Wood 3-2 Molesey (GMC Semi Final Replay - Thurs 8th May)

Wood progressed to the final with a superb late comeback against a determined Molesey side at Ashford Town. Rain all day had tampered the uneven pitch down and it was Molesey who had the first opening when Shaw rifled a shot which skimmed the crossbar. The abandoned game on Tuesday was rife with strange refereeing decisions and when Okyere was booked for The Moles, one sensed another tricky evening for all concerned. Bakici produced a sharp turn fro Wood, but he flashed his drive just past the far post, and a Toubal cross went begging before Molesey went ahead on 18 minutes. A dubious corner kick was not dealt with and Linegar netted easily from 8 yards. Wood were having much more of the ball but right back Maludi, again, was keeping Fidler in check although Kamara tried to fade a shot but his line was all wrong. Fidler appeared to handle when on the floor but his quick thinking put Bakici in but he prodded wide, the referee overruling the offside flag! Once again, Wood looked the fitter team but some of the passing was poor to say the least. Chapman saw off a Kamara run and a fine run from the impressive Dacres-Smith saw Bakici hit the post and Burke's follow up was blocked. Phillips replaced the unfortunate Sykes and Molesey had lost a serious threat out wide.

Half time 0-1 and a rather uneventful half with Wood lacking the nous to open up a determined Moles back four.

Fidler almost punished hesitancy from Bentley and Qalliaj and when Fidler put the lively Bakici clean through, he was wiped out by Chapman yet, amazingly, no penalty kick was forthcoming. Dacres-Smith lashed a shot wide as Wood dominated with only rare breaks for The Moles. Shaw picked up a yellow card before Bentley denied Burke and Zengan replaced Shaw. A poor Borhloe pass saw Reynolds brush past Mussard but he shot wide when in on goal and Bakici was denied by a goal line clearance before Miles replaced dacres-Smith as Wood sought the equaliser. Linegar nodded a Fidler header behind but Wood were lacking drive from the back and midfield and Molesey appeared to have control of the forward threat of Wood even though Bakici was hard to track with his movement. Zengan was booked for a foul before Molesey made it 2-0 on 74 minutes. A long free kick from the left side by Miller saw Reynolds completely unmarked 12 yards out and his neat header sailed into the corner of the net. Wood had fought back on Tuesday with nine men and now they faced ten oppenents when Okyere kicked the ball away in frustration and received a second yellow card. McInerney replaced Miller and Wood now faced two banks of four to break down. Kwadu replaced Mussard as Wood went for it and he almost had an immediate impact when he headed a Toubal cross wide. Charles-Berry replaced Burke on 81 minutes and on 86 minutes, it was 1-2 when Miles put Bakici away and he rounded Reynolds to score neatly. Moments later, the same player was clearly scythed down in the box and, yet again, no penalty was the call. Bentley fumbled a low cross but, somehow, Fidler scuffed wide but in the firdst minute of stoppage time, Miles curled a delightfull free kick just over the wall but under the bar to equalise. Incredibly, in the sixth minute of added time, Wood won it when a long ball found the willing Kwadu. He outfought Chapman and, although he didn't get the best contact, the ball nestled in the net. Bakici looked to have headed a fourth from a Miles free kick but was just offside and Reynolds was sent off for kicking out, in frustration, at Charles-Berry. A total of ten minutes stoppage time was played!

Wood will play Bedfont Sports in the final on Tuesday. Let's hope we can take another dramatic evening of football on the edge once again!

Molesey U18 2-2 Wood U18 (GMC Semi Final - Tues 6th May)

Wood and Molesey will have to try again after an extra time floodlight failure at Walton Road.

Francois cut out a Miller cross and Borhloe was booked after he caught Sykes, purely by accident, on a dry and bobbly surface. Hickford cleared straight to Reynolds but he fired wide and Maludi did well to see off Fidler on the right for Wood. This wasn't a surface to play out from the back on and The Moles pressed Wood into numerous errors but up top, Wood had pace to burn and a back heel from Fidler to toubal saw a neat pull back to baking but his shot struck the upright. Linegar was caught on the edge of the box but Zengin's free kick was blocked and Sykes blazed the rebound over. Molesey went ahead on 32 minutes when a clever free kick from Harrison saw Sykes in behind Borhloe. His pull back fell to Linegar and he smashed home easily. It was 1-1 less than a minute later when a long clearance fell to Toubal and he shot cleverly over Bentley's head to score. Zengin was booked for a comment to the officious referee and reynolds was booked for another foul, this time on Kamara. Miles crossed well but just over Bakici's head and Burke did well to bale out his skipper, Kamara, following an error in possession.

Half Time 1-1 – Molesey shaded the first half although Wood did improve as the half developed.

Baking fed Toubal but he chipped past the far post and Chapman cut out a fidler cross as Wood started the half much the better team. Quillia was booked for a foul on baking. Balogun, back from a long term injury, was booked for an flailing elbow and Borhloe almost forced the ball home from a baking free kick. Dabo replaced Charles-Berry and McInerney replaced Zengin. Fidler forced a corner before Kwadu replaced Miles and Walsh replaced Okyere. Wood were bossing possession but Molesey's defence was on form and on 78 minutes, the home side went ahead. A loose defensive header fell to Sykes who bore down on goal. He was caught by Kamara on the line and the referee gave a penalty and a second yellow to Kamara who was sent off. Quillia scored well from the spot. Balogun was booked for a petulant throwing away of the ball and he was also dismissed leaving Wood with nione players. Dacres-Smith replaced Burke and on 82 minutes it was 2-2 whenBakici saw his shot parried straight at Toubal who made no mistake. Even with nine players, Wood looked the better side. Bentley saved superbly with his feet as Toubal threatened a hat trick and he produced a superb fingertip save over the bar from baking soon after. Borhloe headed the corner down but wide as we entered extra time. Little of note happened in the extra six minutes that were played before the lights failed meaning a replay on Thursday at Ashford Town FC.

Wood will be in good heart with a full squad to select from.

Hanworth Villa 5-2 Wood (Sat 3rd May)

With Rectory Meadows looking a picture in the warm spring sunshine, Wood named just 12 fit players for this tough match up against Hanworth Villa. Wood started the better with Embalo firing wide and then Richardson making a superb double save from Harding and Woodhouse. Embalo delayed a shot Harding was blocked and Grobler blazed over with Villa looking all over the place and dominated in midfield. However, a Johnson free kick was met with the head of Juett but Siudut saved superbly one handed. Higgs produced a fine tackle on Embalo and Hughes and Mussard defended well as the match evened itself up. Siudut produced two fine saves from Turner and King and a fine ball from Hughes put Embalo in but he curled over the bar. Ogunseye was caught by Higgs but accidentally therefore no penalty and sam Mead blocked a Juett shot behind. From that corner on 32 minutes, Villa went ahead when Baigent looped a header into the far corner and two minutes later it was 2-0 when King put the flying Loveridge away on the right and his inch perfect low cross was easily converted by Turner. This was good stuff for the basking and, ever noisier, home crowd and Woodhouse and Higgs were spoken to for a spot of handbags. Siudut reacted well to save with his legs when Caesar was rather late on Major and the referee waved play on and from the corner, Siudut produced another superb one handed save to deny Baigent.

Half time 2-0 to Villa. A very entertaining game and Wood will need the next goal to stay in the game.

Debrah did well on the right but major saw off Harding as he was about to shoot and Woodhouse was cut out by Morley as Wood started very much on the front foot. It was 1-2 on 52 minutes when Woodhouse ran across the edge of the box to set up Embalo for his 21^st league goal of the season when he shot just inside the post despite Richardson's fingertips. Two minutes later it was 2-2 when a speculative low shot deceived Richardson at his near post but, with Wood still celebrating, an error from Sam Mead allowed Juett to put Villa ahead again and on 58 minutes, it was 4-2 when a deep free kick was nodded across the goal face. Siudut saved well but he had no chance when Higgs lashed home from 3 yards. On 63 minutes, a shot from Ogunseye hit the arm of Loveridge and a rather harsh penalty was awarded. However, Caesar put the kick wide and that seemed to deflate the visitors. Taiwo replaced Mussard and Cheetham replaced Juett. Embalo fired a shot wide but, to be fair, Higgs had marshalled him pretty well all day but there was some childish mimicking of Embalo when he was spoken to for a hand off when in full flight. Grobler conceded a silly free kick which Higgs headed just over before a double substition for Villa and on 78 minutes, it was 5-2 when Cheetham left Debrah on the floor and his cross was converted by Loveridge. Woodhouse fired wide and had a free kick blocked and Richardson saved a deflected Hughes shot. A foul on Taiwo by Loveridge saw some hands raised afterwards and Major was booked but Embalo dismissed to round of a disappointing day for The Wood who had played their part in a watchable end of season game.

Hartley Wintney 0-2 Wood (Sat 26th April)

Wood made the long trek down the A30 without numerous players including skipper, Sam Mead, whose car broke down. Wood had a debutant goalkeeper in Tomasz Siudut and only had injured first choice keeper Michael Eacott on the bench! A tough day lay in wait. Apart from the odd sunny interval, it was a bleak day and on a wet surface, Hartley showed some patient play early on and a cross from the left was put over on the half volley by Argent. Embalo broke for the visitors but fired over from the edge of the box and from a fine pass, Hollamby shanked a shot wide complaining that he had been fouled by Mussard. Youth team skipper, Mussard, playing at centre back denied Argent from a Hobden free kick and a long clearance from the youngster found Dan Harding. He played Embalo in but he shot over whilst falling over. Siudut made a good early call and claimed the ball while caesar fed Ogunseye but he blazed over from an angled shot. The Harts were dominating possession but, strangely, Wood looked the most likely to score even though Argent toe poked a shot against the upright. On 20 minutes, Dan harding did well to find Joe Mead whose shot was parried by Atkinson as was Ogunseye's follow up. On 23 minutes, Wood did take the lead. The referee, turning to address the home bench, missed a clear foul by Boye. The ball fell to Dan Harding who fed Ogunseye. He turned sharply in the box and the challenge from Everiss saw the ball fly past Atkinson for an own goal. This gave Wood's patched up team something to get their teeth into although Siudut was hurt when a brave claim of the ball saw a head injury. Atkinson was sharply off his line to head the ball out and he made a good save from Embalo soon after with the Wood striker clearly offside but no flag! The impressive Caesar robbed Coventry and he flicked out at the Wood midfielder and was rightly cautioned. Debrah, playing at right back, produced a fine interception and Woodhouse shot wide while the crossfield run and closing down of Argent by left back, Hughes, underlined a hard working performance from the visitors. Lloyd was injured, cautioned and replaced by Elwood following a poor tackle on Caesar right on half time.

Dillon replaced Coventry for The Harts at half time and Joe Mead drove a free kick wide after an Everiss foul on Ogunseye. Atkinson parried an Embalo shot behind following some fine midfield play and caesar drove over from a good pass from Hughes. Ogunseye and harding played a wall pass but the lively Wood winger shot wide and it woud be fair to say that the home side looked rather out of sorts at times. Caesar and Embalo teed up Joe Mead but his effort was weak and Kingston forced a home corner via a deflected shot from which Joe Mead cleared a towering header off the line by Hollamby. Hughes produced a super nod back and Harding rounded Atkinson but Hollamby read the danger and cleared well. Wit the rain now driving down, Wood broke in the 73^rd minute and Harding was very calm in picking out Joe Mead and he netted easily to deflate the cowering home support. Kingston headed wide from a corner kick and Boye produced a superb clearing header as Wood saw the game out as the rain eased for three well earned, and, it has to be said, unexpected points. The whole team put in a good shift today and there is plenty to build upon for next season. Off to Hanworth Villa for the final game next Saturday and, no doubt, a “few jars”!

Chessington & Hook United 2-1 Wood (Sat 19th April)

Wood had 5 regular players missing for various reasons as they made the short trip to Chalky Lane. The day started worryingly for Wood when keeper, Michael Eacott, dislocated a finger but had it popped back in before kick off on a dry bobbly pitch putting a good first touch at a premium. Both sides were guilty of whining at the referee, who they felt they could intimidate, and the early signs were of a fractious, niggly and awful game of football. M Ellis headed over unmarked from a corner kick and davison drove well wide as chess looked to dominate. Woodhouse drove a free kick over the bar and Morally and Ottaway were all out to keep Wood at bay at the back for the home side. Burdon was scythed down but nothing was awarded and another free header from a corner came M Ellis' way. Boye was spoken to for a foul on Jackson and on 20 minutes Wood were given a leg up when Boye met a Woodhouse corner with a powerful header which hit Chin, on the line, with the referee adjudging handball. Harsh enough for the home player, the red card was farcical and one had some sympathy for Chessington as what chance did the player have; his arms straight down and absolutely no intent. No matter as Burdon saw his spot kick easily saved by stand in keeper, R Ellis, although Adcock was booked for his protests. Some others were fortunate the referee was lenient given the torrent of foul language he received, particularly from Woods, who really should know better. Two minutes later, Wood did take the lead when Woodhouse, having been fouled, curled a free kick into the top right hand corner, the wind acting as a buffer and deceiving R Ellis. Jimmy Harding shot just over and on 31 minutes, United had a penalty when Boye fouled Adcock and Jackson levelled the scores easily. Morally did well to see off Woodhouse and R Ellis was twice off his line to deny Embalo, the second time from a sweet pass from Mussard, the youth team skipper. Wood looked the better football side but lacked a killer final pass and it was ten a side when Boye clattered into Davison and received a second yellow card and was dismissed. Oketoki replaced Woods just on half time.

HT 1-1 – an awful game to watch, and all square, but one senses that the home side are in the ascendancy.

Burdon slotted in at the back for Wood and Ottaway saqw off the threat of Embalo, yet again, and M Ellis was booked for a foul on Jimmy Harding. Things seemed calmer, and quieter, on the pitch now as Woodhouse drove yet another free kick into the deep blue yonder! Flack saw off Embalo with ease but the threat remained for Wood via their top scorer and, in particular, Woodhouse, one of three players playing against their former club, and Dan Harding flashed a shot inches wide before he found Embalo whose exquisite first touch allowed a drive which hit the post and his follow up was well saved. Dan Harding stabbed an Ogunseye corner goalwards but that was well saved as well and one sensed the chance had gone for Wood. Oketoki shot wide off balance and Embalo rounded the keeper but his shot was cleared and the keeper saved the Ogunseye follow up drive. Davison was booked for dissent and Oketoki put his right leg in, so to speak, but missed with the goal gaping. Debrah replaced Ogunseye on 73 minutes and jackson's turn and shot was parried to Oketoki who missed another open goal. That's what it's all about!! Chessington went ahead on 76 minutes when Hughes failed to clear his lines and the ball struck Sam Mead on the arm when lying on the floor. Jackson's spot kick hit the post but he made no mistake from the follow up. Kamara replaced Burdon and Hughes was booked for a strange “foul”. Sam Mead cleared an Oketoki shot behind and Chambers replaced the excellent Jackson on 84 minutes. A good run from Morally saw Oketoki slice well wide but he hit the bar soon after as Wood looked beaten now, those missed chances coming back to haunt them. Eacott made a superb double save from Chambers and Oketoki and the final whistle saw great celebrations on and off the field. Chessington now have a fighting chance of avoiding the drop with other results going their way today. Credit to their two centre backs and the keeper who were up for it all day. For Wood, rather flat today, a trip to Hartley Wintney next Saturday awaits, with improvement much needed.

Wood 2-0 Molesey (Sat 12th April)

Wood continued their remarkable run of results against Molesey with a hard fought, but just deserved, 2-0 win at Wibbandune. Dre Grobler was in South Africa and owen davies was still suffering with his shoulder but Cornell McKoy returned to the squad after a long absence.

The delayed start due to the memory of Hillsborough did not detract from a bright opening from Wood as McShane and Robinson saw off a rampant Ogunseye and Caesar drove wide from a Dan Harding pull back with Embalo, as ever, causing most of the panic in the Moles area. Young recovered from a poor goal kick to deny Embalo while Blessing looked sharp for the visitors. Weighill nodded a far post cross behind and Jimmy Harding was denied by a bobble on the tired pitch which, to be fair, both sides were making light work of and producing good entertainment.Sam mead denied Utmong and Ogunseye blocked well as Wood were forced back by Molesey.Lewington saw off Embalo and Young saved from point blank range when Embalo teed up Dan Harding. Dan Hughes drove wildly wide as did Lewington and Eacott produced a good save from Utmong who was set up by McShane. A fine Boye tackle eventually led to Woodhouse shooting inches wide while Lewington was rather late on Caesar but this was not a dirty game. Far from it. Windsor volleyed over from a long throw in and caesar was booked for a tug on the same player soon after. Blessing beat Joe mead but his brother, Sam, cleared behind and Spencer blocked well from a fine clearance from the Wood keeper. Windsor drove inches wide from an Eacott punch away as half time arrived with the score 0-0. The first goal will be vital in this match up.

Wood opened brightly again as Young tipped an Embalo shot wide and Wood had a penalty shout when Boye was hauled down though he did make a meal of it to be fair. Blessing put Utmong in but Sam mead, as ever, cut out the threat in style while McShane had a shot parried and his follow up went wide. Embalo produced a hilarious air shot and trip over for the crowd as the game continued in an end to end fashion, hardly end of season fare! Utmong miskicked when in on goal and Weighill denied Ogunseye with a fine tackle before another fine save from Eacott denied Utmong. Wood went ahead on 67 minutes when Dan Harding was pushed with an open goal at his mercy. Caesar calmly tucked the spot kick home. McShane was spoken to regarding a shirt pull (!) and Eacott tipped a corner over as Moles sought an equaliser. They made a double substitution before Burdon replaced the tireless Caesar and McKoy came on for Ogunseye. McCoy cleared a Linegar cross as the home side began to tire. Thankfully. They added a killer second goal on 83 minutes when Woodhouse fed Embalo who was held up by the goalkeeper and a defender but he, somehow, dug the ball out for Dan Harding to net easily. Debrah replaced Woodhouse before Wood saw the clock out to claim another three points.

A good game and two honest teams with some of the the visitors youngsters catching the eye. Wood will go to Chessington next week in good fettle as Wibbandune closes down for much needed pitch repairs. The players carrying the posts off after the game underlined the team spirit at the club now!

Cove 2-0 Wood (Sat 5th April)

Injuries, absences and bereavements cost Wood dear at Cove on Saturday with eight players missing and two youth team players added to the 13 man squad. A mild day, and an uneven surface greeted the players and Wood should have been ahead early on when Debrah passed to Dan Harding whose shot was blocked. Jimmy Harding's pull back to the same player saw him blaze over the bar. Cowan fed Jake Baxter for the home side and he set up Gee but Eacott saved well and Cove then took the lead on 8 minutes when Wood's defence was slowly out to Cowan on the right. His pinpoint cross was met by a glancing header by Gee which sailed into the far corner of the net. Cove were bustling in midfield and debrah fired well over before Grobler had a superb volley well blocked. Kirby really should have been booked for a foul on Grobler, one of many committed, and Kamara replaced davies who had a shoulder injury on 17 minutes. A loose Hughes pass saw Jake Baxter chip at the goal but Boye cleared off the line and on 19 minutes, Boye dived in too early and a penalty was awarded. Paris hit the post from the spot kick and Gee fired wide when clean through soon after. Kamara did well in nodding a dangerous cross behind but form the 27^th minute corner it was 2-0 when Sills got ahead of everyone at the front post to score far too easily. Wodhouse fired straight at Freeman after strong play from Grobler; Kirby was spoken to about yet another foul and Grobler was booked for his first challenge of the game! Eacott just fumbled an easy cross behind, Kirby committed another foul (!) and half time arrived to end a poor half from Wood and the man in the middle.

Twice as many people were in the bar than watching the game and they missed a good start from the vistors with Dan Harding having a shot blocked and debrah producing a fine tackle on Gee. Woodhouse robbed Janaway and fed Harding but he crossed poorly and Grobler saw his overhead kick clear the bar and the boundary wall. It was all Wood with sporadic raids from the home side and any goal now would be decisive. Caesar fired straight at Freeman and Boye saw off Cowan before Kwadu replaced the hard working Kamara on 68 minutes. Eacott made a double save from a free kick by Peace and a fine Wood move ended with Woodhouse firing just wide. King replaced Conteh and should immediately have been dismissed when a long Grobler ball saw him pull back Debrah, in on goal. Not even a yellow card was awarded as the referee began to lose his decision making. Caesar drove the free kick over the bar and Dan Harding sliced a shot wide before Woodhouse was booked for questioning yet another odd refereeing decision. Astonishingly, Caesar received two yellow cards for calling the official a “doughnut” and from that point, it was clear this was never meant to be Wood's day! Kirby beat Grobler and set up Jake Baxter but Eacott saved well with his feet and Woodhouse saw his visious drive sail inches wide as the ten men continued to have the upper hand but no end product. At the death, King was booked as Wood tramped off and the referee was questioned about his performance, which was pretty dire to say the least. Fair play to Cove who, as a club, supported us in our time of need re our ground issues and who are, mostly, a nice club. Home to Molesey next week for our final home game of the season. We will need some players back for this one.

Ash United 1-2 Wood (Tues 1st April)

Wood made it four succesive wins to, just about, secure their premier division status for next season. Wood were without 22 goal top scorer, Mario Embalo, and midfielder Darren Caesar but had Will Boye and Idris Taiwo back. It was a lovely evening for football on a pitch assisted by overnight rain and in pretty good nick. Joe Mead had a shot blocked as Wood were straight on the front foot. Coleman was very late on Davies no doubt reciprocating for an earlier tackle by the Wood right back, and dan Harding lobbed wide. Small tidied up for the home side following good play from Burdon and Ash broke away where Eacott produced a good save from Coleman, clearly a threat. Grobler failed to reach a loose ball with the goal gaping and Woodhouse had a volley saved as Wood dominated with a qick and direct style. Ogunseye was in but denied by Marsh and Ash skipper, Griggs, should have been cautioned for a poor foul on Dan Harding. Dopson nheaded a Thomas free kick straight at the Wood keeper and Grobler straight at Bone beforte Eacott made a good claim ahead of the opening goal for Wood. On 27 minutes, Grobler played Ogunseye and he was lucky with his lob ahead of Bone as it hit the post and just crossed the line. A foul on Harding denied Ogunseye another chance as no advantage was played while Coleman drove just wide from distance. Bone saved well from Ogunseye before Hughes was booked for a tug on O'Reilly. The same fate befell Griggs soon after before Sam Mead and Boye saw off a rare Ash threat.

McKeown replaced Burke for the second half for Ash and Woodhouse pulled the ball back for Burdon who miskicked. Dopson shot poorly wide when put in by McKeown and Burdon underlined the hard work ethic of Wood in closing down well in midfield. Wood went further ahead on 62 minutes when Harding passed to Ogunseye. He was barely caught in the area by Dainton and Burdon slotted the spot kick home well. Coleman, clearly frustrated by that decision, decided to kick out and was, amazingly, not even cautioned. Ogunseye was booked for a foul on Marsh and Wood should have been awarded a penalty when Ogunseye was bundled over. Nothing doing! Taiwo replaced Ogunseye and Harding fired over the bar before another volley was well saved. Debrah replaced Woodhouse and Lewis replaced O'Reilly before Dopson shot weakly when clean through. Eacott palmed a Dainton chip over the bar as Wood sought a deserved clean sheet but they were denied in stoppage time when Dopson headed Coleman's corner home unmarked.

A good performance from the visitors and a watchable and open game and the usual friendly welcome from the hosts.

Horley Town U18 0-2 Wood U18 (GMC Quarter Final) Mon 31st March

Wood eased into the semi finals of the CCL Grant McLellan Youth cup with a 2-0 win at Horley Town on a mild night but a tricky bobbly surface. That was underlined when Dabo miscontrolled and fouled Ford. Kamara spun well but fired well over and Horley were forcing errors from the Wood defence by closing quickly. Rogers hit a free lick from distance which never troubled Hickford and Dabo was booked on 16 minutes for a third foul. Another Rogers free kick was deflected behind and Burbridge headed the corner kick over the bar. Kwadu and his strong running was causing headaches for the Horley defence and yet another Rogers effort was deflected behind of the head of Dabo. Both teams were struggling to control the ball and Branton was quick off his line to deny Toubal. On 31 minutes, Wood were awarded a penalty by the linesman when Kwadu beat Branton to the ball and was, apparently pulled back when running along the goal line. Kwadu put the spot kick away with some ease. Burke was put in but he lobbed wide and Branton was very brave in denying Kwadu from a Kamara pass. A strong run from Toubal ended in an easy save and Fidler was high and wide as Wood looked in reasonable control of the game. Former Horley player, Fidler, was honest to stay on his feet when challenged in the area and Hogan was strong to deny the same player soon after.

HT 1-0. Not a thriller but lots of endeavour from both sides and a tentative lead for Wood.

Burke had a shot blocked from a Fidler pass, Toubal had a shot deflected and Kamara volleyed well over as the visitors looked to take control. Hickford was booked for a comment to the referee while Borhloe and Toubal both produced strong, but fruitless runs out wide. Wood extended their lead on the hour mark when Kamara was strong in the challenge and he fed Fidler. He set off on a mazy run past three defenders before firing home low to the kepper's right whose fingertips could not divert the shot. More indifferent defending from Wood allowed Rumbelow a shot which was deflected into the side netting and Dacres-Smith replaced Charles-Berry on 66 minutes. Burbridge was too strong for Toubal while Chapman replaced Ford for Horley. Garbutt saw off Fidler who was, strangely, penalised and Miles replaced Dabo with twenty to go. Dacres-Smith put Miles in and he netted well but was clearly offside before Clements and Hollands replaced Barry and Rumbelow. Clements was very late on Toubal but was not booked; Garbutt was booked for dissent! Wood saw the game out but not without some anxious moments, usually of their own doing while Horley tried right to the end but lacked any real cutting edge in the team. We await the semi-final draw with interest!

