LITTLE OAKLEY A 2

SOUTHEND COLLEGIANS 1

Essex County Junior Cup

A DISCIPLINED display saw Oakley come from behind to knock out last year’s semi-finalists.

Southend took early control and dominated the physical battle in the early part of the encounter.

They were rewarded with a goal after converting a free-kick in the 15th minute.

This seemed to spur the home team on, but they could not convert a string of chances that came their way.

The second half saw Oakley have much of the play.

They built well through Tyler Sullivan and Elliot Johnson, with the constant threat of Luke Shepherd and Luke Mayhew down the flanks, ably supported with the hold-up play of forwards Jay Eggerichs and Franky Selwyn.

And when Southend did attack, they were well controlled by the defensive display of Daryl Eagle, Adam Brown and Daniel Brown.

And with Leon Bowler and Brandon Rusby turning defence into attack, the home team forged attack after attack.

Chances came and went for Oakley until, in the 65th minute, Shepherd crossed to Eggerichs in the penalty box, who, in turn, moved the ball on for Mayhew to tap in.

With this, the visitors lost their keeper through injury, along with their discipline, having one of their players sent off for foul and abusive language.

The winner came in the 75th minute, with Mayhew now turning supplier for Eggerichs.

Oakley could have converted more chances as they took full control of the game.

Oakley’s man-of-the-match was Tyler Sullivan.