A crisply cold morning and lack of personnel brought Smithfields 2 match unbeaten run to an abrupt end as they crashed to a disappointing 5 3 defeat against a spirited Oaktree side.
Technical Director Tony Craig was forced to maintain a 3-5-2 formation and took the unusual step of naming himself and Director of Football Tom Plant as the only subs due to several key players deciding to watch another local team at the seaside and showing where their loyalty lies. No doubts were raised about Ben Clarke as the self proclaimed Brazilian defender Benjinho declared himself fit following shoulder surgery only two weeks earlier and stepped straight back into the starting XI.
Smithfield lost the toss and Oaktree completed a tactical masterstroke in asking Smithfield to kick uphill for the first half. An aura of complacency could have possibly settled over most of the Smithfield players as they started the half with no urgency or drive. They were immediately punished on 10 minutes when a deep cross from the Oaktree left back was inexplicably palmed into his own net by Goalkeeper Ian Stanway who hung his head in shame. The chance to equalise presented itself moments later when Smithfield won a penalty following good work from Damien Askey and Paul Joey Seymour. Seymour calmly placed the ball on the spot but only succeeded in striking a weak shot straight at the keeper.
An open game followed with Smithfield looking to exploit an inexperienced Oaktree goalkeeper and Oakfield in turn forcing several excellent saves from Stanway following pacy breakaways. Neither team managed to turn their spells of possession into goals as the halftime whistle blew.
Half Time Score
Smithfield Firestarters 0 1 Oaktree
Technical Director Tony Craig and Director of Football Tom Plant rallied the troops with an important team talk which focused on the need to concentrate and play good, simple football.
The advice was well heeded on 50 minutes when top scorer Rob Evans won the ball 15 yards inside his own half and powered into the Oaktree half, evaded several tackles and crossed the ball from the byline to a grateful Dean Hickin who put in his annual Goal of the Season contender with a tap in at the back post from 2 yards to bring Smithfield level.
Smithfield forced themselves into the lead on 60 minutes when Askey floated an exquisite diagonal ball into the right hand channel for Seymour to run onto who struck a venomous volley from 20 yards into the bottom left hand corner past the despairing dive of the Oaktree keeper. The compliment was returned on 65 minutes when Seymour crossed from the right wing to an unmarked Askey at the back post who calmly placed his shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Despite enjoying a 3-1 lead Smithfield sat back and allowed complacency to enter their game as defensive lapses , an undisciplined midfield effort and goalkeeping errors allowed Oaktree to get back into the game with quick fire goals on 70, 72 and 80 minutes, thus taking a 4-3 lead into the final 10 minutes.
Technical Director Tony Craig gazed on agonizingly at the empty subs bench as if looking for inspiration for a change; however, realising none was forthcoming, elected to put more men forward in pursuit of an equalizing goal. This bold tactic had little response as too often Smithfield were caught with 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 at the back which ultimately cost them as Oaktree wrapped up all three points on 82 minutes as a quick break on the right wing resulted in a clinical finish from 12 yards.
Final Score
Smithfield Firestarters 3 5 Oaktree
Smithfield Echo Man of the Match
My MotM goes to Damien Askey. He easily had his best game in his free role and provided a constant output for his tem when required. A few killer passes to create chances and deservedly got on the scoresheet with his first of the season. A little more effort defensively should see him become a box to box player in the Paul Scholes mold. The rough diamond has begun to be polished.
Smithfield Echo Donkey of the Day
My DotD goes to keeper Ian Stanway. How he can have such a good game with excellent shot stopping and command of his area and still concede 5 is anyones guess. He was however at fault for 2 goals at key times in the match which gave Oaktree the lead both times and affected team morale.
Reporters Thoughts
A mixed performance from Smithfield who showed great spirit in coming back from 1-0 down to lead 3-1. Two excellent goals from Askey and Seymour that were worthy of winning a match on their own but poor defending will be an issue for Technical Director Tony Craig to work on but Smithfield remain well positioned for a run at the title.
1) Did the midfield miss Matt Maskery and his workrate?
2) Will Rob Evans break his barren spell in front of goal soon?
3) Where were the rest of the subs?
4) Is it time for Craig and Plant to train harder and become proper subs?
Yours in Sport
Clark Kent Reporter-in-Chief
The Smithfield FC Forum » Smithfield Echo
Match Report - Oaktree 16th December
(1 post)-
Clark Kent
OfflineRoving ReporterPosted 2 years ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.