Mighty Oaks hit high fives

Delighted Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We were too good, too strong for FC Team on Sunday. After the farce of the abandoned double-header we were fully pumped for this game. We felt some of the FC Team players didn't want to play against us in that mud bath.

"We battered them but only came away with a point due to the pitch. We knew in a 90-minute game we'd be too fit and too strong. Plus, when you put one of our players in hospital and barely offer an apology, you'll always run the risk of motivating your opposition.

"Perhaps in the first half we were too up for it. We didn't defend the long ball well enough and conceded two sloppy goals, one from a corner, the other from a throw. But offensively we were lightning.

"Our first goal was a wonderful break, Dan Abrams ball out wide released toby levy who drove at his full back, turned him inside out before burying it off the post with right peg. His second goal was equally brilliant, twisting and turning on the edge of the box before again firing in with his right. It was top class.

"2-2 at HT and we spoke about dealing with the long ball, and the second ball better. Once we sorted that out there was only one winner. We dominated all over the park and played our best football of the season.

"Sam Jacobson was dictating and his pass for the third and decisive goal was the pass of the game. A wonderful deceptive through ball under pressure released Dan Abrams who slotted it under the keeper - cue wild celebrations.

"Rafi Bloom then entered the fray, and put in a phenomenal 30 minutes display, linking up brilliantly and pulling defenders all over the place. His one-touch move with Toby culminated in a brilliant ball to the far post that Brad nodded in to seal the points.

"There was still time for a lively cameo from Josh Rose which resulted in a well deserved goal.

"At the back we were rock solid with their otherwise anonymous centre forwards resorting yet again to hacking at captain Adam Levine. Levine was unmoved and put in an unbelievable display of concentration and discipline in the face of constant provocation. It was a captain's performance and there was only one winner in the battle between him and Salmon.

"Unfortunately we were reduced to 10 men when Dan Ash kicked out after yet another late tackle on Levine, but the game was over by then and we continued to dominate with a man less. We're delighted with such a big result.

"We know nothing has changed given Brixton's win at Norstar, but we have dragged Team into the mire. We have a bit of a hiding to nothing with a double-header against Faithfold on Sunday but we go with confidence determined to give it our best.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone involved with South Manchester FC for reaching the PM final. A lot of us grew up at that club and more than anything we hope Johnny Davis gets the trophy he deserves for his years of commitment to the club and Jewish football in general. Congrats also to Loz, Jody and Stewy - completely 'un'."

FC Team boss Mitch Young told JC Sport: "I was very pleased with how well we played in the first half. We created some very good opportunities and I felt we should have led at half time, but going in at 2-2 I felt we could have pushed on.

"However, we tired in the second half and Oakwood took full advantage of our defensive mistakes. We failed to get on the ball and get our attackers into the game.

"My players need to realise we have three games left and we need more points if we are to stay in the league. Redbridge next week in a double-header and we must take something from the two games.

"I just want to mention the referee Richard Jaye. It was the best refereing performance I have seen at amateur level. I wish we could have him every week, he let the game flow, explained his decisions, did not take an crap from the players and most importantly kept up with play."