WOODLEY United squandered a three-goal lead and slumped to a 6-4 defeat at Abingdon Town in their Hellenic League Division One East opener on Saturday.

New manager Jon Laugharne gave five players their debuts in a much-changed side from last season.

And he got off to a dream start as his side netted three goals in quick succession.

Liam Wilson opened the scoring after 18 minutes and 90 seconds later Chace Jewell’s cross was headed into his own net by Tristan Lawrence.

A remarkable four-minute spell saw Woodley go three ahead, Jewell again turning provider with Kai Parton-Edey supplying the final touch.

Parton-Edey went close to adding a fourth before Abingdon pulled one back just before the half hour through Anaclet Odhiambo.

Town cut their deficit to one-goal with an Elliott Osborne-Ricketts penalty and a minute before half time the scores were level when Odhiambo got his second.

In front of a crowd of nearly150, Woodley nearly regained the lead on 50 minutes with Parton-Edey crashing a shot against the post.

But shortly afterwards, they fell behind as Odhiambo headed home to complete his hat-trick.

Parton-Edey’s well-flighted lob made it 4-4, only to see Abingdon regain the lead on 76 minutes when Odhiambo got his fourth goal.

United fought hard for the equaliser, but their hopes of coming away with a point ended three minutes from time when a slick move led to Osborne-Ricketts making it 6-4.

This Saturday, Woodley are in FA Cup action, taking on Spartan South Midlands League side Crawley Green at Barton Rovers FC.

  • THE season's first meeting of Reading Referees Association takes place at Earley Home Guard Social Club next Thursday, August 16.

There will be presentations on this year's Changes to the Laws, Temporary Dismissals (Sin Bins), VAR and the Changes to Misconduct Report Writing.

All are welcome and the meeting starts at 7.45pm. For more information email membership@reading refs.org.uk

  • READING Sunday League side Loxwood Park Rangers are looking for a friendly on Sunday, August 19.

Interested clubs who can provide a pitch should contact Loxwood manager Jason Harris on 07790 527174.

  • AN Alex Kovacsova goal helped Newbury Ladies beat Holyport 1-0 in a friendly.