AFC Oakley 1 – 1 Crawley Green Development

8th October 2024

Lineup: Hamilton, Cox, Smith, J Ives ©, Box, McDonagh, McClean, Chinn, Tite, Bankole, Amadi. Subs: Aulsberry, Daniels, Mensah, Z Ives, Kelly

After a humbling defeat to a young and dynamic Cranfield side the week before, it was an away trip to a new look Crawley Green Development. Crafted in the same image of Cranfield, Crawley were young and eager to run, not allowing our back line time to play and applying pressure to us across the pitch. Regardless, we started well and we began to make a number of chances, Bankole and Amadi both having opportunities to put us in front early on. The downside was that Crawley were also creating their own opportunities, finding too much time and space in midfield.

Having said that, Oaks took the lead later in the half with a smart finish in the area from Jamie Box. We maybe just deserved it albeit was a fairly even contest. The half continued and so did the chances which came and went. Unfortunately with the half coming to a close, we switched off in midfield which led to our back line being the wrong side of their target man. He did a great job of slotting from close range and we were all square.

The second half was even more open than the first and both teams could have scored a handful. Chinn, Bankole, Amadi all had numerous chances to take the lead but all were either thwarted by their Keeper or wasted. They too had terrific opportunities missing an open goal from 25 yards and then a penalty. Both teams rode their luck but eventually the quality wasn’t there from either team to secure the win.

Oaks know they will have to improve as we entertain Elstow this weekend.

MOM: George Cox
DOD: Joel Ives.