First evening game of the season ends in win

On a blistering hot night United started slowly; falling behind to a well taken goal from the Berks County centre back. Showing quick feet the player glided past a defender before netting with a low shot.

The scores were level just before the half hour. Captain Teddy Thomas cut in from the left wing; demonstrating good balance he rode a challenge, got to the byline and picked out Freddie Barron at the back post who tapped in.

Woodley's opponents then came within inches of retaking the lead when a thirty five yard strike hit the bar.

Berks County got their second on thirty three minutes when a low shot from the right beat Tom Bryant and found the left corner.

Three minutes later United equalised when Barron turned provider. Picking out Sam Guze, the midfielder freed up a bit of space with a fake shot then placed home.

HT Woodley United 2-2 Berks County

United went behind again just after the restart after a low cross from the right was turned in at the second attempt after Bryant kept out the original shot.

It was three apiece on fifty two minutes when Thomas was tripped in the left side of the box. Max Laschok stepped up and confidently dispatched the resultant penalty into the top left corner. That's four in three now for last seasons top scorer.

Woodley then had two good chances to go ahead. Luke Axton-Hall had a header saved whilst Thomas dragged a shot wide after a Guze through ball.

At the other end another long range effort cannoned back off the bar before injuries to both sides halted the momentum of the match.

With four minutes to go United got the winner due to some fantastic pressing from debutant Ben Purcell. His tenacity forced a turnover in possession that Lascok took advantage of. Pulling the keeper towards the ball on the left side of the box he was able to find Purcell who netted from close range.

In the end not Woodley's best performance but they showed good character to keep coming back from going behind. Their penultimate friendly is this Saturday.

FT Woodley United 4-3 Berks County