LITTLE Oakley ran out 3-0 winners over Sawbridgeworth Town in the Essex Senior League, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

Acorns fans were pleased by the return of fans' favourite Dan Rowe who with Mills unavailable, will be a valid addition.

Oakley started the game at a blistering pace, gaining a corner.

Cant whipped a driven cross into the box where Jack Ladbrook guided the ball passed the keeper to give Oakley the lead after three minutes.

Oakley had the bulk of possession, playing one touch football.

Rowe and Hipkin combined to play a cross into the corridor of uncertainty, preventing the keeper from coming off his line.

But the ball, targeted for Harman, went across goal without getting a touch.

Town then had an attack from the back, forcing the Oakley defence to concede a corner, which was easily cleared.

Oakley were bossing midfield, with Daniel Smith cleaning up all the potential danger coming from Town.

Town were working hard without getting any clear chances but a long pass out to the wing found Elijah Mambombe.

He showed a good turn of pace, getting to the by line paying the ball back into the six-yard area with Jaydon Charles coming into the centre of the area, only to find Luke Hipkin get to the ball first.

Town improved before the break and a cross into the box was well met by Thomas Lawrence, but his header went wide.

Oakley went in at the break ahead and started the second half with a good chance which fell to Rowe, but his shot went wide.

Town came back at Oakley and an impressive ball through the middle of the park picking out Jeremy Ebelebe who took one touch before unleashing a shot, forcing keeper Michael Bett into a fine save.

Oakley then had several chances but could not seem to get past Sawbridgeworth's impressive keeper William Keirs, who pulled off a string of fine saves.

But they finally doubled their lead when Hipkin's corner picked out George Davis, who got to the ball first to place it past the keeper for 2-0.

Oakley structured a flowing move with some neat passing between Nathan Rowe and Dan Rowe ending with a bending shot that was pushed around the post.

The Acorns sealed their win in the fourth minute of injury-time.

Rowe found Oakley substitute Blake Keogh-Kedar, whose instant control saw him coolly bend the ball around the keeper.

Oakley player of the match was Daniel Smith, who is already an integral part of their midfield.