WOODBRIDGE TOWNU18 v. IPSWICH WANDERERS U18

RIDGEONS YOUTH LEAGUE

THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2006

There was a chill in the air at Notcutts Park as these two young teams ran on to the pitch, but none of the few dozen spectators could have forecast the thrilling spectacle they were about to witness for the next 90 minutes.

Woodbridge having won 2 out of their 3  games so far, by considerable margins, taking on Wanderers who were propping up the league with only 2 points from 6 games.

The visitors would have scored in the 1st minute but for a reflex save by Gary West and the crossbar. Throughout the first 15 minutes the Wanderers defence creaked. At the other end there was plenty of promising attacking play but not enough ‘end product.’. Then in the 20th minute, the home side got the iminent breakthrough, Oxbrow and Seaman combining with slick ‘one-two’ passing and eventually Oxbrow rounded the advancing Wanderers ‘keeper, to open the scoring. Confidence in the Woodbridge Youths was evident as they passed the ball around cleverly and in the 29th minute Seaman broke through the visitors defence to send in a pile driver from 25 yards.

Wanderers were wondering if they were in for a repeat daubing like the previous encounter when they lost at home 1-5  to the Woodpeckers but somehow they managed to get their act together, turned the tables and fought back relentlessly.

Ben Blagg missed an open goal (inches wide). Lewis Driver skimmed the crossbar (twice). Ricky Dunne missed a penalty (over confident and no real power). Then,

shortly before half-time, a magnificent 'team goal' which included somewhere near 14 passes ended with James Lait scoring for the visitors in the 43rd minute.

H.T.        Woodbridge  2     Wanderers  1

Woodbridge settled down to dominate possession and with quick, controlled passing set up a host of goalscoring opportunities, but chances were missed and situations wasted until Oxbrow scored his second in the 50th minute to put the home side further ahead.

Against the run of play, a long ball caught out the home defence and while West saved once again, Lewis Driver was brought down in the box and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the visitors a penalty. This time Lewis Driver made no mistake and converted in the 63rd minute. Woodbridge were on the attack again soon after and while Wanderers defenders hesitated once again, the more alert striker Read bundled the ball in from close range on 67 minutes.

In spite of this the visitors rallied once again and showed great character and determination. They were down but not beaten yet. James Lait and Ricky Dunne combined to set up Lewis Driver for a close range finish on 71 minutes. Ricky Dunne scored with a long range shot 2 minutes later and then on 79 minutes, Lewis Driver completed a ‘hat-trick’ to put the visitors in the lead by 5 goals to four.

The Woodbridge supporters were all on their feet, yelling encouragement to their young team and their boys responded with two quick goals. Widdowson got his at 80 minutes and Read scored his second, on 83 minutes.

Mike Downes, although disappointed with the result and failing to get even a much deserved point, can feel proud of their improving performance. Not many teams score 5 goals away from home and lose.

F.T.       Woodbridge  6     Wanderers  5