Posted: 9th ~ March ~ 2009

Date : March 7th 2009
Fixture : League Game - Home
Result : Harold Wood 4 - 1 Potter Street

Wood entertained Potter Street at home on Saturday less than 48 hours after a great performance at Canning Town. The only change from Thursday was Fyffe starting for the absent Stone.
Wood kicked up the hill in the first half and struggled to get a grip of the game. Wood’s passing was poor and marking at some times non existent. Wood players were becoming frustrated and the fluent attacking football from Thursday was a distant memory as Street were the better team.
Wood though did take the lead, a ball hooked over the top by Rafis found Hughes running through at pace to slot under the visiting keeper. A goal against the run of play. Street did not take long too equalise, a corner only partially cleared fell to the Street player just outside the box who lashed home the half volley that Bonner could do nothing about. Wood were glad too hear the half time whistle so they could re group. Some choice words from gaffer Hammond and the water bottles being thrown about would hopefully have the desired affect on the Wood players!
Wood stated the second half in a much better fashion going at Street straight from the kick off. While not many chances materialised in the first ten minutes Wood totally dominated and pinned Street back not allowing them to get out of their own half.
Wood were eventually rewarded with a second goal, some good play by Gallen who’s forceful run too the by line saw him square the ball too Rafis who tapped in at he far post from one yard out. Wood went in search for the elusive third goal which would have finished the game, chance after chance came and went with Ziepe, Hughes, Portway and Gallen all failing too beat the impressive Street keeper.
Gallen got his second assist of the day, once again a good move found him crossing the ball which found Portway unmarked too volley home. You could tell from the Potter Street’s players reaction that the game was over. With minutes remaining Wood forced a corner, whist awaiting the delivery the Street centre half elbowed Portway in the back of the head, with the ref seeing this he had no alternative but too send the player off and point too the spot. Gallen stepped up and side footed the ball to the goalkeepers right and into the back of the net.
Not a convincing display from Wood but another valuable three points which keeps them in touch with the top three. Wood will have too play much better on Tuesday when they entertain league leader Kelvedon Hatch at Hornchurch FC.