It was good to be back at the Withdean and despite the monsoon weather the previous night the pitch actually took a moulded stud. Both sets of players got changed in the stand with a cold chill keeping us company.

The programme notes pointed out that although Oakwood were at the foot of the table they have had quite a tough opening run of fixtures and were only losing by the odd goal in recent weeks, so we knew we would have to work hard to get the win. Manager Mark Gilbert and assistant Neil Wilkinson are both experienced and know how to get the best out of their sides.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with the V's having more possession without creating any clear cut chances. After a flurry of corners we finally managed to convert one from a pin point Dan Turner cross, which Joe Keehan headed down across their keeper into the corner of the net. Oakwood responded with their best spell of the match and Harvey had to make a very sharp one handed save from a crisp left foot shot. This was followed up with an equally good block with his legs. Under increasing pressure from a string of corners Oakwood then hit the bar with a stunning header. Having weathered this particular storm we gradually asserted control and created a few half chances to go in, or rather out, at 1-0 up.

It's fair to say we controlled the majority of the second half and when Joe Keehan drilled in a free kick the points looked secure and so it proved with a final score of 2-0. As we finished the game the heavens opened so it was good to get in the sportsman for a socially distanced beer.