yard box, which no one quite managed to get on the end of.

The Oaks really didn't deserve to be two nil down, but then things were to get even worse as they conceded twice more in the second half. The third goal was an inevitable consequence of committing too many men forward for a corner as we desperately searched for a goal to get us back in the game. Dragon cleared the ball and broke in number leaving Eye-Ball and Connor with the impossible task of preventing a goal scoring chance. We were shown how it should be done as the ball was rolled into the bottom corner: 0-3.

The fourth goal was a combination of a mix up and bad luck, as with many players crowded around the edge of the 18 yards box Niki attempted to clear the ball towards the left of the pitch. Eye-Ball, who was only 5 yards away was unsure whether the ball was meant for him, and what would be the consequence of letting it past. It turns out that trying to control it was the wrong move, and he ended up giving an assist to the grateful Dragon player who was all too happy to smash the ball into the net: 0-4.

Surely, with 20 minutes left, there was no way back for the Oaks, and when Tapsell stroked the ball into the back of the net after a Robin flick on from a Nathan throw, a consolation goal was all many expected this to be. The truth was quite different, as it sparked what was almost another famous Oaks comeback. About 5 minutes after this goal Tapsell turned provider as he slipped the ball through for H who finally found his range and slide the ball past the keeper and into the net: 2-4.

The Oaks were now throwing everything forward, which in turn left George and Dragon with opportunities to break. However, Connor - pulling off a great diving save to his left, and Browne (on for Eye-Ball) - an outstanding block tackle in the box - kept George and Dragon feeling the nerves and the Oaks dreams of gaining something from the game alive.

The Oaks were now being spurred on by some additional fans as Dragon's title rivals AFC Blackshots had come across to see if the Oaks could do them a favour following the completion of their game. They were there to see the Oaks pull back another goal with 5 minutes to go when the keeper could only palm the ball into the middle of the box as he climbed over his on players following a long throw into the box from Nathan. Deano reacted first, claimed the ball as his own, and fired it into the roof of the net: 3-4.

The Oaks created one final chance, but Rob couldn't react quickly enough when the ball bounced in front of him in the box and ended up hitting him in the face. If only there had been another five minutes the Oaks surely would have scored again, but it wasn't to be and George and Dragon were very relieved to hear the final whistle that gave them a lucky escape with all three points.

The result may not have been the one we wanted, but this was a good performance and an enjoyable game. As long as we play like this as a team every week there will surely be more good days than bad.

Eye-Ball

Next game: away v Kynoch Sports @ Pegasus Club - 1030 k.o.

Goal scoring chart

Corrections

It is pleasing to see that people pay enough attention to the match reports to point out errors in my accounts of events. Both the errors that have been pointed out to me recently relate to the same goal against Dynamo Basildon. Connor tells me that he should have been honoured with the assist for Tapsell's goal, and Tapsell feels hard done by to only be credited with an 18 yard strike when it was more like 30 yards. I've addressed this by reassigning Dale's assist to Connor, and ensuring that Tapsell knows how brilliant he is. (We love you Taps!)

Oaks Athletic 2 - 8 Brema United

Some believed that the conclusion of the Mayan Calendar would bring the end of the world on 21st December 2012. At 1032 on Sunday 16th December, the Oaks players were left wondering whether the apocolypse had come early, as only 2 minutes into their match with Brema they were three nil down and in complete disarray.

The world didn't end on 21st December, and although any significance associated with this date will soon be forgotten, you could argue that these predictions remind us of the importance of making the most of the time we have left and not dwelling on what has happened in the past. This result against Brema should have a similar affect. While it was humiliating and painful to be six nil down at half time, there is nothing that can be done about it now and in fact it should inspire us to make sure our next outing is a more enjoyable one. It could be argued that we were hampered by only having eleven regular players (we were grateful to Parker and Gollum for stepping up to give some cover), and were missing people in key positions (including the manager), but there is no way we should ever lose quite so heavily. It did seem that everything that could go wrong did, and boy did Brema's young and skillful players punish us for every mistake. Still, there were some positives; we got two goals through Ryan (put through by his brother via a deflection off the defender), and Tapsell (heading home a N.A.T.H.A.N.), and we stuck together and took the defeat as a team.


This result saw Brema move top of the table with the Oaks dropping to seventh due to wins for Springhouse and Orsett

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, and see you in 2013 for a fresh start.

Eye-Ball

ppppppppppppppppConnor

MillyppppppRobppppNathan (c)ppppEye-Ball

RyanppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppScott

pppppppppppppBunnyppppDale

subs: Parker, Gollum


Next game: Sunday 6th January @ Home v George & Dragon - 1030 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart

Thameside 1 - 3 Oaks Athletic

On their return to league action, The Oaks came from behind to take all three points against old rivals Thameside. The opposition gained promotion with the Oaks last season, but the gulf in quality that saw the Oaks defeat them three times last year and finish 15 points ahead seems to have only got wider. We all noted that they seemed to have lost some of the fight and competitiveness that made them tough to beat last year, but as is normal we only really moved out of second gear and cruised home once Thameside took the lead.


