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Woodhurst 2 - Essex Minors Twos 2
Independent Sunday League
Parmiters Sports Ground, Sunday 27th April 03
With a chance of winning the league still a possibility, if only a very slim one, Woodhurst had to beat top of the table Essex Minors Twos to keep their hopes alive and needed their team spirit to return.
Though they again started with just 10-men, a much better attitude on the pitch provided Woodhurst with a boost ahead of the cup final against the same opposition, but ultimately the missed opportunities prevented them from claiming all three points.
Woodhurst had the better of the early exchanges but when a chance was created the final touch was lacking. After being a victim of a cruelly disallowed goal in midweek, the Hurst were to benefit here as a superb top-corner strike from range was ruled out for offside, somewhat harshly, but in line with the rule book.
After the break however, Essex Minors Twos went ahead, setting off a flurry off goals, when Woodhurst failed to clear their lines the ball was returned with interest straight past Dave Evans deputising for the injury Andrew Norton.
Moments later though, Woodhurst were in front. First a move down the left ended with a Souleyman cut-back to the unmarked Steve Norton arriving at the back post to steer home, then a directed corner from the left was met by Paul McShea who powered home for two.
Woodhurst were now in control and could have extended their lead, but their usually reliable marksman Jamie Bradbury was unfortunate as he failed to convert three opportunities that had exposed the frail Minors defence. And with 5 minutes on the clock, the boys from Hornchurch had levelled to clinch the title.
Again a corner cleared only to the halfway line was pumped back in. As the Hurst defence advanced, the ball took two deflections before finding their striker unmarked on the edge of the box. and at the second time of asking after Evans half-dealt with the first, he struck past Jason Fullerton guarding the empty net for 2-2.
A tough season that has seen Woodhurst start players light far too often ends with a respectable 2nd spot, and the chance of silverware is still alive. Woodhurst will certainly fancy their chances at Abridge and will be going all out for cup glory.
Team
Dave Evans
Steve Hughes
Tony Taylor
Paul McShea
Jason Fullerton
Steve Norton *
Matt Bradbury
Simon Probert
Jamie Bradbury
Jimmy Woodham
Jan Souleyman
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