Saturday 23rd April saw Woodley United play their last game of the season against Shinfield Rangers. Could they keep their good run of form going to the end? You bet they could! This was the first game Woodley played at Kings Meadow, where they will be playing their games next season.

So, on a sunny but chilly morning, with a view of the Thames and the waft of sizzling burgers, the game began.

The first half saw Woodley United on top. The team played as such a great cohesive unit that Rangers rarely threatened the Woodley goal. The back line of Jimi, Thomas and Harry were particularly outstanding and so effective at reading the play and intercepting without jumping in, that Rangers hardly got into the penalty area. They were ably supported by the hard work, tackling and passing play of the midfielders Luke, Dan, Jo and Joss who provided an effective protective shield and good attacking moves.

Halfway into the second half Dan picked up the ball on the right from a throw in and flicked it on to George who ran down the right and nailed a long-range low drive into the bottom left corner. Rangers came back and scored from a very good strike from the edge of the area. This didn’t affect Woodley who continued to attack, with Will getting into the action with a skilful run and shot that was well saved. Then Kieran, who had had little to do in goal so far, produced a great kick over the Rangers defence for Charlie to run on to and he slotted home clinically. Just before the end of the half Joss entertained everyone with an impressive display of keepy-uppy skills right in the heart of the action in midfield (I’ve not seen anything like it since Paul Gascoigne and Kenny Wharton for Newcastle against Luton in 1988!).

The second half was more open with plenty of action at both ends. Rangers came out strongly and applied a period of pressure that Woodley dealt with very well. Woodley started to attack more and George was very unlucky as his mazy run down the left was finished with a superb shot that came off the top-right corner of the goal. The disappointment was short-lived though because shortly after he was played in again from a precision through ball from Harry, and although the first shot was saved he buried the rebound. Rangers responded with an attack that led to a brilliantly saved shot by Kieran on to the post. Back came Woodley with some sustained pressure. Jo made a good run down the right and was unfortunate to see his good cross intercepted. In the end the pressure told, with George heading in, after the ball had pinged around the box, to complete a very good hat-trick. Kieran made another good save. A brilliant long pass from Thomas (one of several) came to Charlie who had an excellent shot. Rangers then cleared off the line from a Woodley corner. They then hit a long ball over the top and scored with a good finish. As the game came towards an end, Woodley were happy to keep Rangers at bay, which they did, to see out another great game. Once again, this was a very effective team performance all over the pitch, starting with a very impressive solid defence, through to a committed and creative midfield and lethal finishing up front. Will was deservedly given the player of the day award. He worked hard in an attacking midfield role, showed some excellent skills, good runs and had several shots (in addition to the one already mentioned).

Thanks to Charlie our coach for a very enjoyable season. Roll on season 2016-17 (but not too soon – we want a nice long warm summer first!).

Match stats:

First half:

Woodley United – 16 attacks, 6 shots, 3 on target, 6 corners

Shinfield Rangers – 7 attacks, 3 shots, 3 on target, 1 corner

Second half:

Woodley United – 12 attacks, 10 shots, 9 on target, 3 corners

Shinfield Rangers – 12 attacks, 8 shots, 4 on target, 1 corner