Leatherhead, duly, wrapped up the Central Division title tonight with a 10-0 home win over Hanworth Villa. Our congratulations to them and good luck in the title play offs.

Mole Valley SCR 2-4 Wood (Sat 29th March)

Wood were without 5 players for various reasons and added Juan Castro and Enoch Poky to the bench for this tough looking match up on a lovely spring day at Cobham against Mole valley SCR. A strong cross breeze meant defending was going to be tricky as underlined by a hooked clearance from Cousins while a Burton was going wide but Eacott took no chances in conceding a corner which was well claimed. Davies rose well to head home a Joe Mead free kick but was adjudged to have climbed on the defender while Joe mead flashed a drive from 25 yards just wide. On 20 minutes, Wood went ahead when a fine piece of play from caesar saw him find Joe Mead on the right, His far post cross was not dealt with and the ball was eventually stabbed home by the predatory Embalo from close range. McCabe was booked for pulling the shirt of Woodhouse and on 28 minutes, Valley levelled. Hughes miskicked a pass and a quick cross saw davies nod back to Eacott but he was outjumped by Fernandez who nodded home. Wood regained the lead on 32 minutes when Joe Mead and Woodhouse linked well and the latter was fouled. Caesar rifled home the 25 yard free kick in superb style. Rixon-Nicholls cleared over his own bar and Dilley just palmed a header over as Wood piled on the presurre in front of a crowd boosted by a bus load of support from Wallington. Fernandez and Smith linked well and Holden glanced a header just wide and Goodman, completely unmarked, volleyed a McCabe free kick just wide as well. Clayton found Smith whose volley was well blocked by Hughes and right on half time it was 3-1 to Wood. Davies flighted a free kick which Goodman thought was going out. Debrah, somehow, hooked the ball back and Embalo volleyed home into the far corner of the net.

An entertaining half and there will be more goals to come.

Valley were back in it on 49 minutes whena McCabe throw in saw Fernandez turn Sam mead and fall and a soft penalty was awarded. Fernandez drilled the spot kick home. Eacott saved bravely from Fernandez as Valley began to dominate the game now although Hughes did fire a venomous shot just over the bar for the visitors. Davies headed a cross behind and Grobler was having a fine game in defence blocking a Holden shot. Chin replaced Lunn. A McCabe free kick was too hot for Chin to control and another from the right back saw Goodman head wide. Woodhouse fed Embalo who found Caesar but his first time shot was blocked onto the post as Wood fought back. A long break for an injury to Caesar saw Wood switch off and a skirmish ended with a wild shot wide. Burdon replaced Debrah to shore up the midfield and castro replaced Ogunseye. Woodhouse was booked for a shirt tug and Eacott pulled off a superb catch. Caesar and Castro had shots blocked before Wood sealed the win in the 88^th minute. Wood pressed well in midfield and Caesar drove a 30 yard shot over Dilley for another quality goal. This was another tough test for Wood but they came through it well to reach the 40 point mark ahead of a trip to Ash United on Tuesday. There were thoughts of dear Russell in the bar throughout the afternoon. He would have been happy today!

Photos here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvscrfc/sets/72157643298843753/

Wood U18 3-1 Molesey U18 (Thur 27th March)

A mild evening at Wibbandune heralded Wood's final league game of the season as they looked to finish top of the division. However, urged on by a high pressing game and some suicidal Wood defending the Moles took the lead on five minutes. Belkaid failed to clear and he pulled down Abdirahman. Qalliaj netted in style from the spot kick. Abdirahman blazed across the goal soon after and Borhloe had to head a free kick away as Molesey dominated. Harrison saw off Fidler well and Chapman was too strong for Toubal before Wood blocked a Miller free kick behind. Wood appeared to be suffering something of a hangover from last week's double defeat and that, added to a spirited and hard working Molesey meant a disturbing first half for the home side withh all the players seemingly affected. Fidler miskicked from a better Wood move and Maludi stopped a rampant Kwadu breakaway. Chapman flicked a cross away just ahead of Fidler and he did well with a last ditched tackle on Kwadu soon after before Kamara and Sykes were spoken to by the referee for an altercation. McKenzie in the Moles goal was alert to deny a Kwadu flick on and Dabo and Okyere were booked for a silly spat.

Half time 0-1. A deserved lead for the visitors and changes will be required to get a grip on the midfield areas.

Dacres-Smith replaced Kwadu for Wood. Hickford easily claimed a Chapman free kick before Fidler forced a good save from McKenzie from a Bakici pass. A good reverse ball from Kamara saw Bakici fire weakly at the keeper; the introduction of dacres-Smith adding the necessary steel to the Wood midfield now. Miles replaced Toubal for Wood and an immediate cross from him on the left, clearly missing thus far, saw Bakici fire straight at the keeper and Fidler's follow up was blocked. Wood were better now but Molesey were still game for the fight. McKenzie easily claimed a Bakici header but more abject defending saw Phillips drive inches wide from 25 yards with Hickford well beaten. That warning was not heeded and a fine angled pass saw Okyere drive just wide of the far post and Hickford saved with his legs from the unmarked Abdirahman as time began to run out for The Wood youngsters. Fidler was dispossessed with no willing runners ahead although it was clear that Wood were now clearly looking fitter and playing with some confidence at last. Hennessey replaced Miller for the Moles on 74 minutes. Burke overhit a pass to Bakici and Kamara and Fidler set up Bakici but he shot straight at the keeper again! On 77 minutes, Wood levelled when a superb run from Fidler saw him power past three defenders before a smart far post finish saw sighs of relief all round. Burke, now with the support of Dacres-Smith, was looking a different player with some neat touches and passes and the willingness of Miles provided a fine outlet now on the left flank. Wood went ahead on 82 minutes when Dabo, released now from his defensive shackles, burst through the midfield and ran across the box before firing right footed past McKenzie to his right. Bakici spurned another chance soon after before the game was up for Molesey on 86 minutes. Kamara fed Miles on the left and he cut into the box unchallenged to net from close range with no challengers in sight. The visitors, looking rather tired and a little dejected now, picked up two quickfire bookings for reckless challenges via Chapman on Burke and Shaw on Fidler.

So Wood finish top of the league but with Leatherhead Central needing just a point from their home game against floundering HanworthVilla on Monday (beaten 1-14 at home last night!), the title should head to River Lane this season. Wood travel to Horley Town on Monday, another decent side, for the Grant McLellan CCL Youth Cup quarter final. Whether they can extend their season will depend on a better all round showing than tonight while Molesey appear to have plenty of positives to build on judged by their showing tonight. The starting line up on Monday will be interesting!

Wood 5-2 Camberley Town (Sat 22nd March)

Wood added Owen Davies to their starting line up against second placed Camberley Town at Wibbandune as they went nap for the second succesive Saturday. It was a fairly even opening to the game but, on 7 minutes, a long ball from Woodhouse saw Embalo lob over Garnes in the Cambo goal and he ran the ball into the net easily. Ogunseye, looking particularly lively on the right, crossed too near to Garnes and he and Dan Harding were kept out by some determined defending. A loose back pass from Davies saw Smith in on goal but Eacott saved well and Davies was spoken to by the referee for an altercation with Davies soon after. Dan Harding held off challenges before firing behind via a deflection off Cambo skipper, Webb, and Joe Mead crossed for Embalo who showed a fine touch before bringing a good save out of Garnes. Woodhouse saw a corner punched clear; a subsequent corner on 21 minutes was nodded off the line and fell to Embalo whose spectacular bicycle kick on the edge of the area flew in to the net off the left hand upright. Eacott produced a superb tip over the bar from a Garstang drive and Sam Mead cleared well before Woodhouse headed a Joe Mead corner wide at the front post. Grobler replaced Caesar in midfield for Wood and Harding was spoken to for a late challenge on Garstang. Wood went further ahead on 31 minutes when Embalo and Ogunseye combined well and Harding volleyed home the cross in style. Humphries replaced Mottley for Camberley but on 37 minutes it was 4-0 when Joe Mead put Embalo away. Unselfishly, he fed Harding who netted easily underlining the excellent team ethic on display. Cambo pulled a goal back on 42 minutes when a loose throw out from Eacott put Boye in trouble and Cousins drilled home off the near post from a loose back pass. Garstang beat Ogunseye to the ball and crossed for Quarshie who headed wide of ther goal. Smith retrieved the ball and it looked like he may have been tripped but he was booked for simulation! Webb avoided a card despite a late challenge on Grobler as Wood ended the half, mostly in control.

Sowden was booked for a silly foul, underlining a mixture of some needle in the game and some interesting refereeing decisions which baffled both camps. A long throw from Sowden was flicked on by Smith but Cousins volleyed over and garstang was booked for a late tackle on Grobler. The visitors were on the front foot and their physical prescence may have dislodged Wood earlier in the season but this Wood side is made of sterner stuff now and they rose to meet the challenges. Garnes saved efforts from Embalo and Ogunseye before Debrah replaced the excellent Harding. And on 65 minutes, it was 5-1 when a super run and pull back from Embalo eventually fell to Woodhouse who finished neatly from 10 yards. Azagba replaced Smith and Webb headed wide at the far post. Boye saw off an Azagba cross while Woodhouse received a nonsensical card for god knows what, maybe a comment? Humphries was booked before Spurr replaced Sowden. Debrah missed a double chance to score while Sam Mead calmly tidied up a, now, rare visiting threat although Boye headed a Garstang cross over the bar. On 83 minutes, Woodhouse stood his ground against Garstang but a penalty was awarded which former Wood striker, Quarshie, netted easily. Debrah continued to be wasteful in front of goal or a larger win would have been Wood's and davies was booked for a poor tackle while Jake Meade received a second yellow for a blatant trip on Embalo and off he went. Dan Hughes missed the target and, therefore, the resulting penalty kick. Embalo headed wide before a 10^th (or 11^th) booking of the match went, harshly, to Humphries.

Wood were irresistable in attack today and backed it up with a solid display which ended a long unbeaten run for Camberley and went some way to easing Wood's relegation worries. On this form, maybe the league table does sometimes lie!

Wood U18 3-4 Crowborough Athletic U18 (Thur 20th March)

Wood exited from the league cup despite going two goals ahead in just 9 minutes at Wibbandune against a determined Crowborough Athletic who, deservedly, avenged their FA Youth Cup defeat earlier in the season. Wood were onto the front foot early on although a fine pass from Leadbetter put Ademiluyi in but he fired weakly at Hickford. Wood went ahead on 8 minutes when Kamara fed Toubal who in turn found Bakici. His back heel put Fidler in and he scored from a tight angle at the far post. And within a minute, it was 2-0 when Kwadu was too strong for the central defenders and his shot was blocked to Fidler who calmly beat a defender before netting easily. Fidler was looking particularly sharp but just overrun the ball following a superb turn although Leadbetter and Ademuliyi combined again only for the latter's shot to be blocked behind by Bakici. Ryan fired tamely at Hickford as the visitors began to get into the game although Harman produced a superb one handed save from Kamara after a fine Fidler pass. Charles-Berry did superbly well to block a Cunningham shot and Hinkson did likewise on Fidler as the entertaining game, on a difficult surface, continued to ebb and flow. Mussard denied Leadbetter and Hickford palmed a corner over as the Crows strove for a goal and a fine Charles-Berry run and cross saw Fidler take an unnecessary touch when a first time shot would have been the better option. A one handed save from Hickford from Cunningham was followed by a dubiously awarded free kick which was crossed into the area. Although partially cleared, the ball fell to Leadbetter who curled a shot sweetly in off the far post to reduce the deficit. Borhloe did well in defence while a Hinkson free kick wide left beat everybody but came back into Hickford's arms off the post.

Very tight at half time, as expected, with the next goal, probably, crucial.

Within a minute of the restart it was 2-2 when Ademiliyi was hauled down in the area and he converted the spot kick comfortably. And on 48 minutes, The Crows went ahead. A clear handball by Yerlikara was missed by the referee and his pass to Ademiliyi saw the diminuitve striker afforded far too much room and he drilled the ball home easily. The visitors were on top now despite a weak shot from Toubal and Ademiliyi netted easily but was flagged offside as Mitchell replaced Yerlikara. The referee, rather indifferent all evening, was not exactly charming the home players and support and that was underlined on 63 minutes when a fine pass from Fidler put Bakici in who was clearly tripped in the area. With no help from his “assistant” no spot kick was awarded and Wood's demeanour visibly drained. Although Charles-Berry cleared an effort off the line, the ball fel to Crows skipper, cameron, widish on the left. He took on a 40 yard drive which beat everyoen, including, Hickford and the game looked up for Wood. Blake replaced Kwadu before, on 83 minutes, Wood gained a lifeline when Fidler put Bakici in and he finished smartly. Miles replaced Toubal and Hampson replaced Ryan as Evemy put in a strong tackle on Fidler and Cameron denied Dacres-Smith who had replaced Dabo.

So, a pretty dismal four days for the Wood youngsters with an exit from the league cup and, probably, the end of their championship hopes. A few key players were out of sorts tonight but credit to the visitors who won through after a shaky start. We wish them well.

Leatherhead Central U18 2-1 Wood U18 (Mon 17th March)

The Southern Youth League Central Division title is almost in Leatherhead Central's hands following an exciting and tetchy match up between, easily, the best two sides in the division. Owens forced a corner via a deflected shot for The Tanners who set their stall out early in closing Wood down and dominating the game. Only out balls to Toubal on the right gave The Wood some respite and a strong run from Owens saw him fire well wide. Toubal fired a free kick well over after he was tripped and Roche crossed just over the bar for the home side. Hickford punched a Higgins free kick away while Fidler and Charles-Berry combined to set up Burke but he shot weakly at Nimmo in the Leatherhead goal. The home side went ahead on 26 minutes when Wood were slow to react to a loose header from a high free kick. Berryman pulled the ball back for Owens who smashed home from close range unmarked. Toubal fed Fidler whose effort was well blocked and Bakici hit a free kick well over the bar. Hearn cut out a Toubal reverse pass and Fidler tracked back to deny Heagney before Nimmo did well to deny Toubal.

Half time 1-0 and deservedly so but Wood are still in the game and in with a chance.

Dabo replaced Charles-Berry and Francois went to left back for Wood and Owens sliced a shot well wide before Wood began to really get into the game. The home side were flat out to contain the Wood midfield with their quick passing and Bakici should have at least hit the target from a fine Fidler pass. Kwadu replaced Burke for Wood and the complexion of the game had changed with the visitors looking likeliest to net the next goal. Roche was booked for an altercation with Dabo. Mussard fed Kamara who in turn passed to Fidler on the left. He cut inside three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot to make it 1-1 on 62 minutes, as good a goal as you would wish to see. Scanlan was booked for dissent before Kamara headed a Bakici free kick well wide. Bugden replaced Berryman for Leatherhead. The game was becoming more fractious with so much at stake and Tipping replaced Roche for The Tanners. A loose Toubal pass saw a cross from the right fall to Bugden but Hickford saved his vicious shot via the angle of the upright and bar and Mussard was alert to clear the resulting corner kick. A point would have left Wood in pole position for the title but Leatherhead were striving for the three points. They defended willingly and, at times, bravely to keep out Toubal and Fidler who were running riot, and that hard work was rewarded in the 88^th minute. A loose pass from Mussard saw Bugden outmuscle Borhloe on the left. His hopeful, hoisted cross was met by the head of Scanlan, outjumping Hickford, and the ball went in to the delight of the home support. Fidler was squeezed out by Hearn and the outstanding Higgins amidst penalty shouts and Kamara was booked via the referee's totting up procedure. A flick on by Kwadu saw Nimmo deny Bakici and, after words were exchanged, the Wood midfielder was sent off to round of a disappointing end to the evening.

The home side worked extremely hard for their win tonight, Wood did pretty well in defeat too, but basic errors will be punished by the better sides, yet another learning curve for this Wood squad. A tough league cup quarter final on Thursday awaits. That should be yet another cracking game. A point from their final game v Hanworth Villa should seal the title now for Leatherhead. Fair play to them.

Wood 5-0 Badshot Lea (Sat 15th March)

A bright early spring day welcomed two inconsistent sides with the dry “sandy” pitch likely to make good football difficult. There were first starts for Harry Wise and Darren Caesar while Jimmy Harding was added to the Wood squad as well. The Baggies mostly youthful squad had trouble containing Wood early on with Harris pulling off a fine parried save from Caesar and on 14 minutes, Wood went ahead when some patient passing saw the ball fall to Woodhouse who unleashed an unstoppable drive into the top right hand corner of the net. Dan Harding fired over from 12 yards while Eacott took a fine catch on a rare Baggies break. To be fair to the visitors, they gradually got into the game, driven forward by their skipper Pilgrim who fed Howard on the right but he overhit his cross. Pilgrim put McCallum in but he was offside while a poor touch from Debrah saw his opportunity to score go begging for Wood. Isiakpuna beat Eacott to a long ball but Boye was alert to clear the ball behind and from that corner, Wise blocked a Blackie shot behind. Dan Harding and Woodhouse combined to set Hughes up but he chipped over before Wood etended their lead twice within a minute. On 36 minutes, Woodhouse was tripped and Caesar drove the 25 yard free kick home and a minute later, Embalo punished some wayward passing with a calm finish. Dan Harding nodded down a Debrah free kick to Caesar but he shot over the bar and the same pair combined again but Caesar fired inches wide of the far post.

A useful lead at half time and the promise of more good football in the second half despite the testing conditions.

A super turn and shot from Caesar smashed aginst the crossbar while a clever volley from Howard went just over for the visitors. A blistering drive from Amadieu may well have had Eacott in trouble but for a deflection wide off Boye while, following a trip on Caesar, left back Wise saw his free kick just held at the second attempt on the line by Harris. Harris produced a fine save with his legs to deny Embalo before Jimmy Harding replaced Woodhouse and Hardy replaced Osler for The Baggies. The visitors were striving to get back into the game, particulary Pilgrim in midfield, underlined by a superb tackle before Ogunseye replaced Debrah. And within a minute, he had set up the fourth Wood goal when his pass to Embalo saw Wood's top scorer ride two tackles before netting easily in the 69^th minute. Burdon replaced the injured Joe Mead before Jimmy Harding fired a shot over. Anwar replaced Broad and Hayes replaced McCallum before Harris cleared an Ogunseye cross. Eacott saved a Richards shot while Embalo squandered his hat trick chance twice via a weak shot and an unselfish set up for Caesar whose shot was saved. Wood went nap in the 87^th minute when Ogunseye and Embalo combined to set up a close range finish from Jimmy Harding on his debut. This was Wood's best win of the season and it was a good all round team showing against a Baggies side with some useful young players (substitutes, Hardy and Anwar in particular). There were no bookings in a game played in a good spirit and well officiated; the visiting side were rather unlucky to play against a Wood side that all showed up today!

A vital win but so much more hard work ahead with Camberley in town next week.

Hanworth Villa U18 1-4 Wood U18 (Wed 12th March)

A clear evening saw a crucial match up for both sides divisional title aspiritations at The Ranch. Wood opened brightly and a low Fidler cross saw Burke blaze over the bar while Hickford claimed a header from the Villa #10. A far post free kick saw Toubal ghost in but he lobbed over from a tight angle while Wood's lone striker, Kamara produced a sharp turn but he fired well wide. Borhloe and Fidler combined well on the right but Toubal chose to pass rather than shoot while Belkaid headed behind his own goal to deny a Villa breakaway. Francois, looking impressive at the heart of the Wood midfield, saw off the dangerous #8 before Wood went ahead on 18 minutes when Fidler put Kamara in and he made no mistake. The striker looked clearly offside but no flag was raised. Villa's #3 saw off Toubal while #10 failed to punish a poor belated pass when he drove straight at Hickford. Francois was forced off by an ankle injury, amidst two or three niggly challenges that went unpunished, and was replaced by Kwadu with Kamara reverting to midfield. That loss seemed to unsettle Wood who, by and large, were well in control but mistakes began to creep into their play.Charles-Berry and Toubal linked well but Kwadu miskicked and Bakici's final pass was poor as Villa started to pressure the Wood midfield. #8 fed #6 on the right but Belkaid blocked well but on 44 minutes, the home side levelled. Some slack passing saw an angled crossfield ball beautifully chested down by #11 and he fired in to the top of the goal with aplomb.

Villa made two changes at the start of the second hal;f and immediately took the game to Wood. However, Belkaid and skipper, Mussard, looked solid at the heart of the defence and Wood, gradually, began to assert themselves. That positivity was rewarded on 54 minutes when Kamara and Toubal linked well and a clever pass put Kwadu in and he finished well to make it 2-1. On 61 minutes it was 3-1 when some good approach play via Kamara and Kwadu saw a superb turn and shot from Bakici which rebounded of the upright. Toubal was on hand to score however and Wood were looking comfortable again. #7 produced a good run but he shot well wide as Villa were struggling to pass the ball like Wood were at times and the 0-4 reverse at Wibbandune looked like being avenged. A superb Bakici pass saw an arrogant dummy from Toubal which foxed the keeper but the ball went just wide. Borhloe produced a good challenge on the #11 before Hickford claimed bravely at a striker's feet. He followed that up with a good take from a dangerous low cross before the game was up for The Villains on 74 minutes. Charles-Berry and Toubal did very well on the left before the latter's low cross was converted expertly by Fidler with the instep into the corner of the net. Miles and Dacres-Smith replaced Fidler and Burke. Villa showed a spirited response and Mussard and Belkaid did well to see off #11. The referee seemed to be making some strange decisions against Wood at times which were baffling the Wood followers in the stand and Kwadu stabbed wide from close range at the death from a Miles shot but he had strayed offside.

One silly incident apart, this was a good game of football with both sides contributing to the entertainment. This win for Wood sets up a vital game at Leatherhead on Monday where, this time, it will be The Tanners looking for revenge! Should be a good night.

Epsom & Ewell 4-0 Wood (Sat 8th March)

Wood were without the suspended Dre Grobler but added new signing, Darren Caesar, to the squad. A bright, sunny day welcomed the teams but it was the home side who imposed themselves on the game early on. Boye saw of Murray-Price and cleared to Embalo who forced a corner. Joe Mead drove straight at Campbell in The Salts goal before they went ahead on 11 minutes. Wood went to sleep as a short corner fell to Salts skipper Hatfield. He dinked the ball into the box where Ayling's precocious flick found the far corner of the net. Embalo lobbed a long free kick well wide and Murphy did well to see of Wood's leading scorer before the home side went further ahead. Sam Mead and Boye spurned chances to clear any danger. Jarman was going away from the goal and may well have run the ball out of play before Eacott's outstretched arm saw the striker fall rather easily though there was obvious contact. The keeper was booked before McGregor made no mistake with the spot kick in the 21^st minute. Wood really should have been back in the game when a far post cross saw Harding head wide with the goal gaping and McKoy pulled a shot wide following a mazy run. McKay headed just over for Epsom and Debrah prodded a weak effort at Campbell when a left foot shot looked the better option. Domoraud produced a good clearance and Eacott a good catch before Domoraud volleyed well over from distance. Just before half time, Ayling was hurt where no man should be from a ferocious clearance.

The second half saw Wood open brightly without really being able to dominate the game, with Debrah showing some good skill before overhitting his cross and Harding forced a corner before Embalo set up Joe Mead who fired wide. The home side seemed quite happy with their lead and were hardly being threatened as Woodhouse replaced McKoy. Again, Harding and Debrah linked well but the final pass or cross was awful and McKay produced a fine tackle before the game was up For Wood in the 68^th minute when Ayling scored his second goal by punishing some slack defending yet again. Boye produced a decent tackle and Murray-Price headed a corner wide. Caesar replaced Domoraud and Burdon shot well as Debrah and Woodhouse combined but on 75 minutes it was 0-4 when a break on the left saw Douglin's shot parried to Murray-Price who netted from close range. White almost punished a Hughes slip but Eacott saved well and Woodhouse was booked for some colourful language as Wood's day got worse. The temperature dropped as the game came to its conclusion and this was a chilling performance from Wood although Ogunseye looked to have been tripped in the area but no penalty kick was awarded this time! Caesar drove straight at Campbell right at the end as Wood suffered their second worst result of the season. Next Saturday looks a must win game against Badshot Lea now!

Match photos here - http://www.epsomandewellfc.co.uk/photos/epsom-ewell-fc-v-colliers-wo-463470.html#

Westfield 1-2 Wood (Sat 1st March)

The match went ahead thanks to hard work all morning in clearing surface water from the pitch. Wood welcomed back Mario Embalo following a two match suspension and had new signing Harry Wise on their bench on a warm and sunny day at Woking Park. Domoraud cleaned up Milne on the left while Tyler cut out a rangy run from Grobler as both sides made light work of the heavy conditions. Eacott palmed a dangerous cross away and Domoraud blocked the follow up cross while it was interesting to see Ogunseye wearing gloves on the warmest of days! Eacott saved easily from Cheeseman while Blackmore and Joyner linked well but a poor cross ensued and it took the attentions of three defenders to see off Ogunseye. Burdon headed a Joe Mead corner wide and Grobler fouled Milne as he threatened in midfield. Keer drove a free kick just wide in the 23^rd minute as an entertaining game began to unfold. Hennessy fed Cheeseman but his shot was tipped onto the post and Embalo was denied on the break by Keer. A front post cross saw Eacott save well from Blackmore's header and from the breakaway, Bradshaw produced a fine save from Harding as the game ebbed and flowed giving good entertainment for the crowd. Ogunseye put Harding in and he stayed on his feet honestly to claim a corner and Grobler fired wide following a decent Wood move. Eacott and Sam Mead got in a dither at the back but Hughes tidied up well and an Embalo cross was nicely nodded down to Hughes who forced another fine save from Bradshaw. Ogunseye did well to get back at Beale but a poor free kick from him to Joe Mead saw Blackmore round the Wood keeper and miss, his embarrasment saved by an offside flag. The first goal today may prove vital as Wood ended the half in sloppy fashion.

