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2012/13 Match Reports
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2012/13 Match Reports

Wood 1-2 Wembley

Wood lost their final league game of the season to a good Wembley side at Cobham. The visitors warmed up in assorted hats, a tradition, while Wood could only name one substitute. Hale produced a superb tackle on Ogunseye and Witham fouled the tricky McCoy. Dinham produced a turn and shot for The Lions which fell to Linton who blazed over. Joe Mead was cautioned for an innocuous nudge on Bates and Mokeni matched Embalo for pace in the visitors defence. Linton headed a Witham free kick just wide as Wembley dominated the opening 25 minutes. Fogler claimed a Lang header before Wood went ahead on 26 minutes. A long McBride kick found Ogunseye who released Embalo, suspiciously offside, who netted easily. The goal settled Wood and they had a long spell of dominance. Embalo delayed his shot when Joe Mead robbed Edin but some sloppy defending by Wood allowed Webb a chance but he shot weakly. Luvunga was harshly penalised for handball but Joe Mead's free kick was well claimed by Fogler. McBride denied Webb before half time.

Wembley started the second half sharply and carroll replaced Mokeni. Ogunseye had a smart shot parried away by Fogler but there were no takers for the loose ball. Witham saw a sharp drive go inches wide before he was cautioned for a nothing foul. He made amends soon after though when he drove home from the right hand corner of the box for a fine goal on 64 minutes. The Lions defence had the measure of Embalo but Ogunseye continued to pose the main threat for Wood. On 70 minutes it was 1-2 when some patient play saw an angled ball elude Willis and the cross found Witham who glanced his header in off the post. Willis was replaced by Burdon but it was the visitors looking the most likely to score again and when Wood did threaten, they found Fogler's handling impeccable. The excellent Witham fed Byron but McBride saved well and Korten was sent off for a late lunge on Ogunseye near the end of the game. There just was time for James to lob high and wide before the curtain came down on a season that threatened heartache but a spirited rally late in the season means optimism will be high for the new season which starts on August 3rd.

Wood 2-0 Horley Town

Wood won their penultimate league game following a hard fought game aginst Horley Town. Joe Mead was released to play in a cup final elsewhere as Wood celebrated avoiding a bottom three finish with a rampaging second half performance in a game that was anything but end of season fare. From the opening kick off, both sides took the game to the other with a fine Brackpool cross slipping form McBride's grasp but James was on hand to clear. Embalo was given the freedom of Cobham and his low shot was well saved by Chatfield and the lively Hughes almost picked out the Angolan with a fine pass. James passed back across the goal face but the ball bobbled and eluded McBride but the ever alert Hughes flicked the ball behind under strong pressure. Willis showed some good control but fired well wide and McCoy, Abbey and Hughes linked well to force a corner. Nathan Jupp caught Hughes with an elbow and he was treated for a bloody nose and a long free kick saw Pullin head just over for The Clarets. A clear foul , again by Ben Jupp, wasn't given yet an innocuous coming together went against Abbey. However, the referee looked in control as tempers simmered ever so slightly. Pullin tested McBride again following good possession but the keeper saved well with his legs. Abbey did well on the left to cross for McCoy who failed to sore his feet out. Nathan Jupp fired well wide and Embalo robbed Grant to feed Ogunseye but his cross was too near the keeper. James headed a Pullin cross over and Embalo produced a poor first touch from an Ogunseye pass. Grobler drove straight at Chatfield and a quick free kick saw embalm caught in the area with nothing given and two quick fouls from Horley players were not penalised.

Half Time 0-0. A committed performance from both sides with little between the sides.

Abbey sliced a clearance straight to McBride and a superb lobbed pass from Willis saw Embalo smash a volley against the bar from 12 yards as the pace continued relentlessly. However, there were signs of extra belief in Wood's play. Sam Mead read the threat well but he slipped on the ball and James did really well to block out Brown. Lang replaced Burdon and Willis moved into midfield. Nathan Jupp produced a hooked volley which was easy for the imposing McBride and from a throw in, some good play allowed Ogunseye a shot which sailed high and wide. Ogunseye and Embalo combined well on the right on 70 minutes for the latter to take the Clarets defence on and he was tripped in the area; penalty! Lang put the spot kick away in some style. The goal fired the visitors up but James was only denied a second Wood goal from a corner kick by Abbey by a last ditch deflection. A double substitution for Horley maintained the efforts for an equaliser and Embalo was flagged offside with Chatfield making a fine save anyway. Debrah replaced the excellent Willis and Abbey fired over from 25 yards. Embalo headed a corner straight at the keeper before the points were made safe on 86 minutes. A rare visiting error saw Embalo in like a flash and he chipped Chatfield from 15 yards via a deflection. Debrah sliced an effort well wide and Guscott was booked for a foul on Abbey. Debrah was booked for stopping a breakaway and Wilson fired a free kick over the bar at the death.

Credit to both sides for serving up a more entertaining game than was predicted. For Wood, that is 22 points from their last 30. Promotion form!

Wood 5-2 Croydon

Wood expected, and received, a tough game from Croydon on a lovely evening for football at Cobham. A late arrival for The Trams leading scorer meant a quick team change with Cornish wearing the 11 shirt. Ogunseye sprung the offside trap but Ameyaw was off his line smartly to deny him and Embalo fired a follow up well over the bar. Thompson put Pratt in but Sam Mead held him up well but on 8 minutes, Wood were ahead. McCoy and Willis linked well on the right and the latter's cross was nodded across the goal by Grobler and Embalo got enough on the ball to see it over the line. McBride claimed a Smith flick on and a quick free kick from Joe Mead saw Abbey cross to the front post where Embalo flashed his header inches wide. The Willis/McKoy combination put Ogunseye in but his two efforts were blocked while Smith really should have done better when he failed to connect to a deep free kick. Willis played Embalo in and his quick turn and front post drive saw a good save from Ameyaw. A quick Trams break saw the lively Douglin flick the ball on and it hit Sam Mead on the arm. Penalty! The Croydon skipper made no mistake from the harsh spot kick. Embalo was honest in staying on his feet when caught in the area and Cover might have seen yellow for a poor challenge on Ogunseye. Croydon enjoyed a fine spell of possession and passing but could find no end product and on 31 minutes they fell behind again when Willis put Embalo in, clearly onside, and he lobbed the keeper easily from close range. Ameyaw made a superb block from Ogunseye and on 33 minutes his pull back allowed Embalo to claim a hat trick. He should have made it four when played in superbly but he fired over but on 39 minutes it was 4-1 when Hughes fed Abbey on the left, His shot was blocked but the ball fell to the Angolan and his shot, on target, deflected in off the hapless Thompson. Douglin clattered Joe Mead, a good battle between these two, while Willis, always keen to get forward, produced a mazy run but had one touch too many. Half time 4-1 – rather flattering given the balance of possession but very welcome nonetheless!

Grobler fired over from 20 yards and McBride claimed two easy saves before a run and cross from the left by Abbey saw James fire against the post. Where did he come from? Willis bailed out a rare Hughes error and De Almeida flicked a free kick over the bar. The visitors were still playing some crisp football, led by Douglin and Fowler in particular but The Wood back four is a better defence than the ninety odd goals they have conceded in the league would suggest. Hughes cleared the ball behind but a goal kick was given and there were penalty shouts as Ameyaw denied Ogunseye with a two footed block, a definite free kick if outside the area! McBride, showing fine composure, claimed a free kick well and Embalo squared the ball to Abbey whose shot hit the far post. The Trams were back in it on 67 minutes when Fowler let fly from 30 yards and netted in spectacular style. Wood were a little edgy now and a third visiting goal would have made it interesting. Lang replaced Willis and Binns produced a fine tackle to deny an Ogunseye break. McBride saved a Pratt drive well and Binns was superb again in denying Embalo a fifth goal. Watching the quick and expansive football from both sides one wondered why these clubs are where they are in the table. James fed Abbey but he over hit his pass to Embalo but he made it 5-2 on 78 minutes when he produced a stunning turn and finish after good work from Lang. Ogunseye, somehow, fired over from two yards and Debrah replaced Grobler. Ankumu came on for Hughes at the death and the first caution of the game went to Hanmore for a wild tackle on Abbey. McBride made a final good catch before a superb break should have seen a sixth goal from Embalo but he dallied and his effort was blocked.

A crucial three points for Wood and, by Tuesday evening, they will know exactly what they need to do from their final two home matches starting with Horley Town on Friday evening.

Camberley Town 2-1 Wood

It was a case of “after the lord mayor's show” for Wood as they went down in Camberley Town's last match of the season. Morning showers had left the pitch in good condition despite the infamous slope. Wood were without Lang, James and Coles for whom Kadir Kone deputised between the sticks. Wood have been given permission to sign an emergency goalkeeper by the league. Resplendent in their lucky green kit, Wood were on the back foot as Embalo headed a front post corner clear as a stiff wind was joined by bright sunshine and intermittent showers. Cambo are without a win in eight games and probably need three points to be sure of safety. Their commitment to the cause was not in doubt as the referee allowed several lively tackles to go unpunished. Kone parried an Oakley effort away and Agyeman and Burch were spoken to by referee Wells for further off ball altercations. Willis did well to clear a long Fisher pass and Wilson saw his shot blocked and Oakley spun and smashed his shot well over. This error strewn and, quite frankly, dull game was a million miles from Wednesday's proceedings. Westbrook claimed the ball ahead of Ogunseye and Sam Mead cleaned up following a loose Ankumu header. The Wood skipper did brilliantly in heading and then blocking efforts from a corner and Kone claimed the follow up corner with aplomb. Hughes sliced a shot wide following good work from Abbey and Ogunseye. Ford deflected an Ogunseye effort wide and Burch fired well wide in keeping with the poor quality of the game. Hughes rescued Kone and cleared the danger and Joe Mead produced a fine save from Westbrook as half time, thankfully, arrived.

Camberley started the second period on the front foot and went ahead on 51 minutes when a long free kick saw the Wood defence play “after you Claude” and Ford, aiming to cross, caught out Kone high up at his front post. Seven minutes later, it was 2-0. From a corner kick on the Cambo left, Kone was impeded but should have done better and Meade stabbed home from close range.

Having seen Jewell foul Grobler, there was no need for Wilson to foul the same player on the edge of the box from the free kick and Joe Mead punished this error with a superb shot leaving everyone watching in awe. So 1-2 on 62 minutes and all to play for. Kone pulled off a superb point blank save from Burch and a wrist injury to a home player took some time to resolve. There were handball penalty shouts at both ends which were, correctly, turned down and Debrah replaced Abbey. Ogunseye poked an effort well wide and Debrah headed a Joe Mead free kick even further wide. Agyeman was booked for dissent as the referee's patience finally gave way. Grobler was penalised for the same offence which led to Cambo's second goal and Jewell was booked for a foul on Hughes. Wood failed to add to their goal and, to be fair, rarely threatened all day but with three home games to come, it is hoped that sufficient points can be gained to avoid a bottom three finish. They will have to play better than this though!

Wood 4-2 Guernsey

With five matches remaining, the match up with high flying Guernsey was looked upon by some as if we can get anything then all well and good. What unfolded was a superb team performance and a spectacular result which came close to matching last year's superb league cup final for entertainment value. Add to that the inclusion of Matt le Tissier to the Green Lions bench and interest from Sky Sports; the evening promised to be lively.

Wood opened brightly and Ogunseye fired over from a Grobler pass. Loaring. Already looking impressive, saw his cross shot parried away by Coles and he was clattered into by Bradford following an impressive catch. Grobler skied two shots well over, perhaps getting a little over excited and lacking composure. Isabelle forced a corner which came to nothing and Abbey set up Ogunseye whose shot clipped the outside of Hamon's front post. Coles produced a fine block from Loaring as Guernsey got a foothold in midfield and James headed a dangerous Heaume cross behind. On 19 minutes, Grobler conceded a free kick which Le Prevost put away low to Coles right; a clever placement, and soon after, Coles tipped an Isabelle angled shot over the bar. The game was quick and pleasing on the eye now and the lively Ogunseye and McCoy combined for a cross to just elude Embalo at the far post. Lang and Ogunseye, again on the right, set up embalm whose shot hit the far post and Abbey blazed the rebound over. Sam Mead did well to deny Loaring after a rare poor pass from Hughes and Coles needed two attempts to claim a high cross. On 38 minutes it was 1-1 when Embalo did well on the left and found Ogunseye who smashed the ball past Hamon from 15 yards. That lead lasted 50 seconds as a midfield mix up saw a slick channel ball find Loaring who cleverly lobbed Coles in off the far post. Earlier in the season, that setback would have hurt Wood but not now although Coles claimed a free kick after James put Grobler under pressure and he conceded a foul. Into first half stoppage time and Wood were awarded a free kick inside the Guernsey half. Lang floated a fine ball up to James who flicked home with a back header into the net off the retreating Cochrane. Coles went down unchallenged and was replaced by Ankumu between the sticks with the Wood entourage wondering if he had ever played in goal before. McCoy fired a shot over and Joe Mead couldn't get enough on the ball having been played in by Lang and Ogunseye. Half time 2-2 and time to catch our breaths!

With lots of filming and snapping going on, Wood continued on the front foot and Embalo toe poked wide following a neat passing move. The first yellow card went to Guernsey but there was barely a bad tackle in a game that showed the best of the CCL. Ogunseye continued to terrorise a rather labouring Guernsey back line and his run and cross saw Embalo blaze wide off balance. Wood went ahead on 56 minutes when the impressive James stepped in and his long pass saw Embalo slip behind the defence and prod home past Hamon. Superb pace from the Angolan! Abbey appeared to be tripped in the corner of the box but nothing was given and Ankumu was called into action to deny a Hutton run and shot in parrying the ball behind. Geall came on for the visitors but on 72 minutes it was 4-2. Hughes read a Guernsey threat well and found the impressive Joe Mead. He put Embalo away on the right and he volleyed in off the far post in great style from an awkward angle. Isabelle fired wide from 25 yards as Wallbridge came on for the Green Lions. Wood had some luck when a Heaume cross was flapped at by Ankumu and Bradford blazed over from 12 yards. Joe mead was clearly fouled but he was booked for dissent when nothing was given. Willis replaced the injured Grobler and a big cheer for Le Tissier as he replaced McKenzie. Abbey and Embalo showed superb skill with the latter forcing Hamon to tip his fierce shot over and Abbey was in from a throw in but fired tamely wide. Ankumu claimed a lob intended for Le Tissier and Willis was booked for a late tackle on Bradford. Debrah, on as a sub for McCoy at the death, produced a superb turn which epitomised the all round outstanding performance of the time, a team described as “one trick ponies” by the visitors greatest rivals recently!

Guernsey were gracious in defeat on and off the field and one can only hope that we will see them again one day, this time at Wibbandune. A great evening!

Ash United 0-1 Wood

A glorious spring day, and not a cloud in the sky, welcomed the sides for this “six pointer” at the foot of the CCL Premier Division. There was little finesse in the early exchanges with both sides determined to dominate a referee that, in those early stages, looked as if he would have his hands full. Norman was warned as to his continuing foul language, there should have been others, and Embalo was alert in receiving a quick free kick but he mis-kicked the ball over the byline. Agov claimed a tame Abbey strike. Hughes produced a fine run and pass and Joe Mead headed an Abbey corner straight at Agov. James and Hughes were both alert to clear any Ash threat and the home side were guilty of over hitting their final ball on several occasions. Shawfields has plenty of scope for expansion in the future but the sparse crowd suggests this is some time away, no doubt many locals watching the relegation fight at Aldershot! Rowley should have been booked for a reckless challenge from behind on Embalo and Sam Mead produced a calm nod back to Coles. Lang produced a fine pass to Hughes but the break on the left broke down and Norris was booked for persistent fouling. The ash skipper, Davies produced a low cross where Coles did well to deny Norman and Hughes continued to snuff out Ash threats with superb reading of the play. A long Grobler clearance saw Embalo put Ogunseye away but he fired wide of the near post and James headed a free kick wide. Agov claimed a McCoy cross and Coles did well again to claim a dangerous low cross from Parrott. Hanning headed over but was offside as the home side continued to get into the ear of the lady assistant referee. To be fair to the referee, he had managed to stamp some authority on the game by now. Grobler saw a 30 yard drive deflected over as Wood looked more settled as half time approached and some great link play between Ogunseye and Embalo saw the latter drive inches wide of the far post. McCoy did well to force a corner and Embalo saw his low cross well claimed by Agov.

