Vets Lose Season Opener

Woodley Utd Vets first game of the season after promotion to the Hellenic Premier was an away trip to league new boys Holyport Vets, Manager John Mailer was expecting a tough game as Holyport had, had some impressive pre-season results and a number of players were known to him.

Utd Vets were missing several of last season's squad through injury including keeper Marc Surtees so a debut in goal for Eryk Nawala, we also saw debuts for striker Andy Saxby, Full back Paul Ulrich and defender Ian Hall, the latter 2 of the bench.

The first 20 mins of the game were fairly even with no real chances but lot's of crosses into both boxes coming to nothing.

Holyport took the lead when a long ball was played up to the forward Michael Butcher and he hooked the ball up and over the keeper Eryk Nawala who had two attempts at hooking the ball out on the line, he thought he had done this successfully but the Woodley linesman waved for a goal and Holyport went 1-0 up.

Utd had a few chances before the break Andy Saxby sliding in at the back post but put it wide, Loic Stodawa testing the keeper with a free-kick and Mark Walker's cross come shot almost catching the keeper out.

HT Holyport 1-0 Woodley

Several changes were made at half time to freshen up the team and Paul Ulrich put in a few decent crosses which saw Loic Stodawa go close with a header.

Holyport broke free twice but was denied by the feet of Eryk Nawala and Nick Gough got back to win the foot race with Michael Butcher when it looked like he was going to get a strike on goal.

The decisive 2nd goal came midway through the half when a corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Holyport's Aaron Lennon let fly with a superb overhead kick into the corner of the net.

Utd tried to force their way back into the game and Stuart Birckett went close but the keeper kept it out, Tom Williams let fly from 25 yards but the defender's head diverted it wide.

FT Holyport 2-0 Woodley

MoM - Eryk Nawala - Stand in keeper at short notice, got to the game at the last minute and made some vital saves.

Utd was disappointed to lose the game, unlike them not to score a goal, the side looked a little rusty and short of match sharpness. The good thing is we go again next week at home to Thame Utd Vets.