by DAVID CHOPPING

LITTLE OAKLEY 1

HADLEIGH UNITED 0

FA Vase second qualifying round

A SECOND-HALF volley from 16-year-old Greg Rodger was enough to send Oakley into the first-round proper of the FA Vase.

In the process, it dispelled all memories of last season's first-ever match in the competition, when the Acorns were thrashed 10-1 at Tower Hamlets.

In front of a good crowd and well-supported by the visiting fans, Hadleigh started well and, from an early corner, Crisp had a close-range header kept out by goalkeeper Luke Tynan.

After six minutes, play was halted when Makris came down heavily, jumping with Rodger.

He injured his knee and, after lengthy treatment, he was stretchered off to a round of applause from both sets of supporters and players.

Cassell made an opening for himself, working space to turn and shoot, but his effort flew over as he was closed down.

A minute later, there was a let-off for the home side when a short kick to Lewis Wood saw him make a poor judgement in finding Crisp.

However, the Hadleigh player shot wide.

Stephen Polley whipped in a cross that saw Ash Wood's backward header easily saved by Punter.

Hadleigh's passing was fast and slick and another chance fell to Cassell, but he shot straight at Tynan.

Another close shave saw Tynan push Cassell's effort away from goal as the visitors ramped up the pressure.

Oakley's first chance came just after the half-hour mark when Harry Mann, on the right, squared towards Polley but his header ended up in the keeper's arms.

The visitors were forced to defend again when Wood's header was cleared by Crisp and, in a final attack, a back-post header by Rose was off-target.

The second half saw Oakley dominate and with Mark Palmer on the ball more, the Acorns were making inroads into a stubborn Hadleigh defence.

With both teams trying to break each other down, Oakley opened the scoring ten minutes in after a piece of brilliance.

Jay Barker came out of defence and provided a pinpoint cross for Rodger to take on the volley, lifting the ball over a stranded Punter with the defence caught napping.

The ball nestled into the net to send the home supporters wild.

Five minutes later, they should have doubled their lead when a low cross by Jamie Dobkin saw Polley ghost in at the far post - only to fire over.

Hadleigh were dealt another blow when they were reduced to ten men.

Howlett received his marching orders for violent conduct.

However, it did not deter them and they pressured Oakley, looking for an equaliser.

They went close and Tynan had Barker to thank when Cassell nearly scored.

Minutes later, Palmer got in a tangle with Elliott, releasing the ball into the feet of Cassell.

However, Tynan, at full stretch, saved well when it looked easier to score.

Hadleigh were pushing forward and a free-kick by Ross to the back post saw Rose go close.

With ten minutes to go, the game really opened up, with both sides leaving vast spaces open.

A good knock by Matt Williams saw Rodger poorly control while in space.

In a frantic last-ditch attack, Hadleigh had a penalty claim turned down and with players surrounding the referee, Rory Harman broke but his effort went straight to the keeper.

On Saturday, Oakley's first team travel to Wivenhoe Town for a 3pm kick-off while at the Memorial Ground the reserves entertain Herongate Athletic in the Essex Premier Cup (2pm).

On Tuesday night, the first team entertain Brightlingsea Regent Reserves in the League Challenge Cup (7.45pm).