LITTLE Oakley bowed out of the Isuzu FA Vase following a 2-1 home defeat to a strong Cockfosters side, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

Oakley started well, with an early chance falling to Gordie Papple, whose long-range shot went over the bar.

Cockfosters came straight back at Oakley with their big centre-forward Rookard firing a power shot at goal which forced Fowler to push the ball to safety.

With both sides unable to get any clearcut chances, the play was evenly split.

A ball from the Oakley defence found Mann playing a ball down the wing to Lumley, whose cross into the box was deflected for a corner.

The corner was bent dangerously into the centre of the goal where a succession of attempted clearances and half shots was eventually cleared without the keeper having to make a save.

Oakley went ahead in the 41st minute when Herman placed the ball in the corner of the net from the edge of the area, after Mann had pulled off a fine save to deny Rowe.

But Cockfosters equalised before the break when a through ball dissected the Oakley defence and Rookard fired the ball past Fowler off the inside of the post.

The final action of the half saw captain Wood win the ball in the air from a corner but guide the ball wide of the post.

Oakley started the second half well and a cross to the back post was well won by Sibbons but again was guided wide.

Cockfosters started to become more dominant and a break away up into the Oakley box saw a half-hit shot deflected onto the post by Lutaaya.

Oakley managed to keep the ball out of the net where the ball fell to Griffing, whose shot was palmed over the bar for a corner.

Cockfosters were now streaming forward and they scored their winner when Rookard collected the ball 30 yards out from goal and cut in towards to the edge of the box before hitting a dipping shot that went over Fowler’s head and in.

Cockfosters were looking the better side but Oakley under James Good have a never-say-die attitude.

A driven cross was cleared to the edge of the area where Harman met the ball on the volley but unfortunately the shot was sliced and went wide of the goal, as Oakley bowed out.

Oakley player of the match was Ed Nobbs who again produced a nine out of ten performance.