Sevenoaks 3 v 1 Oxford Hawks

Sevenoaks returned home this weekend to take on Oxford Hawks after a disappointing result against Southgate. Sevenoaks started the game with great control and composure. They won possession and kept the ball for long spells, always threatening the killer pass. After five minutes Oaks were able to make the strong start count on the scoreboard. A lovely pass from centre back Nathan Palmer cut through the lines to find Tim Warrington, who showcased his vision with another through ball into the D for Paul MacLeod to score a deflected goal into the top right-hand corner of the goal.

Sevenoaks continued to press well and win the ball back quickly. The spells of possession and control from the home side were beginning to tell as more gaps continued to open-up. Another through ball found Alex Salmon free in the D and he was able to slot the ball past the Oxford Hawks GK to make it 2-0 after 12 minutes.

The second quarter followed the same story as the first. Sevenoaks were able to keep possession and threaten to extend their lead. Oxford found some opportunities to attack and won some short corners but no breakthrough. Another bout of Sevenoaks controlled possession and a move of many passes lead to a lovely, disguised pass from Kieran Walton to find his defensive partner Nathan Palmer in the D for a powerful reverse stick strike that was touched past the keeper by the experienced forward Ben Allberry. The quality of the Sevenoaks performance in the first half was that they didn’t ever have a sticky patch. It was a calm, controlled and composed first half which was not the case in previous games. 3-0 Sevenoaks at half time.

Sevenoaks were aware that Oxford would make changes at half time. Oxford started to press higher and try to force Oaks into some longer passes that they could intercept. Sometimes the Oaks fell for the trap but then learned to play through the press with some slick one twos or by controlled overhead passes to space. The midfield combinations between Cheema, Thomas, Warrington, Van Wyk and Dymond were able to find space and move the ball easily around the Oxford pressure.

There was a fluidity in the Sevenoaks performance that has been missing recently with players able to fill in at different positions and change the shape when needed. Unfortunately, as the Oaks couldn’t find the breakthrough another Oxford short corner put the pressure on. A strong flick low to Potton’s right side managed to sneak through to give Oxford a lifeline. 3-1 going into the fourth quarter.

Oxford had some momentum after getting a goal back and it led to some ill-discipline by Sevenoaks who received some green cards for poor tackling. Sevenoaks managed to steady the ship with some good defending and calm outletting. Short corners were the only threat Oxford had as they were unable to create any open play chances. Some more brave corner defence kept Hawks out of the goal. As Oxford pushed for another goal it left space for Sevenoaks to counter via the two Ben’s – Allberry and Selby. Unfortunately, they couldn’t seal the game but it allowed Sevenoaks to get control of the game again and run the time down in possession.

A fantastic team performance with every player stepping up but special mention to James Beck on the right hand side who was reminiscent of an attacking Brazilian right back, always a thorn in Oxford’s side.