Grays Fans 1 Raging Fever 9

Fever got 2010 off to a wining start in 2010 with a resounding victory in Essex. Having beaten this opposition in their previous two meetings and with a strong squad, the Oxford fans were looking forward to a good game. They started very brightly and were raring to go from the kick off, perhaps as a result of having had to wait outside in the cold for 45 minutes before anyone arrived to unlock the changing rooms.

It wasn't long before Raging Fever were ahead. Clean through, Rob Muskett saw his shot saved well by the 'keeper who could only parry the ball into the path of Nick Wehmeier, who made no mistake from close range.

Despite Oxford's dominance it was Grays who got the next goal. This came following a mix up in the Fever defence, when brothers Tom and Pat Wehmeier acted as if they'd never met each other. Getting in each other's way, they allowed the ball to run through to a Grays striker, who produced a good finish, chipping over the stranded stand-in keeper, Russell McSweeney.

Despite the set back, Fever kept going and were playing some attractive football, including the move that led to their second goal. Dickon Ceadel's throughball found its way to manager John Matthews, who delicately chipped in from 20 yards. Fever kept the pressure on but couldn't find another way through before the break and went in 2-1 up.

The half-time interval did little to stifle Fever's dominance and they soon added to their goal tally, this time with Andy Hill getting his name on the scoresheet, tapping in after Matthews saw his close-range effort saved. 3-1 soon became 4-1 as Muskett grabbed a goal, turning neatly in the box before slotting home under the 'keeper.

It was at this point, with 30 minutes remaining, that Grays completely fell apart. Their heads dropped, and until the final whistle the game was played exclusively in their half. Fever had the chances to add at least ten more, but settled for five with further goals provided by McSweeny, Caedel, Nick Wehmeier, Matthews, and James Longshaw, who bundled one over the line after doing his best to miss.

An enjoyable game then, and Fever thank their hosts for a game played in the usual excellent IFA spirit.

Fever: Tom Wehmeier, Pat Wehmeier, Nick Holloway, Robb Milne, Nick Pear, James Hickman, Dickon Caedel, James Longshaw, Russell McSweeney, James Simpson, Andy Hill, Rob Muskett, Nick Wehmeier, John Matthews

Goals: Nick Wehmeier (2), John Matthews (2), Russell McSweeney, Rob Muskett, Dickon Caedel, Andy Hill, James Longshaw