The second half saw an early booking for Hughes for a foul on Parrott, easily the home side's most potent threat on the day and Coles did well to deny Parrott at his feet soon after. Yet another useful free kick for Ash saw Taylor head wide at the far post while Abbey's cross from the left was just to high for the onrushing Embalo. Parrott fired wide from distance as did Davies as it looked more likely that one goal could clinch the points. James and Sam Mead continued to come under aerial pressure and Pearson was booked for a clumsy lunge on a Wood defender. Joe mead drove inches over from 20 yards before Wood went ahead on 66 minutes. Ogunseye did well to keep the ball in and Ash conceded a throw in. Lang supplied Embalo and his low cross eluded Agov and Grobler smashed the ball home off the far post from close range. The Wood front line were all over Ash with their pace and movement and Joe Mead hit the bar from 20 yards and Agov produced a fine save from Abbey soon after. A 40 yard effort from Pearson, which was well wide, smacked of desperation fro Ash and Ogunseye was denied twice in quick succession, the latter chance a rare header. A 30 yard free kick from Joe Mead went just over and Coles claimed a free kick at the second attempt. McCoy was robbed of the ball and the play quickly switched to the left. A pinpoint cross saw Stamp head home but Wood were saved by the whistle as James was clearly pushed. Abbey was booked in stoppage time and James cleared a corner with a glancing header. Wood held out for a valuable three points and they can look forward to the visit of Guernsey on Wednesday with a degree of optimism. A final word on the officials who proved to be excellent all day!

Wood 2-1 Molesey

Wood's yo-yo existence at the foot of the CCL table continued when this win against Molesey lifted them out of immediate danger and set up a huge proverbial six pointer at Ash on Saturday.

Wood continue to suffer with availability issues but there was an air of optimism given their superb league record against The Moles in recent times. It was a mild evening though with a strong cross wind and, on a dry surface, good control was likely to be at a premium. Abbey and Embalo combined well for the former to fire straight at Young in The Moles goal and a long clearance was flicked on by Embalo to Ogunseye who beat the onrushing Young to the ball but saw his prod goal-wards cleared off the line. Wood were buzzing around all over the park but Molesey posed a threat when a Dilloway free kick found the unmarked Quarshie at the far post but he could only find the side netting when off balance. From a corner on the right, the ball fell to Burdon whose thirty yard strike was deflected a foot wide of the post and good possession on the left allowed Ogunseye a half chance which he pulled alarmingly wide via a miskick. The game did have an end of season feel about it and the players of both sides seemed amicable enough but Wood's need was greater. Webb fired a half volley over for the visitors on 27 minutes. The referee, though mostly correct, was a little too sharp on his whistle at times but he was consistent and the players seemed to get on well with him. Burdon cleared a dangerous corner with his head and Spencer had to concede a corner ahead of the prowling and menacing Embalo. Wood took the lead on 35 minutes when Ogunseye was fouled. Willis floated in the free kick from the right, on the wind, and Grobler ghosted in unmarked to smash home from close range. Soon after, an Abbey free kick nearly caught Young out and he had to tip the ball over. With half time approaching, Embalo saw his pull back cut out and Abbey could only find the side netting from a tight angle.

The wind appeared to have increased at the start of the second half meaning a tougher task for the home side. A good advantage by the referee after Hughes was fouled allowed Embalo to drive a shot which was well claimed by Young but on 62 minutes, Molesey levelled when a corner from the right was powerfully headed home by the unchallenged Webb. McCoy replaced Lang soon after. Strangely enough, the goal saw Wood come out and try to play more and an error strewn free kick fell to Ogunseye whose half volley sailed a yard wide of the upright. Wood's positivity paid off on 74 minutes when Embalo produced some superb hold up play and a sharp cross to Abbey. His header may have gone in but the ball was sliced into the net by the unfortunate Dilloway. Debrah replaced the excellent Burdon much to the latter's annoyance it appeared and Grobler produced a superb cut out from a threatening low cross. Coles claimed a long free kick well and Ogunseye might have done better when a jinking run and shot only found the side netting. The outstanding Embalo was harshly penalised and the referee asked Sam Mead, the Wood skipper, to calm him down. In stoppage time, Young saved a certain Ogunseye goal with his feet as Wood moved out of the bottom three once again.

Wood gave up few opportunities to the visitors thanks to a solid defensive and midfield showing and the front and wide players were a permanent threat all night. A good evening's work.

Wood 2-3 Windsor

There was more stoppage time heartache for Wood on Wednesday evening when a 95th minute close range strike cost them dear against Windsor at a rain swept Cobham.

This game was always going to have goals but we had to wait until the 44th minute for the first when a long Coles clearance found Embalo on the edge of the area and he unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner giving Marshall no chance. Up until then, the game was fairly even although the young Windsor side had gradually got control of midfield and Whittingham fired over from a tight angle and he also hit the bar when Hughes slipped at left back. Embalo fired just over from 20 yards via a clever lobbed volley and Coles denied Gould with a sharp save. The rain was getting heavy but the pitch was holding up well. Marshall produced a superb save from a 25 yard free kick and Embalo's overhead kick went inches over. A good advantage saw Ogunseye put Embalo in but Marshall was alert to clear the danger. Wood looked suspect at corner kicks and Coles made a fine block with defenders watching on. Wood had finished the half slightly on top and the goal was a welcome bonus although a fine free kick from the impressive Dexter saw no takers.

HT 1-0 – a slender lead but, having gone ahead now, would a draw be satisfactory?

As with the first half, little happened in the opening exchanges although Ankumu, nicely settled in at the back for Wood now was alert to deny the progressive day but on 63 minutes, The Royalists were level when Dexter broke through and slipped the ball between Coles' legs. Wood were fortunate soon after that Gould was inches away from a pinpoint cross from the left and Hughes did brilliantly to clear the danger as the visitors sensed a lead taking goal. That goal came on 77 minutes when more lethargic defending saw a cross headed home by Dexter in front of, and much to the delight of the travelling support. Charles replaced Willis for Wood and Windsor skipper, Butcher, was cautioned for kicking the ball away at a Wood free kick. That kick saw Marshall spill the ball but the referee blew for a foul as Embalo tried to prod the rebound home. Ogunseye was harshly booked for a fair challenge but it would be churlish to criticise an, otherwise, excellent referee (and his two assistants). Ankumu took one for the team when booked for a blatant block in denying a breakaway. Ogunseye blocked a clearance and Marshall produced the save of the match, one handed, to deny the equaliser and Abbey scuffed the second ball wide. Wood were handed a lifeline in the 89th minute when Grobler was pushed on the edge of the area at a free kick. A brave but correct decision and Joe Mead tucked the spot kick home neatly under huge pressure. So a point for Wood it seemed but, alas, no! In the fifth minute of stoppage time (and we are still not sure where that came from) a corner from the right was palmed away by Coles but the ball was quickly knocked back into the six yard area and Kalama, impressive at the back all night, spun and hooked home from close range into the roof of the net to break Wood's hearts.

No time to sulk for Wood as Croydon visit on Friday evening in what could be described as a must win game. Seven games left still – a lot of football to be played yet!

Chessington & Hook United 2-4 Wood

Wood made it seven points from three games with a comeback victory at a bumpy Chalky Lane on Saturday. With the cold easterly wind gone and the slight raise in temperature, the ground looked a picture but appearances can be deceptive as the ball pinged about making the players first touch vitally important. An angled pass put Wood skipper Lang in but he was thwarted by Daniels who also caught Lang but there were few protests. Embalo and Ogunseye were causing problems to the Chessy defence with their pace but needed to time their runs better judging by the amount of offside flags raised. Despite being fouled twice, Embalo gained a corner from which Grobler drove over the bar. From another corner, James was clearly pushed but the referee, despite putting the whistle to his mouth, opted out of an easy decision. Coles parried a dangerous shot away well while a fine low cross from the Chessy 11 saw no takers. Embalo curled high and wide and good play from Ogunseye and Lang saw Daniels save well. A front post corner saw Butler head inches over and he received a caution for not retreating at a Wood free kick. A fine Willis free kick saw the ball rebound off James' shins and Daniels made a superb reflex save on the line. Wood went ahead on 34 minutes when Embalo robbed a defender and found abbey who was tripped in the area. Lang put the spot kick into the top right hand corner of the net in some style. Wood went for a second goal when James cut out a through ball and fed Willis. He found Ogunseye who curled a shot inches over from the corner of the area. He fired just over soon after as Chessy went a little quiet under the onslaught. However, Daniels and Butler still looked threatening and Coles made a superb save from the latter to tip the ball round the post. Wood were denied another penalty when Ogunseye appeared to have been tripped while Harding chipped just wide from a Chessy breakaway. The home side's frustration came to the fore when Harding recklessly hacked at Abbey as the half time whistle sounded. Any result is still possible at this stage.

McCoy replaced Burdon. James did well to deny Harding while the Chessy 11 was cautioned and immediately subbed and he removed his shirt in protest as he left the field. James forced a corner into the net with his head but the goal was disallowed for offside against Embalo and James and the Chessy 5 were booked for a handbags incident. A driven free kick deflected of Ankumu and Coles produced yet another fine save but on 63 minutes it was all square. Coles spilt a free kick onto the bar and over and from the corner kick Jamie Ellis headed home powerfully and unchallenged from 8 yards. Worse was to follow two minutes later when chaos ensued in the area and Harding drilled home from ten yards through a crowd of players. Wood looked stunned but immediately switched Willis into midfield. Harding prodded wide when in on the right but Wood were level on 78 minutes when Willis fed the tireless Embalo who in turn found Abbey who scuffed his shot into the bottom corner of the net. Lang pulled a shot wide but on 83 minutes, Wood were ahead again when Embalo was put away and pulled back in the area. He shrugged off the challenge to find Ogunseye who had the simplest task of netting from close range. Wood were rampant now and although Lang failed to finish off another good passing move, it was 4-2 in stoppage time when Willis and Ogunseye linked well to find Embalo who rounded off a good day for Wood in driving home from 15 yards. Wood edged out of the bottom three but face two tricky home matches on Wednesday and Friday and recent performances suggest Wood may make the great escape once again.

Wood 0-0 Egham Town

Another freezing evening at Cobham but a team performance to warm the heart from Wood against the league leaders. With several regulars missing and just two subs on the bench, the odds appeared stacked against the home side but the opening exchanges augured well. Sleet and a strong and icy easterly wind had blighted the region all day but at kick off, the wind had eased and the pitch was in excellent condition, as usual. Jacobs crossed to the far post but Chandler-Joseph mis-kicked for the visitors and a fine Wood move featuring Ogunseye, Lang, the stand in skipper and Embalo saw Joe Mead drive over the bar from 25 yards. A sharp turn from Stanislaus saw Coles save his shot easily while Mead tried his luck from a 30 yard free kick which Borg watched clear the bar comfortably. Ogunseye burst past Ward but fired over when off balance and James flicked a Lang corner over the bar via a deflection but no corner was given. Soon after, another Lang corner found James 4 yards out but his miscued header fell easily for Borg with the tall defender perhaps surprised that the ball had reached him. The game was a good, if nervy, watch and Joseph fed Taylor-Ives who fired high and wide. Some fine play from Embalo and Hughes saw Ogunseye in on the right but he flashed his shot inches wide of the far post when he should have hit the target at least. Luke Muldowney rounded off a good Egham move but slicing wildly wide.

HT 0-0 – A grafting performance from Wood with little between the sides except for twenty places in the table.

On 54 minutes, another breakaway for Wood saw Ogunseye fire wide and Embalo showed great strength though not the end product soon after. Embalo robbed Taylor-Ives and fed Ogunseye but his cross was straight at Borg. Stand ins, Ankumu and Burdon were having superb games and the all round team spirit was there for all to see; Wood have experienced these relegation fights before! A powerful run from Hedges saw his shot hit Ankumu in the face amid farcical shouts for a penalty and the dangerous and progressive Hedges shot rather weakly at Coles following another surge forward. Yet another run saw his progression blocked by a combination of defenders underlining the great spirit of this Wood team. An over hit cross eluded Joseph and the visitors were getting a little frustrated. Two substitutions freshened thinks up for The Sarnies and Coles saved a Hedges shot easily. A long goal kick and flick on saw Embalo in on the right but he fired into the side netting. Some tenacious play from Wood earned a corner and a cross from Read saw Coles save bravely at the feet of an Egham forward to concede a corner. A dangerous cross saw Read nod across the goal and Brendan Muldowney hooked a volley just over the bar. Some slack defending saw Patrick Craig stab over the bar from 15 yards while Borg was alert to clear his lines ahead of the onrushing Wood forwards. Embalo got in on the right but running slightly away from goal he could only chip at the chest of Borg. McCoy replaced the excellent Abbey in the latter stages and Coles produced a match saving save to deny Hedges yet again. James dealt with a Stanislaus cross and the whistle sounded as the game entered the sixth minute of added time.

The first draw of the season was thoroughly deserved and as goalless draws go this was one of the better ones. Onwards to Chessington on Saturday for another severe test all of its own with even more availability issues!

Raynes Park Vale 2-4 Wood

Wood's fourth away league game in seven days finally saw them receive some luck as they picked up maximum points from a scrappy Merton Derby at Grand Drive.

Once again, skipper Sam Mead missed out due to a recurring back problem as Wood battled against a strong and cold easterly wind and the infamous slope. The early exchanges saw Vale take the game to Wood but Lemoh and Moore, a constant threat, wasted decent openings. A rare Frodsham slip saw Coles claim bravely at the feet of Moore. A trip on Joe Mead saw his free kick sail well over the bar and Embalo went even further over when he broke in on the right. Mark Skinner denied Embalo and Grobler blazed high and wide as Wood ploughed on against the elements in a game that did little to warm the gathered supporters. A decent Wood move saw a shot from Ogunseye blocked and Moore fired a free kick well over as the ageing ball boys were kept pretty active! Joe mead put the lively Abbey away and Mark Skinner was booked for tripping him up with many feeling this happened in the box. No matter though as Joe Mead stroked the 19 yard free kick into the net with Adam Skinner flat footed behind his poorly set up wall. He did better soon after in denying Abbey. Embalo broke away and saw his effort cleared off the line while More produced a fine turn and shot which rebounded off the bar from about ten yards. A short corner routine by Vale saw a low cross clip the far post and Hughes was relieved to clear the ball. In stoppage time, Embalo got in on the left and pulled the ball back to Ogunseye who managed to get the ball away from a flailing Adam Skinner and the fly hacked clearance hit Abbey and looped up into the empty net. A scrappy but welcome goal for the visitors.

At last some good fortune for Wood who, at times, rode their luck but memories were stirred of the two goal lead thrown away here last season.

Burdon replaced Grobler who had a badly swollen ankle. Hughes fired tamely from distance and a scrappy half was brought to life on 59 minutes when Lemoh was caught by Willis and Moore put the spot kick away with aplomb. Wood rallied and two minutes later restored the two goal cushion when Lang got in on the right and his low cross was swiftly despatched by the onrushing Embalo. Ogunseye produced a fine cross which saw two Embalo headers dealt with while James appeared at the far post to meet an Embalo cross but his clever header eluded the far post by inches. A good wall pass saw Coles save at Moore's feet bravely again but on 77 minutes it was 2-3. A cross was punched clear but the ball went wide again to Moore and his pinpoint low cross was driven home by the unmarked Herron. Ogunseye was denied by a last ditch tackle while Embalo set up Abbey who failed to get his shot away in time. Wood made the game safe in the last minute when the tireless Embalo chased down, and won, the ball on the left. His excellent far post pass with the outside of his foot found Lang who quickly fed Ogunseye and he really couldn't miss from close range.

A vital win for Wood given other results but with the league leaders, Egham Town, visiting on Thursday, Wood will miss Frodsham and they will hope for good injury news regarding Sam Mead and Grobler.

Highlights Here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRLqKjHPbiQ

 

Photos Here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuarttree/sets/72157633141081371/

South Park 3-2 Wood
 
Wood went down in the 5th minute of stoppage time at South Park on Saturday to a 2-3 defeat which leaves relegation a serious likelihood following results elsewhere.

The day started badly when skipper, Sam mead, aggravated a back injury in the warm up with Dre Grobler taking on the arm band. With the reserves playing at Leatherhead, Wood only had one fit sub as snow flurries threatened overhead. Park were without normal keeper James Wastell and his replacement, Bow, denied Grobler early on. Wood went ahead on six minutes when Dan Hughes jinked his way through a static defence and set up Ogunseye who netted despite Bow's best efforts. Park looked edgy at the back but neither side looked anything like on form. The home side levelled on 28 minutes when a low driven corner from the right eluded everyone and Parker bundled the ball home ahead of Lang at the far post. The bobbly pitch, though well grassed, was not conducive to flowing football although Coles saved well following a decent Parker effort. Lavery took james to the cleaners and set up George Smith but he fired well wide. Lang flicked a Grobler free kick on but Embalo headed well wide and james did well to deny a Park breakaway. Grobler had two attempts in quick succession but on 44 minutes, the home side went ahead when George Smith robbed Joe mead and bore down on goal on the right. He drilled his 20 yard shot in off the far post. Wilson looked to have made it 3-1 when heading home a deep free kick but the offside flag rescued Wood and moments later, three minutes into stoppage time. Wood were level when Joe Mead put Embalo away and he lobbed the advancing Bow and the Park defender could only help the ball into the net.

