S.S.C. Orsett 1 - 4 Oaks Athletic

The last time these two sides met, the Oaks gave away a two goal lead and allowed Orsett to leave with a point. There was no such complacency this time, as the Oaks put in a controlled performance in challenging conditions to end a three game losing run.

The day didn't get off to the best start. Everyone (including Connor) turned up at Orsett Rec before 10, but there was no sign of the key for the padlock to the box that controlled the roller shutters for the changing rooms. This meant us waiting outside until 10 past, when the two Orsett players who had turned up in Keyways vans finally decided to put their training to good use. In the meantime a ball had been lost on the roof, and H went arse over tit on the wet ground.

With Lakeside and Springhouse still to play, finishing fourth is still a possibility

H's theatricals didn't prevent him being rewarded for his good performance last week with another start:

Subs: Parker, Scott, Nick, Browne

The first half saw the Oaks kicking up hill, against the wind on a boggy and uneven pitch. It really wasn't the right conditions for smooth passing, and our best efforts came from quick breaks. Dale had the best of our early chances following some neat interchanges with H, but seemed determined to continue practising blasted the ball over from six yards.

The Oaks had to absorb a lot of early pressure, and must have defended at least 6 corners in the opening 20 minutes. Our defending was solid, and included a fantastic headed clearance from under the bar from Niki, with the ball certain to enter the goal.

Our hard work defending our own goal was finally rewarded when we won a corner of our own. Ryan swung the ball in, and when Tapsell's effort fell loose in the box, the oldest man on the pitch (that's Rob in case you were wondering if the oppo had someone even older) reacted the quickest to prod the ball into the net: 0-1.

We needed to make Orsett pay for not taking any of their early chances, and Tapsell and Dale duly obliged. Tapsell broke through the middle and unselfishly set Dale clear on the right. His initial effort was blocked as the keeper rushed out, but it squirmed under him to allow Dale to hurdle him and side foot into an empty net: 0-2.

Our performance in this first half was far below what we had achieved in our defeat to Brema last week, but in true Oaks fashion we were just doing enough to stay on top against a team who maybe had one eye on their upcoming cup final. However, we were to get a wake up call before half time when an unstoppable free kick from just outside the area was dispatched into the roof of our net: 1-2.

The Oaks didn't need much reminding of what had happened in the reverse fixture, and went out for the second half with renewed determination to put the game out of Orsett's reach. We almost got off to the best possible start when Dale broke into the box and lifted the ball over the keeper. Unfortunately there was just too much on it, and the ball bounced off the top of the cross bar and behind.

The third goal for the Oaks was to be scored by Dale. I don't actually remember Connor having to make a save in the second half, but this was mainly because he was so good at coming off his line to claim the ball before the oppositions strikers could get on the end of anything. On one such occasion, Connor collected the ball and threw it out quickly to Ryan on the half way line. Kenyon-The-Younger then played in Dale on the left, who sped away from Orsett's tiring defence to score: 1-3.

The two goal cushion seemed to give the Oaks extra confidence, and the chances started to come thick and fast. A couple fell to Nathan, who was finding a lot of space on the right when the ball was on the left side of the pitch. He was picked out at least twice with good diagonal balls, but each time he unleashed a shot he was denied by superb saves from the Orsett keeper. Tapsell also had a good chance when he found space at the back post from a corner swung in by Scott (who had come on along with Nick and Parker in place of H, Ryan and Deano). Tapsell is usually deadly from here, but got his angles wrong on this occasion and headed wide.

It was left to Bunny to add the icing to the cake, when Rob turned from goal poacher to provider. Against George and Dragon a couple of weeks ago, I remember us berating how none of the rebounds in the area fell to our players. This game proved that what goes around comes around, as Rob's effort from a corner was blocked and Bunny was closest to curl the ball into the bottom corner, off the man who had drifted away from post guarding duties. Now Bunny doesn't say a lot, so I felt somewhat privileged to be close enough to hear a little shout of "Yes!" to accompany the fist pump that passed for Bunny's goal celebration: 1-4.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 24 March 2013 @ Home v Greyhound

Goal Scoring Chart:

Brema United 5 - 4 Oaks Athletic

We may have lost this match, but I for one handed my flag back to the referee with an immense feeling of pride at being an Oaks player. I was proud for the way we played, especially given that the memories of the 8-2 humiliation at Brema's hands were still relatively fresh. Compared to our opposition, I was also proud of the way we conducted ourselves and supported each other. The way Brema's wholly unpleasant manager chastised and berated his own team - let alone his lack of respect for us - and the fighting between team-mates, reminded me that I'd much rather play for a team that loses every week but can have a laugh about it down the pub afterwards.

