Oaks started this game against BRNESC of the Zingari League on the back of a reasonable start to the new campaign. Two players down on the day forcing Colin Bell into a player coach role for the day despite carrying an injury to his right calf. Managing to start the game with 11 players Oaks were soon down to 10 within ten minutes of the start, Colin bell breaking down and being forced into leaving the field.
Despite this Oaks were the betterteam for the first haly an hour. Passing the ball well, patient in their build up and sharp and skillful up front, unlcuky in front of goal on several occassions. BRNESC were well organised as expected and powerful in the tackle but failing to cause the Oaks keeper to much trouble. 10 man Oaks battled and were the better team in the first half until they let themselves down with a sloppy free kick on the edge of the box. Not learning the lessons of pre season, players still organising themselves, no-one standing on the ball and keeper organising the wall, BRNESC took the kick early and placed it into the back of the net. An aviodable goal and something which should have been put to bed after the same thing happened during a pre season friendly.
Ian Bates joined the action 10 minutes before half time and it wasn't long until oaks were on level terms. A good move played into Bates path driven low and hard into the corner of the net. BRNESC coming more into the game bringing out the best in Captain, Tony Taylor. Outstanding last ditch challenges at crucial moments tipifying his competative nature allowing Oaks to go into the half on equal terms.
Half time : 1 - 1
BRNESC making several substitutions for the second half, bringing on their more established players, obviously concerned by the ability of the Oaks team and desperate to claw themselves back into the game. Oaks slow out of the blocks for the second half allowing BRNESC to have more possession and begin to control the game. Oaks having to dig in and forced into long balls due to the pressure being placed on the ball. Again the back four stood firm. Towering challenges by Paul Price, Dave Selleck having reverted to right back with incisive interceptions and Tony Taylor continuing the second hafl were he left off the first.
Then disaster. A hopeful ball into he box following a period of pressure, Paul Price mis kicking the ball on the 12 yard mark allowing the BRNESC striker a free shot on goal. 2 - 1 BRNESC. As if woken by an alarm call Oaks came out of the blocks and picked up their game. Back to the levels expected oaks past the ball freelly, once again, around the pitch. The last 20 minutes belonged to Oaks, with Robby Hodson blasting one over at close range and striking the cross bar in a similar position.
With oaks pushing on BRNESC counter attacked and caught the away team high up the pitch. Trickery from the BRNESC right winger sending the ball in to the rising striker who dipatched the ball into the back of the Oaks net. BRNESC obviously relieved by this goal, behaviour normally saved for the final, thats how important it was to them. 3 - 1 BRNESC.
It was good to see the lads keep their heads up and still push on. Their endeavour paying off in the last couple of minutes with a goal of the season from Ian Bates. Running onto a through ball, and some 30 yards from the right of the goal, Bates hooked the ball high over the helpless keeper into the far corner of the net. A goal worthy of winning any match at whatever level.
Final Score 3 - 2 BRNES.
Despite the scoreline I feel that the regulars fought well for each other and continue to develop and raise their games. Sloppy defending at times allowing 2 goals, but put against the solidity in the defence at other times in the match, surely this is down to concentration and is something that needs to be addressed if further progress is to be made if we are to compete in the higher leagues. This weeks man of the match difficult due to the overall contribution of the whole team, not least Ian Bates. However the decision made for the ultimate winners committment, determination leadership qualities.
Managers Man Of The Match - Tony Taylor
