Heading towards the Christmas break Oaks hosted Aigburth side Cardinal Newman at their home ground for only their third home game this season in the League Cup. Oaks owing Newman for a one nil cup defeat inflicted on a depleated oaks team some three years previous whilst playing in the third division. Despite horrendous playing conditions and a boggy pitch the game was allowed to go on at a ground notorious for careful preening by the ground staff.
Oaks kicked off playing into the rain fielding a their main starting 11 of for the season, no subs and still struggling for a full time keeper. Early on Oaks played with their usual confidence, at times overworking the ball in tight area and giving away possession too easily in midfield. Newman an effective team when allowed to play taking advantage of the early exchanges and Oaks getting too involved in personal battles. A typical game played in midfield with defences coming out on top with little or no action in either box. The back four solid with Paul Price in particular, leading by example with some superb defensive play and strong tackling. On the other hand several Oaks players looked tired and jaded, likely affected by the Christmas spirit and other such illnesses. Despite this oaks went into the half time on equal terms, but looking the more likely of the teams to win, having overcome their early lack of confidence now beginning to shift the ball round the pitch once more.
Half Time 0 - 0.
Going into the second half Oaks started where they left off. Carl Styles working tirelessly in the heart of midfield, a sight seen most weeks, supported by Colin Bell sitting deep. Very quickly the balance of power began to change with Newman becoming more and more threatening, breaking through midfield and beginning to carve out several half chances without never actually putting the oaks keeper under any great pressure.
A break down the left saw good link up play between Robbie Hodson and Peter Fairfield. Ian Bates turned his man and sqaured the ball neatly to a waiting Mike Weedon who sidefooted the ball past the static Newman keeper. 1 - 0 Oaks.
This appeared to spur on newman who began to come through the oaks midfield. Colin Bell began to sit a little deeper which prevented Newman from creating space between the Oaks defence and midfield which shut out the Newman's best route through a stallwart back four. Beginning to tire and again without any suitable subs to call on Oaks began to dig in, pro's and cons of a small squad.
Newman pushing for the equaliser began pushing their back four up and almost paid the price on several occassions. Good balls over the top of an advancing defence by John Storey to the pacey Ian Bates catching the referee out, who pulled the play back on each occassion on a shout from the opposition. Hard for the referee but harder on us.
As the game peetered out to an Oaks win the highlight of the game. Carl Styles beating the offside trap, seeing the keeper advancing, sidefooted the ball over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Probably the goal of the season so far from the most unliekly source. 2 - 0 Oaks. 5 minutes left and nothing left in the bag Newman surrendered.
Full Time 2 - 0 Oaks Institute
A good game to win on the back of a lacklustre performance. Oaks look good when in possession but struggle when not. Always a difficult time of the year with parties and illness, particularly in light of the lack of numbers. Life becomes easier for the manager regarding selection however reduces the flexibility needed at this level if the team is to compete and look to win any silverware. This weeks MOM award going to a defender. Good positional sense breaking up many Newman attacks, solid in the tackle and outstanding in the air.
Managers Man Of The Match - Paul Price
