History was seen this morning as Beavers FC earned their first ever competitive point - other than for turning up !
It was done the hard way as well as we overturned a 1-4 deficit to draw level.
The match was a 'game of two halves' as the strong wind gusting down the pitch made it tough for whichever team had the wind against them. Clearances were often tough to get away and it required some good sweeping up in goal from Matty at times.
The 1st Oxford goal was sharply and well taken by their forward on the half-turn. The 2nd goal was memorable for the wrong reasons. Danny could only have been on the field for about 10 seconds, after coming on as sub, when a shot flashed across the goal and the ball cannoned off Danny into the net. Absolutely nothing he could do about it - and he responded in the right way by putting in his all for the rest of the game and turning in his best game so far.
We fought hard and had chances ourselves - Chris narrowly wide shooting across the goal. Fortunately we got the rub of the green on a handball penalty decision and Lee put the pen away to make it 1-2. Lee told me later he'd given the keeper 'the eyes' so he didn't stand a chance.
The next incident of note was when last game's POM Marc went for a 50/50 header and came out the worst of the two. Luckily Reesy was on hand to apply a very smart bandage before Marc was packed off to hospital to have his wound stitched. Marc was later to return with 1) 8 stitches 2) A very silly bandage 3) tales of how close he was to pulling a nurse.
In Marc's absence though we conceded a 3rd goal which just eluded Matt.

h-t 1-3

At the start of the 2nd half we pushed Colin and Curt from midfield to upfront and with the wind behind we were on top in the game. So it was a bit against the run of play to concede a 4th - when a deceptive shot managed to find it's way into the net.
At this point with little to lose Lee chose to switch formation from 442 to 343 to great effect. David B managed to knock a ball through to Colin who slipped the ball past the outstretched keeper. You could see the spirits lifted and at that point Craig, on his return from injury, came on to inject some further pace up front.
Within minutes it had the desired effect as Craig swivelled on a ball in the box to score on his comeback and pull the score back to 3-4.
The tide had definitely turned in our favour and whilst we continued to press forward we had to rely on Matt making one superb tip over save.
Finally that all important goal came and it was a moment to savour.
Paul Holmes, making his debut, struck from fully 25 yards into the top corner, with the keeper rooted to the spot. It was a moment of beauty.
Lee went round claiming it as his goal as Paul does have an uncanny resemblance to Lee.
There was no doubt though this was Paul's goal and topped off an effective performance in the middle of the park throughout the game. This alone would have put him in contention for Player of The Match, but when he scored it sealed it for him.

There was still time for a winner but the Oxford keeper made one or two good stops whilst our defence held firm at the other end.

f-t 4-4

A very enjoyable morning and we'll look forward to travelling to Oxford in a return fixture.

Team
Matt N , Elliott Cole , Jamie Heath , Marc Piechocki , Michael Parkin , Michael Howe
Colin Rance , Chris Penny , Curt Higgins , Lee Devonshire , Paul Holmes

Substitutes: 
Jon Brignall , Danny Heath , Adam Barker , Craig Cole , David Bestley , Dave Rees.


Further info on the supporters team at
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/beaversfc/