Preston United AFC vs Oak Road Rangers
4 - 5
09 September 2018 · Sponsors Cup 2018 - 2019
Away cup match played on 09 September 2018.
Kicked off at 11:00 AM
4-5
vs Preston United AFC
Away cup match
Oak went into the first round of the Sponsors Cup against Preston Utd of division 3 on the back of a never-say-die attitude from last week. And despite having around 6 changes from the previous result, and a few deubtants, we were looking to build on that performance.
Unfortunately 30 seconds into the game, Shaun Taylor conceded a penalty with a rash sliding challenge.
Penalty taken, Rich Wallis got a hand to it but couldn't prevent the score from Reading 1-0 to the home side.
Further lapses saw Oak struggle with the wind at their faces, and playing up-hill, although some good counters started taking shape.
However a lovely lob from 25 yards from Gary Atkinson brought Oak level. 1-1
Those defensive worries lead to 2 further sloppy goals conceded, leaving Oak 3-1 down at half time.
Knowing the wind was behind us, and going down-hill, there was cause for optimism.
That was knocked further though with a very good free kick leaving the jumping wall and strambling Wallis watching the ball hit the top corner of the net. 4-1.
Oak's attitude was to get at least 1 back and make Preston nervous. This came with a penalty when a poor cross from substitute Callum Graham, hit the arm outstretched of the defender in the area. Penalty and Stu Spencer to take.
Comfortably tucked away, game on. 4-2.
Further pressure lead to a good ball out to Matt Tuton on the left wing, whose first touch finish inside the area nestled into the bottom corner. Very much game on at 4-3.
More pressure followed with a good ball down the channel from Ricky Cartwright to Joe Wilson, who had got into the area before being rugby tackled by the defender. 2nd Oak Road penalty of the game to bring us level. Again Stu Spencer to take.
Bit more nervy finish with the keeper getting a hand to it, but it crept home. 4-4.
Further chances from various players on both sides meant 1 thing.
Extra time.
Noticing Preston looked shell-shocked and spent, Oak put the ball back up-hill with more purpose than in the first half, and this paid off with a neat ball through to Gary Atkinson who slotted home at the near post, to put Oak in the lead for the first time. 4-5.
A few nervy moments then came creeping back with saves and last-ditches clearances needed from Oak.
Half time in extra time.
Further chances for both sides, including glorious missed chances for Oak Road from a Joe Wilson corner to the head of Gary Atkinson stood next to the post, missing the target completely.
Another was a set up the other way around with a pass to Wilson from Atkinson across goal 4 yards out, with the shot straight at the diving keeper.
Oak though, held out for the gritty win and the first this season.