James denied Parker in the early second half exchanges and Embalo failed to punish yet another defensive error by the home side. Players were treading on the ball and the passing, at times, was woeful but thankfully the sun appeared briefly to cheer the entourage up a touch. James headed a mead free kick wide when off balance and Coles made a fine save from ward who was flagged for offside. Hughes made an error but Coles was brave to deny Burgess and a weak back header from Willis saw parker take the ball past Coles but he fired well over off balance. Mead fed Embalo but his square pass to the unmarked McCoy, easily Wood's biggest threat on the day, was under hit. Bow saved a lame Embalo shot and he did well to scramble back to palm a Mead 35 yard chip behind for a corner. James headed another mead free kick inches over the bar and Abbey replaced Ogunseye on 73 minutes. Both sides looked jaded and Hall fall over when just needing to round Coles when put clean through. Stafford produced a superb block to deny Embalo and Coles produced a superb save to deny Hall. Stafford was booked for a desperate lunge on McCoy and Miles was booked for dissent. Chris Smith completed a hat trick of cards for shirt pulling and Willis was alert to deny Wood. Coles produced another superb save to deny George Smith in the first of four minutes stoppage time and Higgins headed over at the far post. Just as the whistle was about to sound, Coles was held up in traffic in trying to punch a hopeful lob clear and the ball, not for the first time in meetings between these two sides, fell to Chris Smith who volleyed the winning goal and it was a weary Wood team and management who traipsed off the field as the whistle sounded seconds later.

Other results were bad for Wood today and they will need to dig deep if they are to rally in the Merton Derby on Monday morning!

Epsom & Ewell 3-2 Wood

Despite another defeat, Wood gave a good account of themselves against another side at the top of the table, underlining the competitive nature of the league this season. The pitch was in fine condition on another cold night at High Road and the artificial runs for the assistants looked a welcome addition to the Chipstead facilities. The players ran out to music from Runrig (haven't heard them for years) although the kick off was seven minutes late for no apparent reason!

Dan Coles was alert to deny a good passing move for The Salts but it was clear from the early exchanges that Wood were not here to make up the numbers. Mario Embalo, Wood's lone striker, held the ball up for Dre Grobler whose 25 yard shot was parried by White and Coles tipped a drive wide for a corner. Despite the dropping temperature, the signs were of an entertaining game by two passing sides. Wood put together a patient move on the right which led to Chris Burdon firing just wide of the upright. Epsom's 11 was booked for a poor challenge and from that free kick, Embalo beat White to the ball but Cornell McKoy's rebound shot was blocked. Embalo robbed the ball in midfield and fed Eli Ogunseye but his cross/shot was poor. But it was the home side who went ahead on 26 minutes when. Following sustained pressure, Robbie Burns headed home from close range. Epsom are clearly a dangerous attacking side but the goal was harsh on Wood. Embalo and Dan Hughes fed Ogunseye but he dithered on the ball and his shot was blocked. Hughes saw a curling cross go just over the bar as the crowd headed for a half time warm up.

Substitute jarman headed inches over and a fine wall pass saw White, just about, parry a Hughes shot wide. On 53 minutes, it was all square when a deep free kick fell to Grobler and he smashed his volley into the roof of the net. Joe Mead wasted another decent chance when he shot weakly at White while Troy Abbey replaced Burdon on the hour mark. Wood haven't drawn a league game this season and that record looked like being extended when on 71 minutes, when a free kick was floated in from the left and Ayling back headed the ball into the net past a surprised Coles. Ilbert Ankumu replaced the injured Wood skipper, Sam Mead. Soon afterwards, it was game over from Wood when Jarman finsished off another fine passing move but Wood have a lot of fight in their squad and they set up an exciting finish on 83 minutes with a fine goal. Abbey burst through The Salts midfield and fed McCoy on the left. His shimmy and pin point pass saw Abbey drill the ball home low to White's right and it was game on again. To be fair to Epsom, they did enough to see the game out without too much trouble although both sides were still in attacking mode right to the final whistle. Wood won at South Park last season and they may need to repeat that if they are to avoid a relegation position come May when off field politics and restructuring may determine their fate.

Badshot Lea 1-0 Wood
 
Wood can count themselves very unfortunate to come away from a freezing evening with nothing to show for their efforts. In fact, it was difficult for most of the evening to see why there is such a gap between these two sides in the league table. The Godalming Town pitch was fine but the lights tested even the best of eyesights as Dan Coles was forced to push a cross shot wide for a corner in the first minute. Dre Grobler drove tamely at the keeper and Wood defended a melle following a corner to clear their lines. A quick break down the right saw a Mario Embalo header fall to Cornell McCoy but his snapshot was blocked well. The Baggies keeper did well under pressure from Embalo and Joe Mead hit an angled free kick straight down the keeper's throat soon after. Ben James was alert to deny a break on the right for the home side and the home keeper parried Joe Mead's free kick wide of the goal. Coles claimed a shot from distance and a short corner routine saw the home number 7's curling cross shot hit the bar. The cold conditions were not hindering either side who were both keen to get the ball down and pass with only the final ball lacking to make the game even more enthralling. There was a strong penalty shout following a foul on Embalo and a fine bout of play saw Elijah Ogunseye flash a shot just wide of the far post. Dan Hughes and Embalo linked well to set up Joe Mead but his shot flew a foot over the bar. An early low cross to McCoy saw his shot blocked as the half ended all square.

Joe Mead fed Grobler but his chipped shot went inches over the bar and Coles denied the baggies 2 well although an offside flag would have saved the visitors anyway. Embalo was not receiving any favours from the referee as he was clearly hauled down on the edge of the area while the frustration of the home side became clear as two quick fire yellow cards for dissent were handed out. Embalo headed a Steve Lang corner over the bar and Phil Frodsham did well to snuff out a home threat. The hoe keepr, Matt Watson, claimed a Joe mead cross at the second attempt but there were a few signs of tiredness in Wood's central midfield. Josh Pearson fired a warning when driving over the bar and it was clear that one goal may clinch the points as both sides continued to play attractive football at pace. That goal came in the 79th minute when Badshot Lea kept the ball well in front of an unprotected back four and the ball fell to Pearson whose 20 yard shot was worthy of winning any game; wide to the right of Coles. A double substitution for Wood saw Mathurin and Burdon replacing James and Grobler. The Baggies missed two golden opportunities to put the game to bed while Mathurin shot at Watson and at the death, Ogunseye fed Embalo who was denied by a superb match winning save from Watson.

The old adage of when you are at the bottom, nothing goes your way, could not be more true as even the most partizan home supporter felt a draw would have been the correct result. Onwards to Epsom & Ewell on Thursday for another severe test for Wood.

 Dorking 2-0 Wood

Wood went down disappointingly 0-2 at Dorking having recorded impressive back to back wins previously. The cold snap had abated and the pitch was perfectly playable although the players and committee arrived in darkness, unsure if the game was on. Adam Willis, resigned from AFC Hayes, was on the bench for Wood.

The Dorking side had a different look to it from the one that won at Wibbandune earlier in the season and they opened the more positive side. Coles claimed a low cross from number 7 and Grobler fired a volley which was well parried by the Chicks keeper, Charles. Coles and Frodsham combined to clear their lines and Coles tipped a Cole-Bolt free kick brilliantly over the bar. Ogunseye broke on the right but he over hit his pass to Embalo. Ogunseye and McCoy linked up to feed Joe Mead whose 25 yard strike was easy for Charles. Embalo headed a Joe Mead free kick straight at Charles and Joe Mead burst through the Chicks midfield only to fire tamely at the goal.

Dorking went ahead on 31 minutes when the Wood midfield were caught too high up the field and Cole-Bolt slotted harper away and he scored smartly with the outside of his right foot. A good passing move from Wood ended with a weak shot from Grobler while the Dorking 4 was not yellow carded for a poor tackle, not his first, as the referee, resplendent in tights, tried to keep his cards warm in his pocket. Joe Mead hit the free kick over the bar.

HT 0-1 and the next goal could prove crucial to the outcome. Wood have had plenty of possession without really testing the Chicks defence and keeper.

That vital second goal came on 51 minutes when a long free kick saw Coles caught up in traffic and Seraphim looped his header into the unguarded net. The goal gave the home side even more belief but a better bout of passing saw an Ogunseye shot well held and his run and low cross soon afterwards saw not takers in the area. Harper should have been cautioned for kicking the ball away after the whistle had sounded as Jordan Willis was replaced by another forward. Dorking had the number 2 and Harper booked in quick succession as they strived to maintain their two goal advantage and Adam Willis replaced Grobler and Borland, for McCoy, also joined the fray late on. From a short corner routine, Borland headed wide at the far post but Wood could have few complaints as to this defeat and the Saturday game against Wembley takes on a bigger importance as things remain very tight at the foot of the table.


 Wood 3-1 Sandhurst Town

Wood completed a second league double in five days when they beat Sandhurst Town 3-1 on a drizzly evening at Cobham on Wednesday. Wood only had 13 players as Adrian Moreland pulled out with a back injury but they opened brightly in this vital six pointer. A Coles clearance saw a Mathurin shot deflected wide and James header the corner kick goal wards and Embalo blazed over the bar. Sam Mead found Ogunseye on the right where a handball denied the lively winger. The free kick saw Embalo fire over the bar again and soon after he over hit a cross giving the expectant strikers no chance of connecting. Town had the ball in the net on 22 minutes but a push came to Wood's rescue. McCoy over hit a pass before Wood, deservedly took the lead on the half hour mark. Grobler saw his 20 yard shot deflected into the path of Embalo who fired across the goal where the alert McCoy stooped to head in at the far post. Embalo was terrorising the Sandhurst defence and a sharp turn saw his shot miss the far post by inches. Frodsham showed composure to chest the ball down to Coles on a rare attack from the visitors.

Wood had a deserved but slender lead at half time.

James continued to show good control at the back for Wood with his height an extra bonus, but the visitors took the game to Wood although little of note happened in the early minutes of the second half. Sandhurst number 8 was cautioned for an innocuous foul and Willis replaced Grobler who was struggling with the ankle injury that he sustained on Saturday. A long angled free kick saw the volley from Embalo cleared off the line and Frodsham blocked a dangerous cross behind. Sandhurst 10 was booked for a late challenge on Sam Mead as Town stepped up their efforts. Lang came on on 66 minutes and a minute later it was 2-0. The excellent Joe Mead took a free kick on the left and found the head of Embalo in the area who scored neatly.Frodsham was booked for going through the back of a Town player and Joe Mead fed McCoy as part of a breakaway but he rushed his shot and fired wide. Embalo burst away on the left but his pass to Ogunseye fell short or the game would have been over. Sandhurst headed a free kick wide on 79 minutes and McCoy and Embalo combined to set up Joe mead but he curled his shot over the bar. On 86 minutes, it was 2-1 when Coles parried a free kick onto the post and number 16 netted from close range. In stoppage time, Ogunseye was upended in the box but Lang's spot kick hit both posts and was claimed by the keeper. Thankfully, soon after, Embalo clinched the points with a fine solo run and shot into the far corner of the net. There was still time for the keeper to deny Ogunseye and for Joe Mead to fire over before the whistle sounded to end the game and give Wood a little breathing room ahead of next Tuesday's vital game at Dorking. Hopefully the rest on Saturday will assist with all the injuries.

Hanworth Villa 1-4 Wood

Wood completed a deserved league double over Hanworth Villa at The Ranch to end a run of eleven successive defeats in all competitions and to move themselves out of the bottom three in the league table. Spring sunshine welcomed the teams and Wood were wearing their new all green change strip, a kit that may see further use following this performance. Villa had lost their past three league games since exiting from the FA Vase but it was the home side who nudged ahead as early as the fifth minute when the ball was pulled back to Levi King who smashed home from about 12 yards. Wood rallied immediately and Troy Abbey and Sam Mead fought bravely for the ball to allow Mario Embalo to lash a shot wide of the far post. Dre Grobler flicked on a long Phil Frodsham throw in which was claimed low down by the Villa keeper who must have been happy to see no Wood player following up. There was little between the sides and, despite the early setback, Wood looked capable of scoring. The equalising goal came on 27 minutes when Sam Mead and Chris Burdon won vital headers and Embalo ran on to the through ball to round the keeper and score comfortably. Cornell McCoy replaced Abbey (hamstring injury) and Wood were dealt a further blow when Burdon limped off to be replaced by Michael Mathurin. McKoy's impact was immediate when he set up Embalo who fired wide and Dan Coles was alert in clearing his lines when Villa threatened momentarily. Eli Ogunseye over hit a pass to Embalo and the Villa 7 was booked for a blatant trip on Grobler. McCoy and Grobler combined well to cross for Embalo who saw his volley scrambled off the line as Wood finished the half in the ascendency.

The Ranch seemed quieter than usual and Wood opened the second half brightly. McCoy netted a Joe Mead cross from close range but was adjudged to be offside and a fine Frodsham pass saw Joe Mead earn a free kick by the corner flag. The cross was headed goal wards by Ben James only to be brilliantly palmed out by the keeper and Embalo was flagged offside as he looked to convert the rebound. Neither side were sporting shirt sponsorship, perhaps an indictment of the current financial climate. Coles claimed a 25 yard drive comfortably but it was Wood who were the dominant force which was rewarded on 55 minutes. McCoy and Dan Hughes combined well on the left for the diminutive and hard working defender to drift into the box and score off the far post despite rather scuffing his shot. Three minutes later, Wood extended their lead when Ogunseye was tripped in the area and Joe Mead sent the keeper the wrong was to allow Wood a second successive penalty conversion. Ogunseye and Embalo were running riot now, ably supported by a solid defence and midfield. Although a Villa substitute headed against the angle of the woodwork from a corner kick, Wood looked the better side and the Villa number 3 was booked for a foul on Ogunseye. Grobler fed Ogunseye who set up Embalo but he fired over but on 73 minutes it was game over. Jordan Willis, on for the injured Grobler combined well with McCoy to play Joe Mead in and he curled a superb shot from 30 yards giving the keeper no chance. Willis did well again to find Embalo who squared for Mathurin who chose to lob the oncoming keeper rather than wait for the ball to drop and his effort cleared the bar. Coles claimed a header from the Villa 4 as the home side looked to salvage some pride and he palmed a corner away well soon after. Willis had slotted into the midfield well and he put Embalo away but the keeper blocked and James did well to deflect another effort from distance behind. On another day, Wood would have added several goals to their tally but they were grateful for this deserved win which came about as everyone chipped in with good performances. The visit of Sandhurst on Wednesday is keenly anticipated and Wood will be hoping their numerous injuries clear up in time.

 Wood 1-2 South Park

Wood suffered another agonising defeat on another good playing surface at Cobham.

The evening began in a rather sombre mood as a minutes silence was observed for the late Maryse Oakes, a loyal and dedicated officer of the Southern Youth League.

Despite an opening salvo from Troy Abbey for Wood, it was the worst possible start for Wood when a long throw from the right was flicked on by Park defender, Justin David, and, almost in slow motion, the ball nestled in the far corner of the net.

That lead lasted just four minutes or so when a Wood free kick on the left was only cleared to Abbey and he turned and fired home from just inside the area. Dan Coles threw a sloppy ball to the returning Ben James who was dispossessed and a crisp one two saw a shot chipped well over the bar. Coles made amends as the direct nature of park's play saw david smith in on the right but the keeper made a fine save. Mario Embalo tussled for a through ball with Nathan Miles with the latter receiving a free kick, a soft option by the referee. Chris Smith fired across the goal face as the visitors continued to get the ball forward quickly but, in fairness, the re-shuffled back line were containing the ambitious Reigate club. James Wastell claimed a Dre Grobler header and Jerry O'Sullivan was booked for fouling Troy Abbey. Right on half time, Wood cleared their lines and the ball was taken from the onrushing Wastell by Embalo but his shot clipped the bar and went over.

Park almost repeated their opening salvo via another long throw but this time the ball went wide of the far post. Coles made another fine save from david Smith who looked to have handled the ball and he repeated the feat in the 58th minute much to the frustration of the visiting side who weren't having things all their own way. Embalo spun Michael Smith on the left only to be hacked down. The yellow card was pretty obvious. Grobler was harshly cautioned for kicking the ball away, hardly time wasting given the scoreline and the need for Wood to carry on quickly. Decisions were going against Wood, as happens when a club is at the foot of the table, as Joe Mead was penalised for handball when the ball clearly hit his chest. Jordan Willis replaced the excellent Troy Abbey on 68 minutes. Coles parried a free kick behind and Joe Mead and Eli Ogunseye combined well for the latter to fire straight at Wastell from a tight angle. Kieran lavery fired inches wide for Park and Wood put together some fine football but lacked an end product. At this stage, a draw would have been the right result but, once again, the footballing gods had other ideas when on 82 minutes the ball fell to Chris Smith on the edge of the area and his shot caught a defender's foot and allowed the ball to curl agonisingly into the top corner of the net giving Coles no chance. James Bailey replaced Dan Hughes but no matter how hard Wood pressed at the finish, Park held on to claim the valuable three points.

