Woodlands were left thinking what might have been after coming away from Bentley with nothing, in this second division fixture. The Goole side are learning that it takes more than just turning up to win games and that to be successful they need to finish teams off.
Had anyone left after the first half they would have expected an avalanche of goals for the Goole team however, poor finishing, good goalkeeping and a little help from the referee meant they were unable to capitalise on their superiority for much of the game. That is not to take anything away from Bay Horse, who stuck at their game plan and were rewarded for their efforts, with three second half goals.
Things had started well for the away side, with good work from Bottomley and Taylor setting Jackson up to fire narrowly wide. Further chances fell to O’Donnell and Maundrill but again these were not taken. When the Woodlands opened the scoring it was just reward for some good first half work. Again it was Taylor linking well with O’Donnell, who’s superb through ball found Maundrill who took his chance at the second attempt. This spurred the home side on and Cook had to be at his best to deny the Bentley side.
The game was to change early in the second half when Taylor was forced to retire through ill health. Up to this point he had been one of the most effective performers and this was to be a setback the Woodlands would not get over. Still they pushed but again the Bay Horse rearguard stood firm. The game turned on its head midway through the second half. Walsh picked up a loose ball but still had a lot of work to do, he managed this admirably and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 12 yards. It was no more than the home side deserved for their work-rate. It was to get better as they had soon took the lead, much to the delight of the small home support. It was the same player again, who would go on to eventually score a hat trick and earn him the man of the match award. As time was fast running out, Woodlands threw caution to the wind and laid siege ion the Bay Horse goal. Some last ditch defending ensured it wasn’t to be. The game was over after the third goal, another fine finish which gave the home side all three points.
It was tough to take for the Woodlands but there can be no complaints. The squad and in particular the team, is now taking on a familiar look. With a full side to choose from it is fair to say they would be competing for honours. The cup game with the Goods Office has now taken on a new level of importance, if Woodlands Athletic are to take anything from this season.
