MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FAITHFOLD A 0 OAKWOOD A 2
Ric Blank says Oakwood are "not getting ahead of themselves" after they made a terrific start with a 2-0 victory at Faithfold.
Guy Helman opened the scoring and a penalty at the death from Carl Peters finished the job in a game where a stunning reflex save from Dan Cohen ensured a clean sheet.
"In truth the score was a lot closer than it should have been," Blank told JC Sport. "In the second half, in particular, we were camped in Faithfold's half and missed a host of chances to put the game out of sight.
"I can't remember them having a shot in the last hour. That's credit to us because we know what a good side Faithfold are and how dangerous they can be."
Blank was delighted his troops executed the game-plan to perfection.
He said: "We had a boost when we saw their best defender playing right midfield and Woolman and Brad Wine caused untold problems up front.
"Brad had a perfectly good goal disallowed after he pick-pocketed Dan Howard in the box. Wooly was brought down cynically by the keeper at the end for a penalty. I've no idea how he escaped a red card but the referee had a good game overall and we have to respect his decision.
"We were solid collectively as a team and our superior fitness told as the game wore on. Carl Peters and Si Davies both made telling impacts off the bench. Carl was unlucky not to have a hat-trick - his curling 25 yarder smashed off the underside of the bar, then he forced a fine save from a corner before finally settling matters with a penalty.
"Overall we're happy with the result but know we can play better and score more goals. Faithfold are a good side but we were too strong on the day.
"We're not getting ahead of ourselves. Our next two league games are Redbridge home and Raiders away."
Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: "Overall I was pleased with the performance. We had a bare 11 players with myself and Ben Lewis as subs so not ideal - we had six boys away which would have made a difference.
"I thought we deserved more and a draw would have been fair, but I was really proud of the boys that played today. We were unlucky in parts."
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