Oaks Athletic 3 - 1 Pegasus Coryton (Div 2 cup quarter final)

This week's match report comes from a different perspective, as I decided to tell Milesy I wouldn't be available due to illness. Before this season I would have pulled on my boots regardless, but with the strength of the squad that we have now, it seemed unnecessary to declare myself fit for selection when we have so many capable lads who stood a much better chance than I did of lasting more than 20 minutes.

West Ham United fans haven't really taken to Sam Allardyce. They expect their teams to play in a certain way, and don't like the ruthless and direct approach that Big Sam is famous for. Although they aren't winning games in style, they are doing enough to win games as their position at the top of the Championship clearly demonstrates. Watching for the sidelines this week, I came to a similar conclusion about the Oaks; we've rarely annhialated teams this season, but every week seem to raise our game to one level higher than our opponents. I'm sure we're yet to see the Oaks really hit top gear, but third was enough today to cruise to victory against a Pegasus side who have improved no end since the 5-1 drubbing we handed to them at the start of the season. In doing so the Oaks set up an away Semi-Final clash against Tilbury United, who beat Jacks Lads 3-2. The Daisyfields on a Sunday morning can be a pretty intimidating place to play, and we'll have to really show what we are made of if we are to stand any chance of achieving a league and cup double this year.


The Poddington Pea gets some catching practice

With Eye-Ball missing, Niki came into the side to partner Rob in the middle while Luke switched to the left, leaving Deano on the right side of defence. The rest of the team was unchanged from the previous match.

ppppppppppppppppTy

Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNikippppLuke

NathanppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Joe, Sharpy, Bunny, Al, Parker, Browne

We learnt this week that Jordan has handed in a transfer request, and will be playing for F.C. Deportivo for the rest of season. While we are all sad to see him go, it is also pleasing to know that he will be getting regular football and I'm sure he'll be a real asset to Deportivo. It was inevitable that players struggling to break into the side would look to go elsewhere, but I'm glad that Whiley, Gav, Jordan and Gollum (retired) have all left on good terms and any time they want to pop along to training, The Ship, or even try again next year, I'm sure they will get a warm welcome.

Watching from the sideline isn't as easy as I'd expected due to the many other distractions. As soon as I arrived for example, I was given the job of looking after Parker's bitch, but to be fair to Holly, she was a lot more interesting than the game. So apologies if this week's report is a bit short on detail, but please feel free to comment on any glaringly obvious omissions.

The infamous Blackshots wind once again seemed to be making life difficult, and the Oaks seemed to be struggling to settle into any sort of rhythm. The ball spent far too much time in the air and passes were over-hit or wayward. We looked at our most dangerous when we got the ball out to Ryan on the left, who had the beating of his opposite number, and in drawing the attention of the Pegasus defenders started to make space for Harry and Nick to work in.


Fights break out over who should get to apply the wet sponge for the skipper

Pegasus showed their ability to use the ball on the floor and play neat passes and one-twos, but as has been the case in the two previous clashes between these sides, their final product wasn't good enough to bother the Oaks superior defence. They did create one or two decent chances in the first half from crosses, but couldn't apply the finish to trouble Ty's goal.

I've credited Luke with the assist for the first goal, as it was his long free kick - following a foul on Mikey in the centre circle - that caused havoc in the opposition box. With Harry challenging for the ball, both keeper and defenders failed to clear the danger, and Nick was left with the simple job of passing the ball into an empty net. If Harry got a touch the assist will be his, but until that's confirmed I've given it to Luke: 1-0.


The BFJ gave the Oaks the lead in the first half

That was pretty much it for the first half, and as an observer it was clear that most of the eleven men leaving the pitch were not happy with the way they had played in the first 45. All the critcism was constructive though, and it was great to see everyone sharing ideas and taking on board what was being said to help the team improve.


Cheer up lads; we're winning!

The half time team talk definitely worked, as within 10 minutes the lead had gone from one goal to three, two Oaks players had finally opened their account for the season, and the game had pretty much been won.


Parker is left fuming, as not only is new mascot Holly better looking than him, she thinks she's a better linesman as well!


Nathan obviously believes tricks and old dogs aren't incompatible

Following a corner, and the usual scramble in front of goal, the ball fell invitingly for Nathan who smashed the ball goalwards. Unfortunately for him there was an arse blocking the route from his boot to the goal. Fortunately for Rob, the resulting rebound fell more or less right onto his toe, and he poked the ball home for his first goal of the campaign (I can't believe it's taken 13 games for me to be able to write this!): 2-0.


All hell brakes loose when someone drops a fiver near the front post


I wonder how much Rob would pay to have an empty net in which to score his first goal of the season. Lost a fiver lately mate?

