Stein piles pressure on Woodford

FOOTBALL JASON Stein has started the mind games ahead of Oakwood’s crucial promotion tussle against Woodford after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Redbridge Jewish Care B.

Stein tried to pick the positives after his team failed to capitalise on leaders Brady dropping points.

Oakwood had the better chances in the first half against RJC and took the lead towards half-time with a clever quick free-kick from Dan Selwyn that deceived RJC goalkeeper Scott Shear.

But they were ultimately made to pay for a missed penalty from top-scorer Jacob Richler Kleiman which would have doubled their advantage.

The second half was a more even contest and RJC were rewarded for a strong finish when top-scorer David Fialka connected with a far-post header from a well-taken set-piece by Brad Gayer with five minutes remaining.

Oakwood boss Stein commented: “I believe a point at Fairlop is never to be considered a bad result when taken in isolation.

“I think at the start of the season most people would accept a point over there. It’s a hard place to go with all the elements against the visitors.

“But we felt we had done enough to win and we left the pitch disappointed.”

RJC joint-manager Sam Rank said: “Both teams were totally committed and deserved to walk away with a point apiece.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s meeting against the Essex club, Stein commented: “It’s been a strange few weeks but I believe we will play our way out of this mini-slump, starting with Woodford. What a big game that is.

“We’ll have a brilliant squad available and our home form is absolutely superb.

“I fancy us against anyone on 3G. It promises to be a great game with all the pressure on Woodford. Win and the title is all theirs so I hope the Woodford players don’t feel that huge level of pressure.”