Hard scrap with the leaders

Arriving at the same time as the rain Hornets took a while to get organised against an Oxted side that moved the ball quickly showing why they are league leaders. But some hard defensive work from the two Nigels, Dob and Andy kept the home side at bay until a half cleared short corner was flicked home into the top of the net. Hornets responded with better passing and started to find opportunities down the right through Seb and Dave and hard work by Roland and Alan up front. Hornets pressure was repaid with a couple of short corners that were cleared. the break through came when Graham sent a pass into the D which Roland diverted into the goal. The half thereafter settled into a midfield battle with an ebb and flow that did not trouble either keeper.
Second half continued in the same vein with both sides wingers getting opportunities which eventually led to a scambled goal for Oxted. Hornets responded by upping the pressure and pegging Oxted into their 22. But this pressure gave Oxted the opportunity for quick breaks which they exploited through their faster players. However some fine tackling by Paul, a couple of smart saves by Phil, marking by Rob and some luck ensured they did not profit. Hornets kept up the pressure on both the left through the two Nigels and on the right with Dave making some great runs supported by Seb and Alan but despite a spate of short and long corners the ball did not run kindly for us and Oxted held firm.