An overcast Sunday morning drew a crowd of over 60 people to watch the biggest match of the season so far for the team in Pink. For this was Woodlands AFC’s second game of the season and the second game at home. With a full strength squad to choose from expectations were high and the atmosphere was fierce as Woodland’s manager Jimmy Cooper, fired up his men with a rousing team talk.
The teams were let out with one team in the colour as dull as the day and the home side looking like a 21st century version of Greece. A collection of high spirited voice boxes tried to rouse each team’s players on the pitch before the whistle blew to begin the game.
The teams began like fighting rams with a number of physical challenges and an excellent sweeping tackle by defender Barker. The ball continued to be fought for in the middle of the park with the crowd trying to lift the players – eager to see a breakthrough for either team. Then just over 10 minutes in Woodlands drew first blood. After a swooping corner connected with Matty Ellis who had his shot rebounded off the post. This was followed by an 18-yard box scramble before Thompson took control and smashed in the first goal through the middle. 1-0 Woodlands.
It remained tight until a number of mistakes by the home side saw the Goods Office capitalised and returned fire. All square at one a piece. The Goods Office then went further ahead after a needless free kick was conceded on 25minutes. The resulting cross should have been cleared but was misread by the home side. 1-2 advantage Goods Office.
Admirably the Woodlands kept their heads-up and the game remained tight - the game could still go either way which was evident after a 5miniute period of pressure by the home side and Matty Ellis could have equalised. Ellis had to be replaced due to injury just before half time, Butler was his replacement.
The half-time whistle was blown to the relief of both sides as it became heated after a yellow card was shown to a Goods Office attacking player.
The second half began with a second enforced change from the Woodlands - Bottomley coming on for England. The home side stepped up their game and played some good football in patches; having the majority of the possession. The boys in Pink applied pressure on the Goods Office through numerous corners and long throws creating half chances - Butler close to scoring but could only fire over from 8 yards out after a goal mouth scramble. But the game remained at 2-1 -advantage Goods Office. The game was extremely tense and continued with heated exchanges with Collins receiving a booking for the home side.
The Woodlands persisted and pushed forward for an equaliser which seemed ever closer after they were only under pressure from the Goods Office on the odd counter attack or when they played route one. All in all the Woodlands didn’t create enough chances or support the strikers and were unable to break down the Goods office stern defence or commanding keeper.
The final whistle blew and water was poured on to the red mist that had descended. Result 2-1 to the Goods Office. A disappointing outcome for the Woodlands and the bragging rights go to the Goods Office after the first encounter between these two teams.
