Thurlow Nunn First Division AFC Sudbury Reserves 2 Woodbridge Town 1 AFC Sudbury Reserves pulled off a major upset today, inflicting only the second league defeat on visiting Woodbridge Town, writes John Campany.
The Thurlow Nunn Division One leaders, nine points clear of second place Whitton United with promotion in their sights, were given a football lesson in the first half.
Whilst they fought back in the second half, which they largely dominated, they could not make maximise their possession and the mid-table home side hung on to earn a deserved hard fought victory.
AFC took just seven minutes to take the lead when Watson made a great run before releasing Read, who struck a terrific shot beyond Stronge.
Indeed AFC Sudbury were well organised and continued their enterprising start as Watson’s measured free kick was headed over by Booth against a pedestrian defence.
A further chance was created by Read who shot from an angle beyond the far post, but moments later, in the 34th minute, Sudbury extended their lead.
A brilliant long diagonal ball released Booth down the wide left. There appeared no danger, but he took advantage of sloppy defending enabling the home player to easily turn inside and beat Stronge at his near post.
The home side were playing attractive football whilst Woodbridge were tending to play the long ball but, their prolific goal scorer Mark Ray was well contained.
Dyer forced a good save from Stronge and then Read struck a couple of decent shots just wide with the half finishing with Sudbury well on top.
Woodbridge looked a different side in the second half and forced the pace, playing an expansive game with Kelsey Trotter a major influence in their offensive play and the home defence becoming increasingly hard pressed.
Following a spate of yellow cards being administered by the referee Woodbridge gave themselves a lifeline on the hour. A free kick from the right found Matt Mackenzie, who fired home.
In an absorbing finale Woodbridge piled on the pressure and Gregory tested Collins and Mackenzie went close.
The visitors forced several corners and were unlucky when Mark Ray’s first sight of goal saw him strike powerfully, but Collins made a terrific save and then from another corner Scopes headed fractionally over as the home side survived to take the points.
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