Lineup: Hamilton, Gray, J. Ives, Roberts, Cox, McLean, Chinn, Box, Tite, Bankole, Amadi. Subs: Smith, Wright, Walsh, Z. Ives, Daniels

Following a couple of disappointing results in the last two matches, Oakley returned home to take on Elstow’s first team, a side that won the division a couple of seasons back and were yet to lose this season, albeit with just 3 games played. A win would put us back amongst it with a few of the pacesetters due to play each other in the coming weeks.

We started on the front foot and encouraged our wing backs to play high up the pitch as we kicked uphill in the first half. Box and Bankole both had joy on the right flank early on and one burst from Jise resulted in the early departure of the Elstow left back due to injury, his hamstrings not holding up to the pace of our top scorer. The lead came soon after when a smart turn inside the box from Jon Tite drew a foul and the award of a penalty. As ever, this was duly converted by Joel Ives and Oakley were ahead and in control. However, a foul out wide provided Elstow with a promising opportunity and a ball to the back post was headed across goal and Lewis was quickest to react for the visitors and he prodded home to level the game.

Our opponents weren’t as creative as us in open play, but some soft fouls and poor defensive decisions gave them enough encouragement from set pieces. Gray, Ives and Roberts were otherwise commanding in the air and kept Elstow at bay with Hamilton not too busy in goal. We restored our lead through Bankole who raced onto a ball across the box to lash a side footed finish past the Elstow keeper a few minutes before the break. The shape was working well for us, and we felt in control of the game as long as we could limit Elstow’s set plays.

We started brightly again in the second half and should have added to our tally when some good interplay lead to a glorious chance for Amadi who missed an empty goal from just a few yards out. However, you can’t keep a good man down and he soon made amends with a good finish to put us 3-1 ahead. We continued to be the better side but the game soured when a slightly off the floor challenge from Elstow’s young midfielder drew a red from the referee. Both sides felt this was the incorrect decision but Beds Prem doesn’t have VAR so the red card stood and Elstow were a man and assistant manager down.

Elstow were given a lifeline at 3-1 though, as a very soft penalty was awarded for a soft push, despite the ball already being in Hamilton’s hands. Elstow’s skipper stepped up but missed the target with the ball going wide off the post. However, the referee seemed to be doing his best to even the game up and ordered it to be retaken for encroachment. The Elstow man went the same way but so did Hamilton as he produced a fine save. A stunning counter attack followed the save and Bankole finished off the move for his brace and put the game to bed. Amadi added another for his own double, capping off a good performance and sealing victory for the Oaks.

Results elsewhere went our way and the win saw us return to the top of the league after 6 games. A much improved attitude this week reaped it’s rewards and demonstrated what we are capable of. Next week we head to Marston who have only played 3 games but have seen wins in each of them, so a potentially tricky fixture lies ahead. The aim though will be another 3 points and maintaining our lead at the top of the table.

AFC Oakley 5
Elstow Abbey 1

COYO