MICK WOODHAM has explained that Windsor had to show grit and determination to win 2-0 at Highmoor Ibis in round one of the Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Goals from Joash Nembhard and Kieran Knight in the second half sent Windsor through, with the reward a second round tie away to Flackwell Heath.

The match at Rivermoor was not without controversy as Aaron De Rama was shown a straight red card in the same incident that resulted in Windsor player-coach Ashley Smith dismissed for a second yellow.

Highmoor were reduced to nine mine when Devon Reid was given a second yellow card late on in the match leaving Woodham to admit that is was a horrible game of football.

Speaking to the Observer, the Windsor manager said: “Bearing in mind we have to face them again this Saturday, I’m a bit reluctant to say too much.

“It was a horrible game, no rhythm or pattern to it, just stop-start.

“We had to work very hard in a very gritty and determined performance, more so than stylish.

“But, we achieved what we set out to do because we got the win. The players stuck to their task and we got what we deserved in the end.

“When you go to places like that it’s irrelevant how you play, you just have to get the win. We worked hard to get a positive result and a clean sheet.

“Losing Ashley was not ideal but it was inevitable as the game had a really horrible atmosphere about it.”

The two sides will lock horns again this Saturday (3pm) this time in an Hellenic Premier Division fixture at Stag Meadow.

Woodham said: “We need to get some points on the board because we’ve lost the last three in the league.

“We found out what Highmoor are about last weekend and we will be prepared for what they will bring.

“We didn’t play especially well last weekend and will concentrate on playing a lot better, so that should help us focus. We will focus on what we can do, work hard and see where it takes us.”

Windsor then make the journey to Abingdon United next Tuesday (7.45pm).

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