Within a minute of the restart, Westfield went ahead when a long ball found Cheeseman in acres of room and he finished smartly from close range. Band pounced on a Hughes error and flashed his shot inches wide and Embalo beat Bradshaw to a through ball and fed Grobler but the midfielder fired over from close range with the keeper nowhere. Eacott produced a good punch clear and then claimed a cross at the second attempt. His quick clearance fell to Joe Mead who cleverly chipped Bradshaw to level the scores in the 55^th minute. Debrah replaced Ogunseye and his first cross saw Harding head weakly at the keeper and on 61 minutes, Wood went ahead when Embalo flicked a long ball on and Harding finished calmly from 10 yards. Westfield immediately rallied and Eacott produced another fine save from Blackmore in a one on one situation. Band curled a shot just wide as the game continued to entertain and both sides were playing with an excellent spirit in a game well refereed. Debrah showed some neat skills near the touchline and substitute Mepham forced a corner as Wood strove to hold on to their precarious lead. Embalo got in on the rescue act with an overhead kick clear while Grobler and Joe Mead continued to clam things down in midfield for the visitors. There was barely a foul during the game, underlined by a committed but fair 50/50 challenge in midfield although Mepham did head a floated free kick just wide. Woodhouse replaced Harding and Wise replaced Burdon before a Mepham cross saw a diving header from Keer go inches wide. That chance being missed meant Wood were all but home and dry although there was time for Cheeseman to chip just wide following a Wise error.

A valuable three points for Wood, and a first league double of the season, on a pleasant day and in pleasant company and surroundings. Good match officials and good hospitality. What more could one ask for?

South Park 3-1 Wood (Tues 25th February)

Wood travelled to the league leaders who had scored fourteen goals in their last two matches and came away with nothing as Park completed a league double. There were ominous signs early on when a clear offside was not given and Boye was forced to concede a corner. A foul on Hughes was not awarded as MacLeod crossed for Pullin who headed wide off balance. On seven minutes, a long throw saw Eacott pull off a tremendous save from the lively Chris Smith and moments later he made amends from close range when Wood failed to clear their lines. Wood were playing like champions elect as Wood failed to close the home side down and a David cross saw Pullin head goalwards only for Eacott to claw the ball off the line via the upright, another fine effort. A loose header from Boye allowed Chris Smith a great chance but Eacott, again did well in saving with his trailing leg while Boye did well to block Davis's follow up shot. A rare foray into the home half saw Harding fire well wide and park continued to play out from the back with long diagonal balls causing Wood numerous problems. Pullin drove wide following a good run across the box while a long range from Grobler was deflected wide. Park extended their lead on 29 minutes in controversial fashion. Sam Mead was clearly fouled via a late challenge but there was no whistle and Chris Smith was in on the right via a neat touch and he netted with aplomb as the league's leading scorer should do. That decision saw numerous baffling decisions from the referee and sam Mead did well to block a MacLeod effort while Grobler was awarded a free kick when he clearly fell over; more ineptitude from the referee who was clearly struggling to keep pace with events. Joe Mead saw a free kick nodded behind while a shot from the midfielder was somehow shunted behind soon after. McKoy and Joe Mead linked well and the chipped cross was smashed well over the bar by Grobler. Domoraud blocked a MacLeod efoort before Park went 3 up from the penalty spot on 40 minutes. Some neat one touch passing saw a half hearted and petulant effort at a tackle by Grobler trip the forward and Chris Smith completed his hat trick in sending Eacottthe wrong way. Michael Smith was booked for a horrible tackle on Boye and the park defender did well to block a harding effort. McKoy was showing signs of hope for Wood although they appeared fortunate when Domoraud appeared to haul Lavery down in the box, dare I say,, another poor decision from the official with no help from his club side assistant. Wood were good value for their half time lead while the Wood officials made no secret of their thoughts to the referee.

Stafford drove straight at Eacott while a Grobler effort was well blocked back to Wastell who had yet to make a serious save. Wood looked to take the game to their hosts and a fine front post cross saw harding stab inches wide while MacLeod cleaned up on Grobler in no uncertain terms and nothing was given again. Lavery fired well wide when off balance and Boye took a painful David drive where no man needs too. The pitch was rather dead but perfectly playable following hard work all day and Higgins hauled Harding down but Joe Mead drove his free kick well over. There were signs that Wood were at ease with themselves now, despite punctuated baffling decisions from the official, as Ogunseye replaced Woodhouse. A clear Wood throw in went the way of the home side and Grobler picked up a card for dissent. Boye produced a hard, but fair, tackle on Lavery while the same Park player hacked Boye down on the touchline moments after and not a word was uttered by you know who. The irony of Boye's booking for a similar challenge on Lavery in midfield was not lost on the crowd whether they followed the home or away side. Debrah replaced Boye soon after and although without their suspended, talismanic leading scorer, Embalo, pace had returned to the Wood front line. Pullin fired high and out of the ground and MacLeod fired wide through a crowd of players but it was Wood who were now looking the more dangerous side despite Chris Smith pulling a shot wide. Wastell was alert to clear ahead of the rampant Ogunseye and McKoy drove just wide following good play from the impressive harding and Ogunseye. Higgins cut out an Ogunseye cross and Debrah was clearly bundled over in the box but nothing (surprise!) was given. On 79 minutes, Wood deservedly scored in good style when Hughes and McKoy linked on the left to find Harding. His sharp turn and shot clipped the bar and post before crossing the line with Wastell nowhere; a deserved goal for his efforts all evening. Eacott produced good athleticism in saving from a Grobler chest back and Ogunseye was clearly pulled back via his shirt in the area following a good run but neither official gave the penalty. Debrah put Harding in but his delayed effort was blocked while Debrah fired just over following a good run. Wastell saved well from Ogunseye and the same player hit the side netting after Domoraud and Sam Mead cleared a Park threat well between them. Eacott saved well from Michael Smith and Debrah was brave with a tackle before Chris Smith hit the post near the end. Wood had been better in the second half but Park deserved the points overall. They are going to take some stopping in their title charge but some of the decisions made tonight by those in charge would have tested the patience of a saint. On to Westfield on Saturday with, hopefully, a full squad available.

Wood 0-1 Farnham Town (Sat 22nd Feb)

Wood welcomed new signing Theo Woodhouse to Wibbandune but were without Mario Embalo, Idris Taiwo and Mike Debrah for the visit of seventh placed Farnham Town. A bright, sunny day greeted the teams and Joe Mead drove over from 30 yards and Boye volleyed tamely at Ossai from a Joe Mead free kick as Wood sought an early advantage. Wood house produced an instep volley from a deep McKoy cross which went wide and a long free kick was headed wide by Bunyan as Town, gradually, began to get on top in the game. An error from Marker allowed Harding in but he sot tamely at Ossai and Sam Mead did well to deny Dixon following a Smith pass for the visitors. Grobler trod on the bal and Bunyan fired inches wide of the far post thanks to the fingertips of Eacott. Lancashire fired a yard wide having cut in from the left and Bunyan and Williams provided good blocks on Woodhouse and Ogunseye respectively. Eacott failed to claim an awkward McKoy sliced clearance but he made up for that via a superb save at full strength to deny Lancashire's 30 yard drive. Grobler was cautioned for a foul, looking frustrated at a foul that was not awarded to him just before and he will have a two match suspension in the very near future to add to Wood's woes. And from the resultant free kick, The Clarets took the lead on 38 minutes when Lancashire toe ended the delivery from the left home from close range with no sign of any Wood defenders. Woodhouse fired straight at Ossai and McKoy blocked a Farnham effort. Wright was booked for pulling Woodhouse back and when Harding rounded Ossai in stoppage time, he was brought down and a penalty was awarded. The yellow card, which should have been a red one, proved decisive as Ossai finger-tipped Hughes' spot kick on to the post and it was cleared.

Wood started the second half much better and the impressive Neville produced a fine tackle on Grobler while an excellent Harding chip saw no Wood player following up. Eacott saved a Smith shot on a rare foray into the Wood half for Town while a quick free kick from Woodhouse saw McKoy shoot inches wide at the far post.Town skipper, Wareham, was booked for a late tackle on Domoraud and he repeated the dose seconds later but the referee waved play on. Harding wasted another chance before a poor back heel from Ogunseye allowed Smith a shot which Eacott saved superbly. Williams headed over at the far post from a corner kick while Grobler volleyed just wide as Wood looked the most likely to add to the goals tally. Boye was booked for a reckless lunge before Gurney replaced Domoraud. Despite good play from McCoy, Harding and Woodhouse, Wood really lacked that killer instinct in front of goal. Wilson replaced Wright and Neville did well to deny Harding yet again. Corbett replaced the tireless Lancashire and was immediately booked for a foul on Boye. Farnham were defending in numbers, Brigwall replaced Dillon and a long free kick was nonned back by Boye to Grobler who saw his violent volley brilliantly saved by Ossai through a crowd of players. Hughes volleyed wide while off balance and a Grobler shot hit Wilson on the back. Finally, Hughes shot straight at Ossai to sum up a disappointing result for Wood who were worth a draw, but no more. Seven bookings in a game that didn't have a really bad tackle all day and with one of those bookings being the pivotal moment of the day. Consistency for all football clubs would be appreciated! Four very tough away games for Wood now may well define their season!

Wood 2-2 Alton Town - Sat 8th February

Despite torrential rain just before kick off, and a spectacular rainbow over the stand, the match became the only CCL match to go ahead and you would have got long odds against that happening in recent years. Conditions weren't ideal but both sides made light work of them and provided an entertaining game with the visitors on the front foot early on, where Boye cut out a threat from The Brewers. A long throw saw Sam Mead head clear and Joe Mead blocked the following shot behind. S Brown toe poked wide of the far post and Phillips did well to nod back to the keeper under pressure from Ogunseye from a long Grobler pass. Alton took the lead on 11 minutes. No foul was awarded for a foot up, the referee judging Boye to have stooped to head the ball and S Brown rifled the loose ball home in style from 25 yards. Another long throw was just about dealt with and Courtnage in the visitors goal was quick to deny Embalo. Grobler drove well wide from 30 yards as Wood strove to get into the match and Moore underlined his quality in defence (catching the eye of visiting scouts) in seeing off Embalo. Ogunseye had a cross cut out before Wood levelled on 24 minutes in surprising fashion. Ogunseye's far side corner was not cleared and Boye lashed home from 6 yards. Wood were a match now for Alton and McKoy and Harding linked well to set up Embalo but he curled his shot wide and he was denied by Leonetti soon after. Embalo robbed Sanderson and put Harding in but his fine lob was chalked off for offside. Burch replaced Wade just before half time.

Little replaced Sanderson at the start of the second half for the visitors and another long throw caused problems via a header which looped just over the bar. Sam Mead blocked a S Brown cross and a poor kick from Eacott saw J Brown feed Burch but Sam Mead, again, cleared the threat well. Wood went ahead on 51 minutes when McKoy pounced on a poor clearance. He took his time on the edge of the box before firing a dipping shot over Courtnage into the far corner of the net. Embalo forced a corner and, from another long throw for the visitors, Hughes sliced the ball behind. Wood were good value for their lead, being the more progressive side, but it was a tentative lead and a third goal would be required to see off a determined Brewers outfit. McKoy and Hughes almost set up the chance but the cross was cut out While Bowles was booked for a silly trip on Ogunseye. Embalo pulled the ball back to Harding but his threat was seen off, following a Joe Mead free kick and Ogunseye had a shot easily saved. Hughes fed Harding but his shot was blocked behind and Embalo turned Moore inside out but his cross was cut out. As expected, Wood were to pay for their wastefulness on 72 minutes. A corner was cleared but an angled return ball to S Brown saw the striker net into the far corner with Wood claiming offside. Ominous skies were forming overhead and a S Brown flick on saw Sam Mead cut out the threat of Burch yet again and the skipper did equally well to see off a J Brown threat. A double substitution saw Debrah and Taiwo replace Ogunseye and Harding, and Hughes drove wide from 30 yards. Moore saw off the threat of Debrah and Grobler and Burch were booked for some far side nonsense. In stoppage time, Taiwo conceded a silly free kick from which Eacott produced a superb point blank save from which Wood broke away via embalm who put Debrah in but his shot was just finger tipped past the post. From a shot corner Embalo fired inches over the bar and, at the final whistle he was sent off for comments to the officials while an Alton player was only booked for similar comments!! Both sides deservedly earned their point today and credit to the referee for allowing the game to go ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy_HfAkNrNs&feature=youtu.be

Wood 3-1 Horley Town (Sat 25th January)

Wood overcame a determined Horley Town in a rather tempestuous affair, on and off the field, at Wibbandune on Saturday. Wood welcomed back Will Boye and Dan Gurney to their defence.

Wood keeper, Eacott, was in the action early on when he claimed a Nadesan cross after good work from Parker. And from a corner kick, he was alert again to tip over a West header but it was Wood who went ahead on six minutes. Hughes found Embalo on the left and his pull back was rammed home by Grobler from 12 yards. Parker robbed Sam Mead and Eacott did well to save his shot on the turn and the follow up was blocked behind by Boye. Nathan Jupp should have been cautioned for a very late challenge on Sam Mead and Boye sought some form of retribution in pushing Jupp, again rather lucky not to be booked. Harding flicked on a Gurney pass but Embalo fired straight at Hyde and McKoy and Harding combined and crossed where Ogunseye nodded down; the pitch taking the pace off the header. Nadesan was booked for a poor challenge on Sam Mead and Parker had a shot well blocked. West saw off the threat of a rampaging Embalo as did Poplett soon after. Nadesan was honest in staying on his feet but his low cross saw no takers and sam mead blocked a Ragetti effort behind. On the half hour mark, it was 2-0 when Embalogot on the end of an Eacott clearance, saw off a defender and rounded the keeper to score in style. And just four minutes later, it looked game over when Hughes fed Harding on the right and his drilled low cross was turned into his own net by Herdman who was substituted immediately for Curtis as he was injured. Curtis was soon in the wars and had his head bandaged following a clash and Harding forced a good save from Hyde. Parker ghosted into the area and set up Nadesan but his shot was blocked by Sam Mead and the same partnership saw a superb save from Nadesan's header and a follow up clearance from the Wood stopper. On half time, McKoy fired straight at Hyde after a good Ogunseye run.

HT 3-0 – Harsh on Horley who had as many chances but Wood took there's plus the own goal.

Boye outleaped Jupp, much to the dislike of the Horley striker who lashed out petulantly, such a shame to see, and Eacott saved well from the dangerous Nadesan as the pattern of the game continued, although the visitors were playing the better football now. Harding fired inches wide from 20 yards after good work from Joe Mead and embalm and Gubby lashed out rather at Embalo off the ball, unseen by the referee. He did see another moment of stupidity from Jupp on Hughes and he produced the yellow card this time. Grobler chested down and volleyed wide and Embalo, again linking well with the impressive Harding, had another shot saved by Hyde and Sam Mead chested and cleared a Parker effort near the goal line. On 56 minutes, Horley scored when Eldred robbed Ogunseye and chipped to Parker who scored well from close range. Horley, clearly had the ascendancy now and another goal would really test Wood's resolve. McKoy put Harding in but the ball got caught under his feet as driving rain and wind descended on the ground and Gubby got back at Embalo well before Domoraud replaced Ogunseye. Mckoy volleyed over before a tree fell onto the pitch in the far corner as a maelstrom hit the ground. The referee asked the players to take cover in the 73^rd minute. The tree was removed and the rain passed and after much rolling and bouncing of balls we were underway again. Ragetti was booked for a high challenge on Sam Mead, very much in the wars today and Hughes forced a corner as it appeared that the Horley momentum before the stoppage had rather waned. Burdon replaced McCoy and Boye fouled Eldred but advantage was played. Nadesan headed McElligott's cross wide. Debrah replaced Harding and McElligott saw his deflected shot bounce back off the bar in stoppage time. Nadesan was stretchered off with what looked a serious knee injury and Debrah did well to calm some tempers down as some well directed banter between the Wood support and the visitors bench entertained the watching few.

An important win for Wood but Horley clearly have enough to climb up the league based purely on their footballing abilities today!

Wood U18 1-0 St Andrews U18 (Thur 23rd January)

Wood were pushed all the way by a St Andrews side who made a mockery of their league standing. Todd Fidler was injured for Wood and the early exchanges in midfield suggested a close game with Nunes seeing off a Miles run on the right for the home side. Wood had the ball in the net on 9 minutes when a Mussard free kick was converted by the offside Belkaid and the Wood skipper just over hit a through ball to Bakici. A fine run from Toubal on the lift saw his far post cross go begging as the linking up Miles could not sort his feet out and the winger fired inches wide via his right foot following a good run inside the Saints defence. Prosser was hurt in a challenge with Toubal and Miles showed good determination in tidying up at the back for Wood as the visitors enjoyed good possession without really threatening Hickford in the Wood goal. Wood took the lead on 16 minutes in superb fashion with a fine team goal. Hickford punched a cross away and Borhloe fed Miles. He played a nice one two with Kamara who fed Bakici in the inside right channel. His well weighted reverse pass found the onrushing Miles who finished sweetly giving Berry no chance. Hickford was alert to claim a through ball and to also deny the probing Saints skipper Chentouf, and Belkaid did well to deny Hattabi. Toubal fed Bakici but Berry saved well with his knee and another good move saw Francois stick the ball up and under the bar where Miles headed over. Sakhi produced a good turn but his shot was weak and straight at Hickford as the very watchable game continued at a good pace. Belkaid saw off a Nabo threat and Hattabi set up Hogan who fired wide underlining the need for a second Wood goal as half time arrived.

Saints introduced Simbana and Vaughan for Newsam and Sakhi and Berry made a fine save from Bakici who also fired a free kick into a well placed defensive wall. Dacres-Smith replaced Dabo who looked to have a hamstring problem and although Vaughan fired just wide, Hickford looked to have the effort covered. But there was no doubt that Saints were getting on top although Toubal skipped past Prosser but he could only fire into the side netting from a tight angle. Hickford parried another Vaughan effort and Kwadu replaced the impressive Miles who appeared to have regained a lot of confidence in his play. Bakici nudged a Toubal free kick wide and Vaughan, yet again, was just wide. Nabo and Toubal exchanged a handshake underlining a good spirited yet competitive game and Burke had a shot blocked before Toubal fired wide. Mussard was looking impressive at the back along with Belkaid and there were some no nonsense clearances as Saints stepped up the pressure. Burke had a header blocked and Bakici was fouled before Hogan shot from distance at Hickford and the Wood keeper produced another good punch before Pitsialis fired well wide, again from a fair way out. Hickford saved well from the lively Hattabi and a far post corner was well cleared by Borhloe ahead of the threatening Nabo. Nunes was just wide with a long range shot and Gbopo replaced Hogan. Hattabi produced a superb run and fired inches over the bar and the Saints manager asked the spectators “can you believe our league position” as his team had dominated most of the second half. Another fine move saw Belkaid recover well to clear and in stoppage time, Nabo should have shot but squared to Vaughan who fired lamely at Hickford. Toubal broke and managed to run most of the clock down as Wood were relieved to hear the final whistle.

This was a disjointed effort from Wood with their superb goal the only real highlight apart from some resolute defending. They will need to improve if they are to pip Leatherheaed to the divisional title! That meeting on Monday is in some doubt due to the weather.

Windsor 3-0 Wood (Tues 21st January)

Wood travelled to in form Windsor without left back Dan Gurney and central defender Will Boye. Kevin Domoraud moved to left back and Dre Grobler to centre half. The game opened brightly for Wood with Ellis clearing out of the ground to deny Harding and Embalo flicked on a Joe Mead free kick which was easy for Dennison. The surface was superb although several Wood players were slipping at times, suggesting the wrong choice of footwear and Windsor took the lead on 9 minutes. A rather innocuous free kick was driven by Rob Lazarczuk through a fragile Wood wall and eluded Eacott low to his right and crept into the net; hardly a rocket of a shot! Rob Lazarczuk and Lucas linked on the left and Minhas crossed to Gould who headed over the bar. Lucas curled over the bar from 35 yards and on 14 minutes, The Stags extended their lead, again in fortunate style. Sam Mead cleared straight to Rob Lazarczuk and his first time pass was latched onto by Day and he finished well past the hapless Eacott. Embalo was put away and he pulled back to Joe Mead whose shot was blocked by a hand. He fired the resultant free kick well wide. Ellis blocked an Embalo effort from a Taiwo pass and Dennison denied Ogunseye at his feet. Ogunseye found Harding at the front post but his first touch was poor and Sam Mead produced a fine interception which was followed by a farcical throw in decision by the referee. Embalo was again denied a shooting opportunity by the alert Ellis and although Gould netted at the second attempt on a breakaway, he was flagged offside very early in the move. McKoy put Embalo in, yet again, and Dennison was brave in saving at the striker's feet. There were some questionable offside decisions by the stand side linesman, perhaps the pace of the Wood front players was causing him some issues, but embalm should have done better when put in and rounding Dennison. He chose to go for the far corner from an impossible angle when Harding was unmarked and would surely have scored? Dennison tipped a McKoy 30 yard drive over the bar as the visitors dominated possession and sought a route back into the game but, to be fair to the home side, Windsor had more than enough throughout their team to pose serious threats of their own. That threat was underlined when Eacott pulled off a superb one handed save from Gould and the first late challenge of note came from Grobler on 44 minutes.

HT 0-2 - Wood's errors had been punished but there was little between the sides in an absorbing first half.

Burdon replaced McKoy as Wood went like for like in midfield. Windsor opened the half well but their early dominance saw no end product. Grobler did well to flick away a free kick and Harding saw a shot blocked as the open nature of the game continued. Day wasted two good openings and Dowdican replaced Gould. Jeffrey saw off a Harding threat and a Burdon pass put Embalo away on the left. He crossed for Ogunseye but his far post shot hit the upright and was cleared. Eacott claimed a Dowdican run and cross at his front post and twice Dennison was alert to clear his lines as Joe Mead and, then, Embalo bore down on goal, Dennison handling outside the area on the second occasion. No card was produced by the quietly in control referee. Debrah replaced Ogunseye and Ellis, superb at the back for The Stags, once again saw off the main threat of Embalo. Dexter replaced the impressive Pearse and Embalo almost made a front post Debrah cross a goal but he headed just wide. And still there was little, if anything between the sides. One could argue that Sheehan and Lazarczuk looked more controlled in midfield but Joe Mead, now assisted by Burdon was the stand out player for Wood along with right back Domoraud, who hadn't seen a football for a month! Joe and Sam Mead did well in several defensive situations and it was now looking like Ellis (and Kirby) had seen off the Wood threat. Eacott saved from Dowdican after Grobler had been robbed of the ball and Maga replaced the tireless Taiwo on 83 minutes. On 88 minutes, Windsor added a third goal when Dowdican drove goal-wards from 12 yards and the ball eluded Eacott.

A disappointing result for Wood as the scoreline suggests a one sided affair. That was clearly not the case although Wood's finishing was poor tonight. Wood will probably need to win one third of their remaining fifteen league matches while Windsor are second now and just a point off top spot having played four games more than the leaders South Park. I wont be writing them off for the title yet! For Wood, Horley Town at home on Saturday could be the pivotal game of the season....so far!

Wood 2-0 Westfield (Sat 11th January)

Wood welcomed high flying Westfield to Wibbandune for the first time since 2005 as well as new signing, Dan Harding as a spell of dry weather allowed the game to proceed. Visiting keeper, Bradshaw, was busy early on when claiming a Joe Mead through ball aimed for striker Embalo but he had little chance after three minutes when the Grobler found Embalo and he chipped a left footed shot into the top left hand corner of the net. Bradshaw produced a superb save to deny Embalo after good work from Ogunseye and Grobler headed wide from a corner kick as Wood continued very much on the front foot. A poor Bradshaw clearance was pounced on by the rampant Embalo but his break was halted by a superb Peace tackle. Wood were sporting their new look kit making them resemble the Latvian national team somewhat and Ogunseye produced another fine run on the left to supply Embalo. His superb touch put him in but he hit the side netting and Ogunseye shot wide off balance after a Grobler pass. When the visitors did break on the right, the tracking back McKoy intercepted well and Grobler drove inches wide while Embalo, in again, fired tamely at the keeper. Grobler was booked for a late, though not malicious tackle and Ogunseye wasted a good opportunity after Embalo terrorised the Field defence on the right this time. Cheesman fired well wide from a Mepham nod on and the game had numerous mistakes, understandable considering the challenging nature of the surface. The game was more even now and one wondered if Wood may regret the earlier missed chances. Bradshaw saved brilliantly from Grobler who was, along with midfield partner, Joe Mead, thoroughly enjoying the challenge today. Wood extended their lead on 34 minutes when McKoy fed Embalo on the left. He shimmied past a defender and curled a sweet right footed shot into the top left hand corner giving the excellent keeper no chance at all. On 39 minutes, Grobler drove from 30 yards against the bar and the ball, probably, bounced down over the line but noo official could award the goal given their positions. That was tough luck on Grobler but he did superbly to halt a threatening Milne run. Cheesman chipped wide again under pressure from Wood keeper, Eacott as Wood, deservedly led at half time.

The Wood keeper made a superb reaction save from Williams and Cheesman passed Hughes but Gurney, nicely settling into the side, cleared calmly. There were signs of why the visitors have had such a good season as mepham hit the side netting following some decent passing and Sam Mead avoided a card when handling as mepham was away on the right. Embalo was squeezed out by three defenders and mepham volleyed over the bar as the game continued to ebb and flow. Harding replaced Taiwo, who had been booked for a shirt pull, for his Wood debut and one felt a more direct approach for Field may be a better way forward. Debrah replaced Ogunseye and Grobler drilled wide from 25 yards as Wood sought a killer third goal. Boye might have been booked for a wild challenge on Williams and Harding and Debrah linked well to find Embalo who set up Grobler who volleyed over. Bradshaw produced a good save to deny Embalo's overhead kick and he and Harding could forge quite a pairing when the latter is up to speed. Another good move saw Gurner curl just over and Bradshaw denied Embalo his hat trick after he was put in by Grobler. Milne looked the most threatening visiting player as he found the side netting with his second shot and McKoy was booked for time wasting before Bradshaw saw off a Joe Mead effort at the second attempt.

