DUNDONALD CHASE F.C.
NEWS ARCHIVE

15 March 2004 Morden & District League Division 8 at Dundonald Road Recreation Ground

DCFC 1(0)
Damion 85
Oakway Sports 4(3)
11,21,25,90

It would seem that the comfortable win in last week's friendly, was a little far fetched from reality, especially when you look at how we seemed to score goals freely and effortlessly. Today we were brought right back down to earth, as Oakway simply outclassed us, for the first half at least.

Going into this game we knew that we needed a win, AC Croygas are the team we need to catch, now that Kingsway are almost certainly out of the equation. Croygas were on 14 points before start of play today, our sorry looking 9 meant that a win today and an optimistic win over Kingsway would give us 15 (we'll assume Nuwood is a defeat!), Croygas do have tough games left, so although it is hopeful, we would have to hope they only attained one more point. Well all that mathematical nonsense can now go out the window. To add insult to injury NC Royals got a surprise win over Kingsway, meaning that not only are we relegated, but we are also currently bottom of the pile to!

Watching the first 25-30 minutes of this game was only entertaining for neutrals and followers of the away side. We were torn apart. Oakway were hardly recognisable from the last encounter. Going forward and distribution of the ball, they are as good as any side in this division. The first goal was a nice chip over Rob, the second came from a quick break and the third came too quickly after the second to remember! Admittedly they did have the wind in their favour and this was a very influential feature of today's game. For the first half we could only reflect on the odd moment of inspiration from Damion, a couple of decent saves from Rob and a good attempted diving header from Richie.

Matty may have thought he had done himself a favour by limping off with barely 5 minutes gone, in his quest to become Player of The Season, but Damion, his nearest rival, keeps up the pressure after having another good game.

Luckily the second half didn't carry on from where the first half ended. A combination of Oakway getting complacent and the assistance from the wind may have had something to do with it.

We started the half with Ed deputising for Rob in goal who got injured late in the first half.

We had the better of the chances, Damion created most of them single handedly, but couldn't apply the finish. Gary somehow missed from close range with a header, it seemed as if it wasn't to be. Oakway of course had more chances themselves, a scramble on the line and a shot bouncing off the bar amongst them.

We can't really say that we played badly, we were beaten by the stronger team. It may seem hard to believe, but they were playing with 10. A strong 10 nonetheless. A weak off may do us some good, there's only pride to play for now.