Boys' 3rd XI v Oakham

Date: Tuesday 3rd March

Venue: Away, depart 12.15pm

Team:  DANCEY, LEAVER, DOXEY, TEAL, SWANN, LIMMER, WILLCOX, KUMETA, CROFT, FUNG, TWIDLE, COSFORD

Result: Lost 2-3

Match Report: We fell to our first defeat of the season, inflicted by an athletic Oakham side. Oakham had the better of the first period, outnumbering our midfield and attacking with pace and directness. We defended stoutly but 1-0 was a fair reflection of the play. A tactical change at half-time made us more competitive and with Willcox and Kumeta gaining the upper hand in the centre of the pitch, we caused Oakham problems. A goal from Kumeta from a short-corner brought us level and we were creating the better chances. Oakham, however, scored again after we failed to take opportunities to clear and scored a third from a tight angle after a weak 16 went straight to the opposition. It would be a long way back against a more physically strong side but Fung's clever deflected finish made it a tense last few minutes, with Cosford coming close to finding the equaliser. The players certainly gave a good account of themselves but we have become accustomed to winning games and will not be satisfied with this performance. Dean Close on Saturday will offer an opportunity to put things right.