Repton - 2 OC III's - 2
OC 3s and Ye Olde Reptonians were at loggerheads in Saturday's top of the table encounter, both teams cancelling each other out and coming away a point apiece.
There can be no denying the spirit and tenacity of the reigning champions, who began the game all guns blazing. Speculation the players received a pre game dressing down by renowned howler Basil are unconfirmed, but either way the lads came out and performed from the off. The OCs started strong right the way from the back, Arnell showing cat-like instincts in goal and commanding a back four of the utmost quality. Ryder-Smith and Franklin distributed down the channels while the indomitable pairing of Wilkinon and JCB used their strength and resilience to deflect trouble away from goal. Inevitably, it wasn't long before the deadlock was broken. Jackson and Manches had spent the previous evening studying pythagaros and the hard work soon paid off, as a shot was deliebrately angled against both posts to deflect into Jacko's path in front of goal. The finish was clinical and precise - the OC's were ahead. It was fitting that Jacko be the man to put the team ahead - this was to be his final OC game for eight months, having been granted leave of absence to get away from the stress and pressure that comes with an OC title challenge. His break will ensure he returns refreshed and reinvigorated to the team for next season.
At one down, Repton upped their game - they pulled the goal back following a sharp break down the left and went ahead shortly before the interval. Half time 2-1.
The second half was more of the same from the battling OCs. The central midfield combinations of Spinks, Parton and Jackson combined to break down the play from the opposition and control the middle of the pitch, whilst Buzz , Perera and Rob CB worked like beavers down the channels. The OCs were back in contention, but it required calm and focus from the lads - skipper Rocky J Rudden, known for his vicious outburts and cantona-style kicks on opposition supporters, was quick to quash any trouble that flared between the two sides. However, when the Repton centre back gently brushed Rudden's ankle, obscenities were screamed so loudly the newly crowned wagamama Mrs Jackson almost fainted with shock. Rudden's outburst had Repton riled, and it wasn't long before the OCs regained the initiative and a great ball from dolly through the middle led to the equaliser. 2-2.
There was time for a final onslaught from Repton, but Mark Arnell's goalkeeping heroics ensured the OCs didn't surrender the point. Further, the OCs were aided by Mr Franklin whose itchy trigger finger on the offside flag ended more or less every Repton attack. Franklin was supported by Wilko in prosecution - when the Repton strikers questioned an offside decision Wilko was quick to act and explain the intricacies of the offside law. The ref acted as judge, jury and executioner, concluding that the Repton strikers were guilty as charged and sentencing them to a whole second half of offside decisions. All appeals were dismissed.
The full time whistle blew, the OCs had gainined a valuable point under tough circumstances, and remain undefeated in their quest to regain this prestigious title. The final word must go to Mark Jackson - he put in a great performance, has scored 4 goals already this season and will be sorely missed by OCs old and new. He's a great character and no doubt everyone at the club wishes him the best and looks forward to his return. Rumours that he plans to land an apache helicopter on the centre circle during the OC 3's appearence in the cup final are so far unconfirmed.
By Mike Manches
OC 3s and Ye Olde Reptonians were at loggerheads in Saturday's top of the table encounter, both teams cancelling each other out and coming away a point apiece.
There can be no denying the spirit and tenacity of the reigning champions, who began the game all guns blazing. Speculation the players received a pre game dressing down by renowned howler Basil are unconfirmed, but either way the lads came out and performed from the off. The OCs started strong right the way from the back, Arnell showing cat-like instincts in goal and commanding a back four of the utmost quality. Ryder-Smith and Franklin distributed down the channels while the indomitable pairing of Wilkinon and JCB used their strength and resilience to deflect trouble away from goal. Inevitably, it wasn't long before the deadlock was broken. Jackson and Manches had spent the previous evening studying pythagaros and the hard work soon paid off, as a shot was deliebrately angled against both posts to deflect into Jacko's path in front of goal. The finish was clinical and precise - the OC's were ahead. It was fitting that Jacko be the man to put the team ahead - this was to be his final OC game for eight months, having been granted leave of absence to get away from the stress and pressure that comes with an OC title challenge. His break will ensure he returns refreshed and reinvigorated to the team for next season.
At one down, Repton upped their game - they pulled the goal back following a sharp break down the left and went ahead shortly before the interval. Half time 2-1.
The second half was more of the same from the battling OCs. The central midfield combinations of Spinks, Parton and Jackson combined to break down the play from the opposition and control the middle of the pitch, whilst Buzz , Perera and Rob CB worked like beavers down the channels. The OCs were back in contention, but it required calm and focus from the lads - skipper Rocky J Rudden, known for his vicious outburts and cantona-style kicks on opposition supporters, was quick to quash any trouble that flared between the two sides. However, when the Repton centre back gently brushed Rudden's ankle, obscenities were screamed so loudly the newly crowned wagamama Mrs Jackson almost fainted with shock. Rudden's outburst had Repton riled, and it wasn't long before the OCs regained the initiative and a great ball from dolly through the middle led to the equaliser. 2-2.
There was time for a final onslaught from Repton, but Mark Arnell's goalkeeping heroics ensured the OCs didn't surrender the point. Further, the OCs were aided by Mr Franklin whose itchy trigger finger on the offside flag ended more or less every Repton attack. Franklin was supported by Wilko in prosecution - when the Repton strikers questioned an offside decision Wilko was quick to act and explain the intricacies of the offside law. The ref acted as judge, jury and executioner, concluding that the Repton strikers were guilty as charged and sentencing them to a whole second half of offside decisions. All appeals were dismissed.
The full time whistle blew, the OCs had gainined a valuable point under tough circumstances, and remain undefeated in their quest to regain this prestigious title. The final word must go to Mark Jackson - he put in a great performance, has scored 4 goals already this season and will be sorely missed by OCs old and new. He's a great character and no doubt everyone at the club wishes him the best and looks forward to his return. Rumours that he plans to land an apache helicopter on the centre circle during the OC 3's appearence in the cup final are so far unconfirmed.
By Mike Manches
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