Oaks Institute travelled to mid-table strugglers wavertree WDOB in their last outing in a confident mood following recent solid performances, hoping to further consolidate their position in the top half of the division.
Manager Alan Parry missing for the first time this season meant Colin Bell stepping into the fray as first team coach. Straight away selection problems for the new ( be it temporary ) coach with the loss of the two strikers, Mike Weedon and Ian Bates, both players being valuable to the cause so far. Despite this a welcome return to the fray of young Mr. Cheyne and following a recent injury, Carl Styles. Cheyney provided an early opportunity to impress and stake his claim for a regular starting position,
Back five as last week, paul Fairfield again deputising in goal with the Robbie Hodson, Dave Sellick, Paul Price and Tony Taylor from left to right across the back. Left midfield Peter Fairfield with the returning Carl Styles taking the centre midfield slot alongside Colin Bell with John Storey working the right flank. Up front Chris Lloyd with Cheyne leaving Neil Spencer on the bench.
The weather was cold and windy, not pleasant conditions to be playing in, the Wavertree pitch likewise. Boggy, sloping from left to right, diagonally and across, not the sort of playing surface oaks are used to and possibly the worst for many a season. Wavertree obviously keeping this secret weapon up their sleeves. Oaks were the better team in the early exchanges, passing the ball well considering the conditions and trying to play football. Likewise Wavertree, obviously more comfortable in their own surroundings, used the ball well and tried to play football. For the most part the first half belonged to the away team with several half chances falling to both Chris Lloyd and Cheyne. The best opportunity of the first half falling to Cheyney, who beat the offside trap, lobbed the ball over the keeper but was unable to stop the ball running away from him on the bobbly pitch, running narrowly wide with the goalmouth gaping. Wavertree relied heavily on the off-side and were rewarded on each occassion by the referee, often playing to the shout and not up with the game. These things happen at all levels however all teams eventually get the decision in their favour, unfortunately on this occassion the shout won each time.
Half time : 0 - 0.
The second half began with Wavertree taking the game to the away team. Plenty of posession in midfield but blunt up front. The odd opportunity falling to the home team, the best effort through on goal saved by the feet of Paul Fairfield, really the only thing the Oaks keeper had to do all day due to the solid back four martialed by Dave Sellick, a solid candidate for Man of the Match. Oaks began to rely on playing off the break and not a bad tactic. Pressure by the home team meant that Oaks were forced into a long ball game at times, however that's football and you can't expect to play football all the time.
Shortly into the second half Chris Lloyd was replaced by Neil Spencer slotting into centre midfield with John Storey pushing up front and Colin Bell moving wide right. As the game progressed Oaks began to get more of a foot hold on the game, mostly due to hard work. Neil Spencer did a good job with the as ever hard working Carl Styles, getting the ball down and giving some good balls early on. The referee continued playing the shout calling offside on EVERY occassion following a shout by the home team. Frsustrating but good to see discipline maintained. As a result opportunities began to fall Oaks way. The two best chances falling to John Storey who, on a difficult pitch, was unable to dig the ball out and get a clean shot on goal.
The game finished a draw and to be honest, this probably a fair result. However saying that the best opportunities falling to the away team who could have quite easily walked away comfotably with three points had they taken their opportunities. A difficult game relying more on graft and endevour than skill and ability.
Full Time : 0 - 0.
A solid performance by everyone in the circumstances. This weeks man of the match award selected by Physio 'Big Dave', Carl Styles for his energy and effort and all round enthusiasm following a short lay off.
