Thursday 25th September 2008 (9.53pm) – S.G.R.B. v Sherwood Oak

Following in the grand tradition of teams like Man City losing against Brighton earlier in the week, Sherwood Oak FC last night lost to bottom of the league team S.G.R.B.

In a rather uninspiring game, the first four minutes were hopeful with the Oakers keeping the score even at 0-0, but then a slip in the defence allowed the rival team to score. A confused and somewhat disappointing strategy from the Oakers saw the opposing team with their considerably younger players given too many chances with the ball and despite a valiant effort from the players and a sterling performance by the Oakers goalkeeper (definitely the man of the match) who saved at least fifteen attempts on the goal the final score was a saddening 7-0 to S.G.R.B.

It is tempting to put the disappointing performance down to the fact that the team hadn't played for two weeks due to last week’s bye, but in reality the strategy was wrong and hopefully identification of the problems and a new logical strategy will assist in providing a stronger team for future games.

Next week’s cup game against the first division team The Hornets should be a good testing ground for the team’s new tactics.

Alas no photos this week as the team’s official photographer decided to take the evening off and have an early night!

Next game: Thursday 2nd October 2008 at 10.11pm against The Hornets (Cup Game)

Thursday 11th September 2008 (8.50pm) - Sherwood Oak v Maidstone Allstars (erm Sherwood Oak actually)

After only the second game of the season the Oakers excitingly achieved their second aim and moved a step closer to achieving the third – three points gained from the game meant that they avoided being at the bottom of the table once again. Last week’s goal meant that that they were already third from bottom due to goal difference and this week’s victory ensured that they stayed well above last place.

The game was not as frenetic as last week’s due to an older team and a lack of substitutes and all the players should be congratulated for getting through the full sixteen minutes without a break. The final score was 2-0 to the Oakers with both goals being scored by Asda Dave – one in each half.

There was a little lariness from Bob the Lob 57 seconds before the end of the game when he almost elbowed Asda Dave in the face, although I am assured that it was accidental and nothing to do with frustration at no longer being the Oakers top goal scorer.

*It should be noted that the original opponents Maidstone Allstars dropped out of the league an hour before the game was due to start and so the Oakers played themselves in a friendly game. It all still counts though!

Next game: Thursday 25th September 2008 at 9.53pm against S.G.R.B.

Thursday 4th September 2008 (10.20pm) – Athletico Beer Barrel v Sherwood Oak

The Oaker’s (playing in the yellow vests) first game of the new season was a fast and furious affair. During sixteen minutes of intense play that tested both sides, Athletico Beer Barrel showed an early advantage and their experience of playing together was clear with a taut substitution technique.

Although the Oaker’s fought bravely with Bob Scott getting one back for the boys before the end of the first half, they couldn’t keep up with the pace of the more experienced team and the game finished with a full time score of 6-1.

As the post-match discussion in the bar (which lasted considerably longer than the game itself) showed the team have a way to go yet. Obviously fitness is a big issue, especially when racing around against young whippersnappers, but the need for regular substitution breaks and shorter ball passes were also discussed.

However, the team were buoyed by the fact that they had done better than both the games they had played in the last season, and our first aim has already been achieved. It is clear that things can only continue to get better as fitness levels increase as the season progresses and the boys get used to playing together as a team.

See the slideshow below for some choice moments from the thrilling game!



Well done boys for getting through the sixteen minutes uninjured (apart from Chris’ pulled muscle). I’m looking forward to the next match already!


Next game: Thursday 11th September at 8.41pm against Maidstone Allstars

Medway Towns, Red Triangle Five-a-side League Divison 2 Fixture List Part 1