The next goal has a missing assist provider so I'll refer to him as Ronnie (as in Purple) until the rightful owner steps forward. The ball was worked down the right hand side, and played by Ronnie to Mikey in the middle. He let the ball run across him, before hitting it low from just outside the area back across the keeper with his left foot. The keeper was able to get something on it, but it wasn't enough to prevent the ball nestling in the bottom corner. This was also Mikey's first goal of the season; last year Mikey and Rob scored 7 between them, which just goes to show how many scoring options we have now: 3-0.


Another classic after-action shot. Hopefully the description of Mikey's goal is enough.

With a good lead now established, Milesy took the opportunity to introduce some fresh legs, with Nick and Harry making way for Sharpy and Bunny. Joe also replaced Ryan a little later in the half.


Holly tries to escape an Aaron Bass Special

Pegasus showed that they weren't ready to give up, and pulled one back with a neat corner kick which caught the Oaks defence napping as the attacker was allowed to run to the front post unmarked to meet the low cross and flick it into the net: 3-1.

This didn't seem to faze the Oaks; in fact Niki felt so confident that the game was won that he decided to leave his defensive post and go on a mazy run that saw him replace Sharpy as the lone striker at one point. I didn't have chance to ask Rob what he thought of this, but I reckon he would have been pretty impressed.


Watch out, ginger about. Not you taps; look left!

Some other moments that stick in the mind from the second half include Sharpy coming close to connecting with a header following a good cross from the right, Deano getting his foot out of his mouth just in time to congratulate Sharpy on some neat footwork to get the ball out to Ryan on the left, Mikey B's ultra heavy socks, and Luke belittling the opposition by showing that, while they couldn't stop his run, thin air and a few blades of grass were more than capable of doing so.


OK son, explain again how your socks could fall down with those lovely shoe laces tied round them?

Unfortunately we have another week off next week, but the following week we return to league action with a massive game against Socketts Heath who are second and just a point behind us (although having played three games more). A glance at the league table shows that they could go in to the game top of the table, and although we know this to be a false representation they're going to be up for a fight to stop us regaining our rightful position. Let's make sure they know they're only keeping it warm for us.




Eye-Ball

Next game: Away @ Palmers College v Socketts Heath - 10.30 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart



Don't worry Nathan, I've given you the assist for Rob's goal.

Oaks Athletic 2 - 1 Tilbury United

The nerves and doubts brought about by a tough opening fixture of 2012, following 4 weeks (incorporating Christmas) without a game, were soon forgotten as the Oaks put in a mature and controlled performance to continue their good form and extend their lead at the top of Division 2 to 4 points (with at least one game in hand over all of our nearest rivals).

Much like circling vultures, the Oaks' job of winning the league (I don't think anyone would disagree now that this is the aim) is being made a lot easier by the lack of any other consistent performers, with every team regularly dropping points leaving us to then swoop in and snatch the best of the left-overs. Results are also starting to make some of our less satisfying performances seem all the more sweet: 6 points from Jacks Lads for example, who since losing to us have taken 7 points from 9 including a win against Beauchamps, and depriving Sockets Heath (the form side) of 2 points this week. 3-0 against Jurgens also now seems all the more significant, as this week they held second place Thameside to a nil-nil draw. Then there is our 2-2 draw against Pegasus, who are 3rd in the form table based on results since this game. The overall shift in power has also been dramatic, with Wilburn and Beauchamps - seen as our main contenders for the title in the early form guide - self destructing and tumbling down the table (Wilburn lost to surely the most inconsistent side in the league - Stanford Wanderers - who have scored more, and conceded more goals per game than any side). Sockets Heath and Thameside now look like our main threat, and given that we have already taken maximum points from Thameside, our next league game (unfortunately not until 5th Feb) against Heath will be key.



The loyalty of the Oaks squad members shows no sign of waining, as Milesy once again had more players to choose from - 18 - than he is allowed to name. With our ambitions of winning the league now being foremost in most minds, making significant changes to the starting eleven becomes increasingly difficult, and Ty (missing from the last game through injury) was the only player to come in; dislodging his younger brother in the process:

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppDeano (c)ppppEye-Ball

NathanppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Joe, Sharpy, Bunny, Jordan, Niki, Parker, Browne

The Oaks showed no signs of rust (or the affects of Christmas over-indulgence), as they took early control in this game. Possession was kept well as the ball was worked around on the floor, whilst the opposition were hounded and quickly dispossessed when the ball was lost. Despite this dominance the early chances were restricted to speculative long range efforts, whilst Tilbury showed they had a dangerous weapon usually associated with the Oaks, with their new captain showing he was capable of hitting the far side of the six yard box with his long throws.

Whilst the Oaks dealt with attacks from this source, Tilbury didn't do so well when the boot was on the other foot. I've written this so much in match reports over the years that I've decided to save some (virtual) ink and come up with an acronym: N.A.T.H.A.N. : Nathan Amazing Throw Has Athletic Netting. On this occasion Rob beat the flapping keeper to flick the ball on and leave Harry with the easy task of directing the ball into the net with his head (his first headed goal of the season I believe): 1-0.

