Nicholls' late show secures a point.

By Chris Burnett

Woodley were playing their third match in six days, riding high after claiming the scalp of Hellenic Premier side Royal Wootton Bassett last Wednesday and then reaching their first final in a decade after knocking out Risborough Rangers in the BBFA Intermediate Cup at the weekend.

Despite their busy schedule, United started reasonably well, shading the opening stages. Woodley had the game's first chance; a shot from the left missed to the right before the hosts had a penalty claim turned down after Charlie Oakley collided with Headington goalkeeper Harry Jenkins.

Midway through the half, United had a flurry of half chances in quick succession. Idris Kamara headed a deep free kick goalwards, the away side could only clear to a blue shirt who had a shot blocked, the rebound fell to Oakley who was thwarted by Jenkins.

It took until the thirtieth minute for Amateurs to muster their first shot. Carl Bloomfield set up Jay Hill who saw his low shot from the left side of the box saved by Alex Reed.

The visitors ended the half strongly; a fantastic cross by Bloomfield was only cleared as far as Josh West who saw his shot from twenty five yards blocked by Woodley skipper Jake Nicholls. Seven minutes before the break Headington took the lead when a deflected Ben Strong shot found the right corner.

HT Woodley United 0-1 Headington Amateurs

United made a double change at the break. Greg Beckett and Carl Prestidge replaced Teddy Thomas and Abdul Kamara.

It was Headington substitute Sean Hurcombe who had the second half's first opportunity. Getting on the end of a through ball ahead of Reed who was well off his line he missed to the left from just outside the box.

Another chance for Amateurs followed; a left wing cross was cleared to West who volleyed a difficult chance over.

Woodley then took over. Oakley missed to the left before firing a shot just wide of the right post after bringing down a Josh Drew cross.

United made their final change with ten minutes left when Luke Turner made way for Liam Wilson. This saw Woodley go to a back three with Danny Greenwood tucking in alongside Joe Barley and Idris Kamara.

With five minutes to go United thought they had got back on level terms when Kamara headed in a right wing cross only to be denied by the linesman's flag.

The equaliser finally came in added on time when Nicholls got his second goal in three games turning in a Prestidge cross from close range.

However all the hard work was nearly undone seconds after Headington kicked off when a Benji Cuff through ball from the back split the Woodley defence to find Hurcombe who narrowly missed with just Reed to beat.

FT Woodley United 1-1 Headington Amateurs