WEELEY ATHLETIC 1

LITTLE OAKLEY RESERVES 2

Essex and Suffolk Border League division one

RESURGENT Oakley defeated previously unbeaten Weeley, at Vista Road.

The Acorns welcomed back Jake Kioussis, from suspension, and also Liam Duly, who had recovered from injury.

It was clear from kick-off that Weeley’s position in the top three was no fluke. They produced several fine moves, calling the excellent Nathan Kioussis and Richard Green into action early on.

Both teams were trying to play football in the rain and Oakley went closest when a fine move involving Luke Good and Duly resulted in Daryl Elmer nodding just wide.

Weeley looked the more threatening, though, and deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute.

A fine through ball from Louie Newland managed to evade Jake Kioussis and found the Weeley winger in space.

Nathan Kioussis then slipped on the wet surface and Weeley threaded a pass across goal, allowing their number nine to slot past helpless keeper Ash Long.

Oakley raised their game and both Michael Palmer and Jamie Eades were denied by the home keeper.

As half-time approached, Oakley were edging the game but, having paid Weeley too much respect, found themselves deservedly behind.

The second half again started in wet conditions, but Oakley began playing with more belief.

Full-backs Jake Kioussis and Dan Roots got forward in support of the wingers.

A fine move played Michael Palmer into a shooting position, leaving a centre-half with no choice but to bring him down.

The referee decided it was outside the area and the resultant free-kick from Jake Kioussis was blasted wide.

However, the tide had definitely turned in the away side’s favour, with this incident spurring a serious of attacks.

Eades should have done better when presented with a clear opportunity but he skewed his shot wide.

Stephen Polley then replaced Elmer and the fresh legs added further impetus.

Polley played Mark Palmer through and his jinking run ended in a low shot into the left-hand corner of the Weeley goal, levelling on 75 minutes.

It now looked like Oakley could get a winner, with the unbeaten home side desperate to hang on for a point.

And with minutes remaining, the Acorns took the lead their second-half display deserved.

A long ball from the left by Jake Kioussis was met perfectly on the half-volley by Michael Palmer, who made no mistake.

Immediately after, Mark Palmer was replaced by Reece Harris.

Weeley staged a late flurry but could not breach the solid back line and, when they did, Long’s handling was impeccable.

Oakley now move joint-top with Wormingford, who are tomorrow’s visitors (kick-off 2pm).