The Oaks didn't sit on this one goal lead, and continued to control the game. We've scored some good goals this season already, but few (if any) have been better than the one that doubled the Oaks lead when Tapsell showed great awareness to spot Nathan's run behind the back four on the right. Tapsell's slide rule pass was perfectly weighted for Nathan to arrive on cue, beating keeper and defender to the ball and side footing it into the far corner of the net, to remind us of the deadly finishing that has been missing in recent games: 2-0.

The strong smell of weed (not a reference to Jordan's odour problems), that engulfed both the changing room and the pitch suggested that some of the Tilbury team were already in a daze, and this second goal should really have enhanced their drug induced disorientation. As it was we once again took pity on our inferior opposition by handing them a ill deserved tonic, to raise their spirits going into half time. It was the Oaks turn to be undone by the long throw as Deano and Rob challenged for the same ball, and only succeeded in helping the ball into the middle of the area where only Eye-Ball and the opposition striker were in attendance. Surprised to see the initial ball not being dealt with, Eye-Ball was inexcusably caught off balance, and couldn't adjust in time to stop the Tilbury striker from lashing the ball home: 2-1.

The second half saw the Oaks continue to dominate proceedings, with every player excelling in their position. Nathan completely dominated his opposite number, and Tilbury's best player, whilst the dynamic duo of Tapsell and Mikey continued to stake their claim as the most feared centre midfield partnership in the league. Crunching tackles, dominance in the air, composure on the ball, accurate and intelligent passing, tireless work to support in both attack and defence; if it weren't for their looks these boys would have it all!

[N.B. Before I get any abuse we all know their heads wouldn't have fitted through the Ship door if I hadn't deflated them a little]

In addition was the energy and determination of the Young Ones - Ryan and Harry - whose willingness to carry the ball and turn the opposition inside out gives us granddads a chance to get our breath back. Then there was the regular sight of the BFJ swatting off Tilbury defenders as if they were flies on his jerk chicken, whilst the back four of Eye-Ball, Deano, Rob and Luke worked in packs to hunt down and nullify the Tilbury hounds (and the squealing pig who made an appearance mid way through the second half). Finally the Poddington Pea - who gives so much more than just stopping shots - came out quickly and bravely to claim the ball whenever it came anywhere near the goal, and his intelligent distribution was key in helping the Oaks keep possession and run down the clock towards the end of the game.

The only real disappointment was poor finishing, which prevented the game from ever being put beyond doubt. Subsequently this prevented us from having the cushion that would have enabled Milesy to make changes, and give the faithful Oaks members on the bench the pitch time that they deserved. Countless chances went begging, and I'm sure Nick and Harry would be more disappointed than any that they weren't able to add to their respective goal tallies.

Nick's best chances included a tame shot that was no reward for some excellent work to make space for the shot in a crowded box, a close range effort that was scrambled off the line by a wall of Tilbury bodies. Then there was another scuffed shot after he had broken free in the box and received the ball on the left. The frustration for all of us is increased by the fact that we know what the big man is capable of, having witnessed his thunderbolt of a penalty in the previous game.

Harry's finishing has been sublime up to now, but he too was guilty of squandering excellent chances: following an awful clearance from the keeper, Harry was perhaps surprised to find himself clear through on goal and snatched a shot straight at the relieved goalie. Then when the ball fell to him following a corner the ball was slashed wide from 8 yards.

It wouldn't be fair to only mention the misses of the strikers, as plenty of us missed good chances, including Rob who beat everyone to another Nathan throw but couldn't achieve a N.A.T.H.A.N. as he managed to head over from under the cross bar.

Despite there being much rejoicing to be done for a superb performance and another three points, I felt it was necessary to highlight that we can still make significant improvements. With half the season gone, there are still four teams who, for us, are an unknown quantity, and if we underestimate any of them (or the other teams who have improved since we last played them) we are sure to come unstuck. However, I think we are all hungry for the league title now and I'm sure the renowned Oaks fighting spirit we give us every chance of a feast come the end of the season.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 22nd January @ Home v Pegasus (Cup Match): 1030 K.O.

Goal Scoring Chart:

Oaks Official 2011 Christmas Knees Up

With a 1230 KO, the Ship on London Road was the venue for this annual fixture in which drinking copious amounts of beer, playing the 10p football game, losing our money at Killer to the pub pool team captain, arm wrestling, trying to remember how you got home and hugging the toilet bowl were the main activities.

We also had the awards for the 2011 season:

Manager Milesy's player of the season

3rd place: Jimmy Edwards(unfortunately no longer with the team, but a deserved mention for dedication to the team with weekly train journeys from Sutton. Often had to settle for a place on the bench, but if you needed someone to break up a game and harrass the opposition, Jimmy was your man).

Runner up: Deano Wright

Joint winners: Paul "Gollum" Webb and Nathan Kerin





Player's Player of the Season

3rd place: Mikey Bradon

Runner up: Nathan Kerin

Winner: Paul "Eye-Ball" Radford



Thank you to all the staff and patrons of the Ship for letting us invade and have a throughly enjoyable day.

