In what has been a dissmal October for the Old Dons Reserves with just 2 points from 3 games, the Journey to Woodhall was a chance to get there promotion push back on track.
The game nearly had to be called off because on Thursday evening the Dons only had 9 players available but Mark Stanhope worked his magic miraculously and drafted in 2 new players for there first games of the season in Reece Parker and Ant Corrigian and when assistant manager and last seasons player of the year Gary Thomas declared himself fit on the Saturday morning, then the dons had the luxury of 2 substitutes.
Woodhall started the game off as the quicker team, trying to put last weeks humiliation by Kirton behind them and they had the majority of possesion, The main threat came down the right wing but the resolute Old Dons defence stood firm. The Dons took the lead against the run of play, Dan Jackson hitting the target after a goalmouth scramble for his second goal of the season, Old Dons could've had a couple more after that with Ant Corrigian and Lee Whyte both having half chances and Captain Appy really shouldve done better after a corner whipped in by Barnett landed on the skippers head, it looked easier to score but he somehow put his header over.
A half time score of 1 - 0 was probably about right given the chances that the Dons Squandered and the second half with the wind behind them was always going to give the Dons the chance to extend the lead.
Within minutes of the second half and Woodhall were back in the game, a calamity by young Ryan in Goal for the Dons as he miskicked his clearance and the Woodhall Striker had the simple task of putting it into an empty net. Once again though, the Dons showed how far they have come in recent matches, there ability to bounce back from conceding was there for all to see and once Whyte was brought down just inside the Woodhall half, a simple wind assisted free kick by player manager Mark Stanhope found the head of 41 year old Andy Barnett who continued his recent luck in front of goal with an easy header into the bottom corner of the net.
The goal gave the dons the edge and they started to look a much better team, the threat of the Woodhall right winger had gone as Mark Stanhope used all his experience to nulify the threat of the Woodhall danger man. After his recent dip in form, the performance of Player Manager Mark Stanhope was inspiring to the rest of his team.
Another whipped in Barnett corner and Substitute debutant Recce Parker showed his Captain how it should be done by steering his header into the back of the ne., By now young Alex Wood was running the show up front, his close ball skill and constant running was causing mayhem in the Woodhall defence and when Barnett put him through he was brought down by 2 Woodhall players and a penalty was given, The youngster picked himself up and sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot, his 3rd goal in the last 2 games. Barnett and Wood have now contributed 5 goals between them now in the last 2 matches.
The final scoreline of 4 - 1 was deserving given the chances that the Dons had, and with Gary Thomas returning and getting through 90 minutes, manager Mark Stanhope will have some selection problems next week as the Dons entertain Pointon 'A'.
The dons are currently laying second in the league and there points tally of 17 so far over hauls last seasons final total of 15 points.