This defeat, Wood's eleventh on the spin in all competitions, was probably the hardest of them all to take given the effort and commitment of the Wood players but they will go into Saturday's game at Hanworth Villa in confident mood. Park won fair and square but the referee, ever happy to inform the crowd of his standard, did himself no favours and would have been reprimanded by an assessor!

 Bedfont Sports 4-1 Wood

Wood's first ever visit to Bedfont Sports proved to be one to forget as cry offs and late arrivals scuppered the management's plans of avenging the 1-2 defeat at Wibbandune earlier in the season. On a very cold day, Wood, kicking off with ten players, actually looked the brighter team on an excellent playing surface. All was set for an entertaining day but this was thwarted by a very loud tannoy and some rather embarrassing language. A back pass bobbled past Sports keeper, Wines, and Grobler headed the resulting corner just over the bar. Mathurin fired a shot well wide before the home side took the lead on 16 minutes. A neat one two on the edge of the box saw a shot from Saville spilled by Coles and Watts tapped home unchallenged at the far post. Land had joined the fray making eleven players for Wood with Ogunseye now on the bench as just the one substitute available. Three minutes later it was 2-0 when the useful looking Baldock saw his initial shot part blocked by Coles and he had an easy job tapping home the rebound. Wines flapped rather at a well struck Joe Mead 30 yard free kick, underlining his recent good form for Wood ,and Grobler glanced a Willis cross just wide. Saville and Dewar picked up quick-fire yellow cards for Sports and watts conceded a corner with a goal line clearance.

On 31 minutes, the game looked up as Baldock held off the strong challenge of Sam Mead to score and five minutes later it was 0-4 when some poor defensive play on the left allowed Sports in too easily and Watts netted with his instep via the base of the far post. Joe Mead forced another good save from Wines following a 25 yard drive. Beadle forced the ball home for Sports on 43 minutes but this was chalked off for a foul on Coles and Baldock was denied his hat trick by a linesman's flag for offside. Embalo was book following some handbags right on half time.

Wood needed to show some pride in the second half and on 48 minutes, Embalo crossed for Joe Mead who saw his shot cleared off the line. Coles produced a superb tip over from Baldock but Wood looked a much better side now. Ogunseye replaced the hard working Moreland and on 68 minutes, Wood were awarded a penalty was Ogunseye was caught from behind on the corner of the box. Despite missing nine out of thirteen penalties this season as a club, Lang made no mistake sending Wines the wrong was and thus restoring some pride. Abbey fired into the side netting and Azagba fired a volley well wide for Sports. Wood were looking resplendent in their new white and blue away kit and they were certainly playing better now although one wondered just how much Sports needed to do to claim the points. Abbey was reprimanded for flicking out at Saville and Wines produced a fine save to deny Ogunseye following a Grobler pass. The spirit shown in the second half was good to see but, in all honesty, we were rather shambolic in the first half and did not do ourselves justice, on and off the field. We move on to another tough game on Wednesday against South Park where we should have a full compliment of players

 Hartley Wintney 2-0 Wood

Having ploughed through heavy rush hour traffic, Wood arrived at a cold memorial Ground for the proverbial six pointer against in form hartley Wintney. Once again, unavailability hit the Wood squad but they were greeted by a good playing surface. Not surprisingly, it was the home team who looked sharpest early on as Wood had faced an extra time cup defeat on the Monday evening and Hollamby hit the bar in the second minute and Frodsham did well to deny home skipper, Stephens, soon afterwards. Embalo shot tamely at the Hartley keeper and Sam Mead and Stephens came together with no penalty awarded to Hartley. Frodsham made a superb double tackle and Coles claimed a shot before making a superb tip over from Stephens to concede a corner. That corner, on 16 minutes, from the left was met powerfully by Lloyd to open the scoring. Coles continued to excel when saving with his legs to deny a one on one situation soon after. At last, Wood got into the game when Ogunseye did well on the right but the keeper claimed his low cross ahead of an out of sorts Embalo. Joe Mead saw a free kick cleared to Grobler who fired inches wide with the keeper flat footed. Coles was smartly off his line to deny a break on the right and Boreland had an effort cleared off the line following more neat play from Ogunseye. Hartley saw an overhead kick clear the bar and a good Wood break saw Hughes, riddled with a heavy cold, shoot weakly. A long range shot flew over Coles bar; a big penalty shout was turned down and Coles superbly tipped a deflected shot over as the home side looked favourites to extend their lead before the break, their confidence obvious from their recent run of results and they are defending in numbers when need be.

The second half started much the same as the first with Dillon spurning two chances in quick succession and Moreland overran a pass for a goal kick from a quick free kick. At 0-1 Wood were always in with a chance and as the game progressed, Hartley became a little edgy, relying on quick breakaways while defending their valuable lead. Nichols received a yellow card for a poor tackle on Ogunseye and Moreland fired high and wide. Frodsham denied a second Hartley goal with a fine last ditch tackle and Sam mead cleared the danger, the pair of them having fine games for the cause. Embalo produced a rare magic moment with a superb touch and volley which was well saved at the front post by the keeper. Mathurin replaced Moreland and new signing, James bailey, came on for the ailing Hughes. Coles denied the lively Stephens once again when an offside flag should have been raised and some slack Wood defending saw Coles fingertips save the day yet again. Stephens was booked for kicking the ball away childishly while the news of a power cut at the Dorking v Molesey game (currently 2-0) raised a few smiles from the visiting Wood support. Sam Mead blocked bravely to keep Wood in the game and McCoy pulled the ball back to Bailey who flashed his shot a yard wide. There were huge shouts for a Wood penalty when Mathurin was clearly tripped but these were waved away and on the break, Hartley sealed the points in stoppage time. A corner from the right was partly cleared but fell to Hollamby who drove home. Sam Mead was cautioned for a comment when only requesting of the linesman who was offside in Hartley's latest move. The assistant's reply was not helpful ("I'm not telling you") and disrespectful to a superb servant to the club and football in general. He was taken off to avoid a further card being issued.

Wood had looked jaded for most of the evening but hung on bravely. The two centre halves were outstanding, as was Joe Mead in midfield. But, to be fair, Hartley had done enough to climb of the foot of the table and relegate Wood to the bottom spot following Dorking's 3-2 win over Molesey, another side apparently looking tired following Monday's cup exploits! Three tough games lie ahead for Wood's battle weary squad....weather permitting!

 Molesey 3-2 Wood (Surrey Senior Cup - after extra time)

Wood suffered extra time heartache at Walton Road on Monday evening following an enthralling Surrey Senior Cup tie.

Conditions were ideal for good football though the bobbly pitch made a good first touch imperative.

There was little goalmouth action until Quarshie pulled a shot wide on 10 minutes and it was Molesey who took the lead on 15 minutes. McBride, in for the cup tied Coles, saved from White before a Chalke cross found White ghosting in at the far post where he volleyed home neatly from close range unchallenged. This sparked Wood into life and Young in The Moles goal was brave to deny Embalo when in on goal from a Grobler pass. Young repeated the feat, again denying Embalo from a Hughes through ball on 23 minutes but a minute later Wood had better fortune when Young blocked an Ogunseye effort into the path of Embalo who volleyed home off a defender's head into the top of the net. McKoy found Joe Mead who drove just wide with the outside of his right foot and Pratley-Jones and Windsor might have done better for the home side but fluffed their lines. Pratley-Jones was booked for a foul on Lang, a touch harsh as a warning may have sufficed at this stage and McKoy and Young contrived to miss a fine Joe Mead cross and Young made a fine save from Ogunseye seconds after. Embalo and Ogunseye were running riot and the former found the latter who forced a superb save from Young low to his right. A free kick from the right saw a fine nod down from Quarshie which just eluded White and a good move between Lang, McKoy, Embalo and Borland fed Hughes whose cross just went wide of the far post.

At half time, Wood were ahead on clear chances with Young the busier of the two keepers. The second half began like the first with little happening of note but it was clear that Molesey were closing down quicker now. On 61 minutes, Embalo latched on to a long ball and appeared to have scored but the ball had entered the net via the side netting. This was immediately repaired. Embalo was outfought when in a threatening position and Ogunseye prodded inches wide when slipped in by the impressive Grobler. Joe Mead fired straight at Young and McBride made a double save to deny Quarshie, the first with his feet on 77 minutes. Corners from the right were causing Wood problems and Quarshie hooked a volley just wide from one of these and Grobler met a free kick at the far post only for his fine header to come back off the bar with Young floundering. From a right side corner, Chalke repeated the feat at the far post with McBride, this time, thankful to hear the thud against the bar.

The tie moved into extra time with Willis replacing the hard working Borland. A superb pass from Frodsham saw Embalo fire wide and Young denied the Angolan soon after, once again bravely at his feet. A quick free kick saw Ogunseye in again but he shot wide and Sam Mead made a great recovery tackle to deny Quarshie. On 100 minutes, Wood went ahead when Ogunseye and Embalo beat the offside calls for the former to bear down on goal and square to Embalo to tap home.

In the second period of extra time, Molesey went all out to level and were rewarded on 106 minutes when a free kick fell to Webb on the edge of the box and he spun sharply and volleyed low to McBride's left into the bottom corner of the net. Grant almost repeated the feat but fired over and Embalo, having rounded a defender, had to settle for a corner. McBride made a fine double save from Chalke and in the last minute of extra time, Webb spun in the box and his fierce volley struck Grobler on the arm. Penalty! Pratley-Jones made no mistake from the spot and the whistle sounded soon afterwards.

Two direct attack minded sides served up some good entertainment in a cup tie played in good spirit. Wood will regret all the missed opportunities, including no less than six “one on one's”, but the performance cannot be faulted with several players having their best games for some while. On to Hartley Wintney on Thursday (madness by the way!) for another tough game. Aren't they all?

Match highlights at this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_daSpn1Y-EA

Wood 1-5 Farnham Town
 
Another superbly prepared pitch at Cobham awaited these two struggling sides on an pleasant evening conducive to good football. Wood, who had won 4-1 at Farnham back in the distant autumn looked sharp up front but a poor back pass from Lang required keeper Coles to react quickly to deny a opening goal for the visitors. That denial didn't last long as the young Wood keeper cleared straight to and Dillon netted easily from close range. The Town keeper was brave to deny Ogunseye following good link play from Embalo and another fine break and spell off good passing from Wood saw Hughes denied at the front post by the Town keeper. Embalo set up the lively Hughes who fired wide and at this stage, Wood looked the most likely to level. However, Farnham looked together at the top end as well and on 31 minutes, a ball to the front post from the left saw Coles take the player and ball at the same time. Penalty! Smith sent Coles the wrong way. Wood continued to do what they are good at by fizzing the ball around a bewildered Town back line but the truth was that Farnham were doing the same to them . Bunyan skimmed the bar and Coles saved well from Smith

With the next goal crucial, It was Wood who netted on 41 minutes. Embalo had wasted a clear chance, dallying when in on goal with only a corner to show for his efforts. That corner was headed goal wards by Mathurin and the Town keeper spilled the ball enough for Grobler to lash home inches out. Wood were out of the game again as quickly as they were back in it when, on 44 minutes, Dillon was afforded too much time on the ball and he drove home low to Coles' right.

There was still enough time for an Embalo cross across the goal face to be ignored and the lively Angolan mis-kicked a shot from a fine pull back into the area..

Half Time 1-3.

The opening exchanges of the second half were fairly even with Mathurin scuffing a shot and Frodsham teeing up Embalo who remained rather shot shy again. A long ball from defence eluded the Wood back four and Smith finished clinically with his left foot off the underside of the bar At 1-4, it was game up for Wood in all honesty but they continued to play their traditional passing game. An Abbey cross to the front post saw Joe Mead head well wide. Willis replaced Lang and McKoy replaced Mathurin yet, within moments, it was 1-5 when Smith punished lethargic Wood defending to cross for Samuels who must have seen the unguarded net like a map of the world. Charles replaced Joe Mead and Wood played the rest of the game mostly in the Town half against a side who had done more than enough. Hughes hit the bar and also shot wide, easily the best Wood player on display. Embalo remained sharp however and he hit a post following a sharp turn. He was denied by a fine save before Wood were awarded a penalty following a foul on Abbey. Embalo's spot kick was not in keeping with his talent and a minute later, Wood missed yet another spot kick when Embalo was hauled down. Abbey reciprocated the mediocrity from 12 yards that has blighted the club all season!

22 games played, 6 won, 16 lost. Far too open as a team and an urgent need of back to basics.

Two games in three days next week will enable opportunities to work on the deficiencies!

 Wood 1-3 Ash United (played at Ash)

Wood were indebted to Ash United for allowing the use of their groun d for this home fixture. And that thanks was extended in, pretty much, presenting their fellow strugglers with all three points on a wet and heavy pitch in front of a sparse crowd.

As early as the first minute, Liam Ralls saw Dan Coles off his line and his thirty yard effort found its target. Wood haven't played a game for a month and it showed in the opening fifteen minutes as the “away” side dominated proceedings. A poor clearance from Coles saw Stephen Davies set up Ralls but the Wood keeper made amends with a good block. Wood had taken a look at Ash when they lost to Hartley Wintney in midweek and had made a note of the threat of the attacking play of Robert Parrot. He was pushed more forward to day as player/manager, Paul Booner, rung the changes and the former's free kick flew inches wide of the mark.

Wood were level on 29 minutes when Joe Mead found Mario Embalo and he showed good strength and an eye for goal with a superb finish from the edge of the box. Wood were flowing a little now, prompted by Steve Lang and Eli Ogunseye on the right in particular. Coles made a fine save and also thwarted Ash when they broke down their right flank. Midmore made a fine save in tipping an Embalo shot over following good play from Troy Abbey. Ash skipper, Sean Davies, conceded a corner as Embalo threatened again and Ash had the ball in the net when a Coles save was followed up but the offside flag spared Wood's blushes.

Half Time 1-1. Both sides look dangerous when playing direct football but the deterorating surface is difficult.

Just two minutes into the second half, Ash regained the lead. Having survived a right side corner, the following one from the left saw Taylor head home at the front post unchallenged. Sam Mead cleared a dangerous Ash move and Wood then began to dominate possession, continuing their passing game despite the conditions. Jordan Willis had a shot blocked and the Ash eleven and Dre Grobler were both booked. Cornell McKoy replaced Michael Mathurin and the Ash 5 was booked as Ash committed desperate fouls to stop Wood's progression. For all their dominance however, there were few chances created. The best came when Ogunseye fed McKoy on the right and Abbey met his cross with a header which was bundled behind. Andrew Charles replaced Grobler and Ade Borland came on for Willis. Phil frodsham fed Borland who passed to Abbey who curled a shot wide of the far post and on 85 minutes, the likely breakaway goal came from Ash when Coles couldn't hold a shot and Ralls bagged his second goal following up. Charles was booked for a reckless foul and the final whistle left Wood stuck fourth from bottom with another big test next Friday against Farnham and a tough County Cup game at Molesey on Tuesday. Having now completed half of their league fixtures, Wood have enough football qualities to get out of trouble, especially when the playing surfaces firm up. An extra physical presence could help the cause as well.

Wood Reserves 3-1 Hanworth Villa (at Cobham FC)

It had been a long time coming but Wood's reserve team finally won a league match this season at the twelfth time of asking. And when they took a fourth minute lead against Hanworth Villa they ended a run of nearly four hundred minutes without a goal. That lead came courtesy of a close range finish from Ade Borland after Andy Akumoah had done well on the right of the visitor's area. The pitch at Cobham was in decent nick bearing in mind all the recent weather issues we have suffered and it looked as though Wood were pleased to be playing at this much used venue despite the obvious chill factor and a blustery breeze. Troy Abbey, gaining valuable playing time, turned and fired wide from 20 yards and on 14 minutes, it should have been 2-0 when a long pass from skipper, Spencer Champ, saw Michael Mathurin get the better of the defender but he overrun the ball and the Villa keeper claimed the ball. But a minute later, he made amends as Villa failed to heed his warning as he controlled the ball well on the edge of the area, side-stepped a defender and finished coolly and clinically from 15 yards. With a little breathing room, one hoped Wood could play expansive passing football for the rest of the game. But it wasn't to be. In the 16th minute, Wood's midfield failed to track a cross-field run and when Fry was allowed the freedom of Surrey to turn sharply and, even then, there appeared little threat. But his right foot curling shot found the underside of the bar and crossed the line, much to the surprise of keeper John McBride who indicated that he may have lost the flight of the ball in the floodlights.

Andrew Charles was denied by a decent save from the diminuitive Villa keeper as the rest of the half saw a lot of effort but few real chances.

It was much of the same in the second period until the 53rd minute. Charles hit a fine free kick in from the left which the keeper got underneath but he could only parry the ball into the roof of the net. A good team move down the right flank saw the ball parried behind from a fine Charles cross and he saw another shot sail over the bar soon after. Champ should really have been cautioned as he thwarted a breakaway in cynical fashion and Dre Grobler showed some nice touches when bringing the ball out from the back. Villa dominated most of the play in the last fifteen minutes without really threatening a comeback as Wood avenged the 0-3 reverse at The ranch suffered just 25 days earlier. Wood now have to wait another 17 days for their next league match so a friendly may be organised to keep things ticking over.

