Eden dedicates win to Tussie

Oakwood B got their title bid back on track with a hard fought win over Norstar C at Parmiters.

With manager Ian Tussie away, Dave Eden masterminded an important win against determined opposition, with goals from Jamie Beale and two for Eric Lewis.

Norstar C were left disappointed that they didn't come away with a point, if not all three.

A good game of football saw Oakwood take an early lead, as Norstar's usual slow start caught them out once again.

Once the game settled down, Norstar looked to dominate possession, but struggled to keep the ball and use the pace up front.

Norstar's defence held strong, and Lee Benson in goal pulled off a couple of wonderful saves to keep Norstar in the game. Norstar couldn't find the equaliser before the break as Josh Younger fired narrowly wide and Nick Haringman forced the keeper into a good save.

Norstar equalised in the second half when Tom Orr's fortunate touch followed by a stunning volley that dipped in over the keeper but Oakwood scored two more to take the points.

Buoyed by the goal, Norstar pushed forward and tested Oakwood's defence. A defining moment came with 20 minutes to go. A free-kick from 25 yards from Oli Nathan left the keeper stranded but hit the top of the bar and the rebound couldn't be put away.

Norstar felt that they should have had a penalty from what looked like a clear handball, but the referee wasn't interested.

Oakwood then regained the lead when a good move resulted in a shot beating the keeper. They sealed the points shortly after when a lob went over the helpless Norstar keeper.

Stand-in Oaks boss Dave Eden told JC Sport: "It proved a difficult week for Oakwood who had to show a lot of character but claimed the all important three points to bounce back from last weeks disappointment.

"Oakwood were without manager Ian Tussie who is suspended, pending an investigation into claims of financial impropriety and accepting `bungs` from agents to pay for personal holidays.

"Norstar acquitted themselves well and played some nice football but Oakwood's experience told in the end. It was substitutes Jack Sultan and Eric Lewis who came on to great effect and swung the game our way."

Norstar boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: "Perhaps an unfair result, but a much better performance than the 7-2 last time against Oakwood and to know we should have got something from a team in the top three has given us a lot of hope and a lot to take from the game."

DC Prediction: Oakwood B 3 Norstar C 1

RS Prediction: Oakwood B 4 Norstar C 1