Home Victory for Athletic

In boggy conditions the game went ahead at Chalky Lane in Chessington. Both teams came into the match after recent defeats and occupy 16th and 17th places in the SCFL Division One table.

After just 8 minutes the first opportunity of the game went to the away side. Forward thinking Ali Rainford, hit the ball sweetly with his left foot, it beat the keeper but not the bar.

Oakwood were having the best of the chances and on 38 minutes, Anthony Harris took a long range free kick which just missed the target.

After the break, it was Banstead who took the lead. A strong halftime cuppa saw the home side attack from the off and after just 40 seconds they scored. Banstead moved the ball down the wing and crossed it in for Hamish Ramsay to head it in at the back post.

After 70 minutes, Oakwood had another opportunity. Dan Sullivan won the ball in the air and powered his header towards goal but the Banstead goalkeeper was up to the challenge. Oakwood kept pushing and on 83 minutes Nick Sullivan smashed the ball against the inside of the post.

As the game was coming to an end, Oakwood were running out of time and it was Banstead who scored the next goal. Emeka Okakpu got on the end of a pass and beat the keeper to make it 2-0 to the home side on 90 minutes.

GWS Man of the Match went to Hamish Ramsay for an outstanding performance and great goal. A close game which could have gone either way, unfortunately for Oakwood it wasn’t their day. However, in defeat is how learning is achieved.

Next up, the victorious Banstead are away to another Surrey team, Godalming Town. Oakwood face Alford away.