 Wood 1-3 South Park (League Cup)

Yet another gallant performance went unrewarded as Wood slipped out of the league cup to a lively South Park at Cobham. On a good playing surface and on quite a pleasant evening for January, both sides went for the proverbial jugular in the early exchanges with some lame finishing from The Sparks and a lack of quality with the final ball from Wood ensuring a delay in the first goal. That goal came on fifteen minutes when Mathurin fed the lively Embalo and he coolly lobbed Wastell in The Sparks goal. Wood really should have added to that lead soon after when Grobler and Hughes linked up well. The cross from the right was met by Mathurin with a glancing volley which Wastell clawed away and he expertly tipped the second Mathurin effort just over the bar. Ogunseye, in flashes, was tormenting the visiting defence although he conceded a free kick which came to nothing. Wood tended to overplay at times in their own half, something which the more direct visiting side could not be accused of. Frodsham headed a dangerous cross behind and Sam mead and Hughes dallied in clearing the ball allowing a shot just over the bar. Sparks skipper Miles was booked for dissent and Lavery was also cautioned for a late challenge on Wood keeper McBride. Hughes rectified a Frodsham error in heading the ball behind and the visitors levelled things up on 39 minutes. Grobler, who was clearly fouled, was dispossessed and a slick one two on the edge of the box saw Dave Smith finish neatly. There was time for a mazy Miles run and shot as Wood looked to get in at half time on level terms.

Whilst the first half was fairly even, with Sparks perhaps shading possession, the second half was more dominant for the visitors. McBride saved well for the ever important Lavery and Embalo lobbed the keeper under severe pressure from the overworked Sparks back four. Wood allowed a hopeful ball to reach the box and a rare slip from McBride saw Lavery's hooked volley hit the side of the upright. Jamie David headed a corner inches wide and, on a rare breakaway, Abbey and Hughes linked expertly with the former seeing his shot deflected wide.

For all their possession, Sparks were being frustrated by Wood's rearguard action but on 66 minutes, as drizzle began to fall, that wall was breached when a sharp take and turn by Chris Smith saw the striker finish well. He missed another chance soon afterwards and Ade Borland replaced Mathurin. Sparks were on top now and another fine move on the right ended with a poor shot as Willis replaced Grobler in midfield. With time running out for Wood, desperate efforts to level, led by Joe Mead in particular, came to nothing and on 86 minutes, the game was up as Lavery punished a defensive error to make it 3-1. McBride was alert to rectify a Frodsham slip in denying Lavery and it is South Park who will visit Horley Town in the third round.

Wood are not far off the pace if recent matches against the better teams is the guideline but it is clear that the squad needs bolstering, especially for when the “six pointer” league matches come around.

Cove 3-2 Wood

Both clubs returned to league action following a long break due to the weather but it was the home side who prevailed in an exciting and keenly contested match up. Cove were much the better side in the first half on an understandably heavy playing surface but were mostly restricted to shots from distance as a resolute Wood defence hung on. Wood did force a corner when a Rexhepi pass to Ogunseye saw the lively winger's shot blocked behind for a corner. A fine cross from Ogunseye was cleared off the line but, to be fair, the game was mostly dominated by Cove who closed down quickly and passed the ball pretty well with Baxter and Akinwande particularly catching the eye. Coles made a fine save to deny Cove the opening goal before Wood took a surprise lead on 38 minutes. Rexhepi, gradually becoming more potent in midfield, found a fine pass to Mathurin and he bore down on goal to finish clinically into the top corner. And a minute later, Embalo hit the bar with a fine curling shot. Buck headed wide for Cove before they equalised on 42 minutes when Coles parried a shot into the path of Jeffers for an easy finish, though looking suspiciously offside! Cove passed up another opportunity before the half time whistle sounded.

The second half was more even though with fewer chances. Cove's commitment attracted four yellow cards with just the one for Wood but more worrying for the visitors was the loss of Talbot with a knee injury, adding to the problems of Wood's ever decreasing squad perhaps! On 66 minutes, Wood led again when Embalo fed Ogunseye on the right and he drilled a fine cross shot which was over the line before Embalo made sure. This was a good situation for the 13 man Wood squad but it didn't last as a corner was headed past Coles by Eagle assisted by a Rexhepi deflection on 75 minutes. Cove went ahead on 83 minutes with a classy goal when a superb reverse pass opened up the Wood right side of defence and Baxter finished smartly with a fine lob from an acute angle. The visitors never gave up and pushed the high flyers all the way and the home side celebrations at the sound of the final whistle probably said it all. With more people drinking in the bar than watching the game, it was disappointing not to see more people watching an attractive football match !This was a good effort by Wood against a useful opponent but more hard work will be required on Tuesday in the league cup tie against South Park at Cobham FC (7.30pm KO).

Cobham 0-2 Wood (Friendly)Click Here

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Cobham & Wood Players Await The Match Officials

Windsor 4-2 Wood
 
The milder weather arrived in time for Wood to travel to Windsor but at the conclusion of the game they may have wondered if it was all worth it. Following an impeccable minutes silence for Stags stalwart, Eli Baker, a supporter of over sixty years, Wood got off to the worst possible start on an excellently prepared playing surface. Ben Harris had a free kick tipped over the bar and when Dab Burnett got his angles wrong in claiming the wind assisted inswinging corner kick, Chris Ellis headed home from close range on just ninety seconds. Wood rallied and a Troy Abbey cross saw Mario Embalo blaze the ball over. A good strike clipped the crossbar but a corner was wrongly given before the visitors deservedly levelled on 24 minutes. Embalo fed Eli Ogunseye and his cross was converted by Abbey after Windsor failed to clear their lines. Harris drove inches wide for The Stags following a fine move and Burnett and Wood skipper needed treatment following a goal area collision with Windsor claiming a penalty kick to no avail. Ellis went on a powerful run but lost control of the ball. His lunge on Sam Mead was deemed worthy of no more than a yellow card and Embalo was clearly elbowed in the face in front of the assistant but nothing was given. Soon after, a cross saw Harris toe poke towards goal and Burnett got enough on it to see the ball past the post. In the second minute of stoppage time, Windsor regained the lead when a corner held up in the breeze and Luke Dexter headed home unchallenged.

Wood need to defend set pieces better but, on the first half preformance, they can be confident of a good second half showing, provided the referee is stronger!

Phil Frodsham turned up a decent opportunity on fifty minutes and there was a yellow card for the Windsor number 2 who was late on Carlos Talbot. Talbot was booked soon after for a clumsy tackle and Joe Mead found Ogunseye who cut inside and fired a yard wide of the far post. On the hour mark, a neat turn saw Gregson upended but Abbey's spot kick was saved by the legs of Rob Bullivant for yet another penalty failure this season. Harris was booked for a foul on Abbey soon after as the game began to detereorate somewhat with the home players getting into the ears of the flustered referee. Abbey was booked for a reactionary foul as Wood strove to level the game up. Windsor number 10 chipped poorly at Burnett and Grobler replaced Vigan Rexhepi on 69 minutes. A minute later and it was 2-2 when Abbey found Embalo with a long pass. The Angolan striker made mistake with a tidy finish. Grobler was booked for a cynical foul and the Windsor 10 was cautioned for comments to the referee. Dan Hughes replaced the tireless Abbey and he was soon fouled with the bemused crowd wondering why the home side received the free kick. A theatrical dive and holding of the face by a Windsor player saw Grobler receive his second yellow card even though he was nowhere near the incident and he was sent off as the game became more farcical. (Post match attempts to ascertain the reason for the card were fruitless as the referee remained in his changing room until 6pm). The dismissal was the catalyst for the home side to go on and win the game and on 82 minutes, Dexter tapped home from close range following a break on the right and two minutes later the game was up for the gallant Wood side as Jamie Wright stole in to score. Even then, Wood finished the stronger and better team as Ogunseye went close twice and Bullivant denied Gregson at the death. Thankfully, the home side were quieter now having achieved their target and Wood left the field lamenting a weak performance from the officials. The character shown by Wood throughout the game, and particularly at the end, augurs well for their obvious and imminent relegation scrap. There was nothing between the sides today, until the sending off! Whether the rereree got it right or not, it would be nice to see stronger officials at Wood matches with a tougher stance to player intimidation and appalling language! Badshot Lea away next week and we are all looking forward to it! Finally a word on the Windsor supporters who were amongst the most helpful and approachable I have met in a long while.

Wood 2-3 Ascot United (FA Vase 3rd Round) 

Wood suffered a disappointing exit from the FA Vase at the hands of Hellenic League Ascot United at Wibbandune on Saturday. And whilst the visitors were worthy opponents, it was the home side who pressed the self destruct button on 11 minutes. Ben Knight had already fired a warning shot to the Wood defence and a free kick to the corner of the box saw Dan Burnett come to claim the ball and then stop. A free header across the face of the goal allowed Knight to tap home into the unguarded net. That error was eradicated just a minute later when Chris Gregson was not closed down and he fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net with Chris Grace flat footed. A long free kick saw Mario Embalo head wide and grace was booked for, presumably, something he said to the referee. Dre Grobler saw a shot deflected high and wide and Dave Hancock clearly caught Gregson but nothing was awarded. To be fair to the Bedfordshire referee, Paul Forrester, he was allowing the game to flow and was not taken in by certain histrionics from some of the players. Burnett made a fine save with his feet from the lively Knight and Grace saved from gregson as the two number 9's looked to upstage each other. More slack defending from Wood allowed Rob Saunders a shot which was well dealt with before the Yellamen made it 2-1 on 38 minutes when Knight pounced on a poor back pass from Steve lang to round Burnett and score. Wood defended better to keep Knight out soon after but the visitors gained a penalty on 44 minutes when Phil Frodsham was adjudged to have nudged Lee Boon. Burnett made up for his earlier misjudgement when saving Rob Saunders' spot kick and also his follow up with his feet. Jeff lamb was cautioned for a foul on Grobler.

Wood were still in the game at half time and they would need to cut out the basic errors and compete stronger in the middle of the park.

Jon Bennett replaced Lee Boon on 49 minutes and four minutes later it was 3-1 to Ascot when Knight broke on the left and saw his shot blocked by Burnett. The rebound was passed back to Dave Hoar who couldn't really miss from eight yards. Ian Brooks replaced bennett soon after and Embalo headed a Gregson cross wide as the home side began to rally. Ascot were happy to defend in numbers and deny any space in behind their back four, a decent tactic given Wood's obvious pace up top. When Wood did get behind the full backs, which was becoming more frequent now, the first time crosses were not forthcoming. Vigan Rexhepi drove over from 20 yards and Joe Mead replaced Sam mead as Wood added to their midfield at the expense of the defence. Dan Hughes fed Gregson who forced a corner kick and on 66 minutes, Wood were given a way back into the game when a superb pass from Frodsham was brilliantly flicked over the defenders head by gregson who raced into the area where he was brought down. Wood's penalty woes this season continued however as Grace saved Rexhepi's effort low to his left. A Gregson free kick was deflected behind and Knight was put in behind the otherwise excellent left back Carlos Talbot only for Burnett to save again with his feet at the front post. Wood “supersub” Michael Mathurin replaced the tired Grobler on 75 minutes and Grace saved a lame Rexhepi shot. A fine through ball found Dave Hoar who expertly chipped Burnett only for the faintest of fingertips to guide the ball agonisingly inches wide for a corner kick. On 84 minutes, it was the visitors turn to make a defensive error which allowed Mathurin to round Grace and make it 2-3. The odds were on a draw as Wood piled forward in the closing minutes although Burnett denied Knight yet again with a superb save. Eli Ogunseye had a shot blocked and Rexhepi headed a free kick over while in stoppage time, a Joe Mead free kick was tipped round the post by the mostly unsighted Grace; the save of the match. Embalo headed the corner kick wide and the whistle blew to sounds of joy and relief for the visiting entourage.

This was your classic cup tie on a deteriorating surface. There was little between the sides and the game, well refereed and played in a superb spirit underlined by the friendly mixing of players and supporters after the game. Good luck to Ascot in the next round, we are a tad jealous of course.

Photos here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuarttree/sets/72157632197724237/?page=2

For Wood, they will have to re-group quickly ahead of two tough away days starting at a rejuvenated Windsor next Saturday....weather permitting.

 Wood 3-4 Hartley Wintney

Wood slipped to another home defeat and, even though they were missing several key players, they can have few complaints against bottom of the table Hartley Wintney who were fired up to claim a valuable three points.

The overnight frost had disappeared but it was pretty chilly at Wibbandune and the sparse crowd were not really warmed by the opening exchanges. Wood took the lead on 11 minutes when Chris Gregson's run to the byline and pull back found defender, Dre Grobler, who turned well and fired home past the helpless Craig Atkinson. The Row keeper claimed a poor touch from Mario Embalo and the visitors had two decent shouts for penalty kicks before they levelled things up on 28 minutes. Skipper Ryan Stephens had already missed a good chance before a neat pass allowed him far too much room and he drove past Dan Burnett from 15 yards. More defensive errors allowed Stephens another chance but Burnett saved with his legs but it was 1-2 on 32 minutes when a corner to the front post was not dealt with and Stephens slashed home from close range. That lead lasted just one minute as a Vigan Rexhepi free kick from the right was flicked on by Grobler and Embalo volleyed home unchallenged. Gregson chipped a cross to Grobler but he volleyed high and wide and some decent passing for a change saw Gregson fire inches wide from 25 yards. Craig Barker headed a corner over the bar but he had more luck in stoppage time when a long free kick saw Shane Hollamby turn Paul Grills and he set up Barker whose scuffed shot crept past the unsighted Burnett. HT 2-3.

Grills might have been booked for a foul on Jason Graham while carlos talbot showed some of his obvious talent in dealing smartly with a threatening corner. James Powell should have been booked when Gregson skipped away from him but it was clear that the visitors were on top and fighting for every ball. Wood seemed lethargic and were missing key players. Hollamby might have claimed a penalty when, having spun Grobler and shot wide, he was pulled down from behind. Ade Borland replaced Mike Debrah on 68 minutes and there were a few signs of life in the Wood attack. Daryl Swaby replaced Jordan Willis on 75 minutes but the visitors went further ahead when a high cross under the bar was flapped at by Burnett and Stephens forced the ball home to claim his deserved hat trick. Ashley Lloyd headed a corner over and Barker headed a Stephens cross wide. Atkinson saved a Borland shot with his feet and Wood were back in the game when a poor throw in from Wood inside eventually fell to Swaby and he cracked home a spectacular shot from thirty yards with his left foot.

The expected siege of the visitors goal didn't happen unfortunately and the points went south as Wood slipped another place in the league table.

They will have to do better next Saturday in their FA Vase tie against Ascot United.

 Dorking 1-3 Wood (Surrey Senior Cup played at Wibbandune)

Wood deservedly progressed to a 3rd round tie at Molesey when they beat Dorking 3-1 at Wibbandune in the Surrey Senior Cup. The kick off was delayed for 30 minutes as the Dorking kit was late arriving and although the pitch was heavy in patches it was perfectly playable. Wood got off to a flying start in the second minute when a cross found Jordan Willis who turned his marker neatly and drilled home low into the far corner giving Dan Coles no chance. The visitors forewent their pre match warm up and it showed as Wood dominated the game. Helge Orome had a free kick deflected wide and Mario Embalo had a shot cleared off the line. Dan Hughes found the lively Chris Gregson who was hacked down in the area but no penalty was awarded and Eli Ogunseye forced a fine save from Coles in his Joe Hart lookalike kit. Embalo fed Gregson who volleyed wide at full stretch and Dan Coombes hauled Gregson down in the area for a penalty kick to Wood on 26 minutes. Orome tried the chip down the middle of the goal but Coles' outstretched leg foiled the spot kick. On a rare break for The Chicks, Zak Powell showed good movement and set up Reece jackson who forced a superb tip over from Dan Burnett. From a throw in, Orome produced a fine turn but he blazed his shot over the bar and Willis was rightly booked for a late, though not malicious, tackle. Wood needed a second goal while on top but it was not forthcoming in the first half.