This was a good win for Wood and the visiting players and supporters were gracious in defeat, never once citing the tricky pitch as any excuse. To be fair, Wood looked more commited from the first whistle to the last. We look forward to visiting Woking Park at the end of the season. Next up? The leaders South Park, away next Saturday!

Wood 5-1 Chessington & Hook (Sat 28th December)

Wood welcomed back Mario Embalo and Will Boye and there was a debut for full back Dan Gurney as they went head to head with Chessington & Hook at a rather sandy Wibbandune, the final match of 2013. Wood were looking to exit from the bottom three but didn't start too well. Woodhouse was hacked down by Hughes and the chess captain converted the free kick on 54 seconds by firing over the wall and the head of Eacott in the Wood goal. Embalo fired over the bar after good work from McKoy and Woodhouse fired a shot at goal which deflected off Harper but Eacott saved well on the line. Embalo was penalised for a foot up on Morally but the Chessy defender was stooping to head the ball and Grobler and Ogunseye combined well to set up Taiwo but his effort was tipped over the bar by Daniels. A good spell of pressure and several corners followed before Wood levelled on 12 minutes. Grobler found Embalo and his clever pass saw Ogunseye nick the ball off the stumbling Marie and he scored easily from close range. Gilbert produced a fine low cross from the right but there were no takers in the area and Wood took the lead on 18 minutes when an awful corner eventually fell to the raiding Boye who was upended in the box. Hughes converted the penalty excellently. Wood looked settled now and Daniels parried a Joe Mead free kick away. Dan Harding volleyed just over as Wood struggled to clear the ball and he fed Gilbert who also fired over when a cross looked the best option. Chessy had five players suspended by all accounts for today's game and, at times, they looked rather disjointed. Embalo slipped in the area and was booked for simulation even though the linesman said he just lost his feet and Marie did well to deny the rampaging Ogunseye. Joe Mead tried a spectacular overhead kick before Wood extended their lead on 33 minutes when Grobler fired a superb volley into the corner of the net following a corner on the right. Daniels held a long range Embalo effort and both sides were making light work of the pitch which was playing much better than it actually looked. Sam Mead denied Harper an opening in the area, his partnership with Boye at the back catching the eye, underlined by the latter's superb tackle on Gilbert right on half time.

HT 3-1 – A deserved lead but the visitors are still in the game with any next goal likely to be crucial.

Morally denied an Ogunseye break and Gurney tackled Penfold well but it was Chessy who were bossing possession in the second half up until the 59^th minute when Wood looked to have sealed the points. Hughes broke from right back and fed Taiwo. He, in turn, found Embalo who adjusted his position past Morally before chipping Daniels from the edge of the area delightfully, a great finish in any football. Boye produced a fierce tackle in midfield which the referee judged to be a fair one and, following a good move, Embalo saw his shot cleared off the line and Joe Mead's follow up was well saved by Daniels. Chin replaced Woodhouse (who had been booked and looked rather frustrated) and Debrah came on for Taiwo. The game was over on 74 minutes. Embalo put Ogunseye away on the left but he slipped on the half way line as he looked to support him. Ogunseye fired a wayward cross which Debrah did really well to retrieve and he squared the ball to the onrushing Embalo, somehow making up the ground, who netted his second of the day and eleventh league goal of the season. Kamara replaced Ogunseye and there was a 1^st team debut for youth team right back Chris Borhloe, a bright prospect who replaced Hughes. Debrah teed up Kamara but his delicate instep shot just missed the right hand upright. Embalo almost claimed the match ball but his shot was deflected wide by the impressive Morally, Daniels cleared well and Kamara fired a woeful shot having been set up by Debrah again. Boye produced another rip roaring challenge on Harper and a delightful chip hit the Wood bar but it was the home side who deservedly claimed the vital league points ahead of a difficult January set of fixtures.

Badshot Lea 2-2 Wood (Sat 14th December)

Wood travelled to Ash to face Badshot Lea with 11 players plus an injured substitute, the late cry offs ruining the management's plans and I felt it was rather rude to ask the visitors to warm up on a narrow stretch of grass behind the goal while the home side used the pitch! Wood opened brightly, surprising their hosts with their pace, on a well grassed, yet surprisingly damp surface. Mullington saw off a Debrah run and Wood were fortunate when a Norman spin and shot hit the crossbar and the follow up was annulled by an offside flag. A battle royal in the home area ended up with a free kick for The Baggies, Grobler tackled Bell and Pilgrim's far post free kick just eluded the upright following a blatant block from Grobler. Hughes gave up a corner in tackling Norris before, on 26 minutes, Wood went ahead in style. Hughes and McKoy did well on the left to find Maga. He in turn picked out Embalo and he adjusted his position and curled home from the corner of the box over the hapless Short into the net. That gave Wood something to get their teeth into. Joe Mead, Taiwo and Debrah linked to force a corner and Ogunseye made a fine run but his final pass was poor although he did better when having a shot well blocked soon after. It was 1-1 on 31 minutes. Eacott did well to claim a through ball and he threw the ball to Debrah. His poor pass was taken by Bell and he had no difficulty in chipping home over the Wood keeper. The rest of the half was pretty turgid stuff with Baggies having more possession but Wood always a threat on the break. The home side did hit the bar via a Norman strike and Eacott claimed a Wright cross well.

A decent shift so far though quite how we will win matches with the basic errors we make is beyond me!

McKoy picked up an early yellow card for a fair tackle and Joe Mead put Embalo away on the left but his cross shot was parried away. But, on 51 minutes, Wood went 1-2 down when Grobler was caught in possession and Bell raced in unchallenged and chipped home easily from 10 yards at a slight angle. Taiwo, putting in some sterling work in midfield, hit a half volley well wide, Mullinton denied Debrah again and an Embalo run and pull back saw no takers. Norman pulled a shot wide, Maga had an effort saved by the feet of Short and Parrett saw off Ogunseye as the majority of the action was to be had in the home side's half of the field. Norris was booked for a foul on McKoy, a replica of the earlier booking; therefore harsh, and a good break saw Embalo shoot over the bar. Richards replaced Broad and Norman was not penalised for a foot up on Mead allowing the threatening Roberts to volley just wide. Maga was wrongly flagged for offside and his goal was not allowed on 72 minutes and Mullington escaped punishment for a blatant pull back on the rampant Embalo. He also blazed the short free kick from Ogunseye over the bar and taiwo produced a fine run and pass from which Embalo was inches away from McKoy's cross. On 77 minutes. Wood deservedly equalised when a Mead free kick from the right hand touchline into the area caused some panic and Taiwo drilled home from close range. McKoy fired over following a good move and maga did well to force a corner. Feehan replaced Norman near the end, Embalo fired weakly at Short with no other options at his disposal and Grobler saw off the threat of Scott as Wood earned a valuable point ahead of a two week break from action. Hopefully, this will allow the club to re-group, get some new signings available as they prepare for a vital last eighteen league matches.

Wood U18 2-1 Mole Valley SCR (Grant McLellan Cup - Thur 12th December)

Wood entertained Tandridge League leaders Mole Valley SCR at a rather foggy Wibbandune in the Grant McLellan Cup 1^st round, and with several players getting rare starts, this was a tough tie to predict. With the game given the go ahead at 7pm, it was the visitors who were on the front foot first when Hewitt was played in but he shot straight at Hickford. Dacres-Smith cut out a dangerous cross and Lunnon and Hewitt did well on the right before the ball fell to Christou whose volley was superbly saved by Hickford low to his right. It was a surprise when Wood went ahead on 11 minutes when, from a Rovers corner, Wood broke on the right where Bakici fed Burke who, in turn put Kwadu away and he finished smartly inside the far post. That lead lasted barely 3 minutes when a corner from the right was headed home by the unmarked Osborn. Hickford tipped a Robinson free kick behind but a goal kick was given and he was smartly a long way off his line to twice deny any threat from the visitors. The visitors looked well organised and were hard working as underlined by the squeezing out of Miles by three players. Christou saw off Burke and Francois conceded a corner from a Robinson cross and with 31 minutes gone, there had been just one free kick for a foul! Wallace easily claimed a Miles cross as Wood started to get a grip on the game and Kwadu was strong on the right but Wallace took his low cross easily. Mussard tidied up following a loose Kamara pass and Miles broke and crossed for Bakici who missed the ball claiming a push in the back. The impressive Miles showed great skill to set up Fidler but his shot was blocked.

Half Time 1-1 and a fair reflection of the game as Wood finished the half strongly.

Thomson tried his luck from 30 yards for the visitors but it was neatly taken by Hickford and Wallace produced a fine save as Kwadu was put away. Kamara blazed over after a good Miles run and Belkaid replaced Kwadu meaning Dacres-Smith went into midfield and Bakici was now the sole striker. Harrison Smith robbed belkaid but he could not get a pass to the unmarked Hewitt as the expected fitness advantage for Wood was not materialising although Samuel did well to deny Fidler on 63 minutes. Rovers had a good shape about them and there were few real chances for either side with Wood lacking the spark required to open up the visitors. Leading scorer, haynes, replaced Lunnon on 70 minutes, Bakici was squeezed out well by Osborn and a 35 yard free kick from Dacres-Smith went straight to Wallace. On 74 minutes, and out of the blue, came a decisive moment. Bancroft won a good header which went to Samara just ahead of the visitors dug out. He looked up quickly and hit the perfect 35 yard drive which flew over the unexpecting Wallace to give Wood the lead. To be fair, Wood had looked better with Dacres-Smith in the holding midfield role although the contribution of Burke should not be underestimated tonight. Howe replaced Thomson and a poor clearance from Wallace was not punished by Bakici as he drove straight at the keeper. Miles fired a foot wide and a loose back pass from Mussard saw Hickford scampering to clear the ball and a hopeful overhead lob from Osborn bounced off the top of the Wood bar. Forbes replaced hewitt and Yusuph came on for Fidler. Christou produced a fine tackle and Wolstencroft shot well over the bar before Hickford saw off a Robinson threat. Francois got forward well right at the death and nearly sealed the win and, at the final whistle, there were a few sighs of relief for the home support following a rather low key cup tie played in an excellent spirit and handled easily by the officials. We wish MVSCR good luck for the rest of their season.

Banstead Athletic U18 1-3 Wood U18 (Mon 9th December)

Wood returned to second place with a deserved win at chilly Banstead on Monday evening. The game was in doubt as the back pitch was riddled with potholes. Thankfully it was a clear evening as there was no cover for spectators, or hard standing, a poor state of affairs and no wonder many SYL clubs are looking elsewhere for their youth football!

Leading scorer, Bakici, was missing for Wood due to injury. #2 for The A's hit a free kick which was nodded across goal to #8 who shot straight at Hickford and Kwadu did well to release Toubal but he crossed rather than shot and the opening was wasted. Francois and Fidler put Kwadu in but the keeper saved, rather in slow motion and he spilled a cross soon after from which the predatory Kwadu netted but from an offside position. #7 fired wide from a Hickford punch while Fidler teed up the impressive Francois but he fired over the bar. A good and patient spell of passing saw Toubal fouled by #6 and dacres-Smith fired just wide from the free kick and Toubal had two opportunities to score on 29 minutes which went begging. Kamara and Dabo linked but Fidler pulled his shot wide and #6 denied Samara with a great block as Wood sensed an opening goal. #10 fired well wide for the home side on 38 minutes and #11 sliced a shot wide as Wood looked rather edgy at the back at times. The keeper denied Kamara with a fine save after good play from Dacres-Smith and Francois on the left but Wood went ahead a minute before the break when Mussard found dabo. His accurately threaded through ball saw Kwadu outpace #6 and he finished well. Half Time 1-0.

Kamara hurt #4 accidentally while dacres-Smith saw his free kick just tipped away as the visitors threatened an early second half goal. Toubal fired wide and found the side netting, his good play lacking the decent finish it deserved but slack defensive play saw #9 put #4 in but Hickford produced a fine save. Kamara was penalised for a foul and #4 again fired a good free kick which Hickford palmed over with both hands. Banstead had denied Wood an opening day win with a late goal and they looked capable of spoiling their day again at times, largely due to overplaying at the back, a risky game on a tricky surface by the visitors. Wood really should have had a penalty when a superb run by Fidler was ended by a blatant trip but nothing was awarded and belkaid did really well to deny #9 as the game continued to entertain the frozen entourage, largely made up of visiting support. Francois conceded a corner from which Wood broke away on 61 minutes. Fidler tore down the left and fed Toubal. His powerful low cross was turned into the net by a defender who had little chance to react. 2-0. Hickford just managed to tip a #3 free kick onto the post and Belkaid produced a solid tackle on #2 while #4 volleyed over the bar. Toubal had two opportunities to put the game to bed, the second well saved by the keeper's feet before he was replaced by Miles. Right back Borhloe was catching the eye via his strength and skill on the ball but Wood's dithering play at the back was, finally, punished on 71 minutes when #4 put #7 in on the left and his chipped shot nestled into the far corner of the net. Kwadu pulled wide from a Kamara pass and Yusuph replaced Borhloe in a like for like swap. Francois, always keen to get forward, found the side netting from a corner kick and belkaid was booked for a foul on '7. Fidler produced the latest of many a good run on the night but could find no killer final pass and Francois' snap shot went wide. He did his initial job superbly when, from a corner, he hooked the ball clear off the Wood goal line before Wood, at last, sealed the points on 86 minutes. Yusuph timed his pass expertly for Fidler who bore down on goal and finished smartly. #4 fired a 40 yard free kick just wide and a wild challenge from Belkaid on #7 saw the Banstead player react by fouling Francois. A melee ensued but was dealt with well by the referee and Belkaid was alert to avert another catastrophe following slack play at the back. Miles was well tackled by the substitute right back and the keeper produced yet another fine save to deny Kwadu before he denied Fidler at the death with his feet.

A deserved win in the end which might have been easier but for some unimpressive finishing combined with good saves and added to by some crazy defensive play which meant the home side always were in with a sniff. A home cup game on Thursday awaits where we will all be snugly under cover thankfully!

Wood 0-2 Epsom & Ewell (Sat 7th December)

Wood went into this tough looking fixture without their talismanic striker, Mario Embalo and central defender, Will Boye and they called up Mo Kamara and Josh Kwadu from the youth team to the bench. The visitors fielded a strong side but it was Wood who should have opened the scoring when Ogunseye fired a shot which Campbell spilled and Taiwo, following in, should have scored but shot straight at The Salts netminder. A McKoy shot was blocked to Taiwo but, again, he fired straight at Campbell and Currie did well to overcome Wood's rangy striker, Maga before Debrah had a cross cleared. Epsom's best passage of play ended with Ayling blazing miles wide while the busy Taiwo was well blocked out after good link play between Maga and Ogunseye. Eacott produced a superb one handed save onto the post from a powerful Cottee drive and he was quickly off his line to deny McGregor soon after. Both sides were overcoming the “sandy” nature of the pitch and providing some decent entertainment as Hayward conceded a corner to Debrah, Sam Mead saw off McGregor and Panayi cleared as Taiwo threatened to score from a long through ball. McGregor curled a free kick from wide on the left which hit the crossbar while Douglin was rather late on Joe Mead as he threatened to break. Campbell did well to deny McKoy while a superb pass from Joe Mead saw Ogunseye clean through but he lobbed the ball over the bar, with the ball, possibly, having a bit of a bobble. Myers denied Ogunseye with a fine tackle and Cottee skipped past Sam Mead but his low cross to the front post was fired poorly wide by McGregor. Joe Mead spread a pass wide right to Debrah and he, somehow, ploughed through the Epsom defence only for his crisp shot to hit the upright. There was another fine tackle from Myers and Eacott parried a McGregor effort behind before a deflected shot from McGregor was cleared off the line by Grobler. Douglin was rightly booked for pulling the shirt of Taiwo much to the annoyance of an Epsom coach who accused the Wood players of getting him booked and a good lay off by Maga saw Taiwo fire a yard wide.There was a lecture for Myers and Maga for a coming together and the game was simmering nicely as half time arrived with nothing between the sides.

Ogunseye fired wide and Taiwo cleared ahead of Cottee as the action recommenced and Hough blazed wide before Hughes was booked for a mistimed tackle on McGregor. Currie saw off Ogunseye in style and Salts keeper Campbell, at times playing as a sweeper, was alert to deny Ogunseye from a Grobler pass. Ayling did superbly in midfield to find Cottee who had strayed offside and an inswinging McKoy corner was just palmed away by Campbell. Wood produced an excellent passage of play which came to nothing but it was good to see all the players putting in a good shift and at times one couldn't tell these teams apart despite the large gap between them in the table. Domoraud forced Cottee wide as Epsom started to edge possession and a double substitution saw Jarman fire wide and, soon after, just over the far post. Douglin was beginning to control the midfield rather but Wood should have had a free kick when Debrah was fouled as Kwadu replaced Maga. Wood defended well on several occasions but a break from Debrah saw a pass to Kwadu who fired inches over from the edge of the box. On 76 minutes, some sloppy midfield play allowed Douglin to advance unchallenged and he fired home from 22 yards giving Eacott no chance. Wood refused to lie down but were now leaving themselves exposed at times and Hough beat the Wood keeper via an unseen handball but his cross saw no takers. McKoy fired a foot wide and Samara replaced Sam Mead as Wood sought an equaliser. Joe Mead's pass was intercepted by Dewar and Eacott produced a fine save with his legs. Ogunseye chipped over and Hughes had a shot blocked before, on 86 minutes, Epsom clinched the points when some neat passing was finished off easily by Jarman from close range. Kamara produced a fine shot which went inches over but the game was up for Wood who had contributed greatly to a decent game where they were always on the pace and confidence remains high of avoiding a relegation place at the end of the season.

Wood 2-1 Hartley Wintney (Wed 4th December)

Late withdrawals due to injury caused a re-shuffle for Wood with skipper Sam Mead and Chris Burdon the casualties. Local traffic issues meant the match kicked off 22 minutes late and on a pitch that welcomed the first dusting of frost of the season.

McKoy and Ogunseye combined well on the left but the cross was behind Embalo as both teams opened brightly and looked to play passing football. Stephens got away on the right for The Row but over-hit his cross and Embalo fired well wide. Eacott did well to deny Hartley skipper, Argent, while Saunders denied Embalo following a fine Debrah pass. Eacott saved a 20 yard Vockins effort well and Grobler, looking to get forward from his makeshift centre half role volleyed well wide. McCoy, Ogunseye and Embalo, again did well on the left but the final cross was over-hit to Debrah and Embalo should have done better with a flicked effort at a volley as the game continued to entertain the chilled gathering, with brave visitors from all over the south of the country. Eacott denied Stephens after good work from Brownlie while Embalo pulled a shot wide after Debrah, again, did well on the right. Taiwo mishit a shot, Ogunseye fired a cross shot past the far post and McKoy also misfired after Ogunseye had raced past Hobden on the left. Boye showed great strength to see off the dangerous Stephens before Wood went ahead on 36 minutes. Joe Mead played wide towards Debrah who charged down and beat Saunders well to cross for Embalo. He, in turn, spun sharply and lashed an unstoppable shot past Atkinson from 12 yards. Grobler denied Vockins and Eacott punched a free kick away very well while Domoraud sliced a clearance behind for a corner to The Row. Eacott claimed an Argent overhead kick and Boye stopped Brownlie after Grobler was caught in possession. Walsh was booked for dissent while Debrah didn't read a clever step over from Ogunseye as the game continued to please the eye. Atkinson saved his defences blushes in denying Embalo whose corner kick eluded McKoy at the far post.

HT 1-0 underlining that, sometimes, hard graft reaps it's rewards!

Atkinson saved easily from Debrah and Vockins denied Embalo as the pace of the game took off quickly after the warming interlude although a wild Embalo “shot” that went for a throw in showed that everyone is human after all. Mead fired well over the bar and Saunders beat Debrah while a superbly timed tackle from Hughes on Brownlie underlined the Wood performance thus far. Brownlie fouled McKoy, more out of frustration than anything else, while Debrah's cross shot saw no takers in the box at the far post. On 59 minutes, it was 1-1 when Stephens fed Argent. His shot from the edge of the area, was on target though looking easy fodder for Eacott, deflected of the hapless Hughes leaving the Wood keeper flat footed. That goal visibly lifted Hartley and they enjoyed their first real spell of controlled dominance. Saunders was booked for a foul on Debrah while Boye miskicked a Brownlie free kick and Smalley, playing further forward now, forced a good block from Eacott before Boye made amends with a clearance. Debrah continued to do well on the right but his end product wasn't always the best while Eacott produced some good work at the feet of two plundering Hartley attackers. Embalo netted but was flagged offside as Debrah and Mead played first time passes well as the home support, growing increasingly frustrated at developments, or the lack of them, made their voices heard. Those dissenting tones were silenced on 74 minutes and in some style. Taiwo got away on the left before squaring to the predatory Embalo. He jinked across the edge of the box but waited, then waited some more before cleverly firing into the far corner giving Atkinson no chance. Atkinson then made a superb save at his front post, Boye tackled Stephens well and there were bookings for Brownlie and McKoy following a tête a tête. Mead fed Debrah who beat Saunders but Atkinson saved well while Argent shot just wide and Ogunseye slipped as he shot wide of the mark. Soon after, another good break from the home side saw Ogunseye slice his shot wide and one wondered if these missed chances would come back to haunt Wood. Vockins received a lecture which Argent was invited to attend while Domoraud and Grobler looked determined at the back. Ogunseye set up Embalo but he took an age to get his shot away which was blocked while there were not takers as Atkinson palmed a low cross away. The final tackle from Boye to clear the danger underlined a committed team effort from Wood and a position out of the bottom three although acknowledgement to the visitors who played their part in some decent entertainment tonight.

Wembley 4-1 Wood (Sat 30th November)

Wood made the arduous trip to Vale Farm without Joe Mead and Will Boye and with Phil Frodsham taking a break from football, Woods' small squad was to be tested to the full by a Wembley side looking to become the second team to complete a league double over the visitors in just five days.

From the off it was clear that Lawrence and Dinham were going to be a handful up top for The Lions but the best early chance fell to Embalo who failed to test Fogler with a virtual back pass having been put in cleverly by Grobler. On 11 minutes, that miss was punished when Mokeni-Kane produced a fine run and shot which Eacott spilled and Dinham nodded the ball home easily. Fogler claimed a cross well and Grobler gained his first lecture of the day from referee Singh for a foul. Hughes and McKoy combined well to set up Burdon but his effort was easily saved. Fekete was booked for an awful lunge on Grobler who was irking the midfield, particularly Lions skipper, Bates, and Grobler produced a fune turn and shot which Fogler saved well low by his right hand upright. Brown saw off Embalo on two occasions and Debrah and Moussard defended well to see off Fehmi-Gil. Eacott did well to save a fehmi-Gil shot but he could only parry it to Lawrence but he netted from an offside position. Domoraud was booked for a foul on Dinham and fehmi-Gil produced a poor header from a Mokeni-Kane cross. Grobler and Bates squared up again in midfield before the latter found Dinham who turned Domoraud and surprise eacott with a front post effort to make it 2-0 on 44 minutes.

That goal looked a dagger through the heart of Wood who, although not playing well, were still in the game at 0-1.

Embalo dithered in the box and Grobler saw his effort blocked and eacott produced a superb save to deny Dinham a hat trick as the open nature of the game continued under a bleak, late autumn sky. Moussard appeared to upend Lawrence in the box but the referee, with a clear view, seemed in charitable mood and waved play on and embalm lashed a decent effort just over the Lions bar. Eacott denied Dinham again following a nice wall pass move and Sam Mead produced the latest in a string of good defensive moments with a superb clearing header and he conceded a corner after Dinham turned Domoraud insdie out. Dinham fired inches wide, determined to get his hat trick and some pinball football in the Lions box was followed by good link play from McKoy and Hughes with the latter crossing well over the bar; nonetheless some signs of life for Wood. Taiwo replaced McCoy and Embalo's run and cross saw Webb slice the ball over his own bar. The game was up on 65 minutes when Fehmi-Gil played a fine pass to Dinham and he made no mistake having drawn the injured Eacott easily. Mala replaced Moussard and Mead produced another fine tackle on Mokeni-Kane. A double sub for wembley, including their skipper Bates, was heralded by a fourth goal when Domoraud conceded and Abubakar netted from the spot easily. Wood earned a penalty of their own on 81 minutes when an Embalo run produced a goalmouth scramble where a player on the floor attempted to clear with his arm.Burdon made no mistake from 12 yards. Mokeni-Kane robbed Embalo and Grobler's foul was waved on and Lawrence fired just over the bar. Ogunseye was fortunate that the referee considered his kick out on Lawrence petulant rather than violent and, although Wood never stopped trying today, they were well beaten and, at the half way stage in their league season, they are really staring down the relegation barrel now! Two upcoming home games against Hartley Wintney and Epsom & Ewell will really test their mental strength.

