Buckhurst Hill FC 0-1 Little Oakley
23rd March 2024 | Essex Senior Premier League | Att: 86
By Harry Biggs.
An annoying day for Mark’s side as they were let by todays officials and last minute injuries. The Stags were ready to go just before kick off until Ted Buchanan, Ethan Daniels and George Johnson pulled up with injury problems and Mark & Adam were forced to turn to Licheri, Nicholson and Marku to replace the three players.
Kick off and the visitors started well and within only 12 minutes they lead through a dangerous corner that was dealt with poorly by the Buckhurst Hill box. After the Oakley goal The Stags started to build momentum as returning Charles Nicol from injury had his shot saved by the visitors’ keeper, then disaster struck. The Stags had a promising attack which resulted in Nicol having his second shot of the game which was clearly handled by a Oakley defender, the referee however decided to play ‘advantage for a penalty’ and The Stags were denied a penalty.
Minutes later Reed makes a good save of many for The Stags. Just before half time the unthinkable happens, Buckhurst Hill have another promising attack and a shot which is direct as goal is clearly handled again by a Oakley defender. The referee waves away Stags claims however his assistant flags for a penalty, the ball is eventually put out of play and the referee goes to speak to his linesman. After moments of thinking the referee decides to ignore his assistants decision and not give Buckhurst Hill a blatant penalty.
Just before the break Wray has a shot which is strongly saved by the Little Oakley keeper. The second half now and the visitors start lively again as Williams picks up the first booking of the game for a foul for stopping a Oakley counter attack. Oakley took the set piece which ended up as good build up play but was brilliantly saved by Reed. Nicol also has a
chance for the Stags minutes later which is easily saved by a commanding Little Oakley keeper. The Stags didn’t have many chances left in the second half and Little Oakley sealed the three points at Myrak Park.
After the game Mark Williams said “ his team were let down and should have a penalty “ He also mentioned his team had the fair share of possession but couldn’t finish their chances in the final third.
