Errors Cost Woodley Dear

A huge crowd of 110 came to East Park Farm to watch this local derby. With Phil Norville supporting Stuart and Grant and a couple of new faces on the team sheet there was some anticipation that Woodley could cause an upset. Ollie Bridges started his first competitive match for Woodley at centre back alongside Luke Titcomb who has returned after a spell at Premier league Abingdon United. Tom Slade also made his home debut.

The game started well for Woodley with Jordan Goddard going close from long range then edging in front thanks to a free kick from the same player. Goddard's low cross into the six yard box seemed to be meat and drink for the Wokingham defence but Lemar Maycock stole in front of his marker to poke home.

Unfortunately the lead couldn't be maintained. From a free kick that was blocked by the wall, a looping high ball was met by James Charlton who nodded past Ben Tanner to equalise.

As the first half came to an end, either side looked capable of nicking a lead but it was Wokingham that struck a decisive blow when substitute Luke Scope latched on to a clever through ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home. Although Scope looked a fraction offside, the central defenders had stepped up as the pass was being played, leaving Scope the room to score.

To get back into the match, Town needed an early second half goal but it was the away side who extended their lead. Some sloppy defensive play let in full back Mark O'Connell to slot home at the far post. Then the result was effectively decided when forward, Elliot Rushforth, picked up a poor pass and steam-rollered into the box past several defenders and slotted home to make it 4-1.

To their credit Woodley Town continued to battle hard and played some good stuff throughout the remainder of the match, Jordan Goddard once again showing that he can strike a ball with two good efforts. Omar Cofie worked very hard all over the pitch to earn himself Woodley's man of the match award, while Lemar Maycock continued to trouble Wokingham with his pace and guile.

There were second half appearances for Danny Isaiew, Craig Blissett and young midfielder, Dominic Sharpe who looked very comfortable on the ball during his short time on the pitch.

Woodley Town: Tanner, Watkiss (Isaiew), Bennett, Alleyne (Sharpe), Bridges, Titcomb, G.Davies, Goddard, Cofie, Slade (Blissett), Maycock. Unused subs: J. Davies, Woodford