United into BBFA Saturday Intermediate cup final

On a bitterly cold afternoon that saw the match watched by in excess of one hundred spectators, start in a flurry of snow, while not playing at its best, United’s desire not to lose saw them advance to the final of Berks & Bucks Saturday Intermediate cup to play Thames Valley Premier League members Marlow United at a date and venue to be decided.

Woodley won the toss and elected to kick up the slope bit were soon on the back foot with Risborough’s leading scorer Lamar Mason-Williams hitting the side netting and post in the opening five minutes.

United recovered with the return from suspension Josh Drew enjoying space on the right wing but the visitors were unable to put any pressure on the home keeper Lee Parrick, a late stand in due to the intended starter Luke Midwinter, being injured in the pre-match warm up.

Mason-Williams again hit the side netting on fourteen minutes and the scene for the first half was then set with United enjoying possession with little threat while the hosts were dangerous when going forward and the more likely to score, but without testing Woodley’s Alex Reed.

With the match entering the last minute of the first half, Luke Turner demonstrated United’s desire not to be beaten when his stretch on the goal line enable him to clear Kevin Mealor’s goal bound shot.

The second half was a more even affair and while both teams were able to get crosses into their opponent’s penalty area these were either put wide by a fellow team member or cleared by the defence, which in Woodley’s case saw centre backs Iddy Kamara and Joe Barley enjoying very good games. The introduction of Carl Prestidge brought greater urgency to Woodley’s play but still they were unable to trouble Parrick.

Goalless at full time, this competition goes straight to penalty kicks, with Risborough Rangers winning the toss to kick first and left back Justin Gordon scoring.

Greg Beckett levelled for United while Alex Reed saved both Stephen Garbutt’s and Chris Davies’ kicks. With Iddy Kamara and Josh Drew scoring Woodley led 3-1 after three kicks apiece. Gary Rymer scored with Ranger’s fourth kick but it was fitting after such a fine game that Joe Barley should also score with United’s fourth kick and give them an unassailable 4-2 lead and the win to knock the current cup holders out of the competition.