On a stunning October morning, Oakwood made the trip to face table-topping Bookham, eager to continue their strong run of form.

The game took a little while to settle, but once it did, Oakwood began to dictate play, moving the ball confidently and forcing the Bookham goalkeeper into several fine saves throughout the first half. JJ looked lively in attack, constantly stretching the home defence, while Riley, playing in a new role at the back, impressed with a composed and assured performance.

Against the run of play, Bookham took a surprise lead with a long-range strike that found the back of the net. But Oakwood didn’t let their heads drop. As the first half wore on, Josh Lunn grew more and more influential in midfield, eventually creating a golden opportunity for Harry Morley, who was brought down in the box. Penalty Oakwood.

Niko Joseph stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to level the score at 1–1. Oakwood sensed an opportunity to push for the win, and just five minutes later, their pressure paid off. Once again, it was Lunn at the heart of the move, threading a pass through to Harry Morley, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to put Oakwood 2–1 up.

However, despite their dominance, Oakwood were denied all three points when Bookham found another equaliser with a second long-range effort.

The hosts’ manager even admitted after the match, “They got away with one.”

Reflecting on the performance, Oakwood manager Kirk Ritchie said:

“We’re all frustrated but pleased at the same time. Two sloppy goals in a game where their goalkeeper got Man of the Match and pulled off about five key saves.”

Oakwood will look to bounce back to winning ways next Saturday, though they will be without Niko Joseph and Coco, who have both been selected to represent Sussex. Congratulations and good luck to them both on their call-ups.

OAKWOOD FC

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