March will be make or break for Oakwood, says Kristall - The Jewish Chronicle

MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION

OAKWOOD A 5 FC TEAM A 1

The Oaks went into the game on the back of a pair of impressive performances and victories over Hendon United, but joint-manager Kristall told JC Sport "it was a fairly straightforward victory in a match that I think we would have struggled in earlier in the season (and in fact we did drop points at their place).

Ric Blank and Kristall have seen their troops adopt a real ruthless streak and cutting edge this season. Kristall added: "We have found a way to be more clinical and unbelievably strong at the back. We are a different side to the one that started the season."

Top-scorer Leor Sidle, Oakwood's match-winner against Hendon last week, added another goal to his tally, with further strikes from David Woolman, Zack Collins and an own goal adding the gloss.

"I felt that we controlled the game from the early stages and as soon as we scored the first, we totally dominated. We used our squad and everyone got plenty of game time which was pleasing for Blanky and I.

"Our keeper Jacko only touched the ball with his hands once and that was when he picked up the ball out of his net after a debatable penalty mid way through the second half. He must have been as cold as us on the touchline.

On another day, if our final ball into the box had been slightly better, we could have won by a much bigger scoreline but the main thing was to take the points and move on and that’s what we did."

Looking ahead to Oakwood's run-in, Kristall commented: "We now focus on our tough run in that begins in March. We know how difficult the three games will be but we have the momentum and we will prepare well over the coming weeks and although in the mean time the results of our title challengers games could prove vital, we have the opportunity to control our own fate and that is a strong position to be in.

"Up next is a resurgent Raiders side who have been free-scoring of late. We always have very close games with them and we know how difficult it will be. We will have to be at our best in March to stay in the race.

"On a final note, we wish Lee Warner a great time on his travels. He has been fantastic this season and we will miss him for the run in. We look forward to hopefully welcoming him back next season."

OAKWOOD: Ellliott Jackson, Harvey Kaye, Lee Warner, Kyle Bentwood, Dale Bradman, Zach Collins, Thomas Prais, Rafi Stone, Lee Warner, David Woolman, Leor Sidle. Subs: Dave Cohen, Luke Brookner, Jake Norton, Jonny Quinn

SCORERS: Collins (2), Sidle, Woolman, own goal

FC TEAM: David Grossman, Andrei Grayson, Gary Hill, Freddie Marks, James Milman, Danny Moss, Adam Rones, Andrew Sheena, Eddie Sternberg, Jason Wood, Mitchell Young. Sub: David Gordon

SCORER: Young