This week Oaks Institute took a break from the league to travel the relatively short distance to the refined sounding 'Ainsdale Cricket Club' to play Richmond F.C. in the cup. Currently wallowing in the lower echelons of the 4th Division, Richmond's were not expected to win, and they didn't disappoint. Staring with only nine players Richmond battled hard, but struggled from the off. Unfortunately for them their play did not match the refinery of their home ground.
A good turn out this week with a welcome return of goalkeeper Graham Worrall and several subs at manager, Alan Parry's disposal. A last minute withdrawal from our right back meant a quick reshuffle of the pack with Dave Selleck slipping easily into his old role with experienced Paul Fairfield slotting in next to Paul Price at the centre of the back four.
Despite the opposition it was recognised that the team had to maintain the momentum from the recent good performances ( regardless of the results ) against a strong Alumni team, and not let the opposition drag our play down to their level. The home team pitch was in good condition, however with the wind blowing strongly across the pitch and the rain falling, a typical banana skin game on the cards here for Oaks if they weren't careful. A quick chat before the game showed the team still had the focus on the game in hand, and we were away.
Oaks worked the ball well around the pitch switching the play at every opportunity, at times leaving Richmond chasing shadows. Gary McDonald and Carl Storey finding space in midfield dominated early on, both players beginning to form a good partnership in the engine room of the team. Both hard working, and with gary McDonald now overcoming his recent fitness problems ( cramp ), both providing a bite and energy to the midfield. Mike Weedon and Ian Bates worked the home defence at every opportunity, creating several half chances in the early part of the game but on 15 minutes the first real opportunity falling to Peter Fairfield. Good work on the left by Mike Weedon beating several players then a slide rule pass across the penalty box to the on-rushing Fairfield. Coming into the box from the right with the keeper to beat the ball was well struck but rebounded of the keepers legs and out for a corner.
Oaks continued to press with both full backs, Dave Selleck and and Tony Taylor supporting Colin Bell and Peter Fairfield on the flanks. The confidence flowing through the away team who created their second real opprotunity, again falling to Peter Fairfield. Again the ball worked down the left flank where Ian Bates this time, fed the ball across the box in a carbon copy of the last effort. Again a good connection but again saved by the keeper, who to be fair, didn't really know much about it.
It was at that point that It began to look ominous for Oaks. The longer the game went on the more the nerves grew that this could be one of those days. Saying that Oaks remained calm and used the ball and pitch well, despite the poor weather conditions. On 25 minutes the away team made the break through. A foul on Ian Bates on the the right, just outside the Richmond penalty box, up stepped Peter Fairfield to loft the ball into the box. Out came the rushing keeper to be caught out by the wind, leaving the ball to loop over his head and end up in the top corner of the net. 0 - 1.
Some good defending followed by Richmond who, although not causing many problems at the other end, meant that the challengers had to stay focussed. A one off break from the away team forcing an awesome challenge from Paul Price on his 6 yard line preventing Richmond pulling back an unlikely equaliser. Just before the half up popped Colin Bell. Rolling back the years, coming in from the left he met a lovely pass from Peter Fairfield, beating the defender to the ball leaving the keeper with no chance as it nestled in the bottom left corner.
Half time : 0 - 2.
The second half started off much the same as the first. Peter Fairfield becoming more and more influential, and with a two goal lead Oaks able to relax. Enjoying the game Oaks took the ball to the opposition at will. Ian Bates and Mike Weedon, both on the receiving end of some heavy challenges from the increasingly deperate Richmond defenders. Each being felled in the box by clumsy challenges, and on each occassion overlooked by the referee.
On 65 mins another foul on Ian Bates in a similar position to the first half allowed Peter Fairfield to step up and pick his spot. With the wind behind him he curled the ball round the wall, past the onlooking keeper and into the top left corner of the net. An excellently struck free kick with the technique instilled into him after years of practice with his old fella, who taught him everything he knew !! 0 - 3.
On 70 mins a bit of a turning point in the game. Gary McDonald picking the ball up from midfield and bursting ( yes bursting ) into the box. A clumsy challenge from the defender leaving him crumpled on the floor - penalty everyone thought, everyone bar the referee that is. Amazed by the decision from a referee that had up that that moment had a fair game, there followed an exchange of views between the Oaks player and defender. This is common in all football encounters and generally part of the game. Not in referee, Mr. McGraths eyes though. Straight Red !! Both teams stunned by a decision totally against the spirit that the game had been played.
Up to that point goalkeeper Graham Worrall had had little to do, and really it didn't change much, however Richmond did get a bit more of a foothold on the game. With the game wrapped up manager Alan Parry allowed himself the luxury of three substitutions. On 77 mins Ian Bates rewarded with his hard work. A through ball round the back of the defence from sub Chris Lloyd, allowed the striker to hone in on goal and cooly round the keeper before passing the ball into a gaping net.
Full time : 0 - 4.
All in all a comfortable victory for an Oaks team increasingly on the up. Having played Richmond several years ago it is good to see the development in the current players and increase in quality of the squad. However I'm sure Alan Parry will agree that a bit more consistency in attendance and a couple of more good aquisitions will never go amiss, particularly as the season progresses and injuries and other factors start to kick in. The current players have started the season well and appear to have learnt valuable lessons from the games they have played in so far this season. There is now a confidence beginning to grow, not only in their own ability, but also that of their team mates. An important trait if Oaks are to continue to develop sufficiently to challenge other established teams.
It wasn't a sparkling performance by any individuals but the team did enough to win the game, playing good football in the process and enjoying the freedom and space they were allowed. On the day the bottle of Champagne, which will be presented at the end of season do by Manager Alan Parry ( sorry didn't we tell you ), goes to Peter Fairfield ( no nepatism there then ). Goals at important stages of the game and a good all round display. At 18 and in his first full season in the Old Boys league, it is noticable, as with others, his fitness is slowly improving, which in turn improves his game and overall confidence. His first touch and ability to pick a pass was the difference on the day.
In the next round of the cup Oaks Institute are at home to 3rd Division opposition, Gateacre. Match 1.45 pm KO, Saturday 8th November. Match day tickets can be purchased in advance from Alan Parry.