Wood U18 0-4 Hanworth Villa (Thur 28th November)

A new look Hanworth Villa arrived at Wibbandune and put a serious dent in Wood's divisional title hopes with a fine performance. Wood made numerous changes to their line up which, not only unsettled the team, but allowed the early initiative to Villa, which they never really relinquished. Kwadu had a good chance on 6 mintes when put in on the right by Fidler but he fired wide of the far post. Adebayo and Felipe linked well for the visitors and Villaba was denied by the outstretched arm of Hickford and dabo cleared as Villa raised the tempo. O'Malley was just wide with the outside of his foot and, already, it was clear that the 10-0 league cup win over the same club was not going to be repeated. Villaba looked strong in midfield and Adebayo produced a delightful back heel to Felipe but he bungled the return pass at the front post. It was 0-1 on 16 minutes when a hoisted free kick was spilled by Hickford and O'Malley tapped home into the empty net. Wood tried to rally but kept on giving the ball away allowing no momentum at all and it was clear that a couple of key players did not have their minds on the game. A shout of “well done Hanwell” from a visiting parent was the only bright moment for a frustrated Wood support as Adebayo flicked a shot just over the bar. Toubal robbed Villaba and fed Kwadu bet he repeated his earlier effort and Arotartter did well to get back at Charles-Berry on a rare break down the left. Borhloe looked unsettled as did Dacres-Smith and swift passing repeatedly opened them up as Hickford produced a fine save to deny Felipe. Toubal curled a free kick wide and Cushen made his first real save, at the front post, to deny Kwadu. Villaba produced a jinky run but his end product was poor. Faux-James fired wide as Villa threatened to clinch the points before half time.

Wood needed a bright start to the second half; there were no changes yet, but their usual crisp passing game was missing in midfield and Villa took up the tempo once again. In fact, Villa were playing with the type of swagger that we were used to seeing from the Wood youngsters and Toubal's frustration at it all earned him a yellow card for a petulant foul. Fidler was tripped by Sharma but nothing was given and Cushen was alert to deny Toubal. Bakici replaced Toubal but on 63 minutes it was 0-2 when Villaba produced a lovely turn and pass to Faux-James and he rifled the ball into the roof of the net. A fine goal. Two minutes later it was 0-3 following lacklustre defending where Adebayo had plenty of time to pick his spot. Bancroft replaced Charles-Berry ad Francois moved to left back. Burke replaced Kwadu. Villa made three late changes before adding a fourth goal via a Villaba penalty kick and Wood trudged from the pitch deflated but with twoweeks to re group. One would hope that all of the Wood players will be available for selection for the cup tie with Mole Valley SCR on 12^th December and that this is the wake up call that there are never any easy games in football!

Frimley Green 2-0 Wood (Tues 26th November)

Wood arrived at a cold and rather deserted Recreation Ground to face a side in a worse run of form than themselves for a change. Frimley looked pretty useful when winning 4-3 at Wibbandune back in September but this was destined to be a closer affair as the home side were without a point in their last five matches. Embalo showed great skill and battling qualities early on but lacked a penetrating cross at the end of a good run. Johnson was afforded far too much room when allowed to drive inches wide and Stamp scuffed a shot straight at Eacott on a decent surface with just the odd bobble to keep the players' minds occupied. Ogunseye showed good pace to find Taiwo but his shot was deflected wide and Embalo fired tamely at Norman as Wood were giving a reasonable account of themselves. Embalm skipped past four defenders to force a corner out of Thripp who appeared to be struggling. Burdon's slide rule pass was cut out well by Page. Domoraud tidied up when Boye was dispossessed by Griffiths and Sam Mead conceded a corner under pressure from Stamp whose movement was Woods' greatest concern at the back. Short blazed high and wide for Frimley and Norman was alert again to deny Taiwo from a long Domoraud pass. Taiwo produced a clever flick to put embalm away and his far post cross was fired well wide by McKoy, and how good it is to have him back in the squad following a lengthy injury! In fact, Wood were playing pretty well with an all round commitment that, at times, made Frimley look second best. However, there were signs that the home side were getting back to their good early season form which made for a very watchable game if a little lacking in clear cut chances. Page defended well before catching Embalo, this time the referee allowing some physical contact without seeing every contact made as a foul. Eacott, looking controlled in the Wood goal released Ogunseye but Norman was alert again to deny him and Embalo undercooked his pull back to Ogunseye in disappointing fashion. On 30 minutes, Boye hesitated which allowed Connor three opportunities to beat Eacott, but the teenage keeper won the battle every time to keep it 0-0. Thripp was replaced by Newcombe, Eacott easily claimed a Short free kick low down and Taiwo contined to show good skill, drive and pace in the Wood midfield with Domoraud the stand out defender at right back. This was looking more and more like a one goal game and Stamp produced a fine cushioned header which eluded the far post by inches. Eacott made another fine catch before Burdon headed a corner well wide as half time arrived.

Embalo fired straight at Norman following good play from McKoy and Domoraud and Embalo was bundled over on the edge of the box by Johnson but no card was forthcoming. Joe Mead fired that free kick well wide and Short was booked for hacking down McKoy. Boye produced a fine run and found embalm on the left this time. He turned and shot and Norman produced a superb tip over the bar. Domoraud produced a fine tackle in his own area, making a mockery of the desperate penalty shoults, and Connor headed a Newcombe free kick over the bar. Hughes and Ogunseye linked to force a corner from which Taiwo saw his free header saved and a golden chance had gone. Sam Mead showed great skill under pressure at the back and was scythed down from behind by Connor who was booked and Debrah replaced McKoy. On 69 minutes came a pivotal moment in the game. A bout of pressure in the Frimley area saw Taiwo head towards the far post and, with Norman beaten at last Embalo added the finishing touch, only to be given offside. Whether his touch was actually required is difficult to say but within two minutes, Wood went behind in disappointing fashion when a long, straight free kick saw Connor's back header loop over Eacott, caught just off his line, and into the net. Mala replaced Taiwo but before he could make any impact, Wood went 2-0 down, again disappointingly. Some hesitancy at the back allowed Johnson to nip in ahead of Sam Mead to score from close range and the game looked up for the visitors. Embalm was booked for a “foul” on Page (see referee note above) although the referee did well to play a good advantage when Hughes was fouled. Burdon put Embalo in but his shot was deflected just wide. Wood were showing a never say die attitude which could still see them avoid any relegation this season. The impressive Page saw Debrah off calmly and Domoraud looked to round off a good personal game in style but he fired well wide from 40 yards. Two, avoidable, quickfire goals done for Wood tonight who did enough, yet again, to be considered worthy of something from the game. But thems the breaks when you are at the foot of the table and the trip to wembley on Saturday will offer no respite as The Lions will be looking to emulate Frimley's league double over Wood.

Wood 2-3 South Park - (Sat 23rd November)

There was more excellent entertainment at a chilly Wibbandune as league leaders, South Park and Wood went head to head. Cornell McKoy returned to the Wood squad and there was a visit from Farnborough FC manager Spencer Day. The early signs were promising for Wood as Sparks keeper Wastell was alert to deny Embalo but Wood took the lead on seven minutes. Boye put Ogunseye away on the left and he outpaced Guscott before crossing to Embalo who scored from close range. Higgins headed a cross over for the visitors and Ogunseye was forced wide by Guscott as the game went from end to end with Wood's pace up front causing the visitors back line problems, underlined by good play from Taiwo and Ogunseye. However, the scores were level on 16 minutes when a long Wastell clearance was flicked on by Jackson and in form Lavery did just enough in lobbing Eacott despite his best efforts. Pullin flicked a shot straight at Eacott from more route one play and Frodsham, about to take some time out of football, cut out a Jackson cross. Sam Mead and Domoraud crowded out three Sparks attackers, the Wood skipper did really well to deny Pullin and Frodsham was calmness personified in tidying up another visiting threat. Jackson was warned for a late challenge on Sam Mead and Grobler was spoken to for his comments to the referee, underlining the spicy nature of the match at times. Eventually, Grobler was booked while the referee missed a playful slap by Ward on embalm after the Angolan had kicked out half heartedly. On 35 minutes it was 1-2 after Grobler conceded a free kick for a foul on M Smith. Ward drove the kick into the box and Jackson exposed a lack of height at the back for Wood in heading home off the underside of the bar. With the linesman in the opposite halves than is normal, it was no surprise that a blatant handball by Ward was missed and Boye saw a deflected shot loop onto the angle of post and bar with Wastell, possibly, doing enough to keep the ball out.

Half Time 1-2 – A good watch this game and Wood's spirit and pace means they remain a threat to the league leaders.

Wastell shanked an attempted clearance but Embalo's attempted chip was cleared easily. Boye was robbed of the ball but Jackson skied his shot over and Miles did well to deny an Ogunseye break, mindful of his explosive first half pace. A superb turn and pass from Grobler almost put Ogunseye in but Guscott cleared over his own bar. On 64 minutes, it looked game over when another long ball saw Sam Mead and jackson chasing the ball. Unfortunately, Mead's nod back lacked enough power and jackson netted past the hapless Eacott. Hughes replaced Frodsham, who had a calf injury, and another handball by Guscott went unpunished. To be fair to both sides, the second half seemed a lot calmer as Debrah replaced Taiwo. That was the calm before the storm as Joe Mead put Embalo away on the left. His perfect cross was, somehow, missed by Ogunseye and Debrah with the goal at his mercy also contrived to hit the side netting. On 80 minutes, Wood were deservedly back in the game. Grobler was pulled back and Joe Mead dipped a free kick over the wall and low to Wastell's right; excellent technique from the in form midfielder. Ogunseye drove at the goal and the ball clearly hit Pullin's arm but the referee said no penalty; quite why the assistants couldn't have “assisted” was beyond the Wood supporters. Jackson was harshly given offside, just about the only decision to go for Wood all day and on 88 minutes, the frustration for the home side reachjed its peak when Ogunseye brilliantly chipped wastell but the ball came back off the bar. McCoy, a late substitute was fouled...nothing AGAIN and Higgins drove inches wide as South Park claimed the spoils. Wood were punished for their defensive errors but were more than a match for their visitors. Are South Park title material? Why not! Wood will re-group at Frimley Green on Tuesday where the efforts of the past couple of games may be enough to claim something from the game. They will miss Frodsham however.

Highlights here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX_KEM9u-Rk#t=0

Wood U18 1-0 Leatherhead Central (Thurs 21st Nov)

The unbeaten top two sides went head to head at a chilly Wibbandune and served up an exciting match for the largest youth attendance of the season. The visitors started with intent, closing Wood down from the front and looking every bit like the divisional leaders. Bugden was rather late on Borhloe but the immediate handshake set the tone for a sporting occasion. Wood were clearly rattled by the visitors pressing and Dabo conceded a silly free kick which Hickford claimed from Bugden's drive. Francois recovered a previous error well and Toubal and Kwadu linked well on a rare Wood foray but the latter fired weakly at Nimmo. Toubal was the provider again when he crossed for Fidler but he headed over the bar as the game became more open and Wood, gradually, levelled up the possession. Athwal cut out the danger ahead of Kwadu and Bakici skied high and wide from another Toubal pass. Wood opened the scoring on 19 minutes when a corner from the right from the impressive Toubal was met by the unmarked Fidler who headed home from 8 yards. Gallagher and scanlon looked to make amends but Wood skipper, Mussard read the danger well and cleared and Owens headed just wide at the far post with Wood floundering. Hickford made another good claim as Wood continually played themselves into trouble in midfield rather than finding an out ball. Mussard cleared a harsh free kick and a surprising corner was awarded to The Tanners. Nimmo denied Kwadu as the game ebbed and flowed and provided an interesting watch. Berryman glanced a free kick at Hickford and Hearn defended well ahead of Fidler for the visitors. Higgins saw a shot blocked and Fidker drove wide of the upright from 20 yards as a welcome half time whistle sounded. Some visiting supporters felt aggrieved that their side were behind and they had a point based on possession. There wasn't really any need for the detrimental comments regarding the Wood defence which had worked hard to keep the team ahead and, probably, earned their luck. Less errors from Wood just may see them claim the points in the second half.

Toubal put Kwadu in but Nimmo produced a fine save and the striker's follow up shot was cleared. Mussard put Kwadu and Kamara away and Toubal's cross was headed just over by Kwadu as Wood opened the half on the front foot. Scanlon fired wide while off balance and another strange decision saw a corner given to Leatherhead although Bakici appeared to have seen the ball out without touching it. Owens drove inches over from 25 yards and a corner saw a visiting player remove the flag which the referee didn't see, no doubt keeping an eye on the shirt pulling, not for the first time, by Owens on Kamara, a good tussle these two in midfield. Belkaid saw off a Scanlon threat and Hickford saved from Gallagher as The Tanners threatened an equaliser. Toubal miskicked from a fine Fidler cross and the impressive Athwal saw off Kwadu. The inevitable yellow card for Kamara soon came with the referee (and one of his assistants it transpired after the game) only seeing his infractions and Miles replaced Fidler on the right flank and Dacres-Smith came on for Dabo. A goal kick was given when it was a clear corner for Wood, another in a long line of head scratching decisions; the game really deserved better attention from the officials and Nimmo was alert to clear ahead of Bakici. Wood, however, were still living on the edge somewhat and, thankfully, Scanlon slipped when shooting forcing his shot wide of the post. Bugden should have converted following a Toubal error but, as the game entered stoppage time, a far post cross was well taken down and Mussard's attempted challenge saw the player go down and a penalty was awarded. Initially, it looked clear cut, but the reaction of the Wood players, rather out of character, suggested otherwise. Hickford and Bakici were booked for their protests with some saying the Wood keeper might have been dismissed in the melee that ensued. However, he remained on the field to save Bugden's weak spot effort low to his left and the chance was gone. Six minutes of added time were seen out by a resilient Wood defence including a superb high catch from Hickford and the title race remains wide open, probably between these two hard working sides. Yes it was a fortuitous clean sheet for Wood and, if any player punched out at an opponent then he was wrong. The referee said he saw no punch after the game. Clear cut chances were even on the night although Leatherhead had more and better possession. The return game at River Lane next year should be another cracking occasion.

HT 3-0 – Wood will need to maintain their efforts in the second half to claim the spoils.

Wood skipper, Sam Mead, cut out a pass to Vale sub Lemoh as most Wood followers stated they would be happy with a poor half and the points. Debrah halted another strong Moulds run with a foul from which came a far post free kick which was nodded back to McFadyen but his header went over via the bar. Boye produced a superb cross where theter were no takers and there was a debut for Domoraud as he replaced Mussard at right back. Frodsham produced the latest in a long list of tackles; his partnership with Sam Mead reminding us of tenacious performances last season which got Wood out of trouble and more of this commitment will be required this season. Vale had played well in patches and on 68 minutes they were awarded a penalty when he was tripped just inside the box. He made no mistake from the spot kick. McFadyen and Moore snatched at shots from distancewhile the third Wood debutant replaced Ogunseye up top. Embalo pulled the ball back for Mala whose effort went inches wide and Grobler produced two superb tackles no doubt enjoying the chalenge from his former club. Eacott looked confident with his handling from two corner kicks while Mosley received the games only yellow card for a dust up with Grobler who escaped any punishment for his part. Muhizi produced a half hearted far post effort for Vale and Wood had a good penalty shout turned down before Debrah was clearly tripped inside the box. Burdon converted the spot kick on 87 minutes and that was that except for a run and shot from Embalo which came back off the post and Joe mead stabbed the rebound wide.

A deserved win for Wood which eased the agony of the late defeat at Grand Drive back in August. Next up are league leaders South Park. No one ever said it was going to be easy!

St Andrews U18 1-4 Wood U18 (Tues 12th Nov)

St Andrews signed seven new players on the day of the game and those additions seriously tested Wood's divisional title aspirations at a cold but beautifully prepared Wibbandune. The Saints were also under new management and although Bakici fed Kwadu, only to be denied at the front post, it was the “home” side who looked the sharper, with better passing and a better all round shape as Wood wide men, Toubal and Fidler were, largely ineffective. Flynn saw off Kamara in midfield and Chentouf twice came to Saints rescue as Wood threatened, briefly, a head of steam. Morgan fed Hogan and Mussard cleared and Flynn saw a header blocked at a corner. On 23 minutes, Saints, deservedly, went ahead. Pitsialis saw his shot rebound to the impressive Haltaki and his superb first touch allowed a neat finish into the corner of the net giving Hickford no chance. Little of note happened until the 31^st minute when Wood levelled. Dacres-Smith dipped a free kick which looked like flying aimlessly wide but Kamara popped up from behind the wall somewhere to deflect the ball home smartly with his head. This new style of free kick strike, first marketed by Ronaldo, saw Dacres-Smith dip another free kick inches over but Saints still looked the more threatening and Belkaid did superbly well to deny Morgan and Hickford produced a fine save on to the post soon after. Haltaki's far post cross was cleared by Mussard and Pitsialis just overhit a through ball to the lively Haltaki and Nunes kept tabs on Toubal once again although the wide man forced a Shingles save at the second attempt right on half time.

Wood must improve in the second half if they are to get anything from this tricky test.

Wood opened brightly and Fidler found Toubal whose shot was saved by Shingles and Yusuph retrieved his own error before Wood went ahead on 54 minutes when Bakici struck a superb free kick from the left hand side of the area giving the Saints netminder no chance. Saints made a double substitution and Dabo replaced Fidler who had been mostly contained by Chentouf at right back. Elbahija denied the prowling Toubal on the right and Kamara and Yusuph combined to put Kwadu in but the keeper saved well. He did equally well in sprinting off his line to deny Bakici who, soon afterwards, fired a shot wide. This half was far more even with Wood, perhaps edging the game now, looking fired up following a no holds barred challenge by Yusuph. On 69 minutes, it was 3-1 when Francois got forward to find Bakici. He played a neat one two with Toubal and finished smartly and within a minute it was 4-1 when dacres-Smith found Toubal, on the left now, and his inviting low cross to the far post allowed Kwadu a goal to reward his efforts all evening. Haltaki found frimpong but he shot weakly at Hickford and Miles and Charles-Berry replaced Dacres-Smith and Kwadu. Belkaid did well again and fed Toubal whose shot was well saved and on 87 minutes saw an excellent passage of play when Bakici spread the ball to Miles who returned the ball into the area where Bakici prodded inches wide. Bakici won a brave header to find Toubal who bore down on goal and his shot hit the post. Francois pounced on the rebound but his effort was cleared off the line and Miles rattled against the other post ending a quickfire moment of goalmouth excitement and, indeed, the match. Next up for Wood are divisional leaders, Leatherhead, no doubt a bigger fish to fry where we're gonna need a bigger boat! St Andrews were excellent tonight and should improve their position and results on this showing, and soon.

With barely a bad tackle in the game, it was noted there was no rolling around, no requirement for an entourage of doctors, no need for oxygen or a St Bernard dog with rum, bandages, headguards or numerous cards shown, just a need to watch an enjoyable game played in a superb spirit. Long may that continue!

Farnham Town U18 1-4 Wood U18 (league cup Thur 7th November)

Wood moved into the league cup quarter finals with a good performance on a wet, but perfectly playable, pitch at West Street against Farnham Town from the West Division. Farnham looked quite a big side at kick off and #6 fired wide early on before Bakici shot tamely and Toubal fired wide as Wood began to settle into the game. On ten minutes, Wood went ahead when Toubal cleverly played the overlapping Yusuph in. He raced to the byline and squared where the unfortunate #5's momentum forced him to drive the ball into his own net. Toubal skipped past #2 to the line and pulled back to Kwadu but his effort was blocked behind. Wood were looking sharp, particularly Toubal on the right but the occasion was not helped by the distraction of the Farnham first team training right next to the main pitch, with the occasional ball having to be knocked back to them. A tad disrespectful. Town's keeper made a fine save from Kwadu from a neat reverse pass from Fidler and on 20 minutes, it was 1-1 when #2 put #7 away on the left and he chipped over Hickford, just off his line, from the corner of the box. That goal seemed to give a new confidence to Town and on numerous occasions they found good positions only for some resolute defending to deny them, particularly from Belkaid. Dabo was caught dithering and #8 toe poked just wide and the deeper lying Bakici fired tamely from 25 yards for the visitors. Francois, looking nicely settled into the team now, was brave in blocking a Town effort and #14 replaced #9 for the home side.

#11 produced a superb cross but nobody was alert in the area and Hickford claimed a header from the Town skipper (#3). Toubal and Bakici found themselves in promising situations but lacked control as Wood looked to have weathered the the storm. Toubal should really have punished a poor goal kick and there were no takers to a superb low Fidler cross. However, on 43 minutes, it was 2-1 to Wood when, following another poor goal kick, Kamara and Kwadu played a neat one two and the midfielder scored in some style from the edge of the area into the top corner. The Town keeper tipped a Francois cross over the bar in stoppage time and from the Toubal corner, Fidler headed down at the far post and the ball crossed the line despite the keeper's best efforts to create a handy 3-1 lead at half time for Wood.

Kwadu forced the keeper to save with his feet at the front post as there was little sign of a Town recovery, Fidler shot straight at the net minder and Kwadu netted from a fine pass from Kamara only to be judged offside, a tight call! Town were double teaming on Toubal denying that out ball for Wood but Fidler on the left flank was more into the game and he and Francois at left back were linking well. There were still some anxious defensive moments for Wood as they continued to play out from the back on a surface that really tested the first touch and, once again, there were no takers to a fine cross from #5, probably Town's best player on the night despite his own goal in the first half. That was underlined when he tracked and superbly tackled the lively Fidler. #8 hooked over a rare half chance and Belkaid won another towering header at the back, something he had worked on all week apparently. That hard work looked a good call as it seemed to add more confidence to his all round game, confirmed by a brilliant tackle on #7 to deny a chance. On the hour mark, the game looked all over when the willing Kwadu, looking distinctly injured, received a Fidler throw in and scored from a tight angle on the left side of the box. He was less elegant when he miskicked the ball following a flowing Wood move and Kamara was rightly booked for a petulant kick out at #8 in front of the referee, something he needs to eradicate from his game, and quickly, as he has so much talent. Borhloe replaced Yusuph at right back and immediately impressed with his strength and Fidler and Toubal were both denied goals via a block and a good save from the keeper. When Wood lost the ball, their team ethic shone in tracking back and closing down quickly, a minimum requirement at any level. Miles replaced Toubal and Bakici just over hit a pass to give the wide man a dream start. Dacres-Smith replaced Samara, #3 put in a fine tackle to deny Miles and Kwadu put Fidler in but he shot a foot wide. Francois and Dacres-Smith linked well to set up Bakici but the keeper saved well and Fidler drove the follow up over the bar. Borhloe was patient in denying a good run from #6 and Belkaid covered well as Wood denied any real openings throughout the second half to the home side.

Wood can now look forward to an extremely challenging quarter final at home to Crowborough Athletic or South Park, either of which will provide a tough test, while Farnham's effort and commitment cannot be understated tonight.

Wood 2-2 Bedfont Sports (Sat 2nd November)

20^th met 21^st at Wibbandune where a pre match deluge gave way to bright sunshine as the season entered November. The Eagles arrived under new management and with many new players while Wood moved Richard White into midfield. The early exchanges were pretty even with Hickford chesting down an attempt neatly and clearing and Ogunseye doing well on the left but over hitting his pass to Joe Mead. Frodsham recovered well after a rare slip and Parma fired well wide for the visitors. Joe Mead headed a Burdon cross into the ground rather and the chance went begging. Hardy did well for Bedfont but he fired over the bar following the first spell of sustained pressure for the visitors although their back four looked more than edgy and were regularly making errors which Wood continually failed to capitalise on. White put Embalo away but a combination of Snowden and keeper Wines snaffled him out. Bedfont took the lead on 22 minutes in spectacular style when Parma took a Thompson free kick on his chest and he scored via an overhead kick into the top corner of the net. Soon after, he fired straight at Hickford and Grobler produced a nice turn but fired well wide with his left foot. Hickford claimed a Cole curling effort while Ogunseye saw his cross well cut out as Wood rallied. A fine Joe Mead pass saw Embalo get to the touchline and hit the far post and Ogunseye blazed the rebound over the bar while under strong pressure. Hardy was wide off his shoulder from a Hart cross while a rather inconsistent referee continued to baffle both benches with some of his decision making. Half time brought to an end a game of little quality which, in all honesty, would not have been out of place on a park pitch!

Wood came out with more intent as underlined by a White challenge on Wines from a high cross and Embalo charging down two defenders where Hart did well to clear. Hughes and Embalo combined well but Grobler chose to shoot when a pass to Joe Mead looked the better option and Embalo was beginning to terrorise The Eagles defence as he forced a corner via a deflected drive. Wood's good start was rewarded on 50 minutes when Ogunseye, also finding a bit of energy, burst into the box and pulled the ball back to White who finished calmly. Wood were rampant and should have had a penalty when Embalo was upended in the box. Two passing errors in quick succession from Mussard and Sam Mead went unpunished as did a loose pass from Burdon when the progressive Hardy fired over. On 60 minutes, following a trip on Ogunseye, Joe Mead hit the bar, Grobler's follow up was blocked and Embalo netted while in an offside position. Said headed a Joe Mead effort off the line and Ogunseye produced a weak header from a cross. Hughes and Grobler set up a half chance for Burdon but he shot off balance and a superb low Ogunseye cross saw no takers. It wasn't all Wood however, and Hickford spilled a harmless high cross and was relieved when Grobler chested the ball off the line amidst handball shouts. Hickford was less fortunate on 70 minutes when he miskicked a back pass and Hardy finished in style. That was harsh on Wood but self inflicted and the award of a penalty on 76 minutes to Wood looked equally harsh as a shot struck Thompson's arm rather than ball to hand. Nevertheless, Hughes put the penalty away confidently. Parma had a shot deflected over and Hardy fired wide for the visitors and Grobler volleyed well wide from 25 yards. Wood skipper, Sam Mead did superbly well to clear the ball off the line and the game should have ended with a caution for Hart for an awful challenge on embalm. Not even a free kick was awarded summing up a poor game poorly refereed between two sides who must improve if they are to avoid possible relegation come next April! At least the second half had some entertainment for the sparse crowd.

