Woodbridge Town Football Club U14's

Match Reports

 

WOODBRIDGE TOWN 1 ILFORD 2 Woodbridge Town welcomed Ilford to Notcutts Park and it was the visitors who started brightly seeing an effort go wide. Play switched to the other end and it was Woodbridge who took the lead when Louis Crisp rose above the defence following a corner and his header was fired into the net by Harvey Deakin. Woodbridge then went close again with Andy Baldock having a shot blocked after a flowing move but Ilford looked very dangerous on the break putting together some good moves. Reg Egerton then went close for Woodbridge and at half time it was 1-0 to the hosts. Miles Cartey had to make a good tackle at the start of the second half to deny Ilford and Tom Sills was then called upon to make a fine save but he stood no chance with an effort from just inside the box to pull Ilford level. The game was end to end with both sides creating chances as Tom Driscoll saw a shot saved for Woodbridge. It was Ilford that came up with a late winner from the penalty spot after a foul by Miles Cartey. Final Score 1-2. Maldon Town 2 - Woodbridge 6 Reported by Charlie King It was a short, brisk journey to Maldon on a bright Sunday morning. Woodbridge were back in amongst the goals, hitting Maldon for 6, to set up a date with Lexden (again) in the semis. The game started quite evenly but Woodbridge went close with a free-kick from Jack Edwards nearly being converted by Harry Barker. Woodbridge soon took the lead as Jay Welham shot through a crowded area following a Tom Driscoll corner. Woodbridge went further ahead as Tom Driscoll outpaced the Maldon defence to square for Jack Edwards to put the ball through the keeper’s legs (lucky or what). Woodbridge were slow out of the blocks in the second half, a goal mouth scramble being converted after the ball should have been cleared. Woodbridge then recovered there lead to make it 3-1, Dan Palfrey following up at the far post with a neat finish following a Kalum Winters cross. Kalum Winters and Jay Welham combined for Woodbridge’s fourth, the latter slotting home a great cross from Kalum. Woodbridge then let there 3 goal advantage slip as another mix up at the back saw the Maldon forward finish with a great volley giving Tom Sills no chance. Woodbridge were much the better footballing side, Maldon were trying to compete but too often gave the referee work to do. The game closed with Dan Palfrey heading in at the far post as Charlie King’s looping found him in space, Charlie ended the scoring flicking in a cross this time from Alex Harris at the near post. A semi-final awaits Woodbridge against Lexden Saints who we have met for the past three years in this competition. Moreton Hall A 0 - Woodbridge 4  Following their win earlier in the day at Colchester, Woodbridge Town then travelled to Bury St Edmunds to play a Moreton Hall in the Ipswich & Suffolk Open Cup round two. Woodbridge were aware that this fixture would be altogether different from the win at Colchester. From the very first whistle Woodbridge took the game by the scruff of the neck and battled for everything. Their efforts were rewarded when Louis Crisp shot them into a 1-0 lead with a super finish. Further goals then followed from Tom Driscoll (wonder strike) and Harry Barker to make the half time score 3-0 to Woodbridge. As Woodbridge continued to dominate the game, manager Chris King was able to give  all his squad a good “run out” and experiment with players playing out of their normal positions. Woodbridge confirmed their dominance when Harry Barker scored his second goal of the afternoon to make the final score Moreton Hall 0 Woodbridge Town 4.   A good weekend for Woodbridge Town who now progress into round three of the Cup. Reed Hall Sentinals 0 Woodbridge 8 Woodbridge Town made the short trip to Colchester to play Reed Hall Sentinals on a crisp January morning. Manager Chris King had to name an 18 man squad for the competition. Woodbridge started brightly and opened the scoring after just 20 seconds when Reggie fired home. Woodbridge surged forward and would have scored again had it not been for two excellent saves from Sentinals ‘keeper. However, his heroics were short lived as Woodbridge showed their class and scored further goals from Tom Driscoll (2), Charlie King, Harvey Deakin, Jack Edwards and two from Harry Barker. Woodbridge were far too strong for the Sentinals on this occasion as they easily progress into the second round of the Cup.   