Premier Division

Stonesfield  1    Oakley  0

Saturday, 18 January 2014

Stonesfield: Johny Richards

A first half headed goal from commanding centre back Johny Richards was enough to give the hosts all 3 points vs league leaders Oakley United in a close affair at Stoney Park.

The game had an edge to it from minute one, and Oakley were confident of extending their lead at the top as they took the lion’s share of possession. Everything was going through Keeble in Oakley's midfield and Stonesfield had to be extremely disciplined to keep them at bay. Stonesfield were forced to change their plan on 20 minutes as midfield maestro Tom Green had to come off with an ankle injury, and was replaced by Matt Tarry. But only 2 minutes later Johny Richards was allowed to drift in to head home from close range after another pin point set piece delivery from wide man Nick Higgs.

The 2nd half was more of the same, with Oakley probing without really testing Days in the Stonesfield goal. The home side felt a little aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty on the hour mark when front man Ed Gilkes rounded the Oakley keeper and seemed to be clipped in the box. The officials waved away the protests. Stonesfield held on for all 3 points in an emotional and potentially defining 90 minutes of football.