Wood U18 7-6 Balham Blazers U18 (Thur 31st Oct)

Wood and Balham served up a goal feast at Wibbandune with the home side edging home with a late flurry. Oliver Hickford was suspended for Wood and Shea Pritchard-Louison deputised. Dacres-Smith fired just over from 30 yards while Holland shot just wide for The Blazers as a lively and open game immediately unfolded. Wood took the lead on 9 minutes when Bakici beat his man on the left and was upended as he was about to shoot. He made no mistake from the spot kick. Mussard sliced a clearance which Louison claimed while Frew did well to head clear any danger before Wood extended their lead on 20 minutes when Yusuph drove home from a tightish angle following a fine Bakici pass. The, otherwise, impressive Ashie was booked for a reckless lunge on Francois and Dabo nodded the free kick back to Francois at the far post but he shot tamely at Pepperell. On 24 minutes it was 2-1 when Keyser picked up an angled pass on the left and scored well at the second attempt. Balham were pressing up on Wood and that effort was rewarded on 28 minutes when a loose ball fell to Ashie and he fired home at the near post. And on the half hour mark, the turnaround was complete when Louison made a hash of a clearance and Fox tapped the ball into the unguarded Wood net. Back came Wood and on 33 minutes, new boy Todd Fidler cut in on the left and finished in style past the hapless Pepperell and just a minute later he arepeated the run though this time he set up Bakici for an easy finish to make it 4-3. He almost set up Bakici again but Pepperell claimed his cross and he underlined his talent in feeding Francois who cut in from the right and smashed the ball against the far post. Farrer-Fisher fired just wide for Balham and Holland showed his strength with a fine run which Louison ended bravely. It was end to end stuff and a nightmare for any defensive coaches watching and Louison saved well from Savage and the unusually quiet Kamara rattled a shot against the Blazers bar. The visiting supporters were not too impressed with the referee but will have been pleased that no foul was awarded when Holland was clearly fouled. He rode that challenge and put Fox away and he levelled the match right on half time. A chance for everyone to catch their breath.

The second half was interrupted by the referee who asked five different players, at different times, to change their undershorts which did not match their kit. Quite why this wasn't done before the start is beyond me but, eventually, the game re-found its rhythm. Kwadu replaced Charles-Berry while a Frew shot spat up and almost caught Louison out. On 56 minutes, it was 4-5, and deservedly so, when Belkaid blocked out Fox but Keyser smashed the loose ball home from 30 yards to, almost, bring the house down. Kamara and Fidler were beginning to look threatening in unison but Balham, especially Frew and Ashie, were standing firm. Francois forced a superb tip over from Pepperell and he also denied Fidler soon after. Toubal replaced Fidler and Borhloe, returning from injury, replaced Yusuph for Wood. Wong fired wide for Balham but Louison made a needless touch on the ball to keep the pressure on the Wood defence which continually looked to have an unforced error in them. Pepperell denied Kwadu bravely but his physical presence was exposing frailties in the Blazers defence as well and on 75 minutes, it was 5-5 when Bakici spread Toubal wide and, despite tripping on the ball, he recovered to sprint past two defenders and he finished in some style. Balham made a double substition and Borhloe made a fine block and Louison saved well at his front post. Francois found Bakici and he forced a superb tip over from 30 yards while savage popped up on the left and fired just over the bar. Balham hit the post and Louison saved the rebound well as the visitors looked favourites to claim a late win but on 87 minutes, Kwadu set up Bakici and he smashed the ball home to complete his hat trick. He should have sealed the game straightaway but he fired wide but in stoppage time Kwadu made no mistake at the second attempt having been put away by a long ball. Yet, Balham came back again when Frew found Fox in the box, so to speak, and he made it 7-6 neatly before the final whistle sounded. A remarkable game where a draw would have been a fairer outcome. Wood travel to farnham in the league cup nest week and will have to shore up their defence in order to progress. Great entertainment, great fun and great relief at three points for Wood.

Camberley Town 5-0 Wood (Sat 26th Oct)

Heavy rain greeted Wood on arrival at Krooner Park, an ominous sign perhaps, which has become a very unhappy hunting ground for the visitors over the years. Resplendent in their “lucky” all green strip, Wood got off to another disastrous start though not as bad as the officials who started the game without corner flags; a basic schoolboy error! On four minutes, a corner kick to the far post was nodded back to Smith who had the easiest task to score from close range. Carstang denied an Embalo breakaway and Burdon and Frodsham combined to put Ogunseye away and he forced a corner. The early goal had not upset the visitors who, to be honest, were bossing possession and looking the better team without really threatening Garness in the Cambo goal too much. Meade did well to deny White as the tall Wood defender prowled forward and Burdon crossed too near the keeper following good work from Toubal. Hickford, now, was a virtual spectator in the Wood goal although a quick break saw Ford drive just over with his instep, a decent technique. Garness was brave to deny Ogunseye and Embalo almost embarrased the over confident keeper who did just enough to recover from being caught on the ball. Embalm was fouled and Joe Mead fired the free kick over as Wood threatened an equaliser although Hickford did well to deny a breakaway goal for Azagba. On 38 minutes, Cambo extended their lead when Garness tooke a Frodsham cross and quickly found Hoppitt. He bore down on goal and his shot, which Hickford would surely have saved, took a huge defelction off White and nestled in the bottom corner of the net. That was harsh on Wood and it got worse two minutes later when Smith had the freedom of Camberley at the front post to head home a pinpoint Azagba cross. Burdon and Embalo had chances to reduce the deficit before the half time whistle sounded and a shellshocked Wood looked to re-group.

The expected rally from the visitors never really came to fruit in the second half. Hickford did well to deny Smith and Ogunseye crossed far too high for the onrushing Embalo. The Angolan striker dallied when in on goal allowing Garness to clear and there was a clear, if unintentional, elbow on Sam Mead from former Wood striker Quarshie for which he apologised. The swapping on the flanks of Toubal and Frodsham seemed to make little difference and Samara replaced Moussard as Wood went with three at the back. On the hour mark, the game was up for Wood when Quarshie beat Sam Mead on the left and crossed to the far post where Smith completed his hat trick with a cushioned volley. Embalo was booked for a comment to the linesman and Jewell blazed well over the bar for Cambo. Debrah replaced Ogunseye but Camberley were in total control as Eacott replaced the injured Hickford in the Wood goal. He immediately saved from Hoppitt and Jewell as a rainbow took to the sky and the sun came out. Pierce and Cousins combined for the latter to shoot just wide and in stoppage time, Cambo went nap when Hoppitt found Pierce at the far post. His effort hit the post but rebounded into the net off the unfortunate Sam Mead to round off a thoroughly miserable day and one Wood need to forget about quickly as they face a crucial game against Bedfont at Wibbandune next Saturday.

Chipstead U18 2-2 Wood U18 (fa youth cup Wed 23rd Oct)

AET - Chipstead won 4-2 on penalty kicks)

With a place in the first round proper, and a home draw, this eagerly awaited FA Youth Cup tie emphasised the importance of the competition to young footballers and it was a pity that both clubs' senior sides were engaged in county cup ties as a disappointing attendance would have been boosted at least threefold. The surface at High Road was immacualte with the recent heavy rain and driving winds a thing of memory; ideal playing conditions. Chips got off to the perfect start after just 40 seconds when a loose free kick in midfield fell to Gray who bore down on goal and unleashed an unstoppable drive into the top right corner. The home side were visibly, and audibly up for the game and Wood struggled to get going at all early on. Francois did well out wide to cross for Bakici but his shot was blocked and the nervy defending continued for Wood as hall flashed a shot just wide of the post. Mile replaced Charles-Berry for Wood and on 28 minutes, Wood levelled in some style when Toubal skipped past Carlin and put Bakici in for a classy chipped finish past West in the Chips goal. West showed his obvious potential in denying Toubal from a Hollis free kick and Miles was booked for an off the ball incident. Hickford claimed a shot on the turn from Hall as the early Chips dominance dissipated. The contrasting styles of play of the two teams were making for a watchable, if nervy watch and Bakici was tripped off the ball, seen by the referee but not awarded. West was alert again ahead of the rampaging Bakici and a fine ball from Hollis to Francois saw the impressive Kirk head the wide man's cross away well. Wilkshire drove over as the game ebbed and flowed and kirk produced a fine tackle on Bakici. Wood's top scorer fed Toubal soon after and West made a fine front post block and he repeated the feat soon after from the same player as half time sounded. HT 1-1 – If Wood can limit the basic errors in their game, the front line could have enough to see them home.

Greenwood entered the fray for Chips and Francois conceded a corner as Wood started edgily at the back. To be fair though, Mussard and Belkaid were having strong games against a decent Chips front line along with Yusuph the earlier loss of Charles-Berry being tempered by some decent cover from midfield players. Yusuph and Toubal broke on the right and found Kamara who fired over and Hollis was caught in possession requiring Hickford to make a fine save and, also, to claim the resultant corner in style. Belkaid was assured in beating Gray to the ball, Mussard hit a superb 60 yard ball to Toubal and Dabo almost put the winger away but he did not read the fine pass at all. Dacres-Smith replaced the promising Hollis and he made an immediate impact in midfield. Kamara was harshly booked for handball, the ball spitting up of the lush turf and Gray drove well wide for Chips. Georgiou replaced Cornish for the home side and a fine Chips move saw Hall cross to Gray. His cushioned pass into the path of Hugill was driven inches over the bar. Belkaid recovered from an error well to deny Hall and Bakici's shot on the turn went just wide. Hickford made a fine save from Hugill and Belkaid was harshly penalised for a high foot from a free kick. Kwadu replaced Miles and West held a Dabo free kick well. Hickford saved easily from Greenwood and dacres-Smith showed tenacity in winning a tackle. West was brave at the feet of Bakici and he made a superb save from bakici soon after as the ball was bound for the bottom right hand corner.

The game went into extra time and Fuller produced a fine tackle to deny Kwadu and a fine pass found Bakici on the left but his cross just eluded Kwadu where any touch would have been a certain goal. The second half of extra time saw Wood take the lead in the 107^th minute. Mussard found Kamara with a fine ball and he played Toubal in for another fine goal. West denied Kwadu soon after, a key save for Chips as Kirk now looked to get forward from the back. Wood hunted for a decisive goal and Kwadu fired over and belkaid produced a match winning tackle soon after. However, he was less fortunate moments later in the 117^th minute when a loose pass fell to Hugill and he finished well with Hickford having little chance. In the dying seconds, West denied Kwadu and the game went to penalties. It was disappointing for the excellent Bakici and Kamara to have missed their spot kicks as Chips won the shoot out 4-2, largely thanks to keeper West who had a superb game. The understandable celebrations of the home players were born out of joy and much relief as Wood's FA Youth Cup run ended. With two fine away wins prior to tonight, we are all very proud of our fledgling youth team and we all look forward to being royally entertained in future matches. Good luck to Chipstead at home to Horley Town in round 1. For Wood, so near yet so far away.

Chipstead FC report here - http://www.chipsteadfc.com/u18-reports-1314.php

Wood 1-2 Ashford Town (surrey senior cup - Wed 23rd Oct)

Ashford broke their losing sequence on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 victory at Colliers Wood United in the Surrey Senior Cup and will now visit Merstham FC in the 2^nd Round of the competition. There was further good news with the return of Jack Mullan from the broken leg he suffered against Burnham last season. Jack took his place at centre-half, partnering skipper Russell Canderton and it was as if he had never been away. Scott Weight also returned from both injury and suspension. Joe Lynch had a rest, as did Jamie Connor and Jim Mann, whilst keeper Tyler Tobin was not risked, even on the bench, as he will be needed on Saturday for the trip to Rugby.

In the first ever match between the sides, Ashford made a bright start with Cyril Ocansey particularly prominent down the right flank, his pace causing several problems. Wood, definitely in a false position in their League, also had some bright moments but it was Ashford who eventually drew first blood. A low cross from Ocansey was deftly dummied by Kofi Lockhart-Adams leaving Robbie Sitch to stab home his first goal for the senior side just four minutes before the break. Ashford felt they should also have had a penalty when Lockhart-Adams had his legs swept away for what looked a clear foul but it was turned down by referee Creswick, whose use of the advantage rule had also been a little questionable at times.

On a good surface, the match went from end to end during the second period and Ashford were indebted to their keeper, McCarthy on a number of occasions. Both Perry Luckins and Scott Weight had gone off at half-time as a precaution, with Harry Roberts and ex Wood player, Adam Willis providing the replacements. Mario Embalo and Mike Debrah wasted grat chances for Wood and Tom Brunton came into prominence for the visitors though and one mazy run only just failed to double the lead. By the last twenty it seemed that Ashford had weathered any storms that the home side could conjure up but out of the blue the Woods’ number 10, Daniel Hughes unleashed an unstoppable shot to put the sides level on 74 minutes. They also had a chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Harry Driver, but McCarthy was quickly down to his left to save the effort. The match was finally settled in the 90^th minute when the final substitute Mark Gallagher, on for Joe Hughes, found himself through on goal and calmly slipped it past Michael Eacott in the home goal to give Ashford a very welcome victory after a torrid time in recent weeks. (With thanks to Ashford Town FC for their observations).

Croydon 1-1 Wood (Sat 19th Oct)

At kick off time, the drizzle had relented and bright sunshine and eighteen degrees welcomed the players at Croydon Arena. Hickford claimed a nod on and after three minutes, Freeman broke on the left but fired wide of the far post, one of few real first half chances. A Burdon back pass tested Hickford's awareness ahead of Mankelow and Joseph was in for Wood but a poor touch let him down. Joseph and Young fought out a good tussle which The Trams full back won while Ewing tripped Embalo which led to a Boye shot being deflected wide. Mankelow produced a fine turn and shot which was also deflected wide and Hickford produced a fine punch to clear the danger. Mankelow saw a shot come back off the upright and Joe mead fired an expansive volley just over at the far post from a fine pass. In fairness, the game was pretty dull with neither side dominating. On forty minutes, Amegaw easily claimed a Joseph effort and Embalo had a shot blocked before, soon after, he was put away and rounded the keeper only to be let down by a poor finish on his left foot. Boye continued to impress at left back for Wood and he set up Burdon but the midfielder fired weakly at Amegaw and Hughes had a shot blocked as the half time whistle sounded.

A pretty poor first half which left us wondering if a point would be acceptable today.

Ogunseye replaced Joseph at the start of the second half.

Sam Mead headed behind for a corner which Hickford claimed well as The Trams opened brightly. Abbott came on for Croydon and almost made an instant impression when latching on to a Hickford punch but he fired inches over. The cross breeze saw numerous overhit passes in a match well overseen by all three officials. Then, on 64 minutes, some action, and very good it was too. Ogunseye burst through in midfield and was clearly pulled back. His honesty, and the referee's patience were rewarded as he drove the ball home from 20 yards while in full flight, a goal not fitting the quality of the game. That was the catalyst for the game to improve, thankfully. Grobler put Ogunseye in but he was denied by Amegaw and Wilson joined the fray for Croydon. Ogunseye volleyed straight at the keeper and Hickford claimed low by his front post before The Trams levelled on 72 minutes. A hopeful through ball eluded Frodsham, a rare error by the young defender, and Mankelow finished in some style giving Hickford no chance. Mankelow looked in again soon after but the alert Burdon cleared. Boye, Hughes and Ogunseye linked well to feed Joe Mead and his cross was greeted by penalty shouts for handball but the linesman said no. Die and Abbott combined but Hickford, again did well at his front post and Frodsham produced a fine tackle to free up Ogunseye where Hemmings was booked for fouling the Wood livewire. Joe Mead's free kick was agonisingly missed by everyone, a fine delivery. A hooked clearance hit Embalo in the face and Amegaw pulled off one of those diving catches for the photographers who, sadly, were not at the game! Hughes received a mysterious caution, presumably for a comment to the referee and Hemmings fired over from 20 yards and Giles replaced Mussard. Young was booked for a foul on Hughes and Ogunseye and Embalo had shots blocked and saved as the clock ran down. Grobler had a shot blocked before, in the 94^th minute, Joe Mead struck the bar via a fierce free kick which Amegaw may have got fingertips to.

Wood will be disappointed to have only picked up 1 of the 6 points available against Croydon this season; the second half performance must be the minimum requirement for the rest of the season now for Wood.

Many thanks to the staff in the bar for looking after us all day.

Wood U18 1-2 Dorking U18 (surrey cup - Tue 15th Oct)

Wood put their unbeaten start to the season on the line at a chilly Wibbandune against Dorking in the County Youth Cup. The Chicks had lost all their South Division league matches so far this season but they appeared up for this cup tie from the start. The early exchanges were even although it was clear that Wood's passing was awry at times and their tendency to regularly play out from the back was allowing The Chicks time to press and force errors. Miles was clearly tripped but nothing was given and, soon after, he saw a run and cross well cut out. Belkaid was caught on the ball but Hickford cleared his lines well and Mussard denied the centre forward with a fine tackle. Yusuph made an error in judgement with a pass but Belkaid recovered the ball as Dorking continued to force basic errors. Bakici had a run and cross cut out before Wood opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a fine goal. Two quick one twos, the latter a back heel from Toubal saw Kamara in on goal and he netted well from 12 yards. Kamara and Dorking's #7 were spoken to following a head to head confrontation and Dorking's #8 shot well wide. Toubal scuffed a shot at the keeper and Chicks' #9 volleyed wide. Kamara was testing the referee's patience with two quick fouls; the Wood players sensing decisions were going against them. Bakici forced a fine save but nobody was following up for Wood and Kamara and Francis hit shots well wide as Wood looked for a second goal. Francis and Belkaid did well to deny Dorking chances and Bakici forced another fine save from the keeper.

Half time 1-0 – a tentative lead for Wood.

On 48 minutes, Dorking equalised when Yusuph sliced an attempyed clearance high across his goal. #7 produced a neat turn and shot which Hickford saved but Routleff followed up to score. Miles fired just over from the edge of the box and Bakici robbed #5 but his shot was well blocked. In fact, Dorking were defending well and the goal had given them a visible lift. #3 underlined that increase in confidence when tackling Toubal and Kwadu replaced Miles. Kamara fired a shot wide and Burke replaced Dacre-Smith on 71 minutes. Wood were still loose with some of their passing as they tried to up the tempo but Chicks was hunting around the threatening Bakici and Toubal in packs and there was no real flow to the home sides play. Kwadu put Bakici in and he scored well but the offside flag was raised and a spell of good possession and passing saw the keeper save bravely at Toubal's feet. On 83 minutes, Dorking, controversially, went ahead. Francis passed back to Hickford who tried to turn #7 but was dispossessed. He knocked the ball to Boukhari who bundled the ball goalwards but Hickford grabbed the ball on the line. The linesman flagged saying the whole of the ball had crossed the line and Hickford was booked for his protests. Hickford saved from #20, Kamara was booked for dissent and the Dorking keeper claimed a Bakici cross and the final whistle sounded. Hickford received a second yellow card for further protestations regarding the winning goal. Dorking committed less basic errors and were tenacious all over the park and, therefore, deserved their win. The faces of the two groups of players after the game said it all really but this may be a small blessing for Wood's youngsters ahead of their FA Youth Cup game at Chipstead next week as the learning curve continues. We wish Dorking all the best in the next round away to Met Police who won 3-2 at Chipstead.

Wood 1-1 Hanworth Villa (Sat 12th Oct)

Wood picked up a valuable second home point of the season but they came pretty close to securing their first home win against high flying Villa.

Wood were without the injured McKoy and Ogunseye on a pleasant autumn afternoon with numerous visiting spectators in attendance.

White conceded an early free kick which was headed behind by Turner. The referee gave a corner! From that Higgs headed bravely wide and wiped out Embalo in doing that. Another White foul on Cheetham saw King fire optimistically wide and Byron fired just wide as The Villains dominated early on. A loose Boye header saw King cross to Turner but he headed wide and Frodsham did well to deny Cheetham on the left wing. Boye did likewise in halting King in full flow and major fouled Embalo with the Wood striker booked for retaliating. Sam Mead found Joseph who fed Grobler and Buss claimed his long drive at the second attempt. Baines conceded a corner as Wood were more in the game now and Frodsham put Embalo away on the right be he shot wide of the front post. Both sides were getting the ball forward quickly which added to the entertainment Turner turned Sam Mead but Boye was alert in producing a fine challenge and Embalo almost put Hughes in via a pull back. Burdon and White produced superb moments of commitment which have been missing in recent weeks and Byron went over the top on Grobler, with not even a free kick awarded, let alone a deserved caution. The excellent King produced a superb take down and half volley wide from 30 yards with Hickford scrambling to get there. A blatant foul on Hughes went unpunished and Cheetham fired wide for the visitors under pressure from Frodsham. Oaks fouled Grobler but Buss claimed Joe Mead's free kick easily.

Half Time 0-0.

Joe mead headed a Higgs volley behind, Baines volleyed over and Boye was quick to clear the danger from a lobbed pass as Villa sought the opening goal. That goal came on 53 minutes, but for Wood. A long through ball saw a hesitant Buss dispossessed by Embalo and Joe Mead in unison and the latter prodded the ball into the empty net with ease. Preddie replaced G Buss. King scuffed a shot which Cheetham met only for Hickford to make a fine save. The offside flag was raised anyway. Grobler glanced a shot just over from a Joe Mead corner and Baines and Buss did enough to halt the rampaging pair of Embalo and Joseph. Cheetham fired wide and a loose throw in from Wood saw a cross headed by King and well claimed by Hickford. Farndon replaced major and Boye produced a superb tackle on Preddie as Wood continued to match their opponents. Villa were neat and tidy in midfield but were continually snuffled out and Joseph had a shot blocked underlining the threat of a second Wood goal. That almost came when Embalo spun from a throw in and smashed a thunderous shot against the bat with Buss flat footed. Joseph headed a Frodsham throw in over the bar and Joseph was booked for an off the ball incident involving Turner and Higgs was booked for a clumsy foul on Embalo. A deep free kick saw baines head home but from an offside position and Burdon and Boye produced superb headers as Villa sought an equaliser. Embalo was fouled and advantage was given even though there was none and another baffling free kick was awarded, this time to Villa despite the Villa player pulling at Grobler. This award was fatal for Wood as King curled a superb effort into the top left postage stamp with Hickford only able to get fingertips to the rasping shot. White was rightly booked but the referee did nothing about Joe Mead clearly being whacked off the ball.

The final whistle ended a pulsating and, sometimes, feisty, encounter with both camps probably pleased to get something for their efforts. Croydon away next for Wood.

A high free kick saw a back header from Lennox go wide yet a corner was awarded, the latest in a string of officials errors. The home side should have had a penalty of their own when Mussard hauled down Lennox but the referee said no surprisingly. That was the spur Wood needed and on 58 minutes it was 1-2 when Toubal, back on the right wing again, fed Bakici and he finished with his usual aplomb. Crows #7 passed across goal to Lennox who failed to make contact as the ten men continued to cause problems for Wood. Kwadu missed when in on goal (despite yet another awful offside decision) and Bakici was denied by another poor flag; the linesman perhaps not understanding that any judgement should be from when the ball is played and not received! On 62 minutes, it looked all over for Wood when a handball saw Lennox cleverly curl a free kick home with Hickford unsighted behind his wall. However, two minutes later, Belkaid hooked a volley home from the edge of the area and it was game on, again. Francis replaced Charles-Berry for Wood. The home keeper did just enough to deny Kwadu, The #5 and #2 produced good tackles and Hickford saved a #9 volley.

#3 was booked for a foul on Toubal and Kwabu did not need an extra touch when put in and this allowed the keeper a chance to block. On 80 minutes, it was 3-3 when The Crows never cleared a poor corner and Kamara scuffed a shot which nestled into the far corner, somewhat in slow motion. Kamara was booked soon after even though he was the one fouled. Belkaid volleyed wide from close range as Wood finished strongly against a brave ten men. In the second minute of stoppage time, a front post corner from Bakici was toe poked home by Dabo to set off wild escited scenes from The Wood players. Hickford produced a superb punch clear from a corner which found Toubal. He was hacked down and a melee involving most of the players ensued. Wood received two more cautions for their part; I did not see any cards for the home team. Nine minutes of stoppage time passed before the final whistle sounded. The Wood players celebrated in front of some home fans who had given stick out throughout the game. Wood will need to learn to take such flack but, thankfully there were handshakes from all the players. The sending off was pivotal in the game. Yes. The match officials, individually and as a team were poor. Yes given the comments after the game. But Wood showed good character in twice coming from two down to a very good Crows side who should still have a good season. We wish them well.

Wood 1-2 Wembley (Wed 9th Oct)

Another home defeat for Wood despite a decent performance which merited a point, at least. Wood gave a debut to Richard White in defence while no youth team players were utilised due to their FA Youth cup tie on Thursday.

A much cooler evening greeted two footballing sides and Lions keeper was off his line sharply to deny Joseph early on. Embalo volleyed a Joe Mead corner which was easily cleared and then he fired well wide from 25 yards. The Lions had plenty of pace up front as well but Korten had to replace Nicholas in defence. Mokeni-Kane produced a decent far post cross but Fehmi-Gil headed poorly wide. Mokeni-Kane sliced a decent chance wide and Dinham wriggled clear of the Wood defence but Eacott tipped his shot over with both hands. Joseph fed Joe Mead but he shot well wide and Wembley went ahead on 17 minutes. Brown fed Mokeni-Kane on the right. He was not closed down and his low cross was met at the far post by Kucharczyk who made no mistake. Lions skipper, Bates, picked up a Sam mead header and Eacott saved his drive well and webb fired wide as Wembley dominated. Hughes did well to feed Joseph. He cut inside on the left and forced a good save out of Fogler with his feet at the front post. Wembley broke and Mokeni-Kane should have done better in firing across the goal face. Wembley were awarded a harsh free kick on 34 minutes and Bates teed up Fehmi-Gil who drove home from 22 yards. Once again, Mokeni-Gil chose the wrong option when passing instead of shooting and sam Mead did well to clear a Webb shot. Wood were back in the game on 39 minutes. Joe Mead ploughed through a tentative defence and gave the ball to Joseph, again on the left. He cut inside the defender via a neat drag back and fired past the helpless Fogler from a tightish angle. Grobler replaced Ogunseye, still struggling to find his stride following a long lay off. A good handball shout on the edge of the area was not awarded and Hughes hooked the loose ball over the bar. White was composed in heading back to Eacott and Grobler robbed bates but fired wide when off balance. HT 1-2.

