Posted: 14th ~ March ~ 2009

Rogue Rayleigh Sneak it Again

Date : March 14th 2009
Fixture : Cup Game - Away
Result : Harold Wood 0 - 1 Rayleigh Town

The prospect of progressing into the last 16 of the cup took Wood down the A127 to Rayleigh Town. With manager Hammond and Robinson both away on scouting duty skipper Sewell took charge with vintage playmaker Hayes, in a new management partnership.
Yet again personnel changes meant an unfamiliar line up. Two (right) footed Stamp filling in at left back, Milller left side, Cooke and Munday partnering in the middle and reserve team debutants Mottram and Westerman spearheading the attack. On a hobbly bobbly pitch and a blustery day Wood started very well, dominating midfield and creating a couple of great chances. Cooke ran through on goal but forced a save from the Rayleigh goalkeeper and Huckstepp on for the injured Miller (after all of a minute) skyed a good chance when he should have done better. Woods breakthrough came on 35 minutes. Good work down the right by Smy fed Sawyer who skipped by the Rayleigh full back to reach the byline before cutting the ball back for Mottram to net on his debut. As both teams lined up for the restart a linesman flag started waving to the astonished Wood (and Rayleigh) players. The goal was disallowed. An angry Wood played out the remainder of the half going in 0 0.
More of the same in the second half from Wood saw them come close on a couple of occasions. Inexplicably Sewell and Stamp somehow failed to prod home from a yard and the feeling of it being `one of those days` seemed on the cards. Rayleigh who had not had a shot all game won a controversial corner. As the ball was whipped in keeper Wordsell came to claim but the swirling wind seem to cause problems and somehow the ball ended up in the Wood net giving Rayleigh the advantage. Wood went all out for the equaliser pushing men forward but despite a lot of possession Rayleigh defended well and Wood failed to convert any half chances that fell their way. A shock victory for Town takes them through to the next round. Wood must see Rayleigh as their bogey side. Four weeks earlier a two goal advantage was thrown away in the final four minutes and this time round they eliminate Wood without having a clear shot on goal. Albeit with the help of the linesman with a different rule book. The league title is still within reach though so next weeks home tie with Frenford Senior is now a must win game.

Team Lineup : Wordsell, Smy, Gibson, Sewell, Stamp, Miller (Huckstepp), Cooke, Munday, Sawyer (Hayes), Mottram, Westerman

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