The Oaks lose a little ground on fifth spot

With 7 games left to play, Milesy wants to give everyone as much game time as possible and so rested Eye-Ball to give Browne a much deserved 90 minutes. The only other change was in the formation, with Harry replacing the injured Mikey and partnering Dale in attack.

subs: Scott, Nick, Eye-Ball, Parker

The Oaks were by far the better team in the first half. By playing a deep line, we were able to nullify the threat posed by Brema's tricky strikers, and Ryan, Tapsell, Bunny and Nathan were on top in the midfield. So much so that time and time again they found time and space to release Dale and Harry, who were exploiting the high line being played by the opposition and making great runs in behind. We all know that our game is about picking out through balls for the strikers at the earliest opportunity, but for much of this season Dale has been the only target. With H there in support we had double the options, and the two young strikers were running the Brema defence ragged. Their movement was superb, and their willingness to chase down everything lead to the opening goal for the Oaks. Tapsell's searching ball into the box from the right found the Brema keeper and defender in disagreement over who would deal with it. This left the surprised H with the chance to sneak between them and redirect the ball past the keeper with the outside of his boot: 0-1.

Despite the Oaks dominance, Brema were still a big threat when they got into our box, and when the ball was played back in following a set piece, the defence didn't quite move out quick enough, and the ball was tapped into the net from 6 yards. They were also the next team to get the ball in the net, but when the striker volleyed the ball home following a flick on, Eye-Ball correctly flagged for offside (squad!): 1-1.

The Oaks continued their good worked, and they deservedly reclaimed the lead when Ryan picked out H with a diagonal ball from left to right. H raced into the box and finished superbly; smashing the ball into the roof of the net: 1-2.

With H getting a lot of the attention, Dale was finding a lot of space which, with the help of the supply from midfield, he was fully exploiting. Unfortunately Dale was having a rare off day in front of goal, and a number of chances he would have usually easily converted were missed. The best chance of all was from a fantastic defence splitting ball from Nathan. Dale raced clear, but with only the keeper to beat the ball was blazed over the bar. The person who was most critical of these missed chances was Dale himself, but it is hard to be too harsh when 90% of the work is getting into those goal scoring positions in the first place, and there has not been anybody better than Dale at this to play for the Oaks in recent years.

With Brema's attacking threat, there was always a danger that we would be made to rue these missed chances, and so it was when a hopeful ball towards goal took the slightest of deflections that took it away from Connor and into the back of the net: 2-2.

There were a lot fewer clear cut chances in the opening exchanges of the second half, and it took a fluky cross/shot to give Brema an undeserved lead. The ball was struck with venom from the left edge of the penalty area, and found its way into the net via the near post: 3-2.

With Oaks now chasing the game gaps started to appear, and Brema found more space to exploit their dangerous attacking options. The Oaks conceded again, with Browne getting caught last man, and despite his valiant effort on the line the ball still crept over. A fifth quickly followed when a deflected shot fortuitously fell to a Brema player on the edge of the six yard box, and he had the easy job of tapping home: 5-2.

There is no way that the Oaks deserved to be 3 goals down, and they could easily have put their heads down and felt sorry for themselves. To the contrary, they showed great character and pride to keep pushing right up to the final whistle. With Scott and Nick on for H and Bunny the intent was shown to keep attacking. Even Niki got in on the action, but couldn't squeeze the ball past the five bodies that were between him and the goal when the ball fell to him in the area. The Oaks were always vulnerable to being caught on the break now, and great commitment was shown firstly by Tapsell - who raced back to intercept a goal bound effort and redirect it onto the bar thanks to applying the perfect amount of shin, and Connor who was left to defend on his own following an Oaks corner, and raced off his line to make a perfectly timed tackle some 35 yards from the comfort of his own goal.

You can't keep Dale out of the goals for long, and he got the Oaks back to within a goal of a remarkable comeback. Firstly he was played in down the left by Bunny, and for the first time decided to give his left foot a go. It proved an inspired choice as the ball curled away from the keeper and entered the goal via the far post: 5-3.

Dale's second - and the Oaks fourth - came via the penalty spot. Nathan finally got his assist when his shot was blocked by hands inside the box. Dale stepped up, and despite the best efforts of the opposition to put him off, he stroked the ball calmly into the back of the net: 5-4.

The final ten minutes were set up for the Oaks to find an equaliser, and Ryan came within inches of supplying it. His cracking drive on the run from 30 yards was destined for the top corner, and it took a great save from Brema's keeper to keep it out.

The Oaks may have left with no points, but through this performance they should have gained a lot of self belief and team spirit that should convince us that we can have an enjoyable and successful last 6 games of the season.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 17th March - Away @ Orsett Rec v SSC Orsett - 10:30 k.o.

