On the last game of the season on an excellent surface at Wootton Sports ground, that has been a fantastic base for OCFC this season and hopefully again next season. OCFC welcomed Barrie and Ian and their Newport County team to ideal conditions for football. The game started at a fast pace and high tempo with both teams working openings and chances on goal, both defences were tested but very well organised.
Today was never going to be an easy game facing Newport with them having beaten us previously much earlier in the league 6-0 this was to be a final test of how far The Team had come this season. Also this week I had to part company with our goal keeper, we wish him well with his new team and his return to local league football. Therefore with no goalie I must give massive credit to Tremayne Barrett who stepped in and did a brilliant job for us today, and to his credit, the Managers from Newport commented on our keepers excellent performance and I had to explain it was his first time in goal 11v11 and he was infact an outfield player, they said if he isn’t a keeper he should be. Newport went ahead and rightly punished us when a left sided pass was given away easily and they crossed and finished well. Half time 0-1, Second Half both teams were getting the ball down and playing out from the back and producing some good football to watch. Newport are always a threat when in possession and have players in all departments with pace and producing neat play. Newport scored another goal that OCFC should have dealt with, but a lapse of concentration allows teams to score but OCFC struck back with a Jack Tutton 30 yard strike that fell to him after a corner clearance from Newport, OCFC Lester Davies grazed the top of the bar with a rasping shot after moving it out of his feet well on the edge of the 18 yard box and OCFC also hit the side netting with the last kick of the game, Newport had chances themselves which were not on target to extend their lead. A very enjoyable morning and season of football, with OCFC improving and getting ready to compete next year in the JPLS, now they have adjusted and learnt from playing in this high quality environment. Well done to all my players from Thursday and Saturday matches this week with outstanding performances.