Thistle Edges Black Oaks 1-0

Many said it was one of the best games to watch for some time as Thistle showed up ready to play the first place Black Oaks. The Black Oaks were playing without key starters Jay and Tommy out due to injuries, but have hung in there with a deep bench; they also were given a boost by the return of attacking midfielder Dylan Schwartz back from break.  Thistle playing with former Black Oaks Peter Meechan, Matt Dunkle, and Alex Melo were well-organized in back with Mountain Matt in goal and Brian Heacock sweeping.  While the first half came to a 0-0 draw dominated by cautious midfield play, the second half opened up with both teams going for the win and getting great chances.  The Black Oaks threatened several times only to see Thistle strike back dangerously on occasions.  On one of these counterattacks towards the 90 minute mark, striker Alex Melo’s lunging volley from a floating back-post cross made the difference.  Melo, who had several dangerous forays, played for the Black Oaks Open Team about ten years ago.  Thistle continues to plague the Oaks in big games, matching up well and drawing in many recent meetings.  Today however they snatched a dramatic late-game win, which has to be a big disappointment for the Oaks who held the run-of-play for much of the game.