LITTLE Oakley beat Athletic Newham 2-0 in the Essex Senior League at the Memorial Ground, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

Oakley started well and Mills travelled out to the wing where an early cross was knocked out for a corner.

Mills' work-rate was impressive and when he found himself 25 yards out with a clear path to goal, he took a speculative shot that forced keeper Beqiri to push the ball around the post.

Oakley were playing at a fast pace when a loose ball out of the Newham defence fell to Keating who fired off a long range shot but Beqiri made a diving save.

Newham were struggling to get into the Oakley half when a long ball out of defence fell kindly to Pedro who went around keeper Michael Betts and sent a weak shot towards goal that Davis was on hand to clear the danger.

While Oakley dominated possession they had not produced many clearcut chances and went into the break all square.

Newham started the second half well and an early attack saw O’Halem drive to the byline and deliver a pinpoint cross to Mohammed, whose header went over the bar.

The visitors went close again when a clearance split the Oakley defence and was picked up by Nvumba who travelled with the ball to the edge of the area.

He tried to chip the keeper but his effort did not have the elevation and Batts fielded the shot easily.

With 20 minutes left, Oakley took the lead when Rowe bent a powerful free-kick from just outside the area past a large wall and out of Beqiri’s reach.

Oakley were back in control of the game and after a smooth passing move, gained a corner.

Rowe took the corner and found Badham, who rose above the Newham defence to double the Acorns' lead.

Newham then had a presentable chance when Mohammed's weaving run across the front of the Oakley defence saw him play a short pass to Kazak, whose stinging shot was well saved by Batts.

Newham were pushing hard and Alex Runham's shot tested Batts who punched the ball out of the area and Abdul Kinkela fired the rebound wide, as Oakley secured victory.

Oakley's player of the match was Michael Betts, who after a testing game at Benfleet showed great resolve and made some fine saves.