Today saw the Oaks competing in the Inter Cup. They hosted a Bulwell side who had given us a very difficult friendly game a few weeks ago.

The Oaks came into the game very determined to set the record straight. With a full squad available, the starting line up for this one saw Finley Brooks in goal, a solid defence with Theo Haslam, Harley Hutsby, Finley Wadsworth and Alfie Atkins, a hard working midfield consisting of Ethan Fletcher, Logan Tipton, Alfie Holmes, Ethan Jones and Captain Alfie Sherwood, with Riley Boxall leading the attack. Impact players were Arlie Lancaster, Sonny Mustoe, and Alfie Pickard.

The Oaks went out with full intent. Bulwell got the game started and the Oaks closed down quickly with captain Alfie Sherwood winning the ball from Bulwells defender, charging forward to power the ball in the back of the net to give the home side the lead within the first minute.

The Oaks continued to apply the pressure, closing down quickly and taking advantage of their pace up front. The Bulwell keeper having to make some quality saves to keep the home side from extending their lead.

The Oaks kept their shape superbly. Working hard as a team. The midfield worked tirelessly, and the back line was communicating loud and clear, keeping a well drilled high line. The Oaks midfield and defence were winning the ball back quickly and effectively, turning defence into attack with ease. The Oaks were dominating the first half with their slick through balls. Alfie Holmes picking out some pinpoint passes to rip apart the away sides defence.

The Oaks began to not close down as quickly for the last 10 minutes, this gave Bulwell a bit more time on the ball, and they slowly started to come into the game. With 3 minutes to go, the away side managed to snatch an equaliser just before the break.

The Oaks knew they had switched off a little and wanted to put it right. After the break, they were fired up and ready to get stuck in, but so was the away side. A very open first few minutes with two determined sides going toe to toe. The away side took the lead for the first time in the 41st minute, just 6 minutes into the half.

The Oaks remained positive as the players fired one another up. The game became an end to end battle with the Oaks keeper having to pull off a couple of super saves of his own. The Oaks had their own dangerous attacks, which led to the away team giving a free kick away within shooting range. Up steps Captain Alfie Sherwood, who took a deep breath and fired the ball high into the back of the net to bring scores level in the 55th minute.

The Oaks had now found their second wind, moving the ball around beautifully. A through ball from Alfie Holmes found Alfie Sherwood, who crossed the ball into the box. Riley Boxall leapt high, fired the ball into the back of the net with a powerful well placed header, just 3 minutes later.

The Oaks were back on track. Bulwell never gave up and kept fighting for every ball, working hard. The Oaks were doing the cleaner, more direct work, causing Bulwell some real problems. A late charge from the away side gave the Oaks something to think about. A silly mistake gave the visitors a free kick in a dangerous position. A strong shot was saved fantastically by the Oaks keeper but fell to a Bulwell player to give them a last-minute equaliser.

The full-time whistle went, and with the scores tied into extra time, the game went.

A quick team talk, the team seemed really positive and raring to go, despite some now tired legs. The boys knew they had been the better side, and if they continued the hard work, they would get chances to win the game.

The Oaks came out all guns blazing, forcing the away side back. Bulwell having to defend deep. A shot from Alfie Holmes caused the away keeper to dive to pull off a superb stop at a low level. Riley Boxall had continued his run into the box to pick up the rebound and slot home his second on the game to take the lead within the first 4 minutes of the restart.

The Oaks held onto the lead and came in up at the extra time, half-time break. We asked the Oaks to give everything they had for the remaining half, knowing Bulwell would want to come out strong.

Bulwell did just that, this time giving the Oaks plenty to defend against. The Oaks did just that. The ball kept coming back just as quick. Really piling on the pressure the Oaks were struggling to get the ball out of their area. That was until Alfie Atkins took matters into his own hands, driving the ball forward from the Oaks penalty box, past one Bulwell player, then another, taking on a third with the fourth player putting it out for a throw in deep into the Bulwell half.

Bulwell still came back strong and somehow managed to snatch yet another equaliser, 2 minutes before the final whistle.

Both teams held on to take the game to penalties.

We asked everyone who wanted to take a penalty, and many raised their hands. We picked five players, and the team made their way to the halfway line.

Both teams had a few nervous faces.

The first penalty went to Bulwell, who scored. 1-0
Oaks Captain Alfie Sherwood stepped up and equalised for the Oaks. 1-1
Bulwell made it 2-1 before Alfie Holmes slotted his penalty home 2-2.
Bulwell stepped up, and Finley Brooks pulled off a super save to keep the scores level. Riley Boxall gave the Oaks the advantage with a powerfully placed penalty 3-2 to the Oaks.
Bulwell made it 3-3.
Ethan Fletcher stepped up and struck his penalty beautifully, but the Bulwell keeper managed to keep to ball out and the scores level.
Finley pulled off another super save.
Alfie Atkins was next up for the Oaks, who again struck the ball extremely well but the Bulwell keeper again, keeping the ball out, taking the tie into sudden death.
Bulwell went first and scored.
Arlie Lancaster stepped up and slotted the ball in confidently to keep the Oaks in the tie.
Bulwell stepped up but was no match for the Oaks keeper who yet again pulled off a superb save.
Finley Brooks, who had pulled off numerous saves, stepped up to take a penalty. He placed the ball past the oppositions number 1 and put the Oaks into the next round.

It takes a lot of courage to take a penalty or be in goal for one. We are extremely proud of everyone who stepped up for the team.

It is a hard earned but deserved win for Oaks, who now goes into the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Everyone on the team worked extremely hard and never gave up. They all showed grit, determination, and a lot of character today. Whilst producing some excellent football. Well done, Oaks, we are extremely proud.

The parent player went to Ethan Jones, who had an exceptional game today, working tirelessly up and down and never giving up. Well done, Ethan.

The Managers player went to Alfie Holmes, who was solid in midfield, played loads of through balls, and got his head up to pick the perfect passes. Well done, Alfie.

A huge well done to the Oaks. Let's keep this going.

A huge thank you to Sherwood Plumbing & Mechanical Services LTD for sponsoring the team and supplying the kits and training tops.

Heanor Town Football Club

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