LITTLE OAKLEY 4

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX 0

Border League Knockout Cup quarter-final

OAKLEY rolled over University to book their place in the semi-finals against Holland FC.

In the process, they kept their third straight clean sheet.

In a poor first half, the visitors had the advantage of the wind behind them.

However, they had an early let-off when keeper Tarr’s clearance flew straight to Rory Harman.

His deflected shot fell to Sam Eldridge, whose half-chance squirmed inches wide.

Oakley were fortunate when Lamm’s cross was headed against the post by Percy.

However, neither team really got to grips with the conditions and bumpy pitch, with few attempts on goal.

The second half was a different kettle of fish, though.

Oakley tore the visitors apart with three goals before the hour-mark, using the wind advantage in their favour.

They camped in University’s half and Tarr was alert to deny both Trevor Lewis and Harman.

Lewis Wood then nodded towards goal and Robert Pratt was unlucky with a backward header that grazed the bar.

However, in the next ten minutes, Oakey hit University with both barrels.

A poor block by Tarr saw the ball fall kindly for Eldridge, to slide home the opener.

Eldridge then added a second, finding the corner of the net, after a defence-splitting pass from Mark Palmer.

Oakley’s third came on the hour-mark.

Palmer was involved again, with Nicky Palmer overlapping.

He crossed for Pratt to volley home a well-worked goal.

Oakley added a fourth when Mark Palmer produced a pinpoint cross for Lewis to head home.

Tomorrow, the first team make the short trip to Lawford, while their reserves are at home to Gosfield.