The Oaks move up two places to fifth

It was pretty typical that, with Milesy absent, all sorts of issues should face the stand in player-manager. Most pressing for Nathan was the lack of players. There was no sign of Connor (he later turned up once we had kicked off having got confused between meet and kick-off times), and Tapsell and Browne were having to attend to some urgent business. The team was therefore announced about 3 minutes before kick-off, with Deano volunteering to wear the gloves.

ppppppppppppppppDeano (c)

BrowneppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

RyanppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppScott

pppppppppppppNathanppppDale

subs: Bunny, Connor


There wasn't much to savour in the first half as the Oaks seemed happy to cruise along without looking to dominate the opposition. The best chances fell to Dale, with the first being put on a plate for him by his brother. Ryan's low cross from the right left Dale knowing that any touch from 6 yards out would see the ball end up in the back of the net. Unfortunately a bobble (that's what Dale called it anyway) got the better of our prolific goal scorer and the ball continued on its merry way. Dale's second chance deserved more than just the thud of leather on metal, as he skipped on to a through ball and, running away from goal, lifted the ball first time over the keeper only for the upright to come to Thameside's rescue.

The only other contribution worthy of note was that of Deano in goal. Much like in a night club, where Deano is often observed marking his territory by strutting about with his chest puffed out, the six yard box was his new manor. Any ball or player who encroached was swiftly dealt with as he succeeded in keeping a clean sheet to the end of the half.

Nathan's half time decisions were made easier by the fact that Scott had to get to work, and Deano was struggling with an injury. This meant Bunny replacing Scott on the left and Connor relieving Deano of his duties.

As I have already mentioned, Thameside took the lead early in the second half through a soft goal. The usually impenetrable Oaks defence parted like the red sea to allow the Thameside striker to break into the box. He hit the ball powerfully and although Connor got a hand to it, the ball still nestled in the back of the net: 1-0.

This goal sprung the Oaks into life, with one player in particular taking it upon himself to drive the team forward. A popular member of the squad, Steve Browne is often overlooked but still turns up week in week out to support his team and his friends. However, on this occasion he was guaranteed 90 minutes of football and boy did he make the most of it. It was Steve who was responsible for getting the Oaks back on level terms when he put in a delicious cross from the right that was perfect for Dale to nod into the net from 8 yards: 1-1.

The Oaks were in complete control now, and it didn't take long for them to take the lead. Inside the box, Mikey showed great skill to send his opposite number the wrong way with a Cruyff turn. His subsequent cross from the bye-line looped up off a defender, enabling Rob to get to the ball in front of the keeper and head home: 1-2.

It wasn't all plain sailing for the Oaks, and some good defending was needed at the other end. First Tapsell took up a good position and some how managed to head the ball over from under our cross bar, following a well struck free kick from the edge of the box. Then Browne showed what tough stuff Oaks full backs are made of when he bravely won a header in the box and got a whack on the head for his trouble. An almighty roar and a few rubs were all that was needed for him to be ready to commence battle again. Connor and Browne then combined with the former just getting enough on an attempted lob to stop it going over the line, and the latter being on hand to clear the ball to safety. Then for the second week running Eye-Ball cleared the ball behind precariously close to his own goal when a cross-come-shot was glanced wide with his head.

With this pressure averted, it was crucial that the Oaks put the game beyond doubt. Thankfully Eye-Ball's half time shooting advice was taken on board as Ryan won the ball from a Thameside goal kick, and his nod down was pounced on by Dale. He raced clear and finished in style past the helpless keeper: 1-3.

It's not often that we discuss man of the match awards, but everyone agreed that this accolade should be bestowed on Steve Browne for an outstanding display that saw him terrorise the opposition with his runs down the right, whilst also bravely defending the Oaks advantage. He was also agonisingly close to getting his first Oaks goal to add to the first assist he had already collected. Tapsell played the ball into Dale from the left, but he let the ball run on (deliberately this time I think) into the path of the onrushing Browne whose first time shot stung the hands of the keeper as he pushed it to safety. This great move and Steve's effort deserved more, but it wasn't to be on this occasion and we had to be happy with a convincing 3-1 victory that was welcome after a couple of tough weeks.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 16th December @ home v Brema Utd - 1030 Kick off

Goal scoring chart

Dynamo Basildon 3 - 3 Oaks Athletic (aet, 5-3 pens) (Essex Junior Cup 3rd Round)

The Oaks may have missed out on a place in the 4th round of the Essex Cup by the narrowest of margins, but the good team spirit and togetherness shown made this a day to be proud to be a member of the Oaks squad. We may not have been taking this as seriously as the league, but there is no reason why we can't compete whilst having this much fun every week.

