On a beautiful Sunday morning, fresh from the demolition of Bay Horse the previous week, Woodlands had every reason to be confident about revenge over Newport in this league two encounter. Things looked even better when Newport could only field nine players to begin with. If the contest looked one sided from the outset it soon became reality with O’Donnell and Maundrill combining well to set up an early lead which was never threatened. The pre season friendly had seen the visitors put to the sword but there was never any chance that a repeat would happen. The only blemish on the record was a couple of late consolations, which left the manager fuming. It’s fair to say against more accomplished opponents that could be the difference between winning and losing.
Ultimately though, it was with satisfaction that Woodlands left Newport. Will O’Donnell again played well in a reshuffled back line with Barker and older brother James. Had the youngest of the three been able to connect better with his shot after a mazy run it would have been one for the record books, as all three brothers would have scored in the same game.
Oldridge and Bottomley again demonstrated industry on the flanks, although the latter was replaced by Thorpe at half time due to severe stomach cramps.
Pheasant’s inclusion was justified on the back of some fine passing movement which lead to a number of goal scoring opportunities. He was unlucky not to score more than the one he got but perhaps he is saving them for a big occasion- only he will know.
It appears that Woodlands have now turned the corner after a somewhat shaky start but the defensive frailty persists. Newport may have considered this an exercise in futility but to their credit kept plugging away. They were given their reward at the end of the game with two quick goals. The first a horror show as the ball trickled slowly past everyone, to be followed by a much more accomplished finish for the second.
England’s knack of coming on late and scoring was again demonstrated as he almost claimed a match ball but thankfully he only managed to score twice. One from a sumptuous free-kick, the other a more conventional strike. It wasn’t enough to claim man of the match which went to Stuart Maundrill, belying his advancing years with craft and cunning to claim that award and another signed football.
Much to be pleased about but still some work to do. The Woodlands are not yet the finished article but they moved a step closer with the win and laid to rest the memory of the pre season defeat.
