The 2nd of Oundles back to back to back homes games was against Loughborough Town 3s, the team which Sat just below Oundle in the table, 1 point separating the 2 sides.
In the reverse of this fixture earlier in the season, Oundle won 2-1 in a very tightly contested fixture. Midfield maestro Ollie Bogg scoring the winner and also his first for the club, rounding off a superb team goal.
This week saw Oundle’s enforcer, Johnny Crittell, return to the pitch, making his first appearance of the season. Ian Wilkinson also made a comeback in a slightly new look defence for Oundle.
Oundle started the half strong, with Virgil Van Jimmy going through 1 on 1 with the Loughborough keeper, only to shoot narrowly wide. This was significant as Jimmy has now lost his 100% shots to goals ratio. A record that has stood for many seasons.
Loughborough were not without a threat however, Captain Ben Edis clearing a short corner off the line, and later on he was taken out by Youngy (and not for a nice meal!) to ensure the ball stayed out of the Oundle goal.
Oundle went into half time wondering how on earth the score was still 0-0, with Loughborough Towns rear guard proving to be tough to break through.
That was until early in the 2nd half when Willow made one of his trademark runs down the right, leaving Loughborough defenders in his wake, a dangerous ball into the D found Dan Phillips who took a touch and slotted home giving Oundle the lead.
Goal a game Dalley claiming he got a touch on the cross and claiming the assist, hoping for the new nickname of ‘Assist a game’
Not long after, George Martin continued his goal scoring form with a trademark strike from a short corner.
With Oundle in cruise control, they soon added a 3rd through a rocket of a drag flick from Vice captain Adrian Millan, but he could only look forlornly on as maverick winger Willow got a touch just before the line claiming the goal.
Thinking the job was done, Oundle appeared to switch off and started a very tough period where they had to weather some very strong Loughborough pressure.
Loughborough got a goal back through a short corner which they shifted to the Oundle right, the resulting bobbly shot going straight through the postman.
Loughborough got a 2nd back through a counter attack, with Oundle defence left far behind the Loughborough attack, with 2 attackers vs Youngy. It was a simple task to play it around and score.
Oundle legs started to wobble and their play became more frantic. The Loughborough comeback was finished however when George Martin scored his 2nd penalty corner striker of the game nutmegging the keeper on its way through.
This goal appeared to knock the wind out of Loughborough sails and Oundle were able to see the game out winning 4-2 and moving a point behind 3rd place.
Oundle are at home again next week for the visit of long standing rivals Northampton Saints 3s. HWTL.