It was a pretty funny day all round. First there was the comedy of finding the right ground (there were far too many to choose from), then the incredible demountable changing rooms that were like something from a 1970s Pontins site, and where it was colder inside than the sub zero temperature outside. Next we had the frozen solid pitch that was left for 20 minutes after the original kick-off time to gradually turn into a giant slush puppy in the winter sun. Then there was the starting line up...

ppppppppppppppppConnor

Deano (c)ppppppMillyppppNikippppBrowne

ppppppppppppppppGollum

ParkerppppppTapsellpppppMikeyppppppEye-Ball

pppppppppppppppppHarry

subs: Nathan, Rob, Bunny, Dale, Ryan


It was an honour to once again be playing in a team that included Oaks legends Gollum and Parker. If you've never seen these boys in action before then ask your grandparents. It was just like the good old days, with Gollum stretching those long legs to tackle people from 20 yards away, and Parker falling over in comical fashion on the right wing.

In truth the Oaks were struggling a little to adapt to the new formation, and it says a lot that the best chance of the half fell to Eye-Ball, who was moonlighting as a tricky number 9 on the left wing. He broke free of the defence to latch onto a through ball from Tapsell, but as the keeper came out his standing foot sank in the mud and his effort skewed wide (there is absolutely no doubt this chance would have been buried if conditions had been better). You could also argue that the pressure of wearing the number 9 shirt with a legendary Oaks number 9 on the pitch proved a little too much.

As it was the Oaks went into half time a goal down when one of the handful of quality players Basildon possessed broke free and lobbed the ball over Connor and into the net: 1-0.

With the hard work of defrosting the pitch complete, Milesy brought on the big guns for the second half. Ryan, Dale, Bunny, Rob and Nathan replaced Browne, Harry, Deano, Parker and Gollum. Basildon had some good players, but there was not doubt that we were the better side in the second half. However it took another goal from Basildon - a long range effort that would have been too good for any keeper - to finally fire us into life: 2-0.

The Oaks got back into the game thanks to a familiar routine that had a new beneficiary. Ryan delivered a quality corner from the left, and Rob, rather than Tapsell, arrived late at the back post to nod the ball into the net: 2-1.

The Oaks were now in control and pushing for the equaliser as Basildon put every man behind the ball. Mikey went off for Harry (roll on subs remember) and the Oaks pushed more men forward with Rob advancing to leave just three at the back. It took a while, but the equaliser finally came with two minutes of normal time remaining. Connor punted the ball up field and Dale laid it off to Tapsell on the edge of the area. His low drive was perfectly placed in the bottom corner and the Oaks had once again overcome the odds to keep themselves in a cup match: 2-2.

The momentum was with the Oaks as we moved into extra time, and when Dale slid the ball into the net following the keeper's parry from H's well struck shot, it looked like an unlikely turn around (and the possibility of a trip to Bishops Stortford) was on the cards. It was almost put beyond doubt when Dale broke free of the defence, but the keeper saved well: 2-3.

Unfortunately the Oaks couldn't hold on to the end of extra time, when with a few minutes to go the ball was played over the top for Basildon's striker to latch onto. Despite Eye-Ball getting back to make the sliding block, the ball went through both him and Connor and into the net: 3-3.

Even then there was time for one last moment of drama as a Basildon player played the ball across the face of the goal with a team mate waiting at the back post to slide it into an empty net. However, Eye-Ball was on hand to clear the ball over the cross bar from six yards (believe it or not I actually backed myself to miss the target from that range).

So it was that the game would be decided by the dreaded penalty shootout. The Oaks were not short of volunteers, as when Milesy asked for 5 to step forward, about 8 did. The order that was decided was Dale, Tapsell, Nathan, Harry and Ryan. Basildon went first, and the first 7 penalties were expertly dispatched. Harry then stepped up and struck his kick down the middle only for the diving keeper's trailing leg to block the ball. Basildon’s final kick was dispatched and that was it, the Oaks were out and Dynamo Basildon progressed to the 4th round.

Harry was comforted by his team mates; someone has to miss and at least he stood up and volunteered to take one. It's especially cruel when a game finishes like this, as it is always the final act that is remembered. However, if you think about it so many other things could have stopped this ending on another day. If the keeper hadn't save Dale's earlier effort, or even if Eye-Ball had blazed the ball into the roof of his own net rather than over the bar, the game would have ended differently. On the plus side, all the division two league games were cancelled so we're no further behind, and we can now concentrate on league and cup games in Thurrock. I think it has been a really good experience for us to play a few teams outside of Thurrock, and we showed we are up to the test. At least one home game would have been nice, but it's been fun nonetheless.

On a sadder note, Al Blake (who was at the game to watch) has decided to leave the Oaks to join Ventura. Blake is a really good young footballer, and a popular member of the Oaks double winning squad. We'll therefore all be sorry to see him go, but understand his desire to get a regular starting position. Our loss is definitely Ventura's gain, and hopefully we'll still see him down at the Ship. I'm sure everyone would agree that it would be great to see him back in purple again at some point in the future if he decides he'd like to come back.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 9th December - Away v Thameside @ Blackshots - 11:00 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart: