Posted: 28th ~ March ~ 2009

Manford Halt the Wood in the Cup

Date : March 28th 2009
Fixture : League Game - Home
Result : Harold Wood 1 - 2 Manford Way

Wood went crashing out of the League Cup on Saturday at the hands of Manford Way. Wood handed a debut too Dave Collis in the centre of midfield with Tom Ziepe moving out onto the right.With the Wood pitch being the best it has been all season, the blustery conditions tried too spoil the game. Wood started the better playing down the slope and with a changing wind sometimes behind them.
Wood had the perfect opportunity too take the lead, when Tom Ziepe was bought down inside the area. Des Gallen stepped up but his spot kick was easily saved by the away team’s keeper. Wood heads did not drop though and they got the opening goal of the game when pacey Kelly Hughes cut in from the right and curled a shot into the top corner.
Manford had the chance too equalise just before the break, again from the spot when Tom Arties was bought down. There were no arguments from the Wood players. The Manford Way right midfielder stepped up only too see his kick come back off the post and cleared away too safety.
The second half started very sluggishly, with neither side taking a grip on the game. Wood found it hard too get out of their half and provide anything for the front two. Wood had a chance too extend their lead when Todd crossed and found the head of Tom Ziepe who’s header was somehow deflected over the bar by his maker.Manford were coming more and more into the game, Bonner saving at the strikers feet on one occasion. Wood’s rearguard action could not last though. From a corner Gavin Toussaint was allowed too turn and smash the ball past Bonner in the Wood goal. The equaliser seemed too spur Manford on and from then on it looked like only one team was going too win it.
The winning goal of the game came 5 minutes from the end, a ball breaking in the middle of the park was fed through too Tom Arties who’s composed finish saw home slide the ball past the advancing Bonner.
A deserved win means Manford go straight into the semi final of the competition due too Met Police’s withdrawal.

Team Lineup : Bonner; Church, Wettner, Klien, Todd; Ziepe, Ayres (Portway), Collis (Stone), Hughes; Rafis, Gallen

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