Oxford (A)

Staines 1-1 Oxford

MOM - Kishan
DOD - Nathan

Staines travelled north to Oxford Brookes for the top of the table clash. With Oxford winning all 7 of their league matches so far this season and Staines winning 6 out of 7 and unbeaten, it was an exciting match to look forward to. To rally up support, Oxford decided to hold their University open day this Saturday which forced most of the players to park in a nearby school. After sweet talking the security guard, he reluctantly agreed to let us park at the school.
Staines Mens 3rd team had played Oxford earlier and some of the team stayed behind to lend us some great support on the sidelines.
The match started at a fast pace with Oxford breaking forwards at a fast pace and then sitting off at half court to try and leave space behind the staines defence. The staines defenders passed the ball round the back well whilst the Oxford players just stood on the half way line. It was a hockey version of 'chicken', who was going to give first. This went Oxford as they decided to change plans and start to press when the ball went to the full backs. Unfortunately for them, this isn't what they are used to and Staines passed around the attackers with ease. Staines created some good opening in the first half with Matt Wells and Sam Betts both having shots going very close to the goal. Staines thought they had a well deserved lead when Matt went round the goalkeeper and had a shot from a very narrow angle. The ball cannoned off the outside post and went wide. Oxford continued to break forwards at speed and using their left back to good use as he consistently pushed himself up to our 25. The centre back would then use overheads to catch him running forwards.
At half time, the score was an even 0-0 and all to play for in the second half. Staines were confident of gaining the win after some words of wisdom from the coach.
The second half didn't start as well as we hoped with the Oxford players winning a short corner and converting. Staines remained upbeat knowing that we had created some decent openings in the first half. From that point on, staines dominated the majority of the second half with some great chances falling and not being taken. Alex Betts stepped up from a short corner to rifle through the goalkeeper to draw the teams level. Staines continued to press for the winner but unfortunately couldn't make convert the final piece. A hard fought and enjoyable match which didn't end at the final whistle with an Oxford player receiving a red card for swearing at the umpire!
A draw that stops Oxfords winning run and also keeps our unbeaten run going into the last three fixtures before Christmas.