WHC 0-1 Oxted 

The 1st XI welcomed Oxted to Sophia Gardens for a game they felt was well within their grasp. Even though Whitchurch were missing Iwan Williams, Gareth Cosker and Neil Potter the depth now offered by the squad ment there was planty of cover.

The home side started a little gingerly - Chris Geirak had to be alert early on to thawrt an Oxted break brought about by an errant Whitchurch pass across the back. After this Whitchurch settled well and began to pass the ball comfortably and with some patience in midfield. Picking their moments carefully to penetrate the visitors down the flanks and around the back - Joe Naughalty and Mark Whatling looked dagerous with some dynamic and probing runs.

These sojourns were becoming quite frequent as Oxted were happy to sit back and defend. The Oxted goalkeeper was called into action, but Whitchurch could not make their chances count, with the final pass just going astray or the shot just wide. Whitchurch could only force two penalty corners in the first half.

Oxted rallied during the break and came out in a more agressive fashion for the second period. Gierak was again on hand to deal solidly with the Oxted attempts on goal, which were not that many, but the play now localised in the Whitchurch half, they had to be alert.

Mid way through the second period Oxted broke away and threated the Whitchurch goal. Mark Whatling put in what looked like a well-timed shave tackle to steal the ball from the shooting forward. Unfortunately the umpire deemed he had taken the stick before the ball, resulting in a penalty corner for Oxted. Gierak saved the first shot form the penalty corner and the second shot was charged down - but the third shot sneaked through and hit the back board - to give the visitors the lead.

Whitchurch rallied and continued to push for the equaliser, with little luck. The ball just wouldn't fall right for the home side.

Having defended very well - the returning Jonny Gordon having an impressive game, Whitchurch are somewhat disappointed not to have converted any of their numerous chances.

Squad vs Oxted

Gierak, Gough, Keating, Benjamin, Gordon, Brotherton, Whatling, Collis, Westerman, El Khatib, Naughalty, Fisher, Stubley, Young