Division 1
Oakley 5 Northway 0
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Oakley: James Keeble (2), Aaron Rogers, Alex Woodfine (2)
As the sun rose over the small village of Oakley last Saturday, the usual excitement saved for the arrival of the egg lady was overshadowed by the fact Oakley Utd were home again, this time Vs Northway.
So as secretary Andy Durndell prepared the teas for the ever growing support down at the durnabau, the lads started to arrive, everyone wondered what Northway (who beat Oakley twice last season) would bring, it turned out to be a squad of 10 men and a rather loud speaker system.
The game therefore turned out to not quite as competitive as hoped and ended up fairly predictable, Northway lined up with a 4-4-1 formation and defended with organization and discipline that was a credit to the players that did turn up, however they weren't able to offer to much in the way of attacking pressure which limited there ambition. Oakley probed and moved the ball but seemed unable to break down the resolute Northway spirit that was until in the twentieth minute, a young Alan Shearer or skipper James Keeble as he is also known popped up to again lead from the front with a calm finish for 1-0. Ten minutes later and a free kick to Oakley just outside the 18 yard box was smashed into the bottom corner by the on form Woodfire and Oakley went in at halftime 2-0 up.
Second half and the pattern of the game continued, Northway continued to battle and work for everything and even fashioned a couple of chances, one a good save by keeper subbuteo Pay and the other crashing off the bar, but it was Oakley that added to the scoring, a through ball from new signing Almond and delicate finish from Woodfire made it 3-0, Keeble then added his second with another astute finish before the influential Rogers rounded off the scoring with his deserved goal after a fine performance. Oakley still have more in reserve and are still searching pre-seasons form, Northway can be proud of their efforts in difficult circumstances and will no doubt look forward to setting the record straight with 11 men in the return fixture in 2 weeks, but for now Oakley remain unbeaten and the dream of emulating Asene Wenger's invincibles remains.