The second half saw a few niggly moments but nothing too serious as The Lions looked determined to hang on to what they had and play purely on the break. Bates, tenacious as ever, was spoken to by the excellent referee as was Giles for Wood. Grobler fired optimistically over and Embalo produced a poor finish to a long Frodsham ball. Eacott looked commanding in goal for Wood but, to be fair, most of the action, such as it was, was at the Wembley end of the pitch. However, The Lions did have a good penalty shout when Dinham was upended and Bates put him away soon after but he was flagged offside. Embalo headed a good cross wide and there was a debut for Czech midfielder, Jakub Holy when he replaced left back, Boye. Bates fired a free kick wide and Dinham was rather late on Frodsham. Fogler denied Joseph, clearly Wood's biggest threat tonight, and Burdon replaced Giles. The Wood bench was spoken to following comments made after a throw in was awarded against Wood, underlining some of the frustration felt as more chances went begging. Joseph turned sharply but fired over and then he beat two defenders and Fogler to the ball but his second attempt at goal hit the side netting. Fogler claimed an Embalo drive. Hughes won a far post header but Fogler denied Embalo again. Wembley dallied following a cross but Joseph scuffed his shot two feet wide and Sam Mead produced a superb tackle on Dinham as Wembley broke. Eacott also denied the lively forward soon after. Despite Wood's best efforts in the second half, there was no way through and Wembley held on for a vital three points. Wood showed great commitment to the cause once again and were easily worth a point. There was good debut for White in defence and, with more positivity throughout the club, Wood have a real chance of climbing the table. But their efforts need to be turned into points, and soon. Another home game on Saturday and a chance to end the poor home record.

Wood 1-3 Cove (Sat 5th Oct)

Wood lost again at Wibbandune on Saturday, despite welcoming back several players and the return of Steffan Joseph to the club. Several players had gone through the out door as well as Wood looked to get their season on track against in form Cove.

On an overcast day, the early signs were positive as Joseph showed his obvious physical presence only to see his cross cut out. Baxter and Paris played the perfect wall pass for the former to net only to be denied by the offside flag, coreectly it must be said. Huxley put Kingsbeer in but he suffered the same fate via the flag and Joseph produced a turn and a rather lame shot. Both sides looked as if they should be higher in the league as the strived to play fast passing football but on 13 minutes, Cove took the lead when a cross from the right saw peace mishit his volley and the ball went in via an Ogunseye own goal, almost in slow mkotion, beyond Hickford. Jannaway tried his luck from 35 yards underlining the new found confidence in this Cove side. The sand based pitch was causing a few kicking problems and on 23 minutes it was 0-2. Ogunseye, just back from a lengthy lay off and, possibly ring rusty, miskicked and Wood never cleared the danger and Dufflen pulled the ball to the far post for an easy conversion for Kingsbeer. Three minutes later, Cove's dominance was confirmed by a third goal. Baxter sprung the Wood back line and, although Hickford halted his progress bravely, Baxter netted from a tight angle. Wood were off the pace in midfield and the gamble of starting returnees Ogunseye and McKoy hasn't appeared to work. Wood loked outpaced right across the midfield but they got a lifeline on 32 minutes. Ogunseye rode a poor tackle from Huxley to feed Embalo and his cross was well headed home from 12 yards by Joseph. Dufflen curled inches wide and a bout of head tennis from a Joe Mead free kick saw Frodsham head over the bar. Kamara replaced the luckless Ogunseye on 42 minutes and little more happened as half time arrived. Boye replaced McKoy.

Wood needed a sharp start and almost got in when Joseph outmuscled Huxley but he shot into the side netting when a pass to Embalo may have been more fruitful? Hickford showed his arm strength in parrying a fierce drive up and over the bar and he denied Jannaway soon after a good flick from Kingsbeer. The game was more even now with Cove quick on the break and Wood having more of the ball via the midfield pairing of Kamara and Giles. Hickford produced a superb point blank save from Baxter and Joseph hit the side netting, again, when Embalo was free square, again. This pairing will cause anyone problems once the are on the same wavelength. Frodsham produced a fine pass to Embalo who whipped in an excellent cross but there were no takers. The spirit within the Wood team cannot be faulted as indeed can the fitness. Kamara found Joe Mead whose cross was headed back by Joseph but Embalo fired straight at Harris. From a corner Joe Mead cleared an Akinwande header off the line and a left foot Joseph shot went inches wide. Grobler, fresh from his Mexican honeymoon, replaced Mussard as the superb contest between Akinwande and Embalo continued. Four scantilly clad girls, advertising a Twickenham bar, distracted the crowd, for a moment, as Kamara fed Embalo who shot across the goal. The failure to make the most of good openings was continuing to haunt Wood as Giles fed Embalo whose shot was well blocked by that man Akinwande again. Giles became the only caution in a game played in fine spirit though ultra competitive as a ground hopper from Cardiff continued to take photos from all angles. Cove were being asked serious questions but had most of the answers as they protected their lead. Kamara found Grobler who drove inches wide and good play from Kingsbeer and Jannaway saw Hickford palm over at the front post. Obviously, Wood's form is a concern. They are not playing badly but need to stop conceding early goals and be more clinical in front of goal. They will go again on Wednesday against another footballing side in Wembley.

Wood U18 10-0 Hanworth Villa U18 (league cup) Thur 3rd Oct

Wood's youngsters turned on the style when they entertained previously unbeaten Hanworth Villa in the league cup at a mild Wibbandune. Having watched Bayern Munich demolish Manchester City last night, it was easy to draw some comparisons with this game.

The warning signs were there early doors for the Villains when Toubal set up Miles who fired weakly at the keeper and Yusuph played Toubal in only for the livewire forward to chip inches wide of the far post. Bakici should have opened the scoring when he pounced on a poor back pass but he fired just wide of the far post. The visiting keeper saved a deflected Toubal free kick well and he parried another shot away only for Wood skipper, Moussard, to brilliantly chip home from 35 yards in the 7^th minute much to the delight of his team mates. Wood's slick passing was too much for a bewildered Villa who had signed many players prior to kick off. Whether this was the visitors strongest side or not did not bother the home side who were rampant. Samara headed wide and then found Toubal who fed Miles but the keeper made another great save from the wide man. Bakici produced a cheeky chip which was well saved and from the corner, Yusuph nodded across the goal to Charles-Berry who just managed to force the ball over the line as adjudged by the linesman on 12 minutes. Five minutes later, Bakici was put away but the outstanding keeper denied him but moments later, Bakici held the ball up for Toubal to produce a fine finish. Bakici headed a corner straight at the keeper but on 22 minutes it was 4-0 when a rare poor touch by Samara was retrieved by Bakici who finished with aplomb. Despite the one sided nature of the game, both sides played in a great spirit although the Villa 7 was booked for an off the ball incident, no doubt borne out of frustration. Charles-Berry miskicked a low corner while a rare foray into the Wood half saw 6 put 10 in on the left but Charles-Berry saw the danger off. A long ball from Hickford opened up the defence but he was denied by another fine save. Dabu and Yusuph put Miles away only to see another fine save. The quality and pace of the football was pleasing on the eye and on 39 minutes, Toubal went solo to score a superb goal and on 43 minutes it was 6-0 when Samara produced a fine tackle to put Toubal in again and he finished classically. He showed quick feet a minute later to score his fourth and Wood's seventh as the half time whistle came to Villa's relief.

That first half would be tough to follow up but Wood maintained their momentum and on 49 minutes, Miles finished in style following good work from Bakici. Burke replaced Toubal and Kwadu replaced Samara. Burke did well to get a shot away but was wide and a superb run saw the same player hit the post. He repeated that moments later when put in by Charles-Berry and it was credit to Wood to continue very much on the front foot with the game in the bag. Credit too for the visitors who weren't about to give up and they were seeing more of the ball now. Yusuph fired inches wide and was replaced by Dacres-Smith. On 80 minutes, Burke got the goal his bustling style deserved via a tidy finish but he hit the side netting soon after a quick throw in. Bakici curled a superb shot against the bar and, right at the death, Miles rifled home his second goal to make it 10-0, a scoreline that was hard to predict given the current league form of the clubs. Wood visit Crowborough next week in the FA Youth Cup and they warmed up with a 6-0 win of their own against St Andrews on the same night, also in the league cup of which they are the holders. On this showing, that is going to be one hell of a cup tie next Thursday at 7.30pm.

Banstead Athletic 3-2 Wood (AET) (Sat 28th Sep)

Wood were dumped out of the league cup by struggling division one side, Banstead Athletic, at a soulless Merland Rise on Saturday. Wood were without leading scorer and talisman Mario Embalo but gave a debut to Jamil Kieta who knew the ground well as he was part of Banstead's successful Suburban league side a couple of years ago. Cornell McCoy and Eli Ogunseye came through fitness tests but will probably feature in the league matches ahead.

The pitch was very grassy and uneven although this was as mild a day as I can remember at what is usually one of the coldest grounds in the south east.

There was a false dawn for Wood in the second minute when a Burdon cross hit the bar, the keeper looking decidedly edgy, and Aaron Cole-Bolt drove inches wide following good link play between Kieta and Hughes. Wood blocked a shot following a corner and Hickford made a fine save as Banstead laid down the gauntlet. Hughes headed straight at the keeper but, to be fair, Banstead looked better organised and Joe Mead did well to clear a threat as Wood's makeshift midfield was overrun at times. Moussard was up against a live wire A's number 11 and Frodsham did well to block a 9 shot and 7 hit the post with a fine header. Burdon deflected a 9 shot over and Banstead really should have been awarded a penalty when Ankumu bundled into the back of the number 7. Kieta produced a weak shot following a one/two with Giles and Ankumu got lucky again having scythed down the 8 as no card was shown. To be fair, the experienced referee had total control of the game, no doubt making some allowance for the poor playing surface. 11 fired over following a slide rule pass, 8 shot inches wide and 11, again, hit the bar as Banstead were completely dominating the game. Ironically, such is football, Wood took the lead on 38 minutes. A long Hickford clearance saw a defender slip and Kieta struck a fine 2 yard shot in off the far post for a debut goal. Banstead were stunned and Wood had chances to put the game beyond them. The keeper made a fine save from Kieta who was put in by Giles, Ankumu's grubber shot was held up by the grass and ACB had a shot blocked on the line.

Quite how Wood had got in ahead at half time was a mystery to the dedicated watchers.

Just three minutes after the restart, The A's were level from the penalty spot as the 11 drove home following a Giles handball. Joe Mead twisted his ankle as his studs got caught up in the turf but he carried on. Giles was booked for a foul on 8 as Banstead regained their dominance. ACB was booked for a trip on 75 minutes of a half where Wood failed to provide a shot on target. 1 shot wide and 14 headed wide but a winning goal looked inevitable for the home side. 9, clearly offside, fired over, 11 had a shot well held and 14 burst through the Wood defence but his pinpoint cross was headed over by 9. The combination of Hickford, Sam Mead and Frodsham somehow managed to keep The A's out to force extra time.

Wood found a second wind, largely due to the introduction of 17 year old Kamara, who added spark and pace to the floundering midfield. Debrah, another sub, cut in and shot at the keeper, ACB had a shot brilliantly tipped over as Wood, at last, looked like a team from the higher division. Joe Mead fed Debrah who fired wide of the front post, Kamara set up ACB who volleyed over as the one way traffic continued against a shell shocked Banstead. On 95 minutes, Debrah found ACB who rounded the keeper to score neatly. Kamara should have finished the game off but he hesitated and the keeper saved well. Wood paid for that miss on 104 minutes when a long ball saw 11 pull back Moussard (not given) and he netted with a fierce strike. That 15 minutes of extra time was far better than the previous ninety and the game was up for grabs. Kamara saw a shot blocked as the sun came out. Debrah was giving the 2 a rough time without finding the end product, underlined when Joe Mead and ACB put him away and in on goal but he hit the post. With 4 minutes left, a long ball saw 9 in on goal and he finished smartly through Hickford's legs. Eventually the final whistle sounded to give Banstead a thoroughly deserved win over the 120 minutes although Wood could have buried the game themselves in the first period of extra time. Three home league games against in form teams next for Wood which will go a long way to determine what sort of season is ahead. Many watching will think it will be a tough seven months ahead!

Alton Town 2-1 Wood (Sat 21st Sep)

Wood went down 1-2 on their first visit to Alton Town on Saturday following a scrappy and disjointed match and performance. Wood's cause wasn't helped with the absence of Dylan merchant although skipper, Sam Mead, returned to the side. It was the worst possible start for the visitors as Greenaway dropped a shoulder on the edge of the box and rifled the ball home from 18 yards on just 72 seconds! A cycling Alton supporter, complete with helmet and bell rejoiced in the goal and the early exchanges suggested a long day in store for Wood. Hunter headed a Pearson long throw wide and Sam Mead, up for the challenge, blocked a Greenaway cross. Aaron Cole-Bolt put Debrah away and he forced a corner and Greenaway pulled the ball back to James who mishit his shot well wide. Frodsham robbed Greenaway fairly but the referee gave a foul, not the first poor decision of the day. Wood cheered up on 16 minutes when Toubal did well on the left and his pass put Embalo away. He outpaced the remaining defender and rounded MacLean to score despite the best efforts of a defender. Toubal was fouled and the quick free kick from Joe mead saw Embalo's pull back well cut out. Wood sensed a second goal and a move between ACB, Embalo and Debrah ended with the latter shooting lamely at MacLean. Another harsh free kick, this time awarded to Wood saw a long Hughes ball nodded back by Leonetti just ahead of the onrushing Embalo. Lynch and Greenaway produced cowardly late tackles on Sam Mead, neither of which were dealt with by a detereorating referee. Wood rode their luck when a James mishit ended up with a ball across their goalface and not takers but they went 1-2 down on 41 minutes. Frodsham and Sam Mead produced headers to concede successive corners, the second of which was headed home by Peck.

Wood would have hoped to reach half time level but they now faced a tough second half against a determined Alton outfit.

Toubal produced a neat turn as did Embalo but his shot was weak and Brown was booked for pulling back Embalo as he broke. The Wood striker reacted poorly and might have been booked for lashing out at Brown. Moussard was dispossessed by reenaway but he did well to get back and concede a corner as Giles replaced Burdon. ACB headed a Joe Mead corner wide and ACB turned and shot but this was easy for MacLean. Brown received a second yellow card for a foul on Giles and Wood sensed their chance. Embalo gave the ball to Moussard at right back and he returned the ball into the area where MacLean did just enough. Boye replaced Moussard and immediately set up ACB but his first shot was scuffed and the second was sliced wide. Balde replaced Debrah and the impressive Leonetti did well again to deny Embalo who was injured and had to leave the field leaving a ten aside finish. That was the lift Alton needed to see out the game although Greenaway headed just wide at the death.

This was not a great game at all with most of the second half stop starting and without any real flow. Wood take a break from league action as they visit Banstead in the league cup next week, hopefully with one or two new faces in their line up.

Photos here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/photographsomethingsimple/sets/72157635728577146/

Balham Blazers U18 1-3 Wood Under 18 (Thur 18th Sep) 

On a lovely evening for any football, Wood did battle with their tenants at Wibbandune, Balham Blazers, where a tough game was expected. The evening did not disappoint at all!

Savage forced a corner for Blazers early on and Charles-Berry did well to break down another good chance for the Balham outfit. Toubal fed Bakici who in turn put Miles in but he was pulled back. Keyser forced a corner for Balham where the low drive eluded everyone as Balham, clearly on the front foot early doors, threatened to open the scoring. Charles-Berry underlined his watchful start with another good reading sutuation of Balham danger, underlining the “home” threat but, gradually, The Wood youngsters found their feet. Dabo fed Miles but his pull back was underhit but it was clear that he, and Toubal, posed a huge threat on the flanks for The Wood. Yusuph fed Toubal but the lively wide man overhit his cross and Farquarson did well to deny Toubal soon after. Pepperell claimed a Yusuph header easily as the game continued to flow, slightly more towards the Blazers goal. Wood, it appeared, had more comfortable players on the ball but the tendency to hit the “Hollywood” ball let their obvious composure down. A quicker tempo was required and it began to arrive. Bakici fed Miles whose shot was easily claimed at the front post and Moussard looked calmness personified at the back. Then, Wood went ahead on 27 minutes. A, driven, free kick, from the right, to the front post, was sliced somewhat and Balogun was the liveliest reaction and he netted via a deflection from eight yards. That goal settled Wood down nicely and they began to flow. Toubal showed the brand of confident skill at his behest to set up Miles who mishit wide, but the winger's eyes lit up somewhat soon after when, in on goal, as he blazed wildly wide. Balogun and Toubal spurned reasonable chances by miskicking which reminded me of my old coach saying if they didn't put rubbers on the end of pencils we would learn nothing! This was a pleasure to watch at times; Perhaps, Pele's “beautiful game”, or that fifth cider had kicked in! The calmness of the benches underlined a good spirit within the game although the referee, at times, became, unfortunately, the centre of attention. Like the 22 players, he was giving his best however as Belkaid made a no nonsense clearance and Hickford claimed a Savage drive, underlining the fact that two teams were here to play attractive football. Somewhat poetically, the mist rolled in adding an eerie feel to the event and a cutting long ball through said mist from the elegant skipper, Moussard, found Miles whose shot was comfortable for Pepperell. Half time arrived and Wood had a somewhat precarious lead given the events against Banstead just a fortnight ago.

Yusuph did well to contain an early opening for the Blazers and the tireless Savage cleared a Toubal pull back. Toubal chipped to Balogun at the far post but he headed awkwardly wide off balance. Cozier did well do deny Bakici, who was coming to life at last. A Dabo corner eluded everyone before Wood extended their lead on 57 minutes. Miles sprung a hard challenge and fed Bakici, looking suspiciously offside, but the livewire finished neatly having drawn Pepperell where he wanted him to be. Wood relaxed now and Toubal forced a fine block from Farquarson before a superb reverse ball put Bakici in where he was pulled back. Penalty; no doubt! Toubal struck the spot kick lamely to the keeper's left and the save was never in doubt. That miss put a visible spring in the step of Balham; there was now some hope. Burke replaced the injured Miles and Hollis came on for Balogun who hurt his ankle on landing. Chin tried his luck from distance for Balham before, on 73 minutes, it was 1-2. A sustained run of play on the left saw substitute, Frew, nip in and score neatly via a deflection. With lots of time left, anything might happen now, but Kamara still looked in charge of the middle of the park for Wood, an outstanding effort, and Wood remained positive. A superb passing move, featuring four Wood players, ended with Dabo shaving the far post; a superb goal that would have been, and an even better move saw Bakici fed in but his chip, in slow motion, it appeared, eluded the far post by millimetres. Jermaine replaced the excellent Dabo near the end and Toubal fed Burke whose shot was just deflected wide of the post by Pepperell. As stoppage time approached, Wood made the game save when Kamara played a slide rule pass and Toubal netted with aplomb. That was that, and while Wood were never totally at ease, they had enough to, deservedly, claim the points. A good watch, played in a fine spirit, and a credit to both clubs' desire to play attractive football. Folkestone away in the FA Youth Cup next for Wood.

Molesey 1-2 Wood (Tues 17th Sep)

Wood earned a hard earned and valuable three points as they continued their excellent league record against Molesey on Tuesday evening. The match took on the same form as last season's visit with Molesey doing all the early pressing and as early as the first minute, youth team keeper, Hickford, was forced into a smart save when stand in skipper merchant was caught in possession by Marvell. Elliott skipped past Frodsham but hes cross was well parried behind by Hickford and he claimed an Elliott strike soon after when the full back had eluded Debrah. Pitt fed Windsor but he fired straight at the Wood keeper and Quan overhit a cross and Moussard did well to tidy up yet another dangerous move by The Moles. Wood just couldn't get going and they got lucky on 24 minutes when Hickford punched a Lewington free kick straight to Chalke but he curled his shot inches over from 20 yards. Hickford took a Marvell cross well and Lewington almost put Quan in but he just overhit his pass. A long ball found Embalo but Dicks produced a fine tackle. That incident seemed to put a little energy into Wood's play and Aaron Cole-Bolt put Debrah away on the right but he bundled the ball over the goal line. Baxter clearly fouled Merchant but nothing was given and Wood were grateful to the alert Frodsham for clearing up the danger. The sense of deja vu regarding this fixture was complete on 33 minutes when Debrah found Embalo and he neatly turned the defender before scoring at ease past Young, much to the delight of the team and travelling support. That ecstasy was short lived however as four minutes later, a towering header clear by Merchant fell nicely for Lewington and he lashed in an unstoppable volley following a chest down. The match was very watchable and Embalo was blocked as he threatened a second goal and Chalke curled inches wide for The Moles. In stoppage time, embalm broke on the left and managed to find ACB on the edge of the area and he matched Lewington's early volley with a sublime goal. There was just time for a corner to elude all the Molesey attackers and half time arrived.

Wood can expect more of the same in the second half but the team looks pretty determined so far.

Marvell cut inside but Hickford continued his good performance by claiming his shot well and Marvell fed Baxter but his fine shot was matched by a superb save yet again. He did well to claim a cross soon after and he was helped by a Frodsham block when slightly out of position as another attack rained down on the Wood goal. A rare breakaway saw a superb tackle, again, by Robinson on Embalo and new boy Liam Giles replaced the tireless Guaghan for his Wood debut. ACB was harshly booked for a clean yet determined tackle and baxter's shot from distance was no real threat on the Wood goal. The home side were visibly frustrated, a testament to some excellent defending and teamwork in general, the minimum requirement at any level of football. In all honesty, the second half lacked the cut and thrust excitement of the first period but Wood's rearguard action was fun to watch nonetheless. Hickford bravely claimed a dangerous free kick where he was also fouled and in stoppage time, a far post free kick was headed across the goal face but no Molesey player could take advantage. The Walton Road pitch was the best many of us can remember and the ground, in general looked neat and tidy following a summer tidy up. That will be scant consolation for Molesey who must be sick and tired of playing Wood in league matches having lost seven successive games. However, this result for the visitors will need underlining on Saturday when they visit bottom club Alton, no doubt another tough test awaits!

Wood 2-5 Mole Valley SCR (Sat 14th Sep)

A depleted Wood, with six regular starters missing, slipped to another disappointing home defeat at Wibbandune on Saturday. Four players were called up from the youth team, including goalkeeper Oliver Hickford and captain Christian Moussard who started the game with Omar Belkaid and Kehinde Balogun on the bench. The game started promisingly for Wood although Debrah should have done better when in on the right. Rixon-Nicholls and Toomey denied Embalo in quick succession and Holden fired wide at the front post following slack defending and marking from Wood. Hickford and Hughes combined to cut out a Holden through ball as the visitors began to play sweet flowing football. Valley took the lead on ten minutes when Page turned Merchant and he finished coolly while goind away from the chasing Wood defenders. Smith put Page in again soon after but Hickford saved well with his feet at the front post and the young Wood stopper did well to claim a vicious McCabe drive at the second attempt just ahead of Page. Once again, the Wibbandune pitch had handled all the rain well and Wightwick produced a fine touch and he fired across the goal from a cheeky angle, underlining the confidence in the visiting side. Merchant denied Wightwick following more poor passing from Wood but Embalo did well to pull the ball back to Joe Mead who shot wide via a slight deflection. Smith chested and volleyed the ball inches over and Page and Holden combined to set up McCabe whose shot hit the bar and Hickford parried away a Smith effort soon after. The pressure on the Wood back four told on 29 minutes when Merchant and Burdon collided and a quick pass to Smith saw a neat chipped finish. Debrah was denied by Toomey and McCarry lashed a shot just wide. A frustrated Embalo was booked for dissent and that might have been worse if the referee had seen something more sinisiter in a coming together with Rixon-Nicholls. It looked game over on 41 minutes when a hopeful cross was cleared by Burdon straight to Page who lashed the ball home from 12 yards.

Half time came and there was a double substitution for Wood with Belkaid and Kierna Cole-Bolt replacing Debrah and Guaghan.

Wood got a dream start in the opening minute when Hughes and Burdon fed Embalo who skipped past the full back and squared to KCB who finished sharply at the front post. Page almost punished a Joe Mead error and McCarry headed over from a corner but Wood were more in the game now as underlined by a tireless run from Embalo to make good a Moussard pass. On 63 minutes, Wood were really back in it when a slick pass from Embalo saw a sharp KCB turn and he drove the ball home with aplomb from 25 yards. The same couple combined soon after but the left foot of KCB lacked similar power. To be fair to Valley, they didn't panic and they began to up their progressive game. Fernandez lobbed Hickford but off target and a McCabe free kick eluded a packed area and hit the far post. A fine move saw Smith pick out Page but Hickford saved superbly at point blank range. One felt that might be the catalyst for Wood to get something from the game but it wasn't to be. On 84 minutes, Page did well on the left and crossed for Fernandez to stab home from close range. Belkaid cleared at the front post and Clayton hit the bar and on 89 minutes, Fernandez flicked the ball on which hit the arm of Merchant and a penanlty was awarded. Page made no mistake in completing his hat trick and Wood left the field wondering what Tuesday's visit to Molesey will bring. One thing is for sure, they cannot give three goal leads up before competing all over the park. Valley thoroughly deserved their win today but the positive of seeing cultured young footballers in the Wood squad augurs well for the rest of the season if we can get a few seniors back on the park.