Eye-Ball (Your very proud and humbled 2011 Player's Player of the Season)

Thameside 0 - 1 Oaks Athletic (Division 2 Cup)

I imagine Thameside will be glad to see the back of The Oaks this season, and to be honest we won't miss playing Thameside despite the fact that this was the third time we had beaten them in three encounters. There may well be more technically gifted teams in the league, but there surely isn't a harder working one than Thameside. For 90 minutes they press, and hurry their opponents into making mistakes. They give so much in every game that you can't help but feel that they deserve to get something from the match. Unfortunately for them, The Oaks are now a team who expect to win regardless of how hard the opposition try, and despite not being at their best on this occasion, still advanced to the next round of the league cup.

This was a day for a bit of nostalgia as we were reminded of certain elements of the Oaks of old. Firstly the sight of a small dog in matching team colours lead one of the assembled players to remark that we could put our loyal mascot, Jake in an Oaks purple shirt. Unfortunately Jake is no longer with us, but I'm sure he would have worn the Oaks shirt with pride.



An unshaven John Motson wishes someone had told him it was TV rather than Radio coverage.

Then there was the presence of an old Oaks servant and captain, who was there to watch his son play. It was really good to see Stu and hopefully he can make it along next week to join us for a beer.



Don't you hate it when you forget to take the coat hanger out of your shirt.

Finally, our preparation for this game was more like the Oaks of old: with a few minutes to go till kick-off we were still missing 2 of our starting eleven (including the goal keeper), and when they did turn up they added to the significant number of Oaks players who were still pissed from the night before. Still, we managed to start on time with eleven players and set about getting to the next round of a cup we should seriously be looking to win.

With Ty suffering from a dodgy hip, Luke was given the chance to impress in goal as much as he has at full-back. Surprisingly the Oaks were short of defensive cover on this occasion, and so Deano slotted into the hole left by Luke at right back whilst Nathan moved to centre-back. This then meant a start on the right for Jordan.

ppppppppppppppppLuke
Deano (c)ppppppRobppppNathanppppEye-Ball

JordanppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Joe, Sharpy, Gavin

The first half was somewhat of a blur for a large contingent of the Oaks players who had basically walked out from the changing rooms and straight onto the pitch to start the game. This was the case for no-one more so than Taps, whose over excuberence in the celebration of his birthday the night before had left him a shadow of his former self. The boisterous and bustling midfielder, who has driven us forward up to now, was was nowhere to be seen (unless you looked up to where Nick and Harry were stood) or heard for much of the first half. You wont be surprised to hear then that he created the best chance of the opening period, when the ball sat up for him on the edge of the area and he unleashed a stinging drive that was acrobatcially sent round the post by the Thameside keeper.

The Oaks continued to show what a good footballing side they have become as they looked to break down the stubborn Thameside defence, and when Jordan played the ball into the box from the right, it looked like Ryan's first touch off his chest may carry him and the ball past the back line and into a good scoring position. However, Ryan had underestimated the appetitie of the Thameside centre back pairing, who made him the meat in their sandwich and sent him crashing to the ground.

The lack of hesitation from the referee in awarding the penalty was only trumped by the speed with which the BFJ strode forward to pick up the ball and place it on the spot, whilst around him the debate continued about all should take the kick. No one would argue that your penalty taker needs to be confident that they are going to score, and nomination by committee isn't going to guarentee that. Nick left no one with any doubt that he was the right man for the job as he strode up to the ball and smashed it with venom into the corner of the net and out of the keepers reach: 0-1.

Thameside's never say die attitude shone through after this goal as they took control of the last quarter of the half. The Oaks in contrast were guilty of sitting off and letting Thameside pull the strings, and we were indepted to the second most enibriabted player on the pitch - Luke - for pulling off a superb double save to first dive right and stop and firmly hit shot from outside the area, and to then block the rebound shot with his knees. Luke wore the Oaks new green goalkeeper kit for the first time on this occasion, and whilst he looked as resplendant as Ty, his stature means that the Poddington Pea comparison really doesn't work. Fortunately Deano (the third most inhibriated player on the pitch) was able to manage a rare moment of clarity; and it was thus that the Runner Bean was born.

There was one additional scare when a mix up between Eye-Ball and Harry (the former leaving the ball for the latter, and the latter not wanting to get his new official Oaks Athletic purple boots dirty) presented the winger with a clear run on goal, but fortunately his shot was wide of the goal.



