Attridge Hattrick Hero

The threat of failure loomed large for Woodford Green, who conceded after just 7 minutes at the St Aubyns stadium, a fixture that had seen many great battles in the past – with this encounter being no different.  The free flowing play and pace caused Woodford issues for most of the first half, conceding 4 goals to no reply this looked like a day to forget for the boys in red.

Down but not out

Rather than accept defeat Woodford dug deep, being rewarded with some great build up and assist from Abdullah into Attridge, whose first time shot on goal rattled the top corner and in.  Continued pressure and effort played dividends, with another smart link up play between the two attacking mid fielders leaving the Aubyns keeper bending down again to fetch the ball out of the back of the net, was this the start of a come back?

Eye off the ball

Two quick successive goals each side of half time left the score at 6 - 3, a score line the did not reflect the closeness of the game nor the commitment in tracking and defending from the Woodford back four.  Skill and great judgement to flick a cheeky cross into the back of the net from the Woodford centre midfield brought the scores to a more respectable level.  Woodford continued to press and pass the ball around, although being pressed in their own half for extended periods.  This however proved to be to their advantage, a quickly taken throw from Woodfords keeper Vraj into Attridge’s path, converting with a nicely taken half volley nut meg.

So close, but so far

However it was not to be a fairy tale ending for the Ig8 under 10’s with a smartly taken drive into the bottom corner from Aubyns Raul in the final moments of the game closing the door on any comeback.  Finishing 7 -5 it had made for an entertaining afternoon with flashes of brilliance from both sides making it edge of the seat stuff.

Ray added after the match : "Woodford prep took a big step today. I hope that with more preparation and time, we can be competitive as we were today but with a better outcome."