Injury Mars Vets Cup Win

Woodley Vets entertained Benson Lions Vets of Division One in the second of four group stage games in the UHL Vets cup.

After an opening group defeat to Watlington, they were keen to make things right and pick up the points and give themselves a fighting chance of progression.

Woodley gave a debut to new keeper Rob Wells signed a few weeks back but a work trip to California delayed his debut.

Although it wasn't the best start for Woodley as they found themselves a goal down inside the opening minute of the game, Benson attacked from kick-off and a ball into the Woodley box was cleared by Mark Walker but he didn't connect properly and his attempted clearance went across goal and fell kindly for the surprised Benson winger who fired past the keeper at the near post.

Woodley responded well to this and had a great spell of pressure for the next 15 minutes going close through Loic Srodawa, Dean Morrison and a long ranger from Jon Norris that troubled the hedge behind the goal.

On 15 mins came the equaliser, a Paul Gibson corner wasn't cleared and despite initially going for a swing and missing completely Skipper Jim Nightingale made no mistake at the second time of asking stabbing home from 3 yards.

Benson almost took the lead when a poor free kick went back to the taker who rifled a shot towards the top corner but Rob Wells was equal to it and tipped it over the bar.

Woodley then found themselves ahead when a corner was cleared and Wayne Clarke beat his man to the ball and his pass found Paul Gibson who sent a delightful cross to the back post where Dean Morrison ghosted in to tap it in for 2-1.

HT Woodley Utd 2-1 Benson Lions

Benson started the stronger in the second half and went close on a number of occasions from free kicks and corners but either missed the goal or found Rob Wells equal to their efforts.

Loic Srodawa had a golden chance to create some daylight when he danced past the keeper but with two players on the line he failed hit the net, Dean Morrisons also went close after beating the keeper to a ball but he was snuffed out y 2 defenders and the chance went.

Woodley did get the 3rd goal through top scorer Loic Srodawa (only saw the ball hit the net so no idea how it occurred)

The game was prematurely ended with a few minutes left due to an injury to Woodley sub Robbie Farrance that required an ambulance, he has been to hospital and is awaiting a scan to see whether he has suffered an ACL or Medial ligament damage. Special thanks to Benson player Peter Smiley who was an off duty first responder who helped Robbie and stayed till the ambulance arrived.

FT Woodley Utd Vets 3-1 Benson Lions Vets.
MoM - Robbie Farrance