Old Parkonians 2 - 1 Nat West Bank (Southern Amateur League)

Old Parks made hard work of the victory, but deserved to take all 3 points in this Southern Amateur League Division 2 clash at Oakfield this week.

With a very strong wind making play difficult in both directions, Parks started the brighter and were soon into their stride. Andy Jackson made a strong start on his 1st team debut on the left flank, giving Parks a useful outlet to start their attacks. Playing with the fierce wind, Parks found it difficult to judge their passes and on numerous occasions gave the ball away with a relatively simple through ball beckoning. Jamieson tested the Nat West keeper from long range on two ocassions, one from a short corner, and he reacted superbly to keep out both. With lots of possession, Parks were forcing Nat West deeper and deeper, and finally a speculative cross broke the deadlock on 30 minutes. Centre-half Kenny stayed up from a corner, and challenged the keeper, who contrived to throw the ball onto his feet and kick it into his own net - whilst doing a backward roll. The Nat West protests fell on deaf ears, as did most things to be fair, and the goal stood. Knapman then struck a 20 yard free-kick around the wall, which the keeper spilled, but Chadwick wasn't able to double Parks advantage. Half time came with Parks 1-0 in front - but the second half into the wind was a different game. Nat West came out strongly to bely their position at the foot of the table, and MacCallum saved well from long range. The home side battled well and were still dangerous on the counter attack. When Jackson rolled a pass into Kuforiji's path 25 yards out, the young centre-forward made no mistake, arrowing his drive into the top left corner.

Both sides wasted chances after this, the wind not helping the two sides play any sort of football. A Mason cross from the left found Kemp six yards out who couldn't convert his chance for glory. With the game looking well under control, Parks relaxed and allowed Nat West a sloppy goal to give them heart. A long ball from the keeper wasn't cleared and the centre-forward finished well, in off the post. The final 10 minutes was played out with no real incident - and Parks recorded their fifth league win of the season, to keep them fourth in the table.

Scorers: O.G., Kuforiji.
Man of the Match: Knapman
Team : MacCallum, Bernstein, Bostock, Kenny, Kemp, Knapman, Jamieson, Mason, Jackson, Kuforiji, Chadwick. Subs: Smith, Cunane.

This week Parks entertain Old Foresters in the quarter finals of the Essex AFA Cup. (K.O. 1.30pm)

Report by TC