Oaks second home game of the season was in the Liverpool County FA Intermediate Cup against 3rd Division strugglers, Gateacre OB. Again the pitch was in fantastic condition and must be a pleasure for any visiting team to play on. The sun was out and all in all, it was a very pleasant day to play football, a slight wind left to right along the length of the pitch, but nothing of any great substance.
Generally a lucky team for Oaks to play against Gateacre, Oaks having won their last two meetings in their time in the 3rd division. Graham Worrall and Carl Styles missing from last weeks line up forced a last minute shuffle to the team. Paul Fairfield taking up the not unfamiliar emergency role between the sticks, Colin Bell reverting to his more accustomed role in the centre of the park, John Storey at right midfield, Dave Selleck reverting back to centre back alongside Paul Price and Tony Taylor at right back following the first outing of the season for left back, Robbie Hodson. On the face of it a lot of changes but, in truth, still the same nucleus of the team.
Both teams started brightly with good play by both teams. Most of Gateacres play centred down their left with good interchanges early on, allowing them some initial freedom in the centre of the park on the edge of the Oaks penalty box. Some early lack lustre defending allowing Gateacre several half chances and something that needs to be taken out of the equation if oaks are to improve.
Despite this it was easy to see the footballing team and quality shone through. The midfield four working as a unit when in possession, playing the way they're facing and switching the play at every opportunity to the outlet on the left. Robert Hodson enjoyed a solid performance at left back and, along with the switching Peter Fairfield and John Storey, saw plenty of the ball. Gateacre a big powerful team, a point that didn't go unnoticed on the front two of Mike Weedon and Ian Bates. Early fouls going unnoticed by the referee allowing Gateacre to blunt out the Oaks attack. Gateacre playing offside at every opportunity, and high up the pitch, caught Oaks in the early exchanges. The Oaks frontline appeared to begin to manage this with several intrusions into the Gateacre, half only to be foiled by the keeper or last ditch challenge from a defender.
On 22 minutes calamity struck. Gateacre breaking down the left fed the ball into the edge of the home team penalty box to the feet of the on rushing Gateacre midfielder who, unchallenged, steered the ball past the keeper from 12 yards into the bottom corner of the net. 0 - 1.
A disappointing goal to concede but the warning signals had been there for all to see. Despite this Oaks stuck to their task and continued to play football, refusing to become frustrated by the situation. Several good opportunities spoiled by some dubious offside decisions given by the referee began to rile the home support.
On 29 minutes the away team off side trap was breached. The line well held by Ian Bates allowed Colin Bell to look up and pick a pass behind the out rushing Gateacre defence. Through on goal, Ian Bates despatched the ball past the helpless keeper and normality was resumed. 1 - 1.
Two minutes later Oaks took a deserved lead. Mike Weedon, fouled in his own half by the Gateacre defender who stayed down. Oaks continued to play the ball down the left, awaiting the referee to blow, but he didn't. Ian Bates attacked the right full back and played the ball right into the path of Peter Fairfield, attacking the box from midfield unmarked, crashing the ball into the back of the net. Needless to say this disappointed the away team, however the injury soon disappeared as the defender climbed to his feet and was ready in minutes for the resumption ot the game. A controversial goal, but a well deserved gaol non the less. 2 - 1.
Just before the half time break Gateacre worked the ball into the Oaks box menacingly. The striker finidng himself in space manage to get a shot off on goal, heading for the bottom corner with the Oaks keeper apparently beaten. Kicking away the walking stick keeper, Paul Fairfield, diving low to the left to tip the ball round the post and out for a corner. An important save that enabled Oaks to go into the half time break in the lead.
Half time : 2 - 1.
The second half began with Oaks taking more control of the game. Gary McDonald working his socks off as usual, this week more composed, worked the keeper with several long range efforts on target. Gateacre persevered with the offside trap and pushed out at every opportunity. Tony Taylor, Paul Price and Dve Sellick solid as usual. Again some excellent play in midfield and up front beating the off side trap again and again, only to be called back by the referee. Frustration beginning to boil over amongst the home support saw the referee climb into the crowd to banish Oaks Director of football to the stands.
Gateacre pressed at every opportunity and used the long ball to their advantage. Confusion in the oaks defence from a long throw in allowing a head on the oaks goal which cannoned off the crossbar and away. Despite some pressure the Oaks back four stood firm, delaing with most things thrown at them. At the other end, the midfield using the ball well and the front two attacking with pace and skill at each opportunity. Again, overall Oaks unlucky not extend their lead.
Chris Lloyd entered the fray for John Storey who had worked hard through out, without seeing to much of the ball. Mike Weedon switching to midfield allowing oaks to change the pattern of play.
Midway through the half a heavy challenge on behind saw Gary McDonald go down. Trailing his left leg behind him, he landed with his leg bent under him, damaging his ankle which came up almost immediately. Unfortuantely Gary was later found to have broken his ankle and is likely to be out of action for some months. Sad news for Gary but also for the team who will miss his energy in the middle of the park. On came Neil Spencer as replacement, who did a good job in the middle of the park for the remainder of the game.
As is usual in cup games the losing team began to take the game to the leaders. Again much of the play was the long ball, and again Oaks defended their corner well. With 5 mins to go Gateacre worked the ball into a shooting position in front of goal. Firing through a sea of legs, keeper Paul Fairfield, saw the ball late and flung himself heroically at the ball, again tipping it round the post. What another fantastic save !
With seconds to go, the referee decided to agive a free kick from an innocuoius tackle by Peter Fairfield at the coner flag. Frustration getting the better of him, Dave Sellick's indiscipline led to him being entered into the book for swearing at the referee, almost as innocuous as the challenge. Oaks defended the ball and the game was all over.
Following last weeks disappointing, although succesful, display against Wavertree WDOB, it was evident that the Oaks had rediscovered their composure and were beginning to use the pitch to their potential. The only disappointment was the injury to Gary McDonald and I am sure that we all wish him a speedy recovery ( apart from those that want his place of course ).
Full Time : 2 -1.
Managers man of the Match. Paul Fairfield for two good saves at important parts of the game.
Next week sees Oaks in yet another Cup game, at home toCardinal Newman, 2.00 pm K.O. Prompt.