WOODBRIDGE TOWN 2 CHELMSFORD CITY 2 Woodbridge returned to league action with a home game against Chelmsford City and they were playing against a strong wind but it was the hosts that had the first effort with Tom Driscoll’s shot being blocked close to the line, it was then Chelmsford seeing an effort go wide and having a penalty appeal turned down but after going close it was the visitors that took the lead with a fine low shot into the corner giving Woodbridge keeper Tom Sills no chance. Jay Welham was then taken out as the last man scythed him to the ground, stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity, the referee Mr Scrivener ignored this and also ignored the same player kicking the ball away as only a free-kick was given! The resultant free-kick was wasted and Reg Egerton fired over for Woodbridge but the latter period of the first half turned into a scrappy affair with Chelmsford holding onto their 0-1 lead. The start of the second half saw new signing Jay Welham shoot wide after getting in behind the Chelmsford defence, substitute Jack Baker then saw his low shot saved as Woodbridge piled on the pressure with the wind at their backs. They drew level when Harvey Deakin headed home a Tom Driscoll corner and a couple of minutes later they went ahead when Jack Baker fired home a fine effort from the edge of the area, it was Jack Baker again seeing an effort cleared close to the line. Chelmsford then forced Tom Sills into a save and they then made it 2-2 with a header following a corner, play then switched to the other end as Charlie King saw his shot saved after a fine run and cross from Louis Crisp, Woodbridge had other chances through Jay Welham and Reg Egerton but the final whistle saw honours even as the game ended 2-2 Ilford v Woodbridge Town FC Sunday 12/12/07 Woodbridge Town travelled to Chigwell High School for there EJA encounter with Ilford. Woodbridge were under no illusions that this was going to be a tough game. It was the visitors who had the first chance when Dan Palfrey shot over the bar after a good passing move. The advantage was short lived as Ilford counter-attacked and an exquisite “flick” from an Ilford player released their forward, who somehow beat the offside trap, and managed to squeeze the ball past goalkeeper Tom Sills to make it 1-0 to Ilford. Tom Sills then made two important saves as Ilford tried to press home the advantage. A poor defensive clearance gave an Ilford player too much time on the ball and he hit an unstoppable shot on the half-volley to put Ilford 2-0 up. Ilford were now starting to dominate the game. This prompted Woodbridge manager Chris King to make a double substitution, with Luke Bax and Charlie King coming on after 21 minutes; a shrewd substitution, as six minutes later Woodbridge were back in the game when Reggie Egerton fired home from close range after the keeper parried Charlie King’s shot. On 34 mins Reggie Egerton again had the ball in the back of the net only to have the goal disallowed for hand-ball. Right on the stroke of half time the Ilford goal keeper made an outstanding save to deny Reggie Egerton. Half time Ilford 2 Woodbridge 1 . The second half saw Woodbridge start as they had left off in the first half. An early corner taken by Tom Driscoll evaded the Ilford defence and keeper and somehow went in -  2-2: game on. This goal inspired Woodbridge and they started to play with more desire knowing the next goal would be crucial. Woodbridge started to put their passing game together and continued to create a number of chances but could not put the ball in the net. With 10mins left Ilford pushed forward and were awarded a controversial penalty following an alleged foul in the Woodbridge penalty area. The referee chose to ignore the linesman’s flag as the ball had gone out of play by a full foot and stuck by his decision to award the penalty. The Ilford penalty taker hit the cross bar and followed up to put the ball in the back of the net. The referee gave the goal before it was pointed out to him from the touchline that you can’t pass the ball to yourself from a penalty!! Woodbridge had the opportunity to secure all three points but their final efforts went unrewarded. A game of two halves: both teams will feel they could have won this encounter but in the end the points were shared - on reflection a fair result. Woodbridge must learn that they must compete from the first whistle if they are to  progress at this standard of football.     