Oxshott Royals Rebels 4 Tongham Youth 2

A strong attacking first-half performance from Oxshott, coupled with a second period in which the home side’s defence excelled, saw Royals to a 4-2 victory against league leaders Tongham.

Oxshott started strongly and took the lead after just five minutes when substitute Dunsire, with virtually his first touch of the match, struck a speculative shot from the left wing which sneaked under the keeper.

The goal acted as a wake-up call for the slumbering Tongham team and five minutes later they levelled the score.

Royals shifted up a gear in reply and an impressive display of individual skill from El Fadel, weaving through the area to beat three defenders before releasing the ball to Nicholls who slotted home at the far post, restored Oxshott’s lead after 17 minutes.

Five minutes later El Fadel was on the score sheet himself when he turned in a Bryant shot from the edge of the area to give Oxshott a two-goal cushion, which they held comfortably until halftime.

The second period saw Oxshott come under sustained pressure from the visitors and the Royals defence – Dolce, Hawkins, Bishop, Smith, and later Mughal – was excellent as it turned away wave after wave of Tongham attacks.

Oxshott sealed the game eight minutes from time when, against the run of play, Nicholls sent the ball across the area for El Fadel to pick his spot and fire home Royals’ fourth.

Tongham scored a consolation goal five minutes from the end, but by then the points were safe for Oxshott.

Man of the match was Hawkins, who was commanding in defence throughout the game.