The title race pendulum swung back in the favour of Real Ma-Dad as Dadston Villa blew the chance to make up ground at the top of the table as they came up against an impressive Oldman performance. George Mace and Danny Halford were in sensational form as Oldman can now claim to have beaten the league's top two sides.
Oldman Athletic 11
Mace 8
Tooke 2
Piggin 1
Dadston Villa 6
Tillett 4
Brock 1
Smith 1
Oldman had the better start, and perhaps held the edge as a side with nothing to lose. Danny Halford, recovered from his last game concussion, was in inspired form and made key saves to protect his side's early slender lead. At the other end, Dadston perhaps lacked Bobby Cott's calming presence at the back, and too much time and space allowed Mace to take advantage and help put his side into a 6-3 lead at half time.
Dadston by any means hadn't played badly, with Tillett impressing in the middle, and they would have hoped they still had the ability to turn it around. The second half, however, proved more of the same as Halford, Austin and Rowe's defensive work kept Dadston at bay, whilst Mace, Piggin and Tooke put their chances away at the opposite end. Oldman ended well deserved winners after an impressive display, and will be looking at who they can catch next with a few games remaining. For Dadston, the pressure is now on to win all their remaining games and hope Real slip up in both of theirs. Barring a monumental turn off goal difference, Real now need just 2 points to essentially win the title for the second year running.
Next up, Dadston go again in what is now a must-win game against in-form Papathinaikos. Failure to win would mean Real would win the title if they avoid defeat against Dad's Army the following week.
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