Sharpy regrets assuming his campaign for a gold kit would be successful

Deano then completed the domination of the drunks as he entered into a bizarre confrontation with Thameside's mouthy manager, who had taken exception to Harry swinging an arm in reacting to having his shirt held whilst trying to run onto a quick free-kick by Deano. The free-kick had been awarded following a late tackle on Deano to which Deano (who was wearing his angry green drunk hat), had reacted badly. He then mis-interpreted the Thameside manager's rant at him about Harry's swing as accusing him of throwing an elbow, which Deano was denying whilst explaining what would happen if he did want to elbow the player who had fouled him, which the Thameside manager took as vindication from the Oaks skipper for the use of the elbow. And so it went on to the half-time whistle.

The second half really had no significant moments of note, with both defences controlling the game. The Runner Bean made the six yard box his own, Nathan and Rob won every ball at the back, and Mikey continued to boss the midfield. Equally dogged work from the Thameside rear guard meant chances were at a premium, and the Oaks displayed the necessary grit to see out the rest of the game and progress to the next round of the cup.

The day got even better as we heard the news that we had even improved our strangle hold on the league thanks to a shock victory for Jacks Lads over Beauchamps.

This was our last game of the year, and was a fitting way to finish what has been a very succesful and memorable 2011 for the Oaks.

Eye-Ball

Goal Scoring Chart




Next game: Sunday 8th January @ home v Tilbury United.

Oaks Athletic 2 - 1 Jacks Lads

The Oaks won their sixth game of the season, and extended their unbeaten start to 9 games, which is the best run they have had for at least 10 years (and possibly ever). With other results going their way (both Beauchamps and Wilburn lost) they also extended their lead at the top of the league to 4 points.



Games involving the Oaks are becoming as predictable as a budget porn movie. We soften up the opposition and take the lead, but rather than finishing the job early we over do the foreplay, concede a sloppy goal and let the opposition think they can get away with more than they bargained for. Eye-Ball takes one in the face, and we rely on Harry to provide the money shot. Although it might not be pretty the desired outcome is achieved, and as it is people only really tune in to see the t....(team) and ch....(chart).

Milesy made two changes for this game as Niki came in for his first start to replace the injured Deano, and Sharpy was given a run upfront in place of Nick.

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppNikippppEye-Ball

Nathan (c)ppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppSharpyppppHarry

subs: Steve, Gavin, Jordan, Joe, Nick

New player introduction: Niki "Lawsie" Laws

Best attributes Provides a vocal presence at the heart of defence, and has a a level head that is sometimes lacking in the Oaks team. Great positional sense and strong in the air, Niki's composure and love of defending make him a perfect addition to a defensive unit that is probably the best in the league (but then I would say that).

Lawsie joins an elite group of Oaks players who: have an officially trademarked Oaks Athletic nickname; joining Eye-Ball, Tapsie, Steptoe, Weeeeeeed, the BFJ, No-Fun and "that nob in the purple shirt" (a general nickname that is shared around as required).

The Oaks took the lead in the first half when a good passing move lead to Nathan's near post shot being well saved by the keeper. Nathan did eventually finish the job from Ryan's inswinging corner, as he rose highest to head home from six yards: 1-0.

The Oaks were unable to increase their lead in the first half despite totally dominating the opposition, and when half-time eventually arrived the score was 1-0.

The second half didn't go as well as planned and we conceded a bizarre goal to let Jacks Lads back into the game. Under pressure from three opposition players, Ty failed to gather the ball cleanly in the area, and as the ball broke and was fired across goal Robbie instinctively threw up an arm to clear the ball from danger.

I felt a little sorry for the referee who was being watch by an assessor and, like a teacher on Ofsted, went completely over the top with his application of the laws of the game. Prior to the match we were lined up like naughty school children on the edge of the 18 yard box as our boots and attire were scrutinised, and anyone straying from the line was reprimanded. We were told everything would be by the book, but unfortunately for him he had some decisions to make in this game that needed a bit more knowledge than the correct procedure for a substitution. The first big decision was to award a penalty when Weed had the flag raised for offside, and to only book Robbie when it was clear that he was going to send him off before Nathan convinced him otherwise. The penalty was converted (twice) and the Oaks had let the opposition back into the game. 1:1.

The rest of the half was full of missed chances: Sharpy's shot went wide when the keeper dropped the ball at his feet, Nathan was unable to convert a chance from the right that is usually his bread and butter, Tapsell's drilled free kick went wide of the goal by a gnat's whisker, and Mikey's left footed dipping volley from the edge of the area was deflected from the top corner by the flying Jacks Lads keeper.

All these missed opportunities put more pressure on the Oaks defence to keep out the opposition, which they did by any means possible, including Eye-Ball blocking a rasping volley from point blank range with his face. The opposition actually seemed to show more concern than his team mates, but then this isn't an unfamiliar sight for them.

Not for the first time this season, it was our two youngest players (the acorns you could say...) who showed the rest of us how it should be done. Ryan broke from midfield and played the ball out to Harry on the left. He advanced towards the goal, and although his shot wasn't great, it had enough pace to squeeze through the keeper's legs and trickle over the line: 2-1.