Goal scoring chart

George and Dragon 5 - 3 Oaks Athletic (Div 1 Cup Semi Final)

The way George's manager was talking after the game you would have thought the result was better for the Oaks as, by losing, we would be avoiding humiliation by Brema in the final. As it turns out, a shock penalty shoot-out win for SSC Orsett makes George and Dragon favourites to lift the cup, and although the news of this in the pub left some Oaks players wondering what might have been, we gave it our all in this game and the fact that this wasn't enough just shows that it wasn't meant to be.

Milsey started this game with a familiar line-up, but with plenty of attacking options on the bench should they be needed.

Subs: H, Sharpy, Scott, Browne, Parker

The Oaks started brightly and controlled the game for the opening half an hour as George and Dragon - a young team well known for their good passing football - became increasingly frustrated by the pressure they were put under. The Oaks early dominance saw them create the better of the chances, with Niki coming close with a dipping effort that wasn't far wide.

The Oaks deservedly took the lead midway through the first half when Mikey was brought down on the edge of the area. Ryan stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the net via the near post: 1-0.

The Oaks defended resolutely in this game, but on one of the few occasions that G&D got behind us we were punished. Their tricky left winger ran into the box on our right, and his pull back would almost definitely have resulted in a goal if it had not been for Mikey's intervention. Unfortunately his sliding block had the same end result, and our lead was wiped out: 1-1.

We could do nothing about the goal that gave G&D the lead before half time, as the same player who had set up the first goal hooked the ball over his head towards goal from the edge of the area. It must have been more luck than judgement that saw it dip over Connor's head and into the far top corner of the net: 2-1.

Parity, at the very least, was deserved for the Oaks first half performance, and we needed to lift ourselves if the next 45 minutes wasn't to be our last in the competition. In fairness to G&D they showed great quality both defensively and in possession to repel most of what we threw at them. They were strong in the air from corners and throw-ins, their tall keeper claimed what wasn't headed clear, and they did a lot better than most teams at keeper Dale relatively quiet (although illness meant he probably wasn't at his best).

Both teams were struggling to break down the other's defence, and so long range efforts were the order of the day. Bunny had a good one for the oaks that would have dipped under the cross bar had it not been for the keeper's acrobatic intervention. With chances from open play at a premium, it was via a penalty that the Oaks got back on level terms. Tapsell's shot was judged to have been stopped with an arm inside the box, and Dale stepped up to calmly send the keeper the wrong way from the spot: 2-2.

If you were being hyper-critical, you could say that the Oaks were at fault for allowing the long range efforts that saw us two goals down in the space of ten minutes. The reality is that we had to take our hats off to the finishes that you might expect to see once in a handful of games at this level, but not twice in ten minutes. The first may have added further weight to the call for goal line technology, but the ref was convinced that the movement of the net meant it had crossed the line as it came down off the underside of the crossbar. There was no doubt about the fourth, that was curled into the far corner from the right side of our box: 4-2.

Scott had already come on to replaced sick note (that's Mikey B in case you were wondering), and Milesy made two more changes with H replacing Bunny and Sharpy coming on for Eye-Ball, as we went 3-4-3 in an attempt to overhaul the deficit. It has been almost a year since Sharpy last pulled on an Oaks shirt, and many thought that, following his op he never would again. However, he is actually under doctor's orders to play again and it was great to see this Oaks legend back on the pitch. One thing you can say about Sharpy is that when he is on the pitch things happen. Most of the time these things are both football related and positive, and he almost made instant headlines as he rose at the back post to win a header with his first touch. Understandably he's a little rusty, and the chance flew over the bar.

H then had a similar chance from another Ryan cross, but he too failed to keep his header down. The Oaks then got caught short in the box, having pushed so many men forward, and G&D's left back found time and space in the box to fire into the net: 5-2.

I was really proud of the boys, as they kept giving it everything despite the desperate nature of the task in hand. The pressure from the Oaks finally paid off when Dale's shot deflected into Ryan's path, and he found a gap at the near post to fire the ball into the net from 6 yards: 5-3.

Ryan was the stand out Oaks player in this game, with everything good that we created coming through him. He could have had a hat full of assists, and put one on a plate for H when he drove to the bye-line and pulled the ball low back across the box. H did everything right, but couldn't account from the amazing reactions of the G&D keeper, as he dived low and somehow pushed the ball over the bar.

That final chance summed up that it wasn't to be our day, and we were humble in defeat as we wished George and Dragon all the best for their final clash against Orsett. At least we will always have the fond memories of last year.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart

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