Battling display sees O’s win

Oldland started the game with Luke Wilson in goal due to Captain and regular goalkeeper Chris Manns , missing the game through his partner giving birth to their first child. Andy Criddle returned to the heart of the defence to partner Scott Gregory following Criddle’s one match ban. Josh Williams dropped to the bench having played a lot of football recently and was rotated out the side for stand in captain Jack Metcalf. Oldland started the game brightly despite playing into the gale wind and played some good football with an early chance falling to Liam Gale who forced visiting goalkeeper Mark Lock into a save. The visitors playing with the wind had a couple of half chances of their own but these was either dealt with comfortably by 17 year old Luke Wilson or Wide of the target. On 17 minutes Luke Lecrass played a delightful through pass to Ben Dowdell who cut inside and fired the ball into the top corner of the net to give the O’s a much deserved lead. Matt Huxley linked up well with Lewis Parker, but Matt’s shot was deflected wide for a corner which was then easily dealt with. On 30 minutes Andy Criddle was then harshly booked for a block when referee Simon Turner was allowing this to happen at the other end to Matt Huxley.

HT 1-0.

Oldland started the second half playing with the wind again brightly as they pinned the visitors into their own half. However against the run of play Sherborne took full advantage of an Oldland sloppy pass as they worked the ball outwide. They produced a good cross into the box for the on rushing striker to head home. The O’s nearly went in front again when good play saw new boy Liam Gale set free down the right, his shot went agonisingly wide of the far post. Oldland made their first sub of the night with Playmaker Josh Williams replacing the tiring Luke Lecrass who put another good shift in. The visitors then had a glorious chance of their own to take the lead when they broke on the counter attack. The on rushing striker sliced his shot closer to the corner flag then the goal. However this fell to the winger who unselfish squared the ball to the midfield runner, fortunately for Oldland his air shot never connected to the ball. Oldland then broke down the other end to force a corner. A good delivery from the impressive Ben Dowdell saw the ball scramble in the 6 yard box for defender Scott Gregory to poke the ball into the net. O’s then increased their lead when Lewis Parker sent Liam Gale on his way down the left. Gale delivered a good cross into the box for.. you guessed it Matt Huxley to slam home. 3-1. Oldland then made two further subs with Gale making way for Scott Fear and Alex Chapman for Huxley. Both subs impressed and contributed to the side adding strength and depth.

Man of the Match was awarded to Lewis Parker by the Oldland Supporters for a composed battling midfield display.

Manager Scott Armstrong added, “It’s nice to get the three points on the board and win ugly for once. The game was certainly scrappy due to the conditions and credit to our visitors who worked hard and made it difficult for us. The lads worked hard tonight on a heavy wet pitch but a few looked tired at times. It was pleasing to see the good attitudes and impact of the lads coming off the bench as well. Everyone’s has a huge part to play over the next couple of weeks in our quest to make the Fa cup qualifying positions. I’d also like to mention our goalkeeper tonight Luke Wilson, produced a mature performance at the age of 17 especially coming in at short notice isn’t easy but Luke done well.”