A new season, a new hope, a new kit. The mighty Oakhill United returned to the battleground that is SSEC Junior Division 3 following a close season of huge upheaval and a pre-season campaign which could best be described as 'mixed'. The new management team have done some serious wheeling and dealing during the break, with much of the deadwood cleared out on free transfers to a local ice hockey team, leaving a tight core unit of a squad lacking divas, egos and tantrums. Instead the First Team has been invigorated with the promotion of several Second Team members, bringing with them the spirit that was so lacking last season. Long-term injury absentees Neil 'Holby City' Burman and Andy 'Glass Knees' Redmond look set to miss the lions share of the campaign, while new skipper Matt 'Hunty' Hunt is also sidelined, but the rest of the squad reported with a clean bill of health(except for Cousin Dan - he is currently flying across Canada with fellow passengers nervously requesting that the stewardess move them to alternative seating for fear that he might unleash his 'red bandana'....).

 And so to the game. Logan between the sticks, the first choice back four of Brett on the right, Little Toss on the left and Hughesy(Plastic Captain) and Joel 'What's offside?) Mitchell at centre back. The midfield comprised of  Matt 'Mika' Harris on the right, Dave 'Big Holtie' Holt on the left, Johnny Holt in the Makelele role and Neil Carnt as some sort of 'large Deco' in the middle. Up front Nathan and Skins got the nod.

 A start as bright as our new kits saw Oak apply some early pressure to the visitors, who seemed as though they may have been lulled into a false sense of security by our shoddy changing facilities (i.e. none - sort it Croydon Council, or Elsie will move out of your housing). After an initial to-ing and fro-ing in midfield Skins suddenly decided to take matters into his own hands, bursting through three challenges with a mazy run from halfway and beating the keeper with ease. 1-0.

Confidence spread and Nathan was extremely unlucky to miss out on two goals of his own as the keeper made outstanding saves. Even more unfortunate was being hauled off at half time to be replaced by Nick. The team talk was all about maintaining the tempo and passing game and we duly came out firing in the second half with an early strike from Skins doubling the lead. 2-0.

'Big' Adam Logan was then afflicted by 'smallitis' as he was lobbed from 30 yards yet again, admittedly by a superb hit, to bring the oppo back into contention. 2-1.  

Showing a determination that will hopefully prevail throughout the season, Oakhill attacked Cheam once more and Harris sprang from the wing to tap in ahead of Lewis who was lurking for his hat-trick. 3-1.

More pressure brought more reward, as Nick's determination to prove a point to the management ended in what will surely be the scrappiest goal of the season (other than any of Brett's flukes)but they all count. 4-1.

Foot off pedal meant a series of corners for a game opposition and Cheam got their reward as Logan decided to cup the ball on the palm of his hand and present it to their striker from a distinctly unchallenging cross. 4-2.

All in all, a terrific start and special mention to the squad members unable to get on and the decent support who turned up on a beautiful day at the 'San Duppas'. The back four played better than the scoreline suggested, the midfield worked extremely hard and the forwards were quite simply immense. With further reinforcements set to join as injuries and holidays wear off, the stage is set for an immense season that will hopefully provide yet another glorious chapter in the history of Oakhill United.

Team: Logan, Philpott, Mitchell, Hughes, Francis, M.Harris, J.Holt, N.Carnt, D.Holt, Knight, Tyson(Nick 45 mins).

Subs not used: Hewlett, Beigeinho, D.Harris, Perry

Goals: Knight 2, M.Harris, Nick

Man of the Match: Lewis 'Skins' Knight