First game after the the Christmas break saw Oaks entertain Collegiate at 'Play Football'. The weather had turned for the better and the pitch was in magnificient condition despite the heavy frost and rainfall of late. The welcome return of goalkeeper Graham Worrall allowed oaks to put out a strong starting 11 despite missing Paul Price and Peter Fairfield through injury. Paul Fairfield started in his usual position of centre back with Colin Bell retuning from injury to add some experience to the centre midfield spot alongside Carl Styles.
Collegiate, a young team, were just the start to the second half of the season Oaks needed to pick themselves up from a poor defeat at Cardinal Newman last game before Christmas. Still a bit rusty Oaks gave the ball away far to easily in the first 10 minutes before Mike Weedon scored the first of the day after a good move down the right. This appeared to be the tonic Oaks needed with confidence beginning to flood through the team who settled down to a decent pattern of play. The experienced Colin Bell and Paul Fairfield encouraging those around them to get the ball to feet, culminating in some good intricate patterns of play through the midfield. Dave Sellick worked well at right back with Jon Storey, overlapping at every opportunity to expand the pattern of play. Tony Taylor reverting to left back, supporting Robbie Hodson who played out of his customary position at left midfield. Robbie Cheyne forged a useful partnership with Mike Weedon to add competition up front for the missing Ian Bates. Oaks went into the half time with in total control, leading 1 – 0 and without too much for keeper, Graham Worrall, to do.
Half time : Oaks 1 – Collegiate 0
The second half continued were the first left off. Oaks played the ball confortably around the pitch, building from the back and making good use of the width. Caught a couple of occassions trying to do to much but confident in that the ball was soon won back. The second goal came on 51 minutes following a long range effort from John Storey. The ball shook the cross bar and rebounded out to a waiting Mike Weedon who passed the ball into the waiting net.
On 61 minutes Oaks killed the game off completely. The Collegiate rear guard was put under constant pressure by a hard working Oaks team creating space and pulling Collegiate all over the park. The ball pumped into the box deceived the Colleagiate centre half who inadvertantly headed the ball into his own net. 3 – 0 Oaks and a game to build on and gain confidence from. A good game to play in for the Oaks players and spectators alike and something for the team to take into the next game, whenever that may be.
Man Of The match award given to Mike Weedon. Everyone played well and did their part, however the award goes to Mike Weedon for important goals at important times to kill off a hard working Collegiate team that, in truth, is looking at relegation.
Full time : Oaks Institute 3 – Collegiate
