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Gidea Park Rangers 1 - Woodhurst 6
Williams Trophy Semi-Final
Broxhill Centre, Sunday 14th March 04
It was expected to be a stern test from Gidea Park this morning. As the only side to take points off the Hurst this season - a 1-1 draw in December - the young Romford outfit had made a few new signings creeping up the table since, and were lining up a second semi final victory in as many seasons over Woodhurst. But a fine display of team-work and commitment, combined with some very good football sent Woodhurst through to the May final in style.
A windswept and slopy pitch was always going to be a test for both sides, but the passing game of Woodhurst looked set for some serious questions. The visitors opted to go uphill for the first forty-five, as they hoped to keep Gidea Park at bay and take advantage after the break. However, it didn't go as expected as Woodhurst raced into an early lead.
After some neat football on the left, Tony Taylor found space to cross. His deep delivery caught the 'keeper off-guard and nestled nicely inside the far corner. Woodhurst were happy with the lead, and though Gidea Park occassionally threatened, one free-kick that was excellently saved by Tom Gray their highlight, the speed of the Hurst's attacks, orchestrated by Jan Souleyman, made them favourites to extend their lead.
In the middle of the park, Paul McShea and Patrick Ladbury were in full control, their experience, running and physical style continued to get the better of the home side. And in fact, it was a solid challenge from McShea, accompanied by Nigel Jordon, which unsettled Gidea Park's last line of defence creating the opening for Jordon who slotted home into an empty net for 2-0. And on the face of it, a two-nil reversal flattered Gidea Park who had seen their crossbar rattle twice - Jordon and Souleyman, the goalie pull off two high-class saves while the WunderTurk's link up with Jamie Bradbury carved open Gidea's defence on more than one occasion, but that's how it remained at the turn-around.
Woodhurst returned after the break full of confidence and with the obviously gravitational advantage, while Gidea Park were visibly deflated as they saw their hopes going down the river. But Woodhurst were well aware that a goal against would set up a tense finale, and were out of the traps quickly in search of a third.
That was soon in coming, Jordon's great work on the left beating the last defender allowed him space to cross. Though it missed the run of Souleyman, Bradbury was on hand and with a swish of his left foot, the ball was beyond the 'keeper and resting snuggly in the onion bag.
Woodhurst took their foot off the peddle after that, and were not as punishing when they went forward. They were soon made to pay as a Gidea Park free-kick dropped kindly between defence and an on-rushing Gray, the diving head of the forward sent the ball into the top corner and Gidea Park were back in it.
Changes were needed, and with four subs on the bench - and Manager Roy Lawley not even named - the switches were an obvious luxury. And that's just what the game needed as in the closing 15 minutes, Woodhurst took Gidea Park to pieces and put the game to bed. Firstly Souleyman made it four, and capped a fine individual display, when his volley from Steve Hughes' deep cross gave the goalie no chance. Nigel Jordon made it number five with his second of the game, and Paul McShea who'd been dishing out tackles as though they were sweets, rounded-off the scoring with a lovely finish for number 6.
Abridge now beckons for the Hurst once again. Only Essex Minors stands between the Boys from Nelson Road and the Williams Trophy, but it was the Honrchurch outfit's second side that beat them to it last season. A good day is in store in May, and it's one that the whole club is looking forward to.
"It'll be a lovely day, the final," said the Hurst's Jenssen Clifford after the final whistle.
"I really can't wait, this season has been remarkable and I almost can't believe it's happening to me," continued the defensive whizz-kid.
"I only joined the club because I'd heard about Steve Hughes and all those stories. Now with us so close to the Championship and a place in a cup final - maybe two - I could even get the opportunity to see the 'Hughes Okey-Cokey' for myself."
Team
1 Tom Gray
2 Jason Fullerton (Alexander)
3 Tony Taylor
4 Paul McShea
5 Nick Bashford (c)
6 Jenssen Clifford
7 Patrick Ladbury
8 Nigel Jordon
9 Jamie Bradbury (Probert)
10 Kofi Owusu (Hughes)
11 Jan Souleyman
Subs
12 Alex Alexander
13 Steve Hughes
14 Simon Probert
15 Andrew Shepperd
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