WOODBRIDGE TOWN 1 MALDON TOWN 0   As usual, on the rare occasions when Woodbridge Town play at home, we were blessed with the usual deluge of rain and wind. Maldon Town were the visitors to Notcutts Park this week, and it was the hosts who had the first real chance as Jack Edwards saw his shot blocked close to the line after a fine run by Harry Barker. Tom Driscoll then saw his fine free kick well saved by the Maldon keeper as Woodbridge pressed. Play switched to the other end as Maldon creating a glorious chance only to see the ball go just wide of Tom Sills post. Andy Baldock and Tom Driscoll both left the field for Woodbridge with Charlie King and Luke Bax coming on, Andy again getting injured, Tom in a tactical switch for Charlie. Ryan Wardley then went through for Woodbridge but the Maldon keeper was quickly out to block the shot and at half time there were no goals. Maldon started the second half well with a wide player putting in a great cross after a fine run and they also had another half chance that was blocked. It was Woodbridge who took the lead when Harvey Deakin shot home from the edge of the box following a free kick, Maldon's keeper being disappointed as he got both hands to the ball. The game had become quite open but Maldon were reduced to ten men when they had a player sent off for foul language to the assistant. Play was switching from end to end as the rain lashed down and the conditions becoming treacherous. Maldon had a couple of half chances but Woodbridge saw the game out to claim another three welcome points.     LEYTON 5 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 1   Woodbridge travelled to play at Leyton for the second week running and after winning the cup game last week they expected a very tough game against the league leaders. This proved to be the case as Leyton produced some lovely attacking football going close on a couple of occasions, Tom Driscoll then saw an effort go over the bar for Woodbridge. Tom Sills was looking very sound in the Woodbridge goal but at times they rode their luck as a Leyton free kick smashed against the crossbar. At the other end it was Tom Driscoll again, this time seeing his shot well saved. It was Leyton that edged ahead when they scored with a close range header after the ball had come back off the crossbar and a few minutes later it was 2-0 with a neat finish into the corner, Woodbridge had struggled at times in the first half to cope with the movement of the Leyton boys and just before the break they conceded another goal to go in at the interval 3-0 down. The second half did not get much better for Woodbridge as an early injury to Jack Baker was then followed by a fourth for Leyton. Woodbridge then had a period in which they created a couple of half chances but they were then again thankful to keeper Tom Sills who produced a couple of fine saves. Woodbridge then pulled a goal back when Charlie King scored following an error by the Leyton keeper. However, just before the end another neat finish by a Leyton forward saw them run out as 5-1 winners.     LEYTON 2 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 3   Woodbridge Town had to make a very early start to make it to Leyton for a 10.30 kick off for a cup game against the unbeaten league leaders and it was the hosts that started very well putting together some nice moves with good passing football,  however it was Woodbridge that edged ahead when Harvey Deakin shot home following a Tom Driscoll free kick on eight minutes and the visitors doubled their lead three minutes later when Harry Barker beat the Leyton keeper from just outside the box with a great effort after some great work by Reg Egerton, Leyton replied with a couple of low shots that were well taken by Tom Sills and on fifteen minutes it was 0-3 to Woodbridge as Harry Barker got his second goal from the edge of the area. Leyton would have been stunned to find themselves 0-3 down and some pressure on Woodbridge saw Harvey Deakin and Tom Driscoll making great blocks, Woodbridge then broke away and Jack Karran saw his shot brilliantly saved by the Leyton keeper, just before the break Tom Sills in the visitors goal make a great save and at half time it was 0-3 to Woodbridge. The start of the second half saw Woodbridge survive a scramble in their penalty area and when play switched to the other end Jack Baker saw his shot well saved. Leyton then pulled a goal back with a low shot that Tom Sills got a hand to but could not keep out, there then followed a period of Leyton pressure but without them creating any clear chances. It was Woodbridge on the break that almost scored with Dan Palfrey's low shot being well saved, with almost the final kick of the game Leyton scored following a corner to make it 2-3 but Woodbridge saw the game out to progress into the next round of the cup. Leyton are obviously a well coached and are a side full of quality players; we look forward to a second visit to there ground again this week for a league fixture.     