One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

After tasting victory last weekend, Woodley Town crashed back to earth with this home defeat to Chalfont Wasps. There was bad news from the off with James Pheby ruled out from injury, Ollie Bridges away and both Luke Titcomb and Dan Watkiss unavailable. That meant a start for young Jim Davies at centre back alongside Craig Blissett who was also struggling with a knee injury sustained in training.

The starting line up comprised six teenagers with another two on the bench, boding well for the longer term future of Woodley football.

In a tightly contested first half, Wasps edged in front when Fred Tripp beat the defence for pace and coolly slotted past Ben Tanner. Ironically it followed one of Woodley's best moves, with Seun Odusanya laying off a great pass to set Lemar Maycock down the wing. Lemar's dangerous pull back was cleared downfield leading to the goal conceded.

Despite this setback, Town continued to work hard, Jordan Goddard impressing in midfield and Odusanya and Maycock linking up well. Danny Isaiew also showed some nice touches and on the stroke of half time his one two with Odusanya led to a shooting chance which was charged down by the defence.

The second half started poorly for Town when Gareth Davies was adjudged to have tripped a Wasps forward in the box, leading to the award of a penalty and a rather harsh yellow card. Conor Cumber slotted the spot kick away to double the advantage.

Thereafter, the bite went out of Town's play with too many players focused on the refereee's performance rather than their own. Some merit though should go to Ben Tanner for one point blank save to keep the score at 2-0. Also, young subs Dominic Sharpe and Harry Neate showed good feet and composure when replacing Odusanya and Craig Blissett respectively. Max Brown had a decent game at left mid, on one occasion almost putting Isiaew through on goal.

However Town's defensive frailty was all too evident. As Conor Cumber added two more goals far too easily, so the frustration mounted and further yellows were shown to Mike Alleyne and Danny Isaiew. The misery was compounded when substitute JP Jamil headed a fifth goal in the 85th minute.

After a free Saturday, Town face four away matches in ten days, starting with the big match at Henley Town on 5th April.

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