Oxton fire five

Jan 17 2007 by Terry Owen, Birkenhead News

OXTON men’s first XI returned to the league campaign on Saturday but a lacklustre first half performance against a poor Rotherham side resulted in a slightly disappointing 1-0 advantage at the interval.

Both sides struggled to find some rhythm in the first league game back following the Christmas break with Oxton's goal coming thanks to a well taken rebound effort from Jonathan Hodgekinson.

In the second half Oxton improved and started to impose themselves on the match creating numerous chances up front, keeper Si Dolan was rarely troubled in the home goal. Oxton's domination of the second period was rewarded with four free flowing open play goals. Fraser Eaton finished off a move that Dave Given started deep inside the Oxton half and young Sion Owen put the game beyond doubt as he continued his impressive start to life in the first team.

Chris Williams and skipper Nikolas Heyes completed the rout as they opened their accounts for the season to give the home side a convincing 5-0 victory. Oxton will hope to carry their second half performance through to next weekend when they face a difficult trip to table toppers, Durham University.

The ladies first team returned to league action when they entertained second place Chester.

Oxton started well but soon watched Chester take control of the game. Chester were creating chance but couldn’t convert them, ‘keeper Robyn Parody keeping the score level.

Oxton soon took the lead Emma Nokes feeding Jules Armstrong who slotted home.

Oxton kept the pressure on and an Ann Weston short corner strike gave them a two goal advantage. Chester were always a threat and pulled a goal back before half time.

Oxton had to soak up a lot of pressure from Chester into the second half but the defence kept the away side at bay which led to Oxton hitting Chester on the counter attack and Jules Armstrong netting her second goal. Armstrong secured the win with her third and Oxton’s fourth to give the home side a 4-1 win.616