Oakley at the double

Woodley extended their lead over third position to six points in an enjoyable match at Didcot Town, where both sides showed good skill and respect that provided the match officials with little concerns.

At the end of the game United won thanks to two second half goals by Charlie Oakley, both from Josh Drew assists, and a fourth clean sheet in five league outings for the meanest Step 6 defence in the country.

The opening fifteen minutes saw the game going from end to end with Town forcing three corners while the visitors had one of their own and two free kicks that were delivered into the home team’s penalty area but comfortably cleared.

As the half progressed United started to enjoy greater territorial possession but the chances created were only half chances that did not threaten Ashley Stevens in the home goal. The final five minute of the half ended with the Railway men putting pressure on the United defence but which stood firm to go into the break goalless.

The second half saw Woodley tweak its formation with greater support being given to forward Oakley and wide men Drew and Carl Prestidge and his subsequent replacement Teddy Thomas with the result that greater pressure was applied on the home defence.

However, Didcot were not to be outdone with Tom Morris shooting wide from a James Organ pass, Idy Kamara making a timely interception and Danny Greenwood calmly clearing the ball in his own goal area.

The breakthrough came in the seventieth minute when Drew’s pass split the home back four for Oakley to drive his shot pass the advancing Stevens. With both Drew and Thomas enjoying success United looked dangerous with Danny Horscroft heading wide before Thomas’ pass from the left flank found Drew on the right who cut in along the goal line to pass to Oakley in the goal area to extend the lead with eight minutes remaining and secure the match points.

This coming Saturday sees the team complete their away league programme with a trip to Wantage Town Reserves