The Oaks held on to the lead for the remaining twenty minutes, with the game ending in bizarre circumstances as Nick - who had come on for Sharpy - tried to slow down the keeper as he looked to take a quick goal kick. Nick then put the player on the edge of the area under pressure, won the ball and then was brought down as he looked to round the keeper. The ref's immediate reaction was to point to the spot, but then with Nick rolling around on the ground indecision seemed to set in again. Should Nick have been penalised for being in the area when the goal kick was taken? Had he played advantage that had then ended by the time Nick regained possession? Should the penalty stand in which case would he have to send the keeper off? Or could he avoid making any decision at all by blowing the final whistle before any definitive action was taken?

You can probably guess what he went for, much to the annoyance and surprise of many of the Oaks players who were busy discussing who was to be given the opportunity to climb the goal scoring chart.

While this strange ending took some gloss of the result, we should be pleased to get another three points, and shouldn't be surprised that teams like Jacks Lads are proving a tougher challenge the second time round. I don't know what people used to think when they saw a game against the Oaks on the fixture list, but imagine that while they expected a tough encounter, they would have felt three point should be achievable. Now we are the team everyone wants to beat rather than the team that should be beaten, and everyone is going to raise their game against us as they look to be the first to slay the mighty Oaks. As long as we can keep our game above the level of our opposition (as we are more than capable of doing), there is no reason why we can't carry on winning.

Eye-Ball

Goal scoring chart

Oaks Athletic 2 - 2 Pegasus Coryton

The fact that we were disappointed to only take a point from this game, despite showing good character in twice coming from behind, says a lot about the high expectation of the Oaks players this season. Both individually and as a team, we failed to match the high standards we have set so far this season. However, it is inevitable that we will have some bad days at the office, but the fact we still took something from the game (and in doing so matched the 2005/06 feat of 8 games unbeaten) should give us a lot of encouragement.

With Wilburn playing a cup match, the single point we took from this game meant we could only lose our position at the top of the table if Beauchamps scored heavily and won by two clear goals. As it happened our old friends Thameside did us a big favour by beating them 3-1. This means we can more or less say we are now top on merit given we have played the same number of games as Wilburn, and Beauchamps would need to win their game in hand by a big margin to overtake us on goal difference.


Three weeks at the top - surely not another record!

Steve once again felt he couldn't risk changing a winning side and apart from Nathan starting for Sharpy, the starting eleven was the same as the previous week:

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppDeano (c)ppppEye-Ball

NathanppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Parker, Steve, Gollum, Whiley, Sharpy, Niki, Jordan, Joe, Gavin

The Oaks started the game with a real swagger, and looked confident as they passed the ball around between the back four and the midfield. The Blackshots weather was once again going to prove a key factor, as a strong wind blew down the hill towards the far corner. Pegasus were playing with the wind in the first half, and struggled to play the ball through to their front men, as more often than not the wind would take hold and send it out of play.

Pegasus are well known for having one of the best, and largest, pitches in the league. However, this really doesn't seem to suit them as their uncharacteristic bad start to the season has mainly been due to the fact that they have lost all four of their home games, conceding 15 goals in the process (5 of them against the Oaks). They have enjoyed playing on their travels far more, and before this game had won two (including beating Beauchamps at Blackshots) and lost just the once. Perhaps we should offer to swap home pitches?

It was obvious that the smaller Blackshots pitch was helping the Pegasus defence, as Harry and Nick had a lot less space to run in to. Therefore despite all our possession, clear cut chances were at a premium, with the best efforts coming from Tapsell - who tested the opposition's short stand-in keeper with a floating shot which almost bounced in - and Harry who hit the outside of the post from a tight angle.

In the open exchanges, possibly the biggest threat for both teams was the referee. I can understand why Milesy thinks he is one of the better ref's in the league, as his arrogance and bloody mindedness would be perfect for one of the rougher encounters (our recent game against Tilbury being a prime example). However, the way he chose to conduct himself in this game was nothing short of ridiculous. The Oaks have always had a great deal of respect for Pegasus Coryton, and our games against them have always been hard thought but fair - with this one being no exception. How the referee found reason to book no less than three players for fouls that were first time offences and warranted a talking to at best was a mystery. The most frustrating thing is that a £10 fine actually makes a dent in the pocket of your average Sunday league footballer, and when he is penalised for making a genuine attempt to win the ball rather than talking himself into the book, you have to feel sorry for him.

The way the referee spoke to the players was also getting every one's backs up, as awards of free kicks would be accompanied by threats of what would come if it happened again, and comments that were designed to convince us of how right he was that only succeeded in adding to the frustration with some of his awful decisions. He also seemed to love starting arguments, as if he wanted the players to give him an excuse to get his little book out. Apologies for ranting on, but this guy seemed so determined to be the focal point and prevent us having a good, fun game, that I wouldn't want to upset him more by not giving him his own write up.

