Oakley had only faced Marston a fortnight earlier on a miserable afternoon away, and an awkward 2-1 win that time round came from a very familiar performance against that opposition. Nevertheless, it was 3 points in the middle of a winning run and we hoped to continue with another win at home.

Ripley returned in goal and a back four of Ives, Bentham, Hukin and Warner looked solid throughout in front of him. Further up the pitch, our attacking four were putting good pressure on Marston whenever we lost possession to regain the ball quickly, and were using it smartly, showing great composure on the ball alongside the holding midfielders.

On 23 minutes, we took the lead through McDonagh; a long pass from Ripley was helped on by Gillies and collected by Joe who steadied himself before finishing left footed into the bottom corner. 5 minutes later, Gillies doubled our lead with a Van Persie-esque header which lobbed the keeper. Ives provided a tremendous cross for the assist on this occasion.

At half time, the message was to continue in the same way, applying pressure and making the possession count. However, it was a set piece that bought our next goal as a trademark in-swinging corner from Webster was met as close range by Bentham who overpowered his defender to nod home. McDonagh and Amadi were causing nightmares for the Marston defender and the former grabbed himself a brace with another fine left footed finish for 4 nil. Unselfish work from Amadi then saw him lay the ball off for Baker-Bond who tapped home for 5 before a rare bullet strike from Lamberti slapped the back of the net to cap an emphatic 6-0 win for Oakley. 

Despite the goals, much credit should go to McLean who was omnipresent in midfield and our back 5 for completing a second clean sheet of the season. 

COYO