Sevenoaks were handed their heaviest defeat of the season on Sunday by a Wimbledon side packed full of international talent.
The opening exchanges of the game were very even but in the 13th minute a slick move of one touch hockey by Wimbledon ended with the striker firing past Richard Potton into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the home side. Oaks responded well, winning a penalty corner, but Andrew Ross saw his effort palmed away by the home goalkeeper. Sloppy defending then enabled Wimbledon to double their lead in the 20th minute when any one of three unmarked Wimbledon players could have tapped into the empty net, as too many Oaks players were drawn towards the ball. Oaks again responded well and had some excellent passages of play but could not produce any quality in the opposition D. As half time approached Wimbledon made it 3-0 when a mistake was pounced upon on the edge of the Oaks D giving the Wimbledon striker a free shot at goal.
After the break, Oaks again competed well and were often on the front foot but this played into the hands of the hosts who counter attacked with speed and purpose. In the 40th minute a penalty corner led to a penalty stroke and it was converted emphatically for 4-0. The next 20 minutes saw Oaks create a number of opportunities but a combination of poor final passes and good saves by the goalkeeper, meant Sevenoaks would draw a blank for the first time this season. In the final 10 minutes, Wimbledon punished Oaks with three late goals which would make the final score a perhaps flattering 7-0 to the home side. It was a counter attacking masterclass from the experienced Wimbledon side and for the second week in a row Oaks have been given a lesson in clinical finishing.
Next week Oaks face fellow strugglers in bottom of the table Canterbury at home and will be looking to put in a better display than the away fixture earlier in the season when a disappointing display saw Oaks lose 3-2, giving their opposition their only points of the season. Push back is 5pm and all support would be greatly welcome.