There were far too many bewildering decisions to list, but one stand-out one lead to the opening goal, against the run of play for Pegasus. When a throw-in was taken on the left by the half way line, Eye-Ball lent into his man with his hands clearly out to his side and the whistle was blown. This seemed harsh, but some refs don't like any sort of contact in these situations. To confirm that this was indeed the case Eye-Ball enquired as to the reason for the decision, at which point he was told he had pushed the player in the back with his hands! We then had no one to blame for falling into the trap of concentrating our efforts on questioning the decision rather than organising ourselves defensively, and when the ball was swung in we were in no position to prevent Pegasus's human tank from bulldozing the ball into the back of the net: 0-1.

This goal knocked the Oaks a little, and when the half time whistle came, it gave us a much needed opportunity to regroup.

The goal for Pegasus proved to be a much needed tonic, and suddenly any thoughts of our previous 5-1 demolition was forgotten as they now had the belief that the Oaks were beatable. Still, we showed we were prepared to scrap all the way and continued to win the key battles, especially the aerial balls in midfield where Mikey and Tapsell reigned supreme.

It didn't take long for the Oaks to get back on level terms, as Harry once again demonstrated that he only needs a sniff at goal to make things happen. Nathan won the ball in midfield from a Pegasus goal kick unchallenged, and nodded the ball back over the defence. Harry reacted quickest, and as the ball came down he steered it first time past the on-rushing keeper and into the net: 1-1.

With over half an hour left the Oaks now believed they could go on to win the game, but unliked our previous encounter with Pegasus, everything we touched turned to sludge rather than gold. Luke and Ryan's corners were causing particular problems, and there was a suggestion that at least two goal line clearances may have been after the ball had already crossed the line. One looked like it hit the top of the net and came out (a lesson for those putting up the nets) whilst Ryan's in swinging corner may have had help from the wind in sending it into the net before the clearance came. Nathan also almost scored with a diving header, but was put under pressure by our very own Robbie Lawrence and headed the ball over.

The best chance by far for the Oaks to take the lead came when Harry played an inviting ball across the box to the far post where an Oaks player was waiting unmarked. 99 times out of 100 you would put all Sharpy's money on this player burying the ball, but as it was even two swipes weren't enough for Nathan to finish the job on this occasion.

As if Nathan didn't feel bad enough, he then took the blame for the Oaks going behind when, after being moved to centre back to allow Sharpy to come on in midfield, Nathan missed an overhead clearance (again a 1 in 100 occurrence), and the Pegasus striker raced clear to score. This was only the third proper attempted they had created in the game (the second lead to the ball being blasted over from 8 yards), but it was enough to put them in a good position to take all three points: 1-2.

Most of the players in the current Oaks side have tasted plenty of defeat in the past, but our recent good form has obviously left us with a more refined palette; and losing is most definitely off the menu.

Within minutes we were back on level terms, as Tapsell found himself with time and space on the edge of the penalty area. With options left and right, he made the wise decision to play the ball to Ryan, who had been left totally unmarked on the left hand side of the box. Those who felt Ryan had waited too long to pull the trigger were proved wrong, as he unleashed a rasping side footed shot that flew over the keeper before hitting the underside of the crossbar and bouncing over the line. He may have displayed a Balotelli-esq lack of emotion on getting the Oaks back in the game, but I'm sure deep down he was as happy as the rest of us (and almost as happy as I imagine his dad, Alec, was on seeing him get up in the first half after fearing any chance of grand children may have been lost).

Despite our best efforts to grab all three points, it wasn't to be on this occasion and we had to settle for just the one. Still, at least it means Ty still shouldn't be allowed to cut his hair. If his challenge only applies to league games, a win next week could mean Cousin It will be carving the Owen Christmas Turkey this year.

Eye-Ball

Next game: Sunday 4th December @ Home v Jacks Lads - 1030 K.O.

Thameside 1 - 2 Oaks Athletic

The Oaks Athletic juggernaut continues to gather speed, as first half goals from Ryan and Nick helped the boys in Purple record their 5th win of the season, and extended their unbeaten start to 7 games.

I'm not sure I can recall the last time the Oaks were top of the league, and I don't think I made enough of this fact last week. Fortunately the win kept us top for a second week running, so I have the opportunity to capture the moment now:


It's funny to recall where Belhus's one point came from...

The victory is made more impressive given the disruptions caused by the weather, the time keeping of the referee and the limited Billet facilities. We turned up at the ground to be met be dense fog, with the pessimists amongst us being adamant that the game would not be played. However, the "glass half full" types were confident that once you got into the fog and stood on the half way line, you could clearly see both goals. However, there was no point getting changed until the referee had confirmed that he was happy for the game to go ahead, which he did when he finally turned up at 10.05. Further disruption was then caused as we had to wait for a room to become free for us to change. This meant limited warm up time and an unnecessarily late kick-off.

