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The Bahrain Expat League reigning champions Oak FC had an exciting start to the season playing new boys and ‘housewives’ favourite, AFC Juffair.
A first half brace from Oak’s midfield maestro Adil Glia steered the side to a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
Oak got off to a fairytale start in the second minute of the game when Glia, last year’s league top goal scorer unleashed an unstoppable 25 yard low shot to open his account.
Oak continued to dominate the first half possession with a crisp passing game. The Champions were rewarded with a second Glia goal after 10 minutes following a sustained assault on the Juffair penalty box.
Oak’s player-manager, Gareth Brown, almost suffered a nose bleed when he ventured up for a corner. His excursion was rewarded with a goal after neatly side-footing in a shot when the ball broke from Oak’s midfielder Stuey Smith.
On the stroke of half-time, forward Mwariunesu Gamira, aka Nesu, accelerated away from the defence to grab a fourth goal from 20 yards out and send Oak into the dressing room with a 4-0 half-time lead.
Oak looked like they were cruising. However, they may have underestimated AFC Juffair who proceeded to raise their game and compete for early dominance of the second half.
AFC Juffair’s pressure was rewarded when forward Abdulmutalleb Kanahah unleashed a vicious strike, 15 yards out, from an acute angle leaving OAK’s keeper Cooper with absolutely no chance.
Both teams threw on two substitutes each to bolster tiring legs as the game entered a pulsating final quarter.
Forward Derrick ‘Del-boy’ Rodney was denied in the dying minutes with a spectacular fingertip save from AFC Juffair’s keeper, Rashid Jbara, after good build-up play on the flank by Stuey Smith.
Determined not to be left off the scoring guest list, Del finally found the net, from just outside the box, again after great build up play, in the last seconds of the second half.
As the AFC Juffair supporters grabbed a well earned pie and snaked their way home down the Saudi Causeway, they will take much heart from an encouraging and committed start to the club’s first league match.
Oak’s Gareth Brown, said after the game: “AFC Juffair never gave up and battled for every ball right until the final whistle.
“Our boys showed a lot of faith in their ability to keep the ball on the deck and deserved to come away with three points tonight. We are delighted to give our supporters something to cheer about and wish AFC Juffair all the best for the long season ahead.”