The slow start to the second half by both sides did little to warm the spectators with Gregson and Ogunseye spurning half chances and Orome fired over again following a decent passing move by the home side. On 52 minutes it was 2-0 and in some style. A throw in on the left saw a couple of neat passes out wide to Ogunseye. The lively winger outpaced Kieran Cole-Bolt and drilled a superb shot low into the far corner. Embalo and Gregson were proving a real handful and the latter forced a fine tip over from Coles. Vigan Rexhepi was dominating midfield and his pass saw a superb touch, turn and shot from Gregson which Coles saved brilliantly and Ogunseye fired just over soon after. Burnett made a fine save from a cross shot on a rare Dorking break and Embalo tried two audacious chips on goal with no reward. Carlos Talbot replaced Willis and Embalo headed a Gregson cross wide. Ogunseye forced another save from the outstanding Coles and Michael Mathurin replaced Embalo on 71 minutes. His impact was almost immediate as on 75 minutes, he turned the left back inside out and squared the ball to Dan Hughes for the simplest of goals. Joe Mead replaced Oghunseye. Mathurin set up Gregson whose shot was well saved. He really deserved a goal to cap his fine performance. Mathurin cut in again but shot wide of the far post and Dorking reduced the deficit on 84 minutes when Reece Jackson sent Burnett the wrong was from the penalty spot following a blatant foul. Burnett denied Aaron Cole-Bolt and Mathurin and Gregson passed up two reasonable chances to score as the game drew to a close. This was a decent and entertaining cup tie played in a good spirit by both sides.

Photos Here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/andythephotographer/sets/72157632133335898/

 Wood Reserves 0-0 Chalfont St Peter Reserves

Wood reserves somehow gained a point from a game mostly dominated by the lively visiting forwards and midfield. Dre Grobler slipped but the pacy number nine blazed over. Michael mathurin did well to feed Andy Akumoah but his shot was deflected on to the post and behind. Mathurin had a first shot blocked and he volleyed the second effort over and Chalfont should have scored when a deflected pass sped across the goalface where there were no takers. A rousing tackle was won by the visitors in the centre circle and the chipped cross saw no takers again. Mathurin did well to feed Borland and his defelcted cross was well saved by the Saints keeper. Spencer Champ picked up another yellow card for a late tackle and he will be missed when he serves his suspension for a fifth caution of the season. Mike Debrah replaced the injured debutant Tim Winter who turned his ankle. Champ had a decent header blocked at a corner kick and the 11 hit the bar from a tight angle but was flagged offside. Mathurin was easily the brightest Wood player and he found Jordan Willis whose 25 yard drive was well tipped over by the keeper. Generally, Chalfont were dominating with only the occasional counter from Wood. The visiting 9 was clean through on Kadir Kone but shot wide and Borland nodded a Grobler delivery across the goalface to Akumoah but he was bundled off the ball too easily.

The second half was a little more even in the early stages and one had the feeling this could be a smash and grab job for the home side. Mathurin continued to impress at times but had little options ahead of him and Willis was booked for a late challenge underlining a lot of commitment but a lack of finesse from the Wood side. Akumoah delayed a shot and Borland fired wide. Both sides made a double substitution; Wood added James King and Chris Burdon for Andrew Charles and Akumoah. The visitors now upped the ante and pressed the Wood defence at will. To be fair to the home side, they defended as if their lives depended on it and they did try to play some football, perhaps a little too much from the back.Mike Debrah headed over from 8 yards and Mathurin forced a good save from distance which Debrah pounced on but he chipped the ball wide. Kone made two excellent saves late in the game as the visitors piled forward and a goalmouth stramash was deflected wide. In stoppage time, Champ saw his header cleared off the line whilst a long range effort was well claimed by Kone.

A useful point but Wood slip to the bottom of the table and are still without a league win.

 Sandhurst Town 1-4 Wood

Wood visited a wet Bottom Meadow looking for three vital points and to put well behind them last season's awful showing against a Sandhurst Town in desperate need of points themselves. With the reserve team game off, Michael mathurin and Ade Borland joined up with the squad. The sun arrived at kick off and following a minutes silence for those lost in the two world wars, and beyond, it was the home side who had the early opportunities. Faircloth blazed well over the bar and Shutt was booked for hauling down Orome. West claimed an Embalo cross low down and, following a Frodsham slip, Faircloth rounded Burnett but fired over the bar. For some reason, a corner kick was awarded! From that corner, Branch might have done better when he headed a flick on wide at the far post. Another chance went begging after faircloth and Hutton had linked up well but, slowly, Wood were finding their stride now. Willis skied an effort well over and Rexhepi might have done better following super work from Embalo with Willis' delayed effort easily blocked. Joe mead fed Embalo but Shutt produced a superb blocking tackle and then Burnett produced a fine double save to keep the Fizzers out. Ogunseye grazed the bar after a Rexhepi pull back and Owen did well to deny Orome and embalo headed a subsequent cross well wide. It was a bright, though error strewn, game on a testing but perfectly playable surface. Branch really should have been booked having taken Ogunseye out from behind and dan Hughes was hacked down following a good run. Joe mead and Embalo caused some panic and a corner was conceded on 43 minutes. That corner was headed away but fell to Ogunseye who drilled the ball home in some style at West's front post from 20 yards. And it was 2-0 less than a minute later when Embalo on the left of the area curled a superb shot well beyond the hapless West.

As expected, Sandhurst took the game to Wood in the second half where Burnett made another fine save from Faircloth who was adjudged to be offside. Joe mead sliced an effort well wide and Burnett denied Close with an outstretched leg at the front post. Owen produced a great tackle to deny Embalo and then the Angolan striker headed an Ogunseye header well wide. The next goal was likely to prove vital and it arrived for the home side on 71 minutes when Faircloth met a Watkins free kick unchallenged and his glancing header went in off the far post. Mathurin replaced Willis and Burnett made a brave claim from a Cole cross. West parried a Mathurin effort down and Grobler and Borland replaced Rexhepi and Ogunseye. Wood made it 3-1 on 83 minutes when Orome took a chance from over 20 yards and the swerving ball deceived West and went in. The home side had a shot deflected inches wide before Wood sealed the game in stoppage time when Embalo probably should have scored but his blocked effort fell to Mathurin who netted easily, his fifth goal in three games for Wood. There was time for West to save with his knees from the lively Embalo just before the whistle sounded.

A vital, and deserved three points for Wood who now have 10 days rest before their league cup tie against South Park.

 Wood Youth 4-1 Molesey Youth (League)

This was always going to be a sterner test than Monday's cup game against a different looking Molesey side. Some Wood players were late onto the field and it was the visitors who looked sharper in the early exchanges. Harrigan made a decent early catch but The Moles went ahead in just 3 minutes when a shot across the goal was recovered after hitting the corner flag. The front post cross was clipped into the net by Ijicie. Harrigan made a decent save from Morgan while Hughes got in on the right for Wood but he shot tamely at the keeper, Jerraro. Hughes produced a jack-knife header from a difficult cross which went wide and Tyson-Tilly put Hughes away on the left. He cut inside smartly but failed to get any curl on his far post effort. Tyson-Tilly tried an audacious chip but was wide as Wood began to find their feet but Molesey looked pretty sharp up top themselves. A quick Tyson-Tilly throw found Hughes but his cross was missed by DaCosta and Davis was alert to clear a Molesey effort off the line with his head and the follow up shot flew over the bar. Wood were very fortunate when they allowed a long free kick all the way through to Harrigan and Henderson set up Hughes but, again. His shot went straight at Jerraro. Hogan put in a superb tackle underlining the determination at the back and another chance fell to DaCosta but he miskicked the ball. Hughes played in Henderson but, he too, shot straight at the keeper but on 37 minutes, Wood were deservedly level when Hughes was put clear and he rounded the keeper to score neatly. What was impressive from Wood was the fact that some of the unsung players were having better games, especially Tyson-Tilly and Antonio who did well to find Henderson who in turn played Hughes in but he shot over. Half time came and a well deserved rest for both sets of players.

Molesey came out fired up and, from a long free kick, Harrigan made a superb recovery save from a header while Moles skipper Hughes did well to get back at Davis who looked clear in on goal. Henderson fired over in a game where all results looked possible. More neat control ended with Hughes firing over for Wood and the lively striker out-muscled Goddard and forced a good save and Henderson, following up, missed the target somehow. Hughes was injured in this move and was replaced by Reynolds for his debut. His impact was almost immediate when on 66 minutes he beat a defender and was fouled. The referee waved play on and Tyson-Tilly really couldn't have missed the target. Hughes of Molesey looked injured but he did force a good save from Harrigan and DaCosta made a great tackle on for Henderson to chip the ball wide with Jerraro out of the frame. Archer fed Davis but he shot tamely in a match riddled with errors which made it all the more watch-able. DaCosta shot far too early but he did well to feed Tyson-Tilly who found Davis but he turned into a brick wall of defenders. Marklew fired just wide for the visitors and Figueira replaced DaCosta and Tillman replaced Tyson-Tilly who received warm applause for his efforts all night. The game was made safe for Wood in fine style on 89 minutes when a move involving Davies, Reynolds and Tillman found Henderson who scored expertly into the corner of the net. Figueira fired wide and Harrigan saved well from Hughes before it was 4-1 in stoppage time when Tillman volleyed home in off a defender's shoulder. Antonio received a yellow card for a totting up of fouls.

This was a good recovery after an appalling start by Wood and, although 4-1 may have flattered the home side, their key players came good at the right times in the match. Next up a tough trip to Egham Town next Thursday!

 Wood 0-2 Badshot Lea

If there is such a thing as an “acceptable defeat” then this was probably it against a Badshot Lea side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season for sure. Whilst Wood's two recent home defeats left a lot to be desired for many reasons, this was a superb advert for the game with both sides committed to passing the ball around and playing the game as it should be, and in the right spirit. It wasn't a classically exciting match but there was enough quality out there to entertain those in attendance.

Wood were without18 goal Nathan Turner and adopted a 4-5-1 formation and McNeil had to be alert to deny Orome from an Embalo cross early on. Burnett claimed a dangerous cross with aplomb and Wood lost the injured Abbey on nine minutes who was replaced by Willis. The lively Blake on the right for the visitors set up Griffin but he sliced his shot wide with his instep. Orome should have connected with a far post free kick by Joe Mead and the baggies might have had a penalty awarded when the outstanding Wood player, Frodsham seemed to nudge Griffin in the area. Whilst the visitors pass and move game was distinctly watchable, they were careless with the ball at times while Wood's central midfield three were struggling to get on top. Blake was denied twice in quick succession by the alert Burnett, the second time with his feet and Cornell had a shot parried behind. From the 33rd minute corner kick, Scott headed across the goal face and Blake really couldn't miss from close range. Embalo produced a fine turn and shot which was defelcted behind and Rexhepi drove wide from 25 yards as Wood fought to get back on terms. Burnett did well to save from Blake who was then flagged for offside and Ogunseye, looking bright at times on the right wing was fouled as the half time whistle sounded. Time to regroup for Wood.

Embalo headed a Lang free kick over the bar as Wood aimed for a better second half performance than they showed on the previous Saturday. Blake, still problematic for the home side, headed a free kick wide and Burnett was sharply off his line to deny Cornell. The visitors were well organised all over the field and continually posed a threat but Wood were now making a real fist of it. Cornell snatched at a shot which went wide and Paerson replaced Westall and Gregson came on for Orome. Baggies skipper, Scott fired wide from distance and Wood looked more threatening with two strikers on the field although there were now midfield gaps for the visitors to exploit. Willis put in a much needed tackle and Ogunseye put Embalo away to score as the offside flag was raised. The real chance to level came on 78 minutes when Gregson volleyed over the bar from close range and Ogunseye just overhit the final pass to Embalo following a typical mazy run. Collins replaced Cornell. The better playing surface may not be Wood's friend at times, the old mudbath was a great leveller at times, but it is so good to see two footballing sides able to move it around like this. Wood sprayed the ball from left to right but, once agin, the final touch let the home side down in the area but the loose ball fell to Rexhepi who drove inches wide. McNeil made another good claim and in the third minute of stoppage time Blake cut inside, this time from the right and he put the ball on a plate for Pearson to score clinically and secure the three points and regain top spot.

Wood have a huge game at Sandhurst on Saturday, not a place for the faint hearted, but there is enough spirit to come through such a test in this squad. The Baggies head off to Guernsey and will no doubt be a real test for the islanders.

No bookings, a good ref and barely an angry moment on and off the field.

Apart from the result it was a pleasure to be here.

 Wood Youth 8-2 Molesey Youth (Grant McLellan Cup)

Wood won the first of two meetings with Molesey this week when they progressed in the Grant McLellan cup on monday evening. Wood got off to a flier when Cowlard tapped home on five minutes and he netted in off the post three minutes later to double the lead. Henderson chipped the Moles keeper on 11 minutes to make it 3-0 and there were other openings before henderson headed on a Cowlard throw in to make it 4-0 on 24 minutes. Moles high defensive line gave lots of opportunities for Wood to break but, inevitably, they were thwarted by the offside flag. Tyson-Tilly and Archer were running amok down the left for Wood while Moles skipper, Hughes, looked the most lively for the visitors. Sareivi fired over for Moles before daCosta netted easily on 43 minutes to make it 5-0 at half time.

A clear penalty was neatly converted by Hughes on 51 minutes and Antonio had a shot cleared off the line. Wood were, mostly, less potent in the second half until a late flourish started on 83 minutes when DaCosta tapped home unchallenged. Knowles, having a good game, found Tillman and he teed up Figueira who made it 7-1 before Jezie scored Moles second goal. In stoppage time, it was 8-2 when Henderson scored his hat trick goal following a pinpoint cross from Tillman. An easier win than expected but no doubt a tougher league game awaits on Thursday evening.

 Wood 1-2 Bedfont Sports

Another home league defeat for Wood leaves them looking nervously over their shoulders yet, once again, there were some positives to be taken from the game. Helge Orome started despite severe ankle bruising against the premier new boys.

Joe Mead and Orome combined to set up Ogunseye but he blazed over the bar leaning back. The opening exchanges were rather scrappy but it was good to see two sides trying to get it down and play. Ankumu fed Ogunseye but Stanford blocked for the visitors and Buss cleared his lines. Dan Hughes was rather late on Jackson who was beginning to become quite a threat to the Wood back line as Bedfont settled into something of a passing rhythm. Frodsham cleared well from Jackson following a fine Beadle pass. Gavin Bamford fouled Gregson and the resulting free kick was well headed away by visiting skipper Turner. Sports took the lead on 23 minutes when a fine through ball from Turner found Jackson clear in on goal and he never looked like missing. Bamford tried a clever long range chip but Sam mead was alert to nod the danger to the grateful arms of Burnett.

If Wood have one thing in abundance it is character and they were level just four minutes later with a fine goal. A pinpoint pass from Orome was taken in his stride by Turner. He rode a late challenge from behind, stayed on his feet and the drilled the ball past a helpless Buss. Jones was rather lucky to stay on the field when he lunged at Dan Hughes, no doubt frustrated at being out-muscled by the diminutive Gregson. The yellow card seemed scant reward for his efforts. Bamford was almost punished for over playing at the back and Jackson was cautioned for a stray elbow, a harsh decision as it looked purely accidental. Turner headed straight at Buss and Dan Hughes and Turner did well to supply the live wire Gregson but Jones denied him. Lang and Turner linked up to set up Ogunseye but another last ditch block denied him as well. Almost on half time, Burnett produced a superb save to deny Jackson following another fine pass from Watts.

HT 1-1 – A tight game but the visitors are in the ascendancy.

Rexhepi replaced Ankumu for Wood and baker replaced Stanford for Bedfont.

Bedfont opened the half clearly on a mission to get ahead. Beadle did well to chase down a cross field Jackson ball and he crossed for Hodges who blazed the ball over the bar.

Burnett recovered just in time to deflect an angled cross behind and Gregson had a shot blocked before Bedfont took the lead on 55 minutes. A succession of about eight passes saw Bedfont in on the right and the front post cross fell to the unmarked Jackson who had time, too much time, to take a touch and drive past the unprotected Burnett. Turner and Gregson still posed a threat up top for Wood but the creative play behind them was not forthcoming as Wood found it harder and harder to find the strikers. The visitors, with two banks of four looked happy to play on the break now they were ahead. Gregson was wrongly flagged for offside but he was soon in on goal when a hopeful long ball saw him outstrip the Bedfont defence but he shot across Buss and wide. Bamford received a strange yellow card although Baker's yellow soon after was more clear cut. The extra aggression required to win matches such as these was clearly evident in the visitors make up but the home side looked ponderous. In fact, most of the second half appeared to be played at half pace with Bedfont doing just enough and Wood doing little to shift the balance of power. Turner blazed a Joe Mead pass almost out of the ground, quite a feat at that end of the ground and Embalo replaced Sam Mead. A short corner routine saw Turner fire over the bar and Embalo's only contribution was to get booked again in the corner. Lang over hit a cross which just about summed up the second half and the lively Beadle went round Burnett but shot wide from 25 yards.

Bedfont look comfortable in this league and, with consistency, will climb the table quickly. Wood have now lost two thirds of their fifteen league games and they will need to scrap harder if they are to add to their wins tally in the coming weeks.

 Wood 3-4 Raynes Park Vale

Wood lost by the odd goal in seven at a rainswept Wibbandune against a lively Raynes Park Vale outfit.