WOODBRIDGE TOWN 3 DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 3   Woodbridge were looking to avenge their 4-1 defeat in the return against Dagenham and Redbridge. It was the visitors who started well but their first attack was halted by a timely interception by Andy Baldock. It was Woodbridge who went ahead when Harry Barker shot home from 20 yards with a speculative effort into the top corner; however the lead only lasted a few minutes as Dagenham drew level after a neat passing move on the edge of the Woodbridge box. Dagenham then had a period of domination in the game seeing one effort go just wide and one that came back off the bar and it was during this period that they took the lead with a low shot into the corner, at half time it was the visitors that held the upper hand. Woodbridge fell further behind at the start of the second half as a header looped over Tom Sills in the home goal after poor defensive play. Woodbridge now had a fight on to get anything out of the game but they were gradually getting back into it and they pulled a goal back when Reg Egerton raced through the Dagenham defence to fire home, Ryan Wardley then saw his shot well saved as Woodbridge poured forward and it was soon 3-3 as Tom Driscoll's low free kick evaded everyone, ending up in the bottom corner. Both teams were looking for a winner and Tom Sills in the Woodbridge goal was called upon to make a fine save and just before the end Tom Driscoll saw his fine effort go just wide as a hard fought game ended all square.            Boxford 1 Woodbridge 3   As The Blooming Scribe nervously headed up the A140, hoping to enjoy the main event ‘Slaying the Canary’, directed by Super Jim, the job of make-do scribe was left to me!  The lads had made the relatively short journey to the salubrious venue of Stoke-by-Nayland Rec, changing rooms were not on offer, the chaps leaving from ‘The Sunday Morning Kickaround’ told us they were for adults only! There was however a lovely toilet block on offer; a wall and the smell of the country. The morning sunshine was slowly giving way to cloud and after the vigorous pre-match warm up we kicked off on a very good playing surface down a slight slope. Woodbridge’s opposition today was Boxford Rovers under 15’s from The Colchester & District League Division 1. The lads started well forcing two well taken corners by Jack K and Tom, Boxford were working on the break. Woodbridge had a chance from there third corner from Jack K his wonderful cross evading everyone, then a free-kick from Jack K, Reg and Harry not gambling in anticipation of a raised flag which didn’t come! Boxford then had a couple of chances on the break, the second of which saw Tom make a great save down to his right pushing away for a corner. Boxford then exerted the pressure with two corners, the number 5 was jostling for position at the near post with Harvey and the perfectly placed corner brushed both of them before beating Tom at the near post. The Boxford keeper then made a series of saves from Jack E, Harry and following a corner pushing a great shot from Miles onto and over the bar. At the break 1-0 to Boxford. The midfield four of  Crispy, Jack E, Tom and Jack K had worked tirelessly in the first half, Jack K making way just before the break for Dan to come on for his second appearance for Woodbridge, all the lads looking to find feet, pass and move to play the front pairing of Reg and Harry in. The back four of OJ, Harvey, Miles and Andy had defended well until Miles had to leave the field with a strain, Luke coming on to make his debut with great effect, all the lads at the back realising a ball to feet keeps possession rather than a big boot upfield. The second half began with news that ‘The Canary That Fought Back’, was what was on offer at Carrow Road, not as previously billed. A number of chances fell to Woodbridge early in the half notably Jack E seeing his shot saved after good work from Harry and Reggie shooting over when well placed after further spade work through the midfield. Then the turning point in the match as Sillsy touched a shot onto his bar when the ball looked as if it had passed him, the ball bounced down and the defence somehow cleared. Great play first by Dan and Harry saw the latter’s shot aimed to the top corner, brilliantly taken and held by the keeper, then from Reg and Harry midway through the half, Harry finally getting what Woodbridge