Sunday 14th September marked the first appearance of newly formed Woodlands Athletic in the Goole and Thorne Sunday league. The opponents Drax travelled to Goole on a beautiful Sunday morning. As was fitting in the circumstances Woodlands did not have to share the park with anyone else. A modest crowd assembled and the game kicked off.
Expectation s can be high in such situations but it was trepidation which held manager Cooper at the start. These feelings were short lived as after 90 seconds a fine Taylor cross was turned in by Rob Butler. What followed was a period of real pressure and the home side were unfortunate not to add to the score line. Good work from Butler and Maundrill allowing Thompson the opportunity to force a good save from the keeper.
The lead was doubled mid way through the first half. Ellis picked up a neat pass from Oldridge and unleashed the first contender of goal of the season. A shot which any keeper would have struggled with gave Woodlands the cushion they deserved. On balance of play this was certainly the case but Drax did have their chances. Hewson growing in confidence with every game had to be at his best to push a fierce shot wide from Jackson.
The half time message was clear; more of the same please but keep it tight. This was not to be the case, Wilson powered clear on the Drax right and unleashed a fearsome shot, Hewson parried but the ball came back to the striker, who’s looping header left the home keeper stranded. It looked ominous but normal service was resumed. Maundrill, particularly lively in the friendlies, got on the end of a Bottomley pass to make it three one.
A fine strike from Thompson and another from Maundrill gave the final result a more realistic reflection of the balance of play but it is fair to say there is work to do if Woodlands are to launch any serious bid to win silverware in their first season.