Very rarely do I go home from a game early. And very rarely have I felt so disappointed after a game. The game itself was exciting with goalmouth action throughout the evening. Vale played a fast pressing game and dominated idfield in the early exchanges. Adam Skinner denied Nathan Turner as Wood strove for a foothold in the game and a rare slip from Wood skipper, Sam Mead, let Simon Moore in but Dan Burnett saved well. Mark Waters drove wide from the edge of the area following a corner and Burnett saved well again from the lively Moore. However, Wood took the lead on 11 minutes when Turner played a smart one two with Chris Gregson and finished smartly. Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Gregson's delightful through ball was clinically driven past the hapless Skinner in the Vale goal. Moore had a shot well blocked and he put his follow up over the bar before vale got back in it on 20 minutes. Waters chipped a straight free kick into the area and Darren Dobinson got to the ball ahead of Burnett to score far too easily. Gregson opted to shoot when a pull back looked the better option and Aito Okai should have scored but his free header sailed over the bar. Moore headed a well worked free kick over and another fine move saw a turn and shot from Moore which went inches wide. Vale deservedly levelled on 33 minutes when a hopeful ball forward was collected by Moore who rounded the advancing Burnett to score. Wood were lacking bite in the middle of the park and the Vale defenders stepped in far too easily to claim any loose balls. Gregson appeared to be fouled but was booked for diving, the first sign of the referee losing control of the game. The lively Wood striker was wrongly flagged for offside although he did put his shot wide and waters received a caution for a late tackle. Burnett made a good claim under severe pressure and Dobinson was booked for a late over the top tackle although he probably didn't mean it. Jerome Smart should have been booked for diving adding to the inconsistency shown by the referee late in an absorbing half of football. Both team managers had words with the referee in his changing room at half time!

Any doubts about the new Wibbandune pitch were being tested by driving rain but the superb surface could probably take hurricane sandy these days! And both sides were playing some good stuff on it. Jordan Willis made his first Wood appearance on 58 minutes when he replaced Ilbert Ankumu. Gregson fired wide of the far post as the game became more even and dan Alderton saw his free kick deflected wide for the visitors. Turner, seeking his hat trick, did superbly well but was denied by Adam Skinner and Alderton cleared a follow up off the line. Wood retook the lead on 81 minutes when Turner was fouled on the right. Steve Lang floated over a pinpoint free kick and Helge Orome headed powerfully home. Marcus Dowdeswell did well to deny Turner and Ardit Shehu should have seen red for lashing out at Gregson. Only a yellow was forthcoming. Vale equalised on 87 minutes when a hopeful cross from the left eluded the Wood defence, hit the far post and rebounded to Forbes for an easy tap in. A draw would have been about right but Vale stole the points a minute later when a breakaway saw Moore take the ball down amidst handball appeals and he finished smartly. Gregson was denied by Skinner and a fine break on the right by Wood saw Skinner save brilliantly from Dan Hughes. As we entered stoppage time, Orome was crippled by a shocking tackle in the centre of the pitch which didn't even receive a free kick let alone a potential red card. The midfielder went to hospital in agony. Appalling refereeing. Later that evening, a friend of mine spoke to one of the linesman who confirmed the severity of the challenge. Orome lay motionless for seven minutes.  A sad end to a fascinating match up.

(Report edited at the request of the club management.).

 Redhill Youth 3-2 Wood Youth (League Cup)

The signs were ominous for Wood's youngsters long before a ball was kicked in this league cup tie at Redhill. Several players were missing, including keeper Callum Stephens with a fractured arm. And road works at Reigate and the usual Monday car park that is the M25 meant delayed arrival for many players and the management. On arrival at Kiln Brow, most of the pitch was fine with the occasional boggy spot likely to test player's footwear.

Wood opened brightly, however, but lacked any quality delivery from wide areas.

It was clear from the start that Redhill had good options up top.

Wood took the lead on 17 minutes when Ollie Archer, probably Wood's best player on the night, sent a ball in from wide left which Jonathan Cowlard met with a sweet header giving the diminuitive Redhill keeper no chance. Cowlard was soon in on the left but prodded wide before receiving a clattering tackle that should have been a penalty. The linesman then penalised stand-in keeper, Alfie Harrigan, for handling outside the area and Charlie Scoble netted neatly from the free kick. In the fourth minute of stoppage time Isaac Hogan met a far post corner and Cowlard looped his header into the corner of the net having been inches wide a minute earlier.

Redhill upped the ante in the second half and were level on 66 minutes when Mathew Cousins got behind the Wood defence to prod home ahead of Harrigan's challenge. Cowlard was the victim of another late challenge but it was the home side dominant for much of the time as Wood's approach play let them down with poor final deliveries. Taylor Henderson headed wide in a rare attck and very late in the day, Ross Knight took a punt from 25 yards out and the ball crept low into the net to give Redhill a deserved place in round 2.

 Molesey 0-2 Wood

Wood got back to winning ways at Molesey on a poor playing surface and in cold, windy and, at times, wet conditions. Wood could muster only 12 players, much to the obvious frustration of the manager, but did welcome back Chris Gregson following his holiday.

The Moles made light of the conditions and swamped the Wood defence, occasionally over hitting crosses and passes due to the strong wind at their backs. Ex-Wood striker, Manny Quarshie, drove across the goal face and wide and Nick White fired high and wide before Quarshie had a shot deflected behind. Kris Webb was rather late on Nathan Turner as the wind abated somewhat and Wood found some reprieve by getting the ball down and passing it around. A long throw was flicked on by Quarshie and met by Lewis Ackerman but Dan Burnett tipped his effort over the bar. On rare forays upfield, Turner had a strong run blocked and Eli Ogunseye fired over. Poor possession from Wood allowed Joe Pratley-Jones a shot which flew over before Wood took a surprise lead on 41 minutes. A free kick was awarded, rather harshly, and was taken quickly by Joe Mead to Ogunseye whose pinpoint cross was met by Mario Embalo who headed home. Phil Frodsham blocked bravely with his head at the front post and Burnett denied Quarshie with his shins.

HT 1-0 – The travelling entourage were well happy with that scoreline; fearing the worst against an obvious top four contender club. Wood have something to get their teeth into with the wind now behind them. Gregson replaced Embalo.

On 50 minutes, Wood extended their lead having coped with early Moles attacks. Helge Orome, beginning to dominate in midfield, fed Ogunseye on the right and his slightly deflected shot nestled in the far corner past a bewildered Wester Young, another former Wood player. Ogunseye was now giving Tom Dilloway a torrid time and his run and cross went behind the onrushing Turner as Wood sensed the kill. The frustrated Dilloway was very late on Frodsham and Moles made a double substitution to freshen things up. Turner stretched to meet a long ball but volleyed wide and Burnett dealt comfortably with a Dilloway 35 yard free kick. The driving rain helped to repel any Molesey threat and the game drifted rather aimlessly to it's conclusion although Orome and Gregson linked well to feed Turner who was denied by Young. Turner had another effort blocked before the whistle sounded and the happy visiting supporters headed for the warmth of the bar.

A fine team effort from South London's “Milanese” with Orome shading the man of the match award just ahead of Burnett.

 Cobham Youth 2-1 Wood Youth

A disappointing second half performance meant defeat for Wood on a chilly evening at Cobham.

Wood opened brightly and Henderson rounded the keeper but overrun the ball. Stephens made the first of many fine stops for Wood following hesitancy from Antonio but Wood took the lead on 18 minutes when the useful Hughes chested a long ball down and finished neatly. Hogan defended well and Stephens claimed a dangerous ball as cobham rallied and a fine through ball just eluded the lively Jardin. Stephens denied Jardin with his feet underlining the back three formation was causing more problems than it solved for Wood and Hogan was alert again to deny Jardin, a regular threat for the Hammers. It was all square, and deservedly so, on 29 minutes when Antonio was robbed of the ball and Viera drilled home from about 25 yards past the unsighted Stephens. Hughes was the main threat for Wood and his fine cross was deflected by a defender and cleared off the line and davies, following up, rattled the ball against the bar. Hughes shot tamely at the keeper and a front post free kick from Davies saw Hogan head inches wide. Wood were dominating now and a cross was parried by the keepr and Figueira shot against the bar. Hughes broke on the left and opened his body out and his calm shot hit the upright and the follow up from Figueira was blocked.

Half Time 1-1.

Henderson was fortunate not to be cautioned for a late tackle and, soon after, DaCosta and ex-Wood player Corbett squared up after a poor tackle from the home player. A melee ensued with all players involved and the aforementioned pair were booked. The tackling was poor from both sides and Wood were losing their way underlined by some shocking defending and passing and with players turning blindly into trouble. Thankfully, Stephens was in good form to keep Cobham out. Viera was harshly booked before Cobham stole then points on 77 minutes. Shaw had no option but to concede a corner and the kick was powerfully headed home at the front post by Mattiocco. Cowlard fired across the goal and saw a header go wide as Wood, at last, woke from their slumber by playing a more direct game. Stephens made a superb save but was injured and he was replaced by Archer in goal. The Cobham keepr made a superb save from Henderson at the death but, to be honest, this was turgid stuff from the young Wood side, the oluses being Hogan and Shaw at the back, Stephens in goal and Hughes up front, who was starved on any service in a second half that is best forgotten, and quickly.

 Wood 3-4 Epsom & Ewell

Wood were edged out in an exciting seven goal thriller at Wibbandune against a lively Epsom & Ewell outfit. Conditions were perfect for this eagerly awaited match up of two teams in good form. The visitors have assembled a squad capable of making a challenge at the top of the table while Wood appear to be heading in the right direction and welcomed back Joe Mead and Mario Embalo to the bench.

The Salts looked sharp early on and Burnett made a superb point blank save from Jarman whilst at the other end, Abbey shot straight at Harris with less power.

Wood took the lead on 14 minutes when a superb pass from Frodsham found Turner. He spun and attacked the box and his shot was cleared of the line straight to Mathurin who drove home unchallenged. Ankumu replaced the injured Abbey soon after and mathurin hit his pass to turner too hard as Wood threatened to extend their lead. The visitors looked comfortable on the ball whilst Wood were struggling to keep possession in the face of some determined pressing play. On 28 minutes, it was 1-1 when a cross from the right eluded the Wood defence and Hough netted unchallenged at the far post. That lead lasted just six minutes when a crossfield ball found Ogunseye. He cut in from the right and fed Mathurin fifteen yards out who smashed the ball past Harris low to his left. Epsom were unfazed and jarman had a shot deflected over while more sloppy defending meant Burnett had to make another spectacular block from Marvell. Wood were opened up again and Burnett saved well from Jarman with the striker adjudged to be offside. The half time lead was welcome but the game was very open and stretched and Wood will need to be more compact, especially in midfield.

Currie fed Burns but Burnett saved at his feet as Epsom came out very determined while Lang drove over the bar from distance underlying the confidence in the Wood side and Turner shot straight at Harris following a fine passing move. However, Epsom were passing the ball well too and on 57 minutes they were level again when Currie found Hough who turned and curled the ball home with aplomb. Two minutes the turnaround was complete when Burnett, obstructed by his own defenders, failed to get any distance on his punch and Panayi's deflected shot went into the roof of the net of Sam Mead's head. Embalo replaced Turner and Joe Mead replaced Mathurin giving Wood a little more balance in midfield but there was a double block from Jarman efforts as the visitors continued to out pass Wood. It was all over on 76 minutes when a lame free kick was awarded on the right. Following some neat passes, Marvell, getting on the blind side of Ankumu, did well to find Burns who shot with his instep to score. Ankumu was booked claiming too strongly that he was fouled. Wood never gave up and Orome fired just over and Orome and Dan Hughes linked well to tee up Embalo who fired over from an acute angle. There were triple substitions as the visitors looked to see the game out while Harris saved well from Embalo who was set up by Orome. On 90 minutes, Wood were given a lifeline when a free kick caused panic in the area and Phil Frodsham drove the ball home. The final whistle (with only 2 added minutes despite five substitutions!!) sounded and Epsom celebrated a deserved win while Wood will, no doubt, re-group ahead of the trip to Molesey on Saturday.

Farnham Town 1-4 Wood
 
Wood made it five successive wins in all competitions with this triumph, probably, the best of them all. Although Wood welcomed back captain Sam Mead, there were numerous absentees including all of the first team squad strikers. Nonetheless, Wood took the game to their hosts on a heavy pitch with long grass; not condusive to flowing football but the makeshift visitors made light of the conditions when they took the lead in just 72 seconds. Ogunseye cut in from the right wind across the goal area and let fly a fine drive which gave Adlam no chance. Mathurin hit a post soon after as Farnham, without a game for a fortnight, struggled to contain the pacy Wood front row. And when the home side created anything, their shots were rather tame or Burnett dealt with any threat. Frodsham was continuing his fine run of form at the back, by shepherding Sam Mead into a comfortable return game. Only Craig Smith looked a consistent threat for Town but it was Wood who extended their lead on 22 minutes when a fine through ball from Orome saw mathurin net in off the post. A header hit a post for Town before it was 3-0 after 30 minutes. Wood provided some fine passing and movement down the right and when a pass reached Mathurin he expertly netted his second goal. He did miss two reasonable opportunities to make it a first half hat trick before both sides welcomed the half time break.

On the hour, Mathurin curled a shot wide and five minutes later, Town looked back in the game when a shot hit a post and the second ball back in was chested down and volleyed home by Gavin Smith. To be fair to Town, they were always well in the game and did play some attractive football but their chances were dented when Ben Williams received a deserved red card for a desperate lunge on Frodsham in the Wood area. Mathurin and Debrah shot tamely at the keeper before the game was over on 75 minutes.Wood broke on the right via Lang and the ball, eventually, reached Dan Hughes who finished smartly to underline his man of the match award. Burnett denied Craig Smith with a brave block and the striker hit the bar soon after underlining his bad luck all day.

This was a reward for organisation and hard work all over the field; a true team performance.

Wood Youth 4-0 St Andrews
 
Wood under 18's won their first league game of the season but made hard work of beating the current basement side St Andrews. In fact, for long periods of the opening hour or so, it was the visitors who looked brighter and passed the ball better on the superb playing surface.

The late arrival of three players seemed to unsettle the side although Da Costa forced a good block from Saints keeper, White. White denied Henderson from a tight angle and Dinah fired a free kick over from 25 yards for the visitors. Archer crossed for Cowlard who really should have scored but he powered his header wide and he also had an effort deflected wide. Hogan, returning after injury, looked almost back to his best while a fine Davies pass was collected at henderson's feet by White. Stephens made a good save from Dinah as the visitors remained on top although Henderson fired wide from a Figueira pass.

St Andrews really came at Wood at the start of the second half so it was a surprise when Cowlard punished some lacklustre defending and tackling to score on 56 minutes. On 65 minutes it was 2-0 when Figueira, starting to dominate midfield now, fed henderson who finished smartly. This knocked some of the fight out of the visitors and 4 minutes later it was 3-0 when Figueira fed Da Costa where he never looked like missing. Tillman, Miller and Heard replaced Cowlard, Figueira and Archer and in stoppage time, Wood made it 4-0 when Da Costa headed on a chip to debutant Antonio who netted easily.

Lingfield 1-2 Wood (FA Vase)
 
Despite a below par performance, Wood moved into the second round of the FA Vase with a 2-1 win at Sussex league Lingfield.

The pitch was quite heavy and the grass a little long on a chilly day at Godstone Road and there was talk of a seven day approach for the guy who wrote the teams up on the board very neatly.

It was clear that the game would be tough for both sides but it was the home side who settled the better although Gareth Graham was cautioned for a late challenge on Helge Orome. Harry Sintim was in on goal but fired wide and Daryl Coleman was harshly cautioned for a supposed foul. Dan Burnett, playing against his old club and Dan Hughes combined well to clear a dangerous situation. Burnett's opposite number, Dan O'Hara claimed any high balls and not surprisingly as he stands at 6 feet and 10 inches! Lee Sidwell replaced Howell and the home side took the lead on 36 minutes. A Wood free kick was easily claimed and quickly released by O'Hara. Gallagher cut in from the right and his shot was parried out to Joe Robinson who tapped home unchallenged.

The first half lacked much quality and Wood need to up their tempo if they are to get back into the game.

This they did as Turner fired wide and Chris Gregson produced a save from his spin and drive. Graham, looking in command in midfield, was replaced and the comment of the day came from the Lingfield manager “you are standing there like a load of mackerels”!

Rob McCarry and Joe Mead replaced Orome and Elijah Ogunseye and Wood, immediatley, looked better balanced. Scott Elgar and Sintim received yellow cards as the refereeing decisions continued to frustrate the home crowd. Turner had a shot tipped over the bar and Burnett made a decent save but the game remained rather dull. However, on eighty minutes, Wood were level when a push on Gregson allowed Turner to slot home a penalty kick. Dre Grobler was booked for Wood and Gregson forced a save as the game headed for extra time. In the second minute of stoppage time Turner burst through on the left of the area and with O'Hara committed, he neatly tucked the ball away to seal an unlikely, but welcome win. Troy Abbey was booked for delaying a re-start and Wood man of the match, Phil Frodsham did well to keep a scramble out and Joe Mead blocked on the line. Lee Sidwell was yellow carded as the final whistle sounded.

