MATCH REPORTS 2008-09
 

HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH RES. 1   NORTHWOOD RES. 1

This was another vitally important away game for Woods reserves against table topping Hampton & Richmond Borough FC, as a win would have given us “bragging” rights for completing a double over this opposition and replacing them at the top of the table. No bigger incentive required!!!

It proved to be a good contest between two well-matched sides which eventually ended in honours even, but with two completely contrasting 45 minutes. The home side dominated the first period to go in at the break leading 1- 0 but Woods came back strongly in the second half to snatch a late but deserved equaliser to take a share of the spoils.

Our poor first half showing was really of our own making as Woods failed to keep their 4-4-2 shape, with Laurie Walters pushing on and tucking in at every opportunity, which left us exposed down the left hand side, and Hampton were quick to exploit this on numerous occasions. This created additional problems in the middle of the park for John Daily and Will Hudson, who were having to cover a large area and as a consequence could not get tight. Woods were very much second best for long periods and Hampton dominated the middle of the park, winning the majority of first and second ball. Their deserved  break through came on 32 minutes when Woods failed to deal with a long ball through the middle and Mark Britt could count himself extremely unlucky, as he made an initial first superb reflex save, only for the ball to drop to the second striker who passed the ball into an empty net. Woods weathered a period of late pressure and were pleased to hear the half-time whistle and go in with the score line still at 1-0, although Carl Hunt flashed a half volley inches past the angle of the cross bar and right-hand upright right on the stroke of half time, which gave the home side a timely reminder that “woods” were still in this match.

A few choice words at half-time produced the desired reaction and straight from the second half whistle Woods looked a different side. Laurie Walters took on board what was asked and started much deeper on the left hand side of midfield, which meant we were able to get much closer in touch in the middle of the park. The tempo of the game was much higher and soon we were able to contest better and win more quality ball. Momentum swung back in favour of Woods who gradually started to stretch the Hampton back four.

On 58 minutes Max Duffy was introduced for the tiring Jerome Cole, with Jake O’Meara going up front and Max slotting into the left-hand side of midfield. This proved a decisive move with Max having an immediate impact making some surging runs from deep, down the left hand side. Woods now had a real cutting edge with the mobility of Carl Hunt and Jake O’Meara ever-willing runners in beyond the Hampton back four. Numerous half-chances went begging but on 84 minutes we created our first real opportunity. Max Duffy found Jake O’Meara in the box, and he shot first time only for the home keeper to produce a miraculous save, turning the ball onto the post and falling onto the rebound on the goal line. Woods continued to press for an equalizer  and finally made the break through on 87 minutes when Jake O’Meara got played in down the right channel, getting to the by-line and cutting the ball back to the ever reliable Carl Hunt ,who smashed home into the roof of the net from six yards.

A final late substitution saw Dan Briggs come on for the last 10 minutes to continue his progress following injury, by replace the tiring John Daily. Eric Gbio was pushed into the holding midfield role to shore up the middle of the park and see out the closing stages, which included  nearly six minutes of added time. Woods survive one late scare deep into injury time when young keeper Mark Britt came to our rescue again with another miraculous save when faced with a one on one down the right channel, to earn MOTM. It would have been harsh on Woods to have conceded so late as their second half showing was full of character and determination to secure a deserved hard-earned point.

Report by: Gez Reilly