Posted: 2nd ~ May ~ 2009

Frenford don't Fret the Wood!

Date : May 2nd 2009
Fixture : League Game - Away
Result : Harold Wood 2 - 1 Frenford Senior Reserves

Wood looked to build on last weeks solid performance at BSS albeit up against a far stronger Frenford side. The seasons earlier fixture saw Frenford run out 3-1 winners a scoreline that flattered Wood. A repeat performance would simply not be acceptable with the visitors still desperate for the points.
More absentees saw Gibson and Stamp return to make up the most familiar Wood backline ever seen at the club. Tungate on loan from Barking and needing to keep in shape for a wedding came in to partner Duckworth with Miller back from injury on the right. Wettner fresh from a spa weekend with knob-out Jon partnered Manzi up top.
With Frenford fielding more than a couple of senior players Wood started a little shaky and struggled against an attacking Frenford formation. On 15 a header from a corner crashed against the Wood bar and the resulting scramble was somehow cleared off the line by Tungate. The respite was shortlived as Frenford caused problems and although Woods excellent offside trap kept them in the game on a number of occasions a cross down the left was cleverly dummied allowing the Frenford forward to convert from the edge of the box.
A repeat horror show performance looked on the cards for Wood but Miller started to see more of the ball and began to run at the home side. This stopped the continuous onslaught of attack and suddenly the hosts had something to think about. Wood started creating down both sides through Miller and Zoom who's cross found the former. Miller cut inside the Frenford centre half who felled him leaving the Ref no option than to point to the spot. Without a designated taker Manzi stepped up. A scuffed penalty went tamely wide of the left hand upright and came to rest on the dead rat removed from the pitch earlier.
Wood kept their heads up and started to get on top. Manzi shot wide from 20 yards when he should have rolled in Wettner, the impressive Tungate tried a dipping half volley from 30 and Fletcher's cross seem to have been converted by Wettner only to be strangely ruled out for a foul. At the other end Frenford sprung Woods offside trap and with only the keeper to beat and with a man over Wordsell heroically out bluffed the Frenford man who tried to round him and probably kept Wood in the game.
1 0 to the hosts at half time but Wood finished the stronger and after an extremely encouraging team talk from Hammond telling each of his players "to believe" Wood returned to the pitch with their tails up and a point to prove.
Miller, Zoom, Tungate and Duckworth worked tirelessly in midfield biting at every tackle but creating that bit of quality that had been lacking in previous games. Some old school no nonsense defending from Woods experienced backline also helped turn the game and suddenly it was Frenford who were looking fragile. Tungate pinging balls everywhere saw more and more of the ball and crosses from both sides saw headers flash wide by Wettner. On 60 Wordsell went long and the pint sized Zoom outjumped the combined 12ft 6 of Frenford centre half. The ball found Wetter 20 yards out who unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner. 1-1. Wood could now smell victory and Hammond went for the jugular removing Gibson for Huckstepp up front. More half chances fell woods way while some big defending kept Frenford at bay on the break.
With a minute to go another free kick was awarded to Wood 35 yards out. Tungate's telling ball found the unmarked Huckstepp who glanced his header beyond the Frenford keeper sparking Jubilation from Woods players, management and travelling fans.
Another three points taken with three games to go, Wood seem more than reluctant to throw in the towel. With White Ensign beating the leagues fair play club May and Baker on the same day Woods firmly shut back door to the title suddenly seems ajar.
Leaders Shell Club host Wood next week needing probably only a draw to take the title.

Team Lineup : Wordsell, Stamp, Fletcher, Duckworth (Freddie), Gibson (Huckstepp), Sewell, Miller, Tungate, Wettner, Manzi, Zoom.

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