had deserved as he fired home into the corner. Play was fairly even, Andy coming off with an arm injury to be replaced by Jack K , Harvey succumbing to a slightly late challenge, Miles refreshed coming back on and Crispy making way for Charlie to sit behind the front two, the midfield squeezing tighter. Sillsy also came off wondering how his Dad was going to earn £20 beer money after Colchester’s second year demise, Matt Stevens replacing him. With about 15 minutes left and Woodbridge looking the fitter team they started to ‘boss’ the game. The pressure told and with ten minutes remaining a corner from Jack K saw Tom head home giving the keeper no chance. Cue jubilation from the travelling fans. Boxford threw everything at Woodbridge but the lads stood up strong, a clearance from the back found Tom who ‘drove’ his way forward, with three options, a player either side or a shot Tom chose the latter, firing home under the keeper. The game was now won, a tremendous performance from everyone. Well Done Lads on getting to the last 16 of The Minor Cup.     WOODBRIDGE TOWN 1 SAWBRIDGEWORTH 0   Woodbridge hosted Sawbridgeworth for their first home game of the season. In driving rain and windy conditions it was a fairly even first 20 minutes, it was the hosts with the first real chance when Reg Egerton headed over the bar following a fine cross from Jack Baker, just after this it was Woodbridge again as Reg Egerton got away from the visitors defence only to see his low shot well saved by the Sawbridgeworth keeper and just before the break Harry Barker went wide, at half time their were no goals. The second half saw Woodbridge with the wind at their backs and they started well with Harvey Deakin firing over the bar. It was Woodbridge who took the lead when Reg Egerton scored from close range after the visitors keeper had mishandled Louis Crisp’s cross and it was the same combination again but Reggie’s header was saved. Woodbridge were looking for the second goal and after a fine cross from Jack Karran, Jack Garvin’s header was blocked close to the line, Reg Egerton then saw a couple of low shots well saved, the second of which came after a great through ball from Charlie King. Just before the end Tom sills in the Woodbridge goal had to make his only real save but Woodbridge survived to win a hard fought game 1-0, in a game in which Sawbridgeworth had worked very hard without making too many inroads into the Woodbridge defence.       MALDON TOWN 1 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 2 Woodbridge Town headed down the A12 again for their away game against Maldon Town and manager Chris King was looking for a marked improvement from his players after their defeat in their previous away game at Dagenham. This message seemed to have got through as they looked very lively from the start as Reg Egerton and Harry Barker saw half chances cleared and it was Harry Barker again firing over after good work from Tom Driscoll. Tom Sills in the Woodbridge goal would be pleased as his defence had limited Maldon to no real opportunities and at half time it was goalless. The second half started with Jack Edwards having a shot saved although it was Maldon who almost broke the deadlock as their centre back surged up field to see his shot saved by Matt Stevens who had replaced Tom Sills in the Woodbridge goal at half time, the rebound broke to a Maldon forward but he stabbed the ball wide. It was soon 1-0 to Maldon as a free kick from 30 yards out went just under the bar giving Matt Stevens no chance. Woodbridge now had to show what they were made of as they were unlucky to be behind. They continued to pass the ball and use the full width of the pitch; they drew level when Reg Egerton shot low into the corner after fine wing play by Tom Driscoll. The game was more open with 15 minutes left as Woodbridge pushed for the winner, Maldon had another chance at the far post but the effort went wide and with about four minutes left it was Woodbridge who deservedly nicked the winner when Harry Barker latched on to a Charlie King through ball and after a brilliant first touch he fired low into the far corner to give manager Chris King a very pleasing win.   