The 2nd round draw is on Monday morning.

Wood Youth 1-3 Metropolitan Police Youth (Surrey Cup)
 
Wood under 18's were knocked out of the Surrey Midweek Cup at Wibbandune by a lively Metropolitan Police side.

The game could not have started worse for Wood when a free kick by Michael Eldridge after just 72 seconds in front of the visitor's bench was swung over and eluded everyone to nestle in the far corner of the net.

Wood looked too narrow in their play and esxtremely vulnerable at corner kicks. Taylor henderson, playing at centre back and missed in midfield, fired a shot over and Callum Stephens saved well with his feet to deny the visitors. Police missed a golden chance when number 8 fired over having been nicely put in and henderson forced a fine fingertip save from the keeper. From that corner, in the third minute of stoppage time, a far post header was blocked and Rory DaCosta forced the ball over the line. A great time to score but Wood will need to improve all over the park to progress.

Two minutes into the second half, the visitors should have been given a penalty for a clumsy tackle and another fine corner went begging as the Wood defence continued to struggle, despite a good calm performance from Montelle Shaw. Number 5 drove over the bar and Ollie archer did well to deny the visitors with a timely block. It was 1-2 on 73 minutes when the unfortunate Jack heard turned the ball into his own net. Stephens produced two further fine saves and Archer, again, came to his rescue soon after when a shot was parried. The game was up on 85 minutes when a sub headed home easily from a corner kick.

Despite the defeat, there were a few positive individual performances but, as a team, there was a lack of width and a cutiing edge up front.

Wood Reserves 2-3 Old Wilsonians (Surrey Premier Cup)
 
Wood were knocked out of the Surrey Premier Cup by a lively Wilsonians outfit. From the first kick, the visitors pressed the ball high upfield and continually forced errors and poor passes from the Wood back four. Having created numerous chances the visitors took the lead on 24 minutes when another error was pounced on by Dom O'Shea. However, the lead lasted only a minute as Mike Debrah's 25 yard deflected shot sailed into the roof of the net. Some of the visitors football, on a superb playing surface, was a joy to watch although Wood weren't without their moments. It was 1-2 on 34 minutes when a break on the left and cross was converted by O'Shea. He missed a golden hat trick chance soon after.

Wood started the second half much better and on 52 minutes were level when the referee turned down an appeal for a foul on the left and the cross was converted by Adrian Borland, eventually.

Although it was a more even game now, the visitors still appeared to have plenty in the tank. There was a superb double block by Wood. From the resultant corner, Jack Elliott headed the winning goal unchallenged on the hour mark. It was mostly the visitors after that although Wood could not be faulted for their efforts. A bright open game, well refereed and played in a superb spirit by both sides.

Wembley 1-3 Wood
 
Wood claimed only their second ever victory against Wembley at Vale Farm on Saturday. This was the thirteenth league meeting of the clubs on a glorious autumn day where the game was played on a fine surface. From the start, it was clear that both sides having a real go at each other and the game was very stretched. Gregson and Abbey had shots comfortably saved but Burnett did better for Wood saving well at his front post. Turner was, again, looking in menacing mood and the returning Orome, fresh with extra locks, looked composed and untroubled in midfield. Gregson hit a half volley straight at the keeper and Burnett saved well from Atkins. Gregson's movement was causing The Lions back four all sorts of problems and his two efforts in quick succession were a warning of what was to come. Turner was hauled down in the area but Abbey's spot kick was well saved by Amaegbe. Lions player manager, Bates, was cautioned and Burnett denied Shelton. Burnett denied Edun and from the resulting corner, bates hit the bar.

Whilst the game was very watchable, it was strewn with basic errors which added to the fun.

Turner really should have squared the ball to Ogunseye early in the second half but he chose to shot tamely at the keeper. He did make amends on 51 minutes when the lively Gregson set him up nicely and he finished smoothly. And it got better three minutes later when Abbey burst from his own half and slipped in Gregson whose finish was one of quality in any football. Gregson crossed for Abbey soon after and his shot was blocked and Turner's follow hit the bar. Rexhepi replaced Joe mead on 64 minutes. Turner showed a superb trick to the full back and then fired his shot across goal. McCarry replaced Ogunseye but he was soon returning to the bench when his hard but fair challenge was deemed to be worthy of a red card! Grobler was booked for arguing his case too far. Burnett produced another fine save but Wembley got an 82nd minute lifeline when Atkins tapped home when surely he should have been flagged for offside? Abbey was hauled down in the area when in on goal soon after (and no card was shown) but Rexhepi skied the spot kick out of the ground. Wembley were reduced to ten men for a late tackle and five minutes into stoppage time, Turner chased down and blocked the keeper's clearance. The ball, somehow, spun into play and Turner neatly sealed a deserved three points for The Wood.

Wood Youth 2-6 Welling United Youth (FA Youth Cup)
 
Wood exited from the FA Youth Cup when they gave up a 2 goal lead to lose 2-6 to a lively Welling United outfit.

Wood's cause was not helped by an early injury to linchpin Issac Hogan. He continued despite being clearly hampered and he conceded a penalty when outpaced by Jordan Jackson. However, Callum Stephens saved the spot kick low to his right. Montelle Shaw was doing the work of two men at the back and he denied a Johnson break and Harry Callum had a shot saved by the busy Stephens in the Wood goal. On rare Wood breakaways, Taylor Henderson fired over and Ryan Tillman forced a corner. Hogan was rightly booked for a foul (and substituted soon after)and the free kick by Richard Jimoh was well saved and cleared.

Wood took a surprise lead on 35 minutes when a free kick on the left was floated into the area. The ball was nodded down and William Figueira tapped home easily. Stephens saved bravely at the feet of Reece Grant and he denied him again from a tight angle with his feet soon after. Stephens produced a fine double save as the half closed with the visitors in command but behind.

The second half started like the first with The Wings in control. Jimoh hit the bar from a free kick but on 53 minutes, Wood snatched a second goal when Sam Davies slammed the ball home from 30 yards. Welling didn't panic and they continued to dominate possession whereas Wood looked vulnerable, particularly in midfield where only the excellent Figueira offered any real resistance, On the hour, Jack Nobbs' free kick eluded everyone and dribbled into the net and two minutes later it was all square when Wood were out passed and jackson netted easily. As the rain began to fall Welling went ahead on 76 minutes when Stephens could only partly block a Dean Gould shot and the ball just crossed the line. Wood looked shellshocked now and Jackson netted soon after. Henderson hit a fine free kick that hit the post and went behind of the keeper's head for a corner. Josh Patrick made it 5-2 with a powerful header from a corner and Billy Finbow finished neatly at the death although his gestures to the young Wood supporters were unnecessary and rather child like.

Having managed to forge a 2 goal lead, Wood needed to change their shape but their open play allowed Welling to get back into the game far too easily. Credit to the visitors however for their patience and we wish them well against Sevenoaks Town in the next round.

Windsor 1-2 Wood (League Cup)

Wood 4-1 Hanworth Villa
 
Wood picked up a deserved second league win of the season when they beat high flying Hanworth Villa 4-2 at Wibbandune.

From the opening exchanges, it was clear that there was a togetherness about the Wood team underlined by a fine run by Ogunseye and a turn and shot from Abbey. Wood, who had never beaten Villa before, did not look overawed but the visitors front two of King and Antonio kept the back line more than on their toes, the latter firing two attempts; one at Burnett and one wide. King fired a free kick high over the bar.

Buss, in the Villa goal, bravely denied Turner at his feet and the rangy striker fired well wide before giving Wood a 17th minute lead. Good approach play from Frodsham and Embalo saw the ball fed to Lang. His fine cross was met by Turner and his header nestled in the corner of the net low to Buss' right. There was almost a carbon copy goal when Turner met Ogunseye's cross but this time Buss parried the ball away smartly. Oaks fired over for Villa and Morley did well to deny a rampant Turner with a fine tackle. Turner fed Embalo but the out of sorts striker fired poorly wide. Wood were dominating possession and a fine flowing move almost brought the, rather empty, house down when McCarry fired inches wide from 20 yards following a twelve pass move.

Villa made it 1 all on 37 minutes when Ogunseye slipped and Villa moved the ball quickly to Antonio who fed an offside looking King who netted easily. Loveridge was sent off for a crude two footed tackle on McCarry and the Wood midfielder recovered to send a shot just over. On half time, Embalo was booked for kicking the ball away following the award of a free kick.

HT 1-1.

Gregson replaced Embalo.

Burnett dithered in the Wood goal and almost allowed Antonio, easily Villa's best player, to score. Villa were more of a direct playing side than in previous years while Wood played more of a patient build up game. Grobler did well to deny Antonio from a fine reverse pass from King and Johnson really should have reached a fine pass across the face of the goal. Villa did take the lead on 58 minutes when Antonio finished brilliantly across Burnett from the right after another superb King pass. That lead lasted just two minutes when Rexhepi was pulled back in the box and he sent Buss the wrong way from the spot kick. With the game stretched, and neither midfield dominant, the match was exciting if a little frenetic now. Buss, probably with an injury, was struggling with his kicking and a poor one reached Joe Mead who almost embarrassed the Villa stopper. Burnett tipped over an Antonio shot via the bar and Gregson and mead combined to cross for Turner who headed wide. Ogunseye and Turner repeated the trick for Gregson whose shot was blocked by an arm but, quite rightly, no penalty was awarded. Abbey fired over and just when it looked like finishing all square, Turner nipped in to punish a weak back pass when rounding Buss to score on 86 minutes. Three minutes, Turner received a harsh yellow card but immediately made up for that when Gregson unselfishly set him up for his hat trick on a breakaway. Although Preddie set up Phelan at the death where he fired over, Wood held out for a deserved win that lifted them out of the fledgling relegation zone.

Guernsey 5-3 Wood (Independent)

Guernsey 5-3 Wood (Press)

Guernsey 5-3 Wood (Goals)

Wood 2-4 Dorking

Wood slipped to another league defeat when Dorking won 4-2 at Wibbandune. The kick off was delayed by 14 minutes due to the visitors having no kit and some players still en route! The opening exchanges favoured Wood but it was The Chicks who took the lead on 13 minutes when they broke on the left. A cross field pass found Palladino who mishit his shot to Gayle who scored in off the post. Wood should have levelled immediately when Embalo did well to feed Turner but he pulled his shot wide from close range. The lively Palladino, being watched by a Ryman League club apparently, fired a far post volley over the bar and Gregson shot wide for Wood following decent penalty claims when Turner was bundled over in the box. Coles in the visitors goal, and looking very smart in his burgundy kit, saved a Gregson effort and it was interesting to see two sides without any shirt sponsorship! Dorking extended their lead on 43 minutes when Gayle fed Harmsworth whose cross was not dealt with and Palladino bundled the ball over the line. Burnett did well to deny Todd with his outstretched leg as half time sounded.

Wood were playing well but conceded two sloppy goals and an immediate response was required in the second half.

That chance came and went when Gregson scuffed a shot wide with the Wood management team looking studious in the technical area. Coles denied Turner bravely at his feet and Ogunseye fed Turner on the right but the rangy striker fired inches wide across the goal. Land crossed for turner but his header was straight at Coles as Wood continued to dominate possession with no end product. That was punished on 56 minutes when a breakaway from Todd on the left ended with a cool finish. Abbey replaced an out of sorts Embalo. Another decent move ended with McGarry firing over and Grobler was booked for pulling back Palladino. There was no booking for Gayle when he repeated the same foul on Gregson as an advantage was played. Wood were defying their long injury list and playing some good stuff but the defensive errors were costly. John replaced Grobler on 77 minutes and he was booked soon after for a foul. And his cameo was lifted on 85 minutes when he cleverly chipped Coles from 30 yards on the left of the area. Comeback hopes were dashed when Dorking made it 4-1 when Coles rounded the exposed Burnett. John continued to look bright and he fed Turner who was denied by a superb Coles save. In the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Gregson ran across the 18 yard line and finished sweetly into the bottom corner.

A disappointing defeat, yes. But much to admire from a new look Wood side but they will need to cut out some basic errors when they visit Guernsey on Saturday.

Camberley Town 1-4 Wood (FA Vase) - PHOTOS

Maidstone United 4-1 Wood

Maidstone United 4-1 Wood Video On YouTube

Wood 4-1 Shoreham
Wood overcame pre match adversity to progress from this FA Cup reply in some style. Scott Lawson and Nathan Turner had cried off prior to the game and Joe Mead pulled up in the warm up with a calf strain. There was a delay due to the inevitable sock tape colour issues and when the game started, the visitors looked the brighter side on a perfect evening for football. The new Wibbandune pitch looked in great nick but it was a bit slower than usual and the players struggled early on with the pace of the ball. Josh Clayman chested a ball down and volleyed home but he had been flagged for handball as Wood appeared to stand off the Shoreham midfield. Some lethargic defending from The Mussels allowed Cornell McKoy a shot that keeper, James Shaw, saved with his foot. Wood took the lead on 8 minutes when a long ball found Chris Gregson onside and he calmly rounded Shaw to finish neatly. Mario Embalo had a shot parried and Shaw claimed the rebound ahead of the onrushing Dre Grobler. The visitors produced a good one two on the left but Dan Burnett parried Clayman's shot away. Gregson volleyed a McKoy cross over the bar and, following decent approach play, Jamie cant had a shot parried and cleared.

Wood extended their lead on 24 minutes when Embalo set up Gregson and his edge of the box turn allowed a shot that eluded Shaw by his right hand post. Grobler handled the ball and was booked for delaying the re-start but this game was being played in a tremendous spirit with the occasional late tackle down to the pace of the pitch rather than anything sinister, underlined by a booking for Jack Williamson who caught Grobler in midfield. Gregson, looking for a hat trick, was denied by Shaw, easily the busier of the keepers, and cant fired the rebound tamely at the Sussex stopper. Michael Mathurin replaced Andrew Charles on 40 minutes, the latter with a worrying injury to the back of his knee.

Half Time 2-0. A deserved scoreline with the visitors rather slow and square at the back.

Wood got a dream start to the second half when, on 47 minutes, Embalo received a fine pass and he led the back line a bit of a dance before finishing cleverly into the bottom corner of the net.

Shoreham grabbed a lifeline on 54 minutes when the otherwise superb Dan Hughes was dispossessed and, following a shot which was not held, Owen Callaghan tapped home from close range. Shoreham were a better side in this second half but Wood were still an enormous threat going forward with Hughes and McKoy offering width and Embalo and Gregson the pace through the middle. These were being well supported by Grobler, an obvious talent, who will improve with more matched for sure. Mathurin produced a tame shot, Ollie Davis was booked for dissent and Embalo hit the bar but he had been flagged for offside. Gregson blazed over when a square pass would have set up Hughes and Shaw saved from Mathurin with his foot, not for the first time. Alex Fairs shot weakly at Burnett before Wood clinched the tie on 74 minutes. Hughes broke quickly on the left and set up Embalo who could hardly miss. He was replaced by Neil John soon afterwards. As the mosquitoes descended and the beers flowed, Gregson missed a hat trick chance at close range and the final act was a leap frog from Mark Pulling on McKoy as he tied his bootlaces.

A good win for Wood, money in the bank and more to come, irrespective of the result at Ryman League Maidstone United on 25th August. (Chris C).

Shoreham 2-2 Wood

Shoreham 2-2 Wood (Gallery)

Egham Town 4-1 Wood

Egham Town 4-1 Wood

Wood travelled to Egham Town with more hope than expectation and so it turned out as we returned on the wrong end of a 1-4 defeat. This was a feisty affair at times which threatened to boil over as neither side was about to be intimidated by their opponents.

Due to a combination of poor finsihing and sloppy defending the half time lead of 3-1 was no more than the home team deserved with Wood hoping they would spark into life after the break.

As it transpired, it was a better second period for Wood and, although they matched Egham, a late fourth goal only added to their woes. It was not that the team had played badly but a bit of luck and a more clinical approach all round will no doubt see the club moving up the league table. (Chris F).

Wood 1-2 Cove

Wood slipped to an opening day defeat and they will be disappointed after having, perhaps, the majority of the game. With a few new faces in the side, it will take time for the team to gel but the early signs are that it will be a better season than last. Make no mistake, it wasn't all one way traffic and Cove fought hard for the points. Mario Embalo and Dan Hughes may have put Wood in front but it wasn't to be their day in front of goal. Whilst Jake Baxter (a Wood old boy) had a few off target efforts, it was left to James Mepham to put Cove in front three minutes before the break and despite long and loud calls for offside the goal stood and Dan Burnett picked up a yellow card for his protestations.

Half Time 0-1.

Eight minutes into the second half, Wood were handed a lifeline when a penalty for handball was awarded and Phil Frodsham smashed the spot kick into to the top corner. After that, it was nip and tuck with both sides pushing for the winner and it was Cove who snatched the three points when Aaron Parfitt turned the ball home from close range on 83 minutes. (Chris F).

Wood 1-1 St Francis Rangers

Hailsham Town 0-3 Wood