Woodcote secure point with battling fightback

Published 3 Nov 2009 11:00 0 Comments

Westwood United 2 Woodcote Stoke row 2

WOODCOTE/Stoke Row produced a fine second half fightback to overturn a two-goal deficit and return from their visit to Westwood United with a 2-2 draw.

Westwood came into the clash as the form team in the Senior Division following five wins in their last six games.

Woodcote, meanwhile, had been stuttering slightly after an impressive start, with just one win - over basement boys Bersk County Sports - in their previous five.

The game seemed to be going to form when Westwood went in front 10 minutes in, Michael Higley looking on in horror as his attempted clearance nestled in his own net.

Woodcote were not being overrun, with Jake Dillon and Toby Nowell both looking dangerous, but it was Westwood who got the second goal of the game on the half hour, Ryan Adams netting for the fourth consecutive game to double his side's advantage.

The visitors pushed forward for the remainder of the first half, with the division's top scorer Nowell a constant menace, but United were able to hang on until the half-time whistle.

But it was a double half-time substitution from Woodcote boss Pete McAlister that saw the dropped pair of James Worsfold and Frank Dillon enter the fray that proved crucial.

The away side started the second period well, skipper James Hancock firing over when well-placed, before Adams uncharacteristically wasted a chance to wrap things up for Westwood.

Woodcote were quick to make him pay, Nowell showing his killer instinct in front of goal to head home Scott Allaway's cross from a tight angle to reach double figures for the campaign.

And with 17 minutes to play it was all square, Worsfold heading home Jake Dillon's cross to set up a grandstand finish.

The visitors had the better of the chances to snatch all three points in the closing minutes, but were also grateful to a superb goalsaving clearance from Carl Smith to preserve the draw.

After the game a contented McAlister reflected: "I made a couple of changes to ask some questions of the players, and credit to Frank Dillon and James Worsfold who gave me the performances I've been looking for when they came on at half-time.

"Although disappointed with losing two goals again, I was happy with the way the team responded. It was a much-improved performance."

For all the rest of the news from the Reading Saturday League, including all the up-to-date tables, see this week's Reading Chronicle.

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