Oakwood played their first league match since 25/11/2007, and only their fifth of the season tonight.

Under floodlights at the BAT ground in Totton,Oakwood started well and passed the ball around effortlessly.

Within 10 minutes Oakwood opened the scoring when Griffiths's initial shot was blocked, but a return pass to Burt saw him unleash a powerful shot which the Itchen keeper did well to get a hand to, but could not prevent it from going over his head and into the net.

House then saw a goal chalked off for offside, but seconds later a fine Oakwood move saw Griffiths control well and slip a neat pass to House in the box who skilfully rounded a defender before placing the ball low into the corner of the goal.

Itchen now pushed forward and it took a tremendous interception from Gregory to prevent Casey being tested in the Oakwood goal.

Two great pieces of skill by Thorne saw him unlucky not to score as first a great header from a free kick thudded against the bar and moments later a tremendous volley was saved by the ever impressive Itchen keeper. Mc.Auley.

Their were once again impressive performances by Newman and Fricker as they were having a tremendous tussle in midfield with the skilful and tenacious Itchen players.

On the flanks Johnson, Smith and Robbins were providing strong running and their hard work was keeping the Itchen defenders well employed.

Tomasso then saw a free kick go just past the post and then House scored again only to be ruled offside, again!

Oakwood stormed forward after the break intent on increasing their lead but time and time again the efforts of the Itchen defenders and midfield was superb, at no time during the game did they ever give less than 100% and although their attacking play was restricted due to Oakwood pressure their resilience and desire to defend their goal was tremendous.

But early in the second half they conceded another goal when Tomasso's vision saw him hit a 40 yard pass to Griffiths who 25 yards out finished well with a delicate lob over the advancing keeper.

A shot from Burt was then hacked off the line.

Then a Burt corner saw Crisp rise and nod the ball down for Thorne to arrive late in the box and volley spectacularly (well thats what he told me!) low and hard into the net for 4 - 0.

Crisp then advanced forward from defence on a cavalier run and picked his spot from all of 40 yards out.

Unfortunately for Oakwood that spot was the third carriage on the 8.30 pm Waterloo to Southampton Central, Virgin Express train!

An excellent 10 man Oakwood move then saw Raine's shot at goal saved by the keeper.

Raine then reverted to defence to disrupt an Itchen attack.

A huge swirling free kick from Gregory was well caught from under his own bar by Mc.Auley in the Itchen goal.

A battling run by Burt released Thorne to shoot over the bar.

Although Oakwood were now pressing forward incessantly the Itchen defenders were digging deep to repel most attacks and their were some fine, impressive performances from the Itchen players, who to a man must be proud of their never say die attitude.

Parkinson then collected the ball 30 yards out and delivered a stunning strike on goal which the goalkeeper got a hand to but the sheer power of the shot took it into the net.

But their was still time for Crisp to advance forward again menacingly in search of a goal and he sized up the goal and picked his spot once again with a powerful 40 yarder.........this time it was the second carriage of the returning 8.50pm Southampton to Waterloo express!!!

The bad news is that it was the same train driver on his return journey.........the good news is that he is receiving counselling whenever Oakwood are home!!!

Written by Paul Griffiths