Eagles were left wondering how they emerged empty handed after going down by a solitary goal to Goffs Oak.
Eagles, who had seven first team players missing, found the visiting goalkeeper in inspired form and spurned several chances. They could have been ahead inside 30 seconds when Harry Holland embarked on a run from kick off before hitting the post with a long range shot. But Goffs Oak, newly promoted to the Herts County Premier League this season, took the lead after 20 minutes. Kostalas dribbled along the right by line and cut inside before firing an accurate shot into the top corner from a narrow angle. Eagles’ response was good, and Holland had a close range volley blocked before Lee Pateman had an effort cleared off the line. Jamie Platt then thought he had equalised in his first appearance of the season, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Goffs Oak were committing plenty of men forward with their short passing creating a good opportunity for Ledula who fired over from inside the box.
The second half again began with Holland striking the woodwork, this time with an audacious looping volley that had the keeper beaten. Jas Genesis then had a close range header brilliantly saved, before Paul McGennity just failed to apply the finishing touch to a corner. A handball appeal then fell on deaf ears after a goalmouth scramble, and Holland had another effort on the turn saved. Player-manager Roy Boon was thrown on with five minutes to go as Eagles searched for an equaliser, but Oak held on. They almost made it two on the break, their full back hitting the bar from a tight angle.
Eagles slip to fifth in the table but have games in hand on all the teams above them. They face top side Met Police Bushey at home next week, with kick off at 2.30pm.
Team: Goad; McGennity, Garwood (Breed), Brown, Locke; Platt (Sewell), Tyler, Pateman, Groves; Holland, Genesis (Boon).