CHELMSFORD CITY 1 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 3   Woodbridge made another trip down the A12 for a second successive away fixture against Chelmsford City and after a short delay due to the non appearance of the referee the visitors started by playing against the wind and they made the first real chance when Ryan Wardley shot across the face of the Chelmsford goal, there was then a period of Chelmsford pressure without any real chances created and it was Woodbridge who took the lead in the 21st minute when Reg Egerton got away from the Chelmsford defence to steer home Tom Driscoll's curling free kick. Chelmsford then came back again with a couple of efforts that went wide of Tom Sills’s goal whilst at the other end a strong run by Jack Edwards came to nothing. With five minutes to go before the break Woodbridge added a second goal when Ryan Wardley’s great cross was headed in by Jack Baker. H-T 0-2. Woodbridge almost added a third goal after a great run by Harry Barker only to see his effort cleared off the line. Chelmsford then pulled a goal back after a mix up in the Woodbridge defence. A surging run by Tom Driscoll was then halted but it was soon 1-3 to Woodbridge when Harry Barker fired a great effort into the top corner after a great cross field pass from Ryan Wardley this goal came in the 56th minute meaning that Woodbridge had just over ten minutes left to see out which they did without any real scares to secure another valuable three points on their travels.   SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN 0  WOODBRIDGE TOWN  1 Woodbridge Town had an early start for there away game at Sawbridgeworth in the Eastern Junior Alliance and it was the home side that looked very sharp early on making inroads into the Woodbridge defence and in one attack the home side hit the foot of both posts before the Woodbridge defenders scrambled the ball away for a corner, Tom Sills in the Woodbridge goal then made a brilliant save as the Woodbridge defence was being stretched by the eager Sawbridgeworth forwards but gradually Woodbridge were getting a foothold in the game as Tom Driscoll put a left foot shot just wide, and it was the visitors that took the lead when Harry Barker scored from close range after Reg Egerton had caused panic in the home defence. Woodbridge defenders then had to deal with some high balls into the box but at half time they held a 0-1 lead. The second half saw Woodbridge playing down a slight slope and they coped very well with the home sides attacks restricting them to shots from outside the area with keeper Tom Sills not having any direct shots to save, at the other end Woodbridge were causing problems in the home defence with Reg Egerton in particular holding the ball up and working the channels very well. There were a number of outstanding displays from the players and they had worked well as a unit. Woodbridge had a couple of half chances to score again but they were happy to see the game out and come away with a clean sheet and three points.    WOODBRIDGE TOWN 4  WITNESHAM WASPS 1 Woodbridge hosted Witnesham Wasps U15's side at Rushmere Sports Centre and early play indicated that it might be an even contest and this proved the case until just before half time when Harvey Deakin shot home from 30 yards to give Woodbridge an interval lead. Witnesham pulled one back at the start of the second half with a neat finish but Woodbridge came back with Toby Spink heading home Ryan Wardley's free kick and two late goals from Jack Baker saw Woodbridge run out 4-1 winners in an entertaining game.   WOODBRIDGE TOWN  0  KESGRAVE 4 Woodbridge hosted a strong Kesgrave U15's side and keeper Matt Stevens was soon in action making a couple of fine saves but Kesgrave's quick forwards looked very lively and by half time they had scored twice for a 0-2 lead. The second half saw Woodbridge give a good account of themselves but two more goals saw Kesgrave run out comfortable 0-4 winners.   EAST BERGHOLT 1 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 0 Woodbridge Town travelled to East Bergholt for a pre-season friendly and it was decided to play four 20 minute periods; the first period was evenly contested with Woodbridge going the closest with a Reg Egerton header just wide. The second period saw East Bergholt edge into the lead but this did not deter Woodbridge who kept passing the ball looking for an opening, it was then pointed out to the referee John Nunn that East Bergholt had 11 outfield players on the pitch and after a quick count up this was confirmed and pointed out that the goal had been scored during this period, however as this was a friendly game nobody was upset over the ‘innocent’ incident and play continued with Woodbridge having the better chances over the remainder of the game with Ryan Wardley hitting the bar,. Jack Garvin heading wide and Alex Harris having a shot well saved, however an equaliser did not come and East Bergholt ran out 1-0 winners in an entertaining game.