Cup Win Away To Holyport Vets

Weds 23rd Oct saw the 3rd group stage game between Holyport Vets & Woodley Utd Vets, the first encounter between these 2 sides finished 2-0 to Holyport in a game where Utd was disappointing and didn't do themselves justice so were keen to put that right.

A number of changes again to the team which has been common this season saw Richard Wallis come in at sweeper for his first start of the season and Paul Ulrich also at the back for his first start.

As per the last game the pitch looked in great condition, easily the best pitch we will play on this season.

Woodley started the better of the two teams putting Holyport under pressure and making sure they knew it would be tougher this time around, it didn't take long for the first goal coming around the 15 minute mark when a Paul Gibson cross to the back post (was it another overhit cross?) found Jon Norris leaping with the Holyport centre back and the pressure was enough for the centre back to head past his own keeper into the top corner for 0-1 Woodley.

Ten minutes later and it was 0-2 to Woodley when Crabby played Dean Morrison through who broke free from the defence and shot across the keeper who pushed it out but only as far as the rushing in Loic Srodawa who tapped it home.

Holyport was still pushing Woodley but the defence was holding firm and keeping clear opportunities to a minimum and when called upon Rob Wells in the goal was equal to it.

Holyport did grab a goal thanks to overlap on the left-hand side and despite his efforts, John Mailer couldn't stop the cross coming in and Holyport loaded up the back post and under pressure, Paul Ulrich could only head the ball back across goal and into the net.

HT Holyport Vets 1-2 Woodley Utd Vets

Minutes into the second half Woodley could have had the game out of sight when Loic Srodawa got in ahead of the keeper beat him only for a last-ditch tackle as he went to shoot into an unguarded net.

Jose Gomes and Jon Norris both then had attempts at the Holyport goal but failed to find the target.

The game started to get niggly with a number of fouls from both sides one of which resulted in a harsh yellow card to Nick Gough who told the ref in no uncertain terms "It was my first tackle ref".

It was from one of these free kicks that Holyport would equalise when the ball was put into the box and headed back across goal where 4 Holyport players stood and one of them swung at it missing it and then the next attempt hit the onrushing Nick Gough in his attempt to defend it and went in off his shin for 2-2.

Another long back into the box almost resulted in a 3rd own goal when it hit Nick Gough facing his own goal but he was quick enough to slide in and put it out for a corner, that was subsequently headed wide by Holyport.

With around 5 minutes to go Woodley got what proved to be the winner, a quick taking free kick by John Mailer just inside the Woodley half put Loic Srwodawa one on one with the defender who he beat and then fired past the keeper for 2-3.

Holyport pushed for another equaliser but Woodley held firm to make it 2 wins and 1 defeat in the cup, away to leaders Chinnor next week in a game they need to win to give themselves a chance of getting out of the group.

FT Holyport Vets 2-3 Woodley Utd Vets
MoM - Chris O'Donaghue (Crabby)