The 'Oakie' stretched our unbeaten league run with a hard fought 3-1 over a well organised Penfold Rangers side.
Oak lining up with the 4-4-2 formation which had seen us maintain a 100% record through the opening 4 league games, one change to last weeks starting eleven, Scott Beattie replacing Matt Burton who was unavailable through work commitments. Tony Shadbolt and Alfie Webb were also missing from the squad, so there was a first appearance in the match day squad for left sided player Liam Cracknell. This was a game of few chances, and the opening passage of play was an indication of what was too come, Penfold beginning the stronger playing some slick passing football and forcing a few early corners, one of which was tipped on too the crossbar by goalkeeper Summers. The other notable events in the first 10 minutes where a booking for each side, Coker collecting his first caution of the season. After the first 10 minute spell of pressure we gradually gained a foothold in the game, with a couple of breaks down the wings which came to nothing, both sides struggling to produce any attacks of real quality. The new look back for of Gunnell, Carpenter, Beattie & Janes marshalling the Penfold strikers well. The breakthrough came against the run of play on 22 minutes, having dealt with a couple of penfold corners in quick succession, Carpenter latched on too a loose pass and delivered an excellent cross into the feet of coker who laid the ball back to Carter who scored with a calm finish past the keeper from 12 yards out 1-0. The midfield battle continued with both side still failing to get control of the game, however it would be fair to say Penfold were still slightly the better side and forced and equaliser on 32 minutes, a corner swung in from the right hand side was bundled over the line from 2 yards out after Summers had collided with the opposition player and spilled what looked like a routine catch(a rare mistake from someone who has been excellent since he joined us) 1-1. This seemed to be the the wake up call we needed and we had our best spell of the first half, forcing several set pieces which had come to nothing until Jonny Piercey supplied an excellent cross from a free kick which was meet by the flying Rodriguez to head home through a crowded penalty area on 38 minutes 2-1. Penfold again reacted well controlling the remaining minutes of the half and winning 3 or 4 more corners which were well dealt with. Half time
Half time arrived, and the message from the coaching staff was to keep battling and match the opposition who had become increasingly physical throughout the first half. As the second half began the game continued to be a scrappy midfield battle with possession changing hands frequently and no chances being created. The first change of the match happened on 60 minutes with Piercey struggling with a hip injury he was replaced by Simon Hawken, which saw Janes pushed up into a defence midfield role. As the half wore on penfold were again seeing a lot of the ball with Carpenter and Gunnell being at there best to frustrate the lively Penfold attack. The second change followed on 70 minutes Roberts replacing Janes who had put in a good shift having covered a lot of ground through out the game. Sub Roberts almost having and immediate impact playing a defence splitting pass through to rodriguez who beat his man and was unlucky to see his shot well saved by the keeper. Penfold were still forcing a number of corners, although these were again well dealt with, in particular and excellent block by Gunnell from a goal bound shot. With time ticking down the management duo of Gunnell and Mcneill decided to make a final sub and a tactical change from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1, with Carter being replaced by Fuller who moved into the right hand side of midfield with Wilkinson moving into the middle to form a three man centre with Roberts and Ebberson. At this point penfold were camped in our half again without creating anything of note with. The final action of the game saw us land the killer punch, rodriguez breaking forward and playing a delightful ball into the path of Wilkinson who sprinted clear of the defence, managing to draw the keeper out of his goal he calmly rolled into the path of Coker for a simple tap in 3-1. This was an good team goal in particular from Wilkinson who was unselfish and could have shot himself, that said Coker deserved a goal for another excellent display leading the line and winning several flick on's whilst also linking well with the midfield and wide men. The whistle blew shortly after the third goal was scored, much to the relief of manager Gunnell who was out of breathe having sprinted onto the pitch to congratulate Wilkinson for his assist.
This wasn't pretty, the standard of football was poor at times, but everyone can be proud of themselves today, we dug deep when it mattered. Going to single out a few people for praise;- Jonny for playing through the pain of an injury, Ryan for his shift up front, Pete for his battling display in midfield, Gunnell for marshalling the defence throughout the 90 minutes, Beattie who was solid throughout and Mark Janes for his versatility and giving his all in any position he is asked to play. However this weeks man of the match is Matt Carpenter who defended brilliantly at times whilst also getting forward at every opportunity, well deserved as he has been unlucky to have not won it early this season.
