Old Parkonians 7 - 0 Southgate (Southern Amateur League)
Old Parkonians 4 - 0 Southgate (Southern Amateur League)

Parks cruised to a pair of wins in this SAL double header on Saturday at Oakfield. After a disappointing loss at promotion challengers Bank of England the week before, Parks needed to pick themselves up and get back on track to keep in touch with the leaders in Division 3.

It wasn¬t long before it was clear that Parks should take six points from the day, against opposition that to be fair never troubled the home side¬s goal. Parks did start briskly and created several chances before a Nicholls run down the left released Chadwick, who slotted home with the outside of his right foot to give Parks the first of eleven goals on the day. Ten minutes later, Parmenter received the ball with his back to goal, turned sharply and finished into the bottom left from 12 yards out. At half time, Parks looked confident and began to think of the second game ô resting some key members of the team. The second half was a more one sided affair, Jamieson got the third, backheeling the ball through the defenders legs, before drilling home, and then a very good move released Keogh who chipped the keeper from close range for number four. The introduction of Chris Sharkey late on proved to kill the game off. He had the pace and strength to score 3 times in quick succession and leave all thoughts on the remaining fixture.

The second game was a more a case of staying motivated than worrying about the result, and in the end through some good leadership from Nicholls that was never in doubt. Knapman worked some space early on down the right, and crossed to Sharkey who headed his fourth of the day, and then repaid the favour to Knpaman, who finished smartly on the volley from eight yards out. Knapman got his second of the game turning in the box and driving left-footed across the keeper into the bottom right. Chadwick then bent one into the top corner from 25 yards to complete the scoring.

With five games remaining Parks promotion hopes lie out of their hands now, but they will need to keep winning games to leave the pressure on Bank of England and Lyonians, who hold the top two spots at the moment. This Saturday Parks travel to Old Latymerians for another double header (3pm KO).

Scorers 1: Chadwick, Parmenter, Jamieson, Keogh, Sharkey 3.
Scorers 2: Sharkey, Knapman 2, Chadwick.
Man of the Match 1: Chadwick
Man of the Match 2: Knapman

Report by Tim Cross