Woodley gave its all as FA Vase run comes to an end

In an evenly played match against last season’s Combined Counites Premier Division North runners-up United’s Vase run game to an end by a single goal.

United started lively forcing a corner in the second minute which resulted in the clearance being struck straight at Egham’s keeper Lewis Gallifent by Connor Suckling but fell behind in the ninth minute following Elijah Simpson’s finish.

Not to be perturbed United remained positive with Sid Gbla running causing the home defence problems. Two minutes after the opening score Gbla was denied by Gallifent with Rafa Brandao blasting the loose ball wide of the goal.

A series of free kicks were exchanged with Connor Richardson’s kick being the most dangerous with the ball going across the home goal evading the oncoming Woodley players before being cleared. On the half hour Gbla set Suckling through on goal only for Gallifent to push the ball away for a corner. The resultant kick was cleared to the edge of the home penalty area where centre back Josh Nwokobia showed good skill controlling the ball and firing it into the Egham goal to level the scores.

Spurred by the goal the visitors moved the ball well creating half chances but only saw one chance to score when Brando saw an effort cleared off the goal line. A period of nine minutes stoppage time was played with United showing their defensive qualities to go into half time all square.

Seven minutes into the second half. Jakub Jeczalik got caught wrong footed conceding a penalty kick that Nathan Hogan converted to restore the home team’s lead. This led to a spell of Egham pressure and it need Manny Adu Essah to clear of his goal line to prevent United falling further behind as the hour mark approached. Having weathered the pressure United started to push for the equaliser but were unable to find a goal despite Suckling’s cross evading Gbla and Bakai Manneh shooting straight at Gallifent.

With ten minutes of normal time remaining good play by Deante Gibson saw him counter attack and despite Jeczalik pressuring the forward Gibson found an angle to shot pass Barratt.

United made two substitutions and changed formation and were rewarded five minutes later when Suckling rolling the ball past Gallifent when one on one.

Second half stoppage time was interrupted with delays due to home team players having cramp but Egham had Gallifent to thank in the fourth minute of stoppage time for the win when he pushed Gbla’s shot onto the goal post and reacted first to gather the loose ball.

Barratt, Adu Essah, Jeczalik (DeBarros), Hok, Watkiss (Edwards), Nwokobia, Suckling, Manneh, Gbla, Brandao (Albanese), Suckling, Richardson Subs not used: Davies, Walker, Creech and Williams