Mighty Oaks close in on the title

Michael Cohen
07970 442298

Oakwood took a big step towards the title with a battling 2-1 win over Redbridge B at Parmiters.

Brad Wine and Josh Rubin were the goal men for the Oaks.

Redbridge's goal came through C-team top-scorer Doron Weinstein.

The Oaks started the better side without ever approaching their top level. They were a bit lethargic and slow to move the ball and Redbridge took advantage with a great header Weinstein from a corner.

Oakwood equalised through a rocket from Wine and came in at the interval level.

With their numerical advantage, the second half was all Oakwood and Redbridge then had a second player red-carded.

Rubin slotted home the winner following a great ball from Dan Abrams.

Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "It was a very strange game and one I'm delighted to have won.

"After falling behind the referee then took over - two minutes later he sent off a Redbridge player for swearing. It was harsh to say the least.

"Redbridge had no subs and lost another player to injury reducing them to nine men. Our players were just as shocked as theirs and we were playing timidly as a result.

"For the second dismissal I felt the referee could easily have avoided sending the lad off but decided he was worth a second yellow.

"At that point I was worried about two things: not winning and getting men sent off. There was no consistency in the refereeing despite there not being a bad challenge all game. Players were getting booked left, right and centre and with a big game in the Morrison in a few weeks we were nervous. The worst of all was when I tried to have a chat with the referee in an attempt to avoid getting the game abandoned. He shouted at me and told me he'd send me off as well.

"I wasn't even playing so he'd have done well with that one. It was a lack of respect on his part and I think all the players were shocked at his attitude throughout the game.

"Redbridge were understandably frustrated but defended with courage and commitment. Fortunately we got a winner through it should have been a great game but ended up a farce.

"Credit goes to my players for keeping their heads in bizarre circumstances and winning the game.

"The league must take responsibility for appointing weak refs for big games. We've had this before and it's not fair on anyone involved. There has to be more planning as to which ref gets appointed to which game. There must have been a dead-rubber out there that could have had this referee as opposed to a promotion decider in Division One.

"Anyway, on to the next and we play Chigwell in a huge game at their place. We are looking forward to another huge battle and a chance to extend our winning run."

DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Redbridge JC B 0