The one problem caused by the continued good form of the Oaks is that it is obviously hard for Milesy to change a winning side, and despite the countless options available the manager made just one change from the previous week with Sharpy getting his first start on the right hand side of midfield:

ppppppppppppppppTy

LukeppppppRobppppDeano (c)ppppEye-Ball

SharpyppppppMikey BpppppTapsellppppppRyan

ppppppppppNickppppHarry

subs: Parker, Steve, Gollum, Whiley, Nathan, Niki, Jordan, Joe, Gavin

The disruptions seemed to have affected Thameside more than The Oaks, as the away side started brightly. The home side were not allowed any time on the ball, and the Thameside goal was soon under siege.

It wasn't long until the deadlock was broken as Sharpy collected the ball on the right hand side and played a delightful ball down the line with his left foot for the eager Harry to run on to. He glided into the box, and unselfishly crossed low for Ryan - who had timed his run perfectly - to calmly slot the ball home with the outside of his right foot back across the scampering and wrong footed keeper:: 0 - 1.

There is rarely a dull moment when Sharpy is on the pitch, but it was good to see him continue to warrant mention thanks to his involvement in goal scoring opportunities for the Oaks. He had two chances to bury headers from excellent Luke corners that would usually be bread and butter, but obviously match fitness is still causing an issue as he failed to make proper contact with either.

We didn't have to wait long for the lead to be doubled as Eye-Ball overlapped on the left to receive a pass from Ryan. A late call from Tapsell caused him to change his original plan to send Ryan down the line, and although the pass to Tapsell was a poor one, Taps' determination lead to the ball being won back. Although Tapsell's low shot was well saved by the keeper, Nick (aka the BFJ) showed the greatest desire to get to the loose ball and held of the defender to slot home into an empty net: 0 - 2.

I would argue that the BFJ had his best game of the season, and is starting to develop a really good relationship with his striking partner Harry. I don't know what the two of them talk about while they are watching the rest of us defend, but whatever plans they are concocting seem to be working. The plan appears to be to get close to one another, with Harry sitting on the last man and Nick coming deeper to win the ball and flick on first time for his mate to run on to. This proved very effective in the first half of this game, and showed what a valuable asset the BFJ is for the Oaks when he keeps things simple and looks to use his ability to create space for others, which gives the Oaks a cutting edge in attack.

The Oaks settled back five looked totally at ease in the first half, with their lives being made easier by the way in which Mikey and Tapsell were once again dominating the midfield battle. Thameside showed no signs of being able to threaten Ty's recent run of clean sheets and the half finished at 0-2.

Milesy made just the one change at half time, with Nathan replacing Sharpy who would have done his fitness no harm with a busy 45 minute outing.

The Oaks continued in the second half where they had left off in the first, as they went in search of the third goal that would confirm the points. The best chances fell to Nick, whose header from 6 yards drew a remarkable reaction save from the keeper, and Mikey who drilled the ball sweetly towards goal as it fell to him following a set piece, only for the Thameside defender to block the shot on the line.

Anyone who thinks we can maintain the high standards we have set for 90 minutes in every game obviously hasn't heard of some of The Oaks most impressive under achievements: Rec Rover 2010, Linford Wanderers 2009 and FC Deportivo Thurrock 2008 are just a few that spring to mind. One thing all these disappointing performances had in common is that they all followed good results from the previous week.

We've already shown that we can string commanding performances together this season, and the fact that we held out to win this game despite being well below par for the last 25 minutes should be taken as a big positive. We completely lost our shape and composure, and seemed to have forgotten who was on our team and therefore who to pass the ball to. To give credit to our opposition, they finally started to put us under the kind of sustained pressure that we expected, and started to make better use of their possession.

Despite this, it was still unexpected to see Thameside pull a goal back to set up a tense final 5 minutes. Interestingly we have now conceded 6 goals in the 7 games we have played, with half of them being scored by Thameside. Add to this the fact that all three goals have been handed on a plate following individual errors, and you can really see why most forwards wish they had stayed in bed when they come up against the Oaks defence. If the Oaks had kept their third clean sheet in a row, it would have been roughly 315 minutes since Ty had last picked the ball out of the net. Unfortunately it turned out to only be 310 minutes as Ty - whose great recent form has been key to keeping the door to the Oaks goal shut - had a moment to forget when he kicked more ground than ball in attempting to clear a back pass from Deano, and presented the Thameside midfielder with an easy finish into an empty net from 9 yards: 1-2.

I must admit to contemplating what a travesty it would have been for us to gain any less than three points from a game that we had dominated for such large periods. I shouldn't have worried as all eleven players dug deep, with Joe and Steve working as hard as anyone following their introduction for Nick and an injured Luke, and the final whistle that confirmed another three points came as something of a relief.

Well done everyone, and lets make sure we don't slip up in the next two weeks as we take on two more teams who we have already beaten this season. Beauchamps and Wilburn are matching us win for win, and we want to ensure that they can't win the league without getting past us first.

Eye-Ball

Next game: At Home v Pegasus Coryton @ Blackshots - Be there early to put the goals up!