Photos here - http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/molevalleyscr/photos/firsts-a-v-colliers-wood-utd-416023.html

Half time 0-1. Wood are hanging on to the coat tails of Frimley Green with the next goal vital.

That next goal came on 48 minutes when Hughes was dispossessed by Thumwood, with shouts of handball, and his pinpoint far post cross was nodded home by M Griffiths. Frodsham and KCB produced fine tackles to deny the lively Ramsey but Frimley were well on top now although Quintayne was the first of many second half bookings, much to the anger of the Frimley bench. On 60 minutes, Frodsham was harshly penalised and Newcombe drove home from 25 yards to make it 3-0 and game over. Wood, however, had other ideas and on 64 minutes, a superb cross from the right from Debrah from an ACB pass was well finished by the tireless Embalo and five minutes later it was 2-3 as a corner from the right was nodded down into the six yard area where Debrah back heeled into the net neatly. There was clear frustration at the back for Frimley and two further cautions ensued. But on 71 minutes, it was 2-4 when M Griffiths picked out a superb pass to Ramsey who slotted the ball under Eacott and into the net. Both teams were really going at each other now and a booking for Grobler means an imminent suspension for the midfielder. There were at least two further cautions for the visitors and their mood wasn't helped on 87 minutes when Embalo put away a superb pass with an unstoppable drive from 20 yards. Wood had shown the the character required to overcome some of their technical deficiencies and to suggest that league points will arrive shortly, but in stoppage time, Frimley wasted two chances when Ramsey fired wide and Eacott saved well from Quintayne.

This was an entertaining second half and Frimley will score goals against anyone. Keeping them out is their problem. For Wood, another home game on Saturday against Mole Valley SCR where they will be looking to get something from the game to reward their obvious commitment.

Goal highlights here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwg9GSCW5Es&feature=player_embedded#t=0

Wood 1-3 Dorking (AET Sat 7th Sep)

A depleted Wood bowed out of the FA Vase in extra time to a determined Dorking side who belied their atrocious start to their leage campaign. Wood were without Sam Mead, Eli Ogunseye and Phil Frodsham and they could only mustre twelve fit players as none of their youth team were available! The heavily sanded pitch, due to ongoing repair works, was unsightly but never a playing issue. Most of the first half was pretty turgid to be honest as Wood failed to get going, largely due to The Chicks speed in closing down. Ankumu was alert to clear the danger as the returning Grobler was caught on the ball and Chicks keeper Blasdale was alert to deny the always threatening Embalo soon after. Eacott claimed a dangerous low cross but Wood missed the best chance of the half when a long free kick was flicked on by Cole-Bolt to Embalo. He appeared to have rounded the keeper but he managed to smother the ball somehow. Eacott caught a dangerous Jimmy Brazil cross and Embalo and Hughes played a one two with the former blazing inches over the bar..

Half Time 0-0 – A frenetic first half lacking in quality and the signs are that one goal here may be enough. The visitors bench need to calm down rather having got in the linesman's ear over a foul throw!

Almost immediately, it was clear the second half was going to offer much better entertainment as Blasdale claimed a high ball just ahead of Embalo. The pitch was slower than of recent weeks for obvious weeks but that didn't stop Embalo on fifty minutes. Joe Mead picked him out in the inside left position and he scooted away form two defenders and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the botton left of the net. Eacott denied the lively Wetton and a cross from Debrah picked out Cole-Bolt but he mishit his volley with the goal at his mercy. Grobler cut out a dangerous through ball and he and Merchant, the pair of them pretty impressive all game at the back, just did enough to deny Fontana. Milner cut out a Debrah cross and was harshly booked soon after for a coming together of two players. The referee was not allowing any physical contact whatsoever which was frustrating both teams and benches, and the spectators. Cole-Bolt fed Embalo but Blasdale smothered his close range shot. Burdon picked out Embalo well but he sliced a shot wide and, soon after, the striker spurned two opportunities to clinch the tie, the second well saved at point blank range by Blasdale. The single goal lead was still vulnerable and Hughes, from a short corner, cut into the box but his on target shot clipped Fowler's head and went inches over the bar. Brazil cleared an Embalo header off the line followed by a miskick from Cole-Bolt who was replaced by Balde. Sure enough, Wood were punished for all those misses on 75 minutes when a cross from the left found Wetton unmarked and he chested down and volleyed perfectly to level the tie. Up until then, there looked only one winner but the “inevitable second goal” was not forthcoming and Dorking, as a team, and their bench were up for this now. Embalo took a great touch from a long ball but he fired straight at the keeper . Powell fed Wetton who pulled the ball back to substitute Bulembi who forced a superb one handed save from Eacott and Blasdale, well in contention for man of the match, claimed another dangerous cross.

FT 1-1. Extra time saw Clarke produce a fine run but his shot was lame and on 95 minutes, following a spell of sustained pressure, Phillips fired home an unstoppable shot from 20 yards. That goal seemed to demoralise Wood and on 103 minutes, the game was up when Wetton did well on the right and he crossed for Bulembi who made no mistake from a tight angle. Fontana mistimed a header with the goal gaping. Merchant drove wide from 30 yards and Clarke was even further wide from further out. Grobler was booked for a blatant trip, borne out of frustration it appeared and Eacott parried the free kick away well. Coffey fired over from 15 yards and Hughes headed just over at the death as Dorking progressed to a tie at Glebe in the next round.

Wood failed to overcome their missing players and they will be hoping for better availability for the Frimley Green game on Wednesday evening.

Wood 1-3 East Preston (Sat 31st Aug)

Wood slipped out of the FA Cup when they lost to Sussex League leaders East Preston at Wibbandune. Wood were without Eli Ogunseye and Cornell McCoy (injured) and Dre Grobler, who was married the previous day. Dylan Merchant was a late addition to the team sheet.

Things started brightly for Wood as Aaron Cole-Bolt put Debrah in but his lob over the head of Harding went wide of the upright. EP skipper, Shelley, put in an inviting cross but there were no takers and Frodsham cleared calmly. Frodsham and sam Mead got rather tangled up and Boye was alert to clear any danger and eacott failed to hold a cross but got lucky when the ball hit his leg and fell to safety. Pullan was strongly spoken to after hacking down Debrah and Harding was brave in saving at the feet of Debrah. It was an open start to the game and Pullan produced a superb tackle on Embalo after good work from Joe Mead. On 17 minutes, a ball into the area bounced of the chest of Harding and as Embalo pounced he was fouled from behind by Pullan who was booked. Joe Mead put the spot kick away very well. Eacott did well under pressure from Boswell and on 26 minutes, the visitors were level. A corner towards the front post area was volleyed with his left foot by Farmer and went in off two defenders legs.Keehan was booked for a cynical foul on Debrah and he did well to pull a cross back which was claimed by Harding. On 33 minutes, Farmer made it 2-1 when a corner from the opposite side this time was met by a fine glancing header while completely unchallenged. And just two minutes, it looked like game over when Axell was afforded the freedom of Wibbandune and he drove home unchallenged from 25 yards. Aaron Cole-Bolt fired a shot over and Embalo fed Burdon but O'Hagan was too quick and he cleared over the bar. Joe Mead fored a free kick well over and burdon saw a shot well saved as Wood strove to get a foothold back in the game. Right on half time, Fogden headed inches wide at the far post following more lethargic marking at a corner kick.

HT 1-3 – The half was close early on but the visitors punished Wood heavily after that.

Merchant replaced Aaron Cole-Bolt. The second half saw the visitors set up with two rows of four and very little happened until the 59^th minute when a sliced cross from Hughes landed in the keepers arms, underlining a lack of real quality from Wood although few could doubt the effort they were putting in. Nobody was awake to a fine Merchant cross and Sam Mead produced a double header back to Eacott to avoid any danger. Kieran Cole-Bolt replaced a frustrated Ankumu on 63 minutes. Sam Mead fouled the lively Boswell whose free kick sailed well wide and Kieran Cole-Bolt drove wide having bustled his way into a decent position on 71 minutes. To be honest, the game was drifting with just sporadic outbursts of football with Wood's 3-5-2 making few inroads into the organised visitors. Boye was clearly fouled and not given an obvious throw in and he was booked for dissent although, to be fair, the referee was having a decent game in an easy tie to manage. Toubal replaced the tireless Debrah and Merchant was booked for a scything tackle. Boye, Hughes and Embalo combined well to supply Joe Mead but, leaning back, his half volley sailed over the bar. Levitt fired tamely at Eacott and Boswell should have hit the target soon after but was wide. There was just time for eacott to save from Rhodes as the visitors deservedly progressed to a tie away at Chatham Town. For Wood, it's a trip to Bedfont Sports on Tuesday evening ahead of an FA Vase tie at home to struggling Dorking.

Goal highlights -

http://www.eastprestonfc.co.uk/2013/09/03/video-goal-highlights-colliers-wood-vs-epfc/

Wood U18 2-2 Banstead Athletic U18 (Thur 29th Aug)

Wood's new look under 18 side were denied maximum points by an injury time goal having probably done enough to win the game. But credit to Banstead Athletic who hung in there and they will feel their efforts merited a share of the spoils.

Wood were guilty of overplaying at the back and occasional poor passing selection and this was to haunt them late on. The A's keeper claimed a cross from the promising Toubal from the left flank and Miles and Kamara linked well but the final pass went astray. The lively Bakici puuled the ball across goal but it was cleared and the visiting keeper saved well with his feet from Toubal following a sublime pass from Bakici. Banstead were lively up top too but couldn't find the killer final pass to open up a nervy Wood back line. The Banstead 5 was booked for a foul on the progressive Yusuph although a talking to may have been the better option as both teams were trying to find their feet in this opening league game of the season. Number 4 for The A's almost punished some dallying at the back from Wood and Wood skipper, Moussard, recovered well to concede a corner to deny the exciting A's number 9. However, from that corner, the visitors took the lead as poor marking allowed number 6 to power a header home unchallenged. The goal shok Wood up and their keeper, Hickford did well to deny 9. Balogun, who debuted for the Wood first team on Monday (along with Toubal) nodded the ball back to Dabo but his shot was deflected over and the Banstead 6 hoofed a dangerous ball over his own bar as another slide rule pass from Miles threatened to produce an equalising goal. On 38 minutes, Wood did level and in some style when Kamara picked out Bakici who finished neatly. Now Wood looked settled and their dominance was rewarded on 43 minutes when the A's keeper did well to deny Bakici. But would kept the pressure on and Kamara , advancing towards goal, drove low to the keeper's left from 25 yards. The eye catching Miles drove wide from 25 yards and Bakici probably should have scored following a smart turn and shot just wide of the mark. There was just time for Kamara to shoot wide and for Dabo to have a shot blocked.

HT 2-1 – Not much between the sides despite Wood dominating the last fifteen minutes of the half.

Wood came out, still edgy at the back, and more hesitation saw Banstead hit the bar with the goal gaping. Belkaid fed Bakici but his shot was well tipped around the post and Bakici and Toubal combined well to set up Miles but his shot was well saved at close range. Wood, probably, needed the 3^rd goal to settle them down although some of the individual skill and control was a pleasure to behold, something the first eleven may want to take on board! Wood probably should have had a penalty when Bakici, was unceremoniously upended in the box and Borhloe was alert to make up for a defensive error. Yusuph forced a corner which came to nothing. Kwadu and Charles-Berry replaced Toubal and Borhloe. Wood dominated possession for the first 25 minutes of the second half but the visitors were standing firm and still posed a threat on the break. Belkaid produced a fine tackle to deny 10 and the visitors number 8 was booked for a blatant block on Bakici. Dixon replaced Kamara and he almost had the dream introduction but for a superb one handed save fro the A's keeper. As the last ten minutes approached, Wood had gone off the boil and were almost caught out by a clever free kick which Hickford saved well. Wood broke away down the right and Yusuph fired inches wide of the far post. In the second minute of stoppage time, a poor throw in back to Hickford gave the netminder no chance and the number 6 bundled the ball home. Banstead almost stole all three points but for a fine double save from Hickford at the death.

The Wood management team were upbeat after the game given it was the first league game of the season and this work in progress is definitely worth a watch if you have the time. Next up, Molesey away next Wednesday.

Raynes Park Vale 1-0 Wood (Mon 26th Aug)

Wood suffered from a late goal for the second time in 48 hours as they lost the Merton Derby at Grand Drive. Wood were without Cornell McCoy and Dre Grobler but had two new young faces on the bench in Adam Toubal and Kehinde Balogum. The pitch was grassy and dry if a little slow.

The opening fifteen minutes were rather turgid as both sides assessed each other. There was little real quality until Embalo crossed to Debrah who teed up Burdon but he side footed wide of the upright. That was the catalyst for Wood to take the ascendancy although Coles was nearly caught out at his front post and a following header eluded the bar. Cornwell was slow to claim a through ball and Debrah pinched it off him and netted but he was adjudged to have fouled on 23 minutes. Ogunseye had a shot blocked and Cornwell was alert to head clear ahead of the onrushing Embalo. Joe Mead, part of a dominant 3 man centre of midfield fired tamely at the Vale keeper but he really tested him soon after via a low drive which was superbly tipped around the post. A short corner and Aaron Cole-Bolt chipped to Burdon whose header clipped the bar. Merchant, looking assured again for Wood, put Embalo away but Cornwell saved yet again. The same player was denied by the keeper soon after and this was looking like a repeat of the recent Croydon game with chances wasted. Occasionally, Vale threatened on the break and Moore had a shot deflected wide and Ogunseye, for Wood, chipped a cross cum shot inches wide of the far post.

HT 0-0 – A frustrating 45 minutes for Wood who found the Vale keeper in his best form. Wood had the best of the first half but need to improve their passing, particularly at key moments.

If the first half was Wood's then Vale dominated the opening 2^nd half exchanges by pressing the Vale midfield quicker allowing the visitors no time to establish any rhythm. The young Vale substitute caught the eye in particular (no 16). Toubal replaced the injured Ogunseye, a worrying blow for Wood this but the early signs were that Toubal is a neat footballer with a good future. The longer the half went on, it became clear that one goal may nick the points. Joe Mead fed Debrah but his pinpoint cross was headed tamely by Embalo. Kieran Cole-Bolt replaced Burdon, rather short of match practise but very effective today nonetheless. Debrah pulled the ball back for KCB who netted but the linesman said the whole of the ball crossed the byline, not confirmed later by several Vale supporters. Balogum replaced ACB and the reshuffle looked to have unsettled the Wood midfield as Vale took hold of the game. Coles made several good claims to deny the home side and now it was Wood playing rarely on the break with Debrah curling a yard wide with the outside of his foot. Wood skipper, Sam Mead, was booked for a trip and Cornwell made the save of the match in denying KCB who was put away superbly by the exciting Toubal. Coles, again made a fine save from a vale substitute and their number 6 missed a sitter but was waved offside anyway. Over the piece, a 0-0 draw would have been the right outcome but Wood were denied anything on 89 minutes. Balogum, inexplicably, allowed a ball to run past him and a quick pass to Forbes saw the Vale wide man chip Coles neatly to steal the points.

So another case of what might have been and Wood will hope all their injuries clear up ahead of a tough looking FA Cup tie on Saturday.

Wood 2-2 Windsor (Sat 24th Aug)

Torrential rain meant a delayed kick off as Wood welcomed divisional leaders, Windsor, to Wibbandune. The new Wibbandune drainage worked a treat as an exciting game unfolded. Wood were without Dan Hughes, Will Boye and Paris Clarke but did have Chris Burdon back in their squad. The Guardsmen opened like a side top of the league and Eacott was forced into a low front post save and was hurt in the process. The rain returned, although not so heavy, and there were some mis-timed tackles, understandably. Ankumu did well to clear a dangerous Lucas cross and Grobler and Dexter were both hurt following a clash of heads where Grobler was booked surprisingly. Aaron Cole-Bolt fired well wide and Embalo curled a 25 yard effort just beyond the far post. Sam Mead and Merchant looked in good form at the back for Wood as both sides were really striving to gain the upper hand. On 30 minutes, Windsor went ahead when a long free kick into the box saw Kirby jump a little early for the ball. It struck his arm and he hooked the ball into the net as he fell to the ground. Cole-Bolt and grobler played a neat one two for the former to drive just wide and Harris showed quick feet in turning and firing over from 25 yards. Sheehan was booked for a clumsy challenge and he really tested the referee's patience with three quick fouls soon after. Eacott cleared up following a Grobler error and in stoppage time, Ogunseye's pass was deflected into the path of Embalo but Dennison blocked his close range shot.

HT 0-1 – A fast and furious fast half in which Wood will be disappointed to be behind.

Rob Lazarczuk got in behind Frodsham and his cross was fired just beyond the far post. The pitch was handling the heavy rain very well. On 52 minutes, a Joe mead free kick saw Frodsham head over but Grobler had his shirt blatantly pulled and the penalty was awarded. Joe mead converted in style. Now Wood stepped up their pace. Debrah replaced McCoy who had a hamstring or groin problem. Dennison denied Joe Mead and Ogunseye went down in the box but the referee, rightly, said the defender played the ball. Debrah nearly got on the end of another decent cross although he had to clear a header off his own line soon after. Wood took the lead on 62 minutes when an error allowed Ogunseye to attack the box and he scored brilliantly from 15 yards. Embalo produced a jack knife header which went inches wide, Debrah should have done better when shooting straight at Dennison and Embalo chipped the keeper but the effort went wide. It was, mostly, all Wood but the third goal was not forthcoming. Cooke was booked for a trip on Grobler and Sheehan received a second yellow for dissent and was sent off. Cole-Bolt sidefooted just wide and he was replaced by his brother Kieran. Kerrigan denied Embalo and Wood should have sewn the game up when Embalo beat Cooke and laid the ball to Kieran Cole-Bolt who reacted slowly to the opportunity. Wood were punished for that miss in the fourth minute of stoppage when a clear free kick was not awarded. The ball, eventually, fell to Richardson who poked the ball home unmarked to break the home side's hearts.

A very entertaing game in which both sides contributed well in the wet conditions. It will be some consolation to Wood that the new pitch held up so well but a point against a good side is a useful platform for the rest of the season.

Wood went down to a second successive home league defeat when they lost to Croydon on Wednesday evening. There was a debut for goalkeeper Michael Eacott and Joe mead returned to the bench. Dylan Merchant had recovered enough from injury to partner Sam Mead in defence. On an evening perfect for football, Freeman found Makelow for the visitors whose cross was headed behind by Clarke. Some slack defending by Wood allowed Burton a shot but he blazed over the bar. Sam Mead was hurt in a challenge that led to another shot over the bar and Hughes did well to intercept a pass. He put Ogunseye away who rounded The Trams keeper, Ameyaw but his shot thundered against the crossbar. Ameyaw claimed a McKoy cross and a quick turn from Ogunseye deceived a defender and he was tripped. The penalty kick was awarded, correctly, by the assistant referee. The penalty curse that hit Wood hard last season returned as Ameyaw saved Ogunseye's poor spot kick to his left and he fired the follow up over the bar. Eacott made a front post block from de Almeida and Freeman fired over but it was Wood who were on top now. McKoy blocked a clearance and pulled the ball back to Aaron Cole-Bolt but his shot hit the bar from 15 yards. Clarke, looking composed at left back fed Ogunseye who played in Cole-Bolt but his shot was blocked and Embalo fired wide following good work on the right from Frodsham. Good approach play from Wood saw Ogunseye round the keeper again but this time his shot was cleared off the line and further superb play saw Embalo fire over the bar via a slight deflection with the goal at his mercy! Wood were to pay for their striking lapses on 39 minutes when an aimless long ball was completely missed by Eacott and Makelow gratefully tapped the ball into the unguarded net. The rangy striker missed a good chance immediately afterwards and a fine angled pass to Burton saw the striker fire over.

Half time 0-1 and it was already looking like “one of those nights” for Wood with just about everyone in the ground amazed at the scoreline.

On 54 minutes, Cole-Bolt chipped into the area where Embalo headed wide from 15 yards. Wood wasted a good position with yet another poor final pass and Atkins denied Ogunseye as Wood struggled to dominate Croydon. Joe Mead replaced Clarke and de Almeida was booked for simulation in the box. A frustrated Grobler was booked for a senseless lunge at Pitt and Frodsham was alert to head away an angled cross. Makelow was booked for a foul on McKoy and Ameyaw produced a good save to deny Joe Mead. The tall Trams keeper was dominating everything Wood threw at him and Embalo fired wide at the front post after superb work from Ogunseye. Merchant, pushing into midfield now, hit a superb 35 yard volley which was expertly tipped over by Ameyaw and Embalo fired wide again soon after. Eacott saved well from de Almeida and Ogunseye set up Cole-Bolt who was crowded out and McKoy saw his shot easily saved. Try as they might, Wood seldom looked like scoring in the second half as Croydon held out to claim the points. This was a frustrating night for Wood with the pluses being decent performances from Clarke, McKoy and Merchant. The ingredients are there for a better season for Wood but they must take their chances, particularly the easy ones of which many were squandered tonight.

Wood 6-2 AFC Croydon Athletic (Sat 17th Aug)

The Wood and The Rams served up a Sarf London FA Cup knees up at Wibbandune on Saturday.

HT 3-2 and the open nature of the game, whilst exciting to watch, must be causing headaches for both benches.

Clarke replaced the injured Merchant and went to left back with Boye moving to centre back. Several Rams players caught the eye, none less so than right back Baker who, almost single handedly, dealt with the pace of the Wood forward line. Barker lashed a shot against the Wood bar and the match officials were not endearing themselves with their decision, particularly regarding a decent penalty shout. Wood extended their lead on 57 minutes when some neat passing saw the ball at Cole-Bolt's feet and he sliced his shot in off the far post for his second goal much to his father's delight and chants of Wemberlee! Two minutes later and it looked game over when Ogunseye picked out Embalo at the far post and he nodded the ball home neatly. Coles made a fine save from Maddock who continued to attack and Blake set up Loyza who fired over the bar. Grobler was booked for dissent having won a header fairly before a strange FA Cup moment occurred. Blake was asked to remove his unmatching undershorts which he did. He asked to return to the field of play but the referee said wait I need to see that you have removed them. The lively substitute showed him in no uncertain terms and was sent off as wwas the Rams manager for his strong protestations. And that was about it for the visitors as Dan Hughes netted on 88 minutes to make it 6-2 and a dangerous cross from Debrah was deflected onto the bar by a defender before the final whistle sounded.

Wood will face East Preston or Crowborough Athletic in the next round on 31^st August.

A very much changed Horley Town took on and beat Colliers Wood United, with only skipper Tom Winsor a regular from last season from the first team and the average age must have dropped by 10 years.

Town took the lead through Kris Adewales who hammered past Wood keeper, Dan Coles, who was caught of his line for a great opening goal. Ten minutes later Colliers Wood were awarded a penalty four a foul in the box and Joe Mead scored to make it one one. With fifteen to go an excellent free kick from well outside the box was fired home by Declan Smith giving the Wood goal keeper no chance and put Town two one up. It was still 2-1 at half time.

In the second half Wood threw everything at Town but the young defence held out well with skipper Tom Winsor leading from the back.

Sam Mead was injured and Ben James unavailable as a new look Wood side took to the excellent looking Wibbandune turf on a glorious sunny day. The visitors were virtually unrecognisable from last season as well and under new management.

Wood's early passing went astray most of the time but when they did get it right, they looked a threat to the visitors goal. Grobler side footed over from 20 yards and Ogunseye should have done better following a Dyer slip. Coles saved well with his feet from the lively Coleman and Aaron Cole-Bolt volleyed well wide. Grobler fed Embalo who crossed well. The ball eventually fell to Ogunseye whose mishit shot was cleared off the line. Ash were a threat on the break via Dallaway and Coleman in particular but Wood were creating all the real chances and Hughes just failed to connect with an Embalo cross. Coleman produced a fine turn and shot over the bar but another Ash defensive error saw Ogunseye's shot blocked at the last second. He missed a further chance soon after before Coles was caught on the ankle but Frodsham was alert to clear the danger.

Ash went ahead on 33 minutes when Coleman chased down the ball in the corner and he skipped away from Merchant along the goal line and pulled the ball back for Dallaway who easily volleyed home from 8 yards. Wood looked rather laboured in midfield and they lacked that explosive width seen at the end of last season. However, they were still on top and Fitzpatrick did well to tip a deflection from Dyer over the bar following a Frodsham long throw. The Ash keeper did well to deny Embalo yet again soon after and Wood really pressed on as half time approached. Joe Mead drove wide after great work from Ogunseye, Embalo had a shot well saved before the moment of the game saw a superb one handed save by Fitzpatrick from Embalo's close range header.

Half Time 0-1.

Harsh on the home side and they will need to take their chances in the second half.

Dainton was afforded too much room as he drove wide from 25 yards. The second half was more even possession wise and any chances created were spurned by wayward shooting by both sides. Coles denied Dallaway and Wood were upset as the referee's whiste denied a two on one breakaway following an apparent head injury. Hughes produced a good run but sliced wide and he was replaced by McKoy. Both sides were determined to play football despite the hot conditions and Aaron Cole-Bolt fired wide and Ogunseye produced a fine run and far post cross but there were no takers. Dyer was booked for a late tackle on Wood's Angolan striker and McKoy, somehow contrived to deflect wide a Cole-Bolt drive. Penalty shouts for both sides were waved away and Cole-Bolt headed a volleyed Frodsham cross wide. When Wood created any chances they never looked likely to pass Fitzpatrick in the Ash goal and despite a determined finish to the game by the home side, the opening day defeat was confirmed by the referee's whistle much to the frustration of most of the 67 spectators in attendance, double Wood's usual gate for an opening home fixture. Wood face two away games at Horley and Farnham where they would hope to convert some of the numerous chances that they created today.

Match Highlights and interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyQ_55XbNpI&feature=youtu.be

Photos - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151768844779847&set=a.10151768761859847.1073741866.604644846&type=1&theater