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Saturday 19.04.08

BEKCFAL Div Two East

Platt Utd 1 Woodstock Park 2

Woodstock travelled to Platt Saturday without skipper James Ellis and several other regulars for their final game of the season. The skippers strike partner Richard King was not fit enough to start and they were short of a couple of defenders as well.

With a wealth of midfielders and wingers and a narrow pitch they opted for a 3-5-2 formation for the first time this year employing wingers Darren Rogers and Michael Justin as strikers. Terry Smith has made more appearances for the club than any other outfield player with only keeper Mark Rees playing more, but this season he has only played in half the games through injury. He has been starting to hit form lately and was given the honour of skippering the side in Ellis's absence for the very first time and it did indeed inspire a good performance from him in the centre of midfield.

The new system took a bit of getting used to and it was fair to say that the home side had the lions share of the possession in the first half which was none the less a very good half for the neutrals to watch. For all their possession the home side never really worked Woodstock keeper Mark Rees at all and the visitors pacey wingers up front managed to carve out five acceptable chances that did not get converted.

Platt started the better in the second half and ten minutes in they took the lead from a corner. The home side were now playing some good football but Woodstock were matching them in most departments. For all their good football Platt do fall down in the final third and for a side quite high in the league 37 goals only says it all. Woodstock do not feel they have scored enough either but 56 is a better return and with only two defeats all year it has been the draws only that have cost them second place. It was easy all game to break down the home side in the final third leaving Rees just routine stuff to mop up.

Still chasing the game at 1-0 down Woodstock had a final ten minutes that sums up the good attitude and determination they have found this year by winning so many games and rescuing defeats at the death. Taking off one of the three defenders plus a midfielder and bringing on two forwards including the 80% fit King they switched to a system that was now 2-4-4. Darren Rogers was moved to the right wing and he started to carve open lots of chances forcing several corners. One run and cross and a good interchange of passes saw acting skipper Terry Smith released and his low drive into the bottom corner was an excellent equaliser and his 50th goal for the club. Prior to that Woodstock had a penalty claim turned down and an amazing sequence of three consecutive shots blocked on the line. They were now so on top that a winner was always on the cards and another run from Rogers saw Richard King nod the ball home at the far post to seal the 2-1 victory. If the match had lasted any longer then the score would have been improved.

Woodstock are pretty much sure of 4th place now and could make 3rd if results go their way in what has been their best season since they started in 2002. Otford won in midweek and Saturday to knock Woodstock from their long time perch of 2nd down to 3rd.

Saturday 12.04.08

Weald of Kent Charity Cup Semi Final

Smarden 2 Woodstock Park 1

Woodstock started this game strangely nervy and for the first 20 minutes showed an unusal  lack of certainty in their play. Smarden took the lead when Woodstock out of character let a ball bounce in their box and fall straight to an opposing forward who easily scored from close range. Woodstock got much better after that the goal breathing much needed urgency into the team. The conditions were bad and with a strong wind and driving rain the ball was not often in play enough for either side to get into a rhythm. One good move did however bring about an equaliser with the Woodstock pressure finally telling. Neil Miller played a couple of one two's bringing the ball quickly from defence to attack and the move ended with a stunning strike from skipper James Ellis. The remainder of the half was in Woodstock’s favour without them really looking like scoring. Just before half time a long ball was played up to the edge of the Woodstock box and all defender Michael Russell seemed to do was stand his ground but the referee gave a foul to the Smarden forward and they converted the free kick for 2-1.

Woodstock started the second half with midfielder Imran Englefield and skipper James Ellis always looking dangerous. Smarden singled out both for special attention and after a couple of bad challenges on Englefield that went unchecked by the officials he reacted to receive a very rare caution indeed. The fouls against Woodstock were mounting up now and the very weak referee was giving no protection at all to Englefield or Ellis only free kicks with no punishment to the Smarden offenders. After two more bad challenges on the usually placid Englefield Woodstock Manager Mick Rees substituted him for fear of him reacting again and getting sent off. 15 minutes into the half with Woodstock still dominating came the turning point of the game. One of those awful two footed high challenges on skipper James Ellis saw the striker get to his feet and push the offender in the chest. A theatrical fall by the Smarden player made sure Ellis got sent off and the referee take no action against him for what was the most blatant red card foul you are likely to see in a football match.

Down to 10 men but still Woodstock dominated at least they did when the ball stayed on the pitch long enough. Tried as the did they could not find away through even with a succession of corners and free kicks around the box which in particular were really very unimpressive. The truth is you did not know Woodstock were playing with 10 such was their dominance the only thing missing was ability in front of goal that went with the departure of Ellis. They left just three men back for the twenty minutes and last ten minutes just two back. Smarden did hit the bar with one break away 4 on 2 but in truth Woodstock keeper Mark Rees had nothing much to do in the second half and with only two back you will get counterattacked. Try as they did the equaliser would just not come for and even a handball decision was overlooked by the very unimpressive referee. Park had lost in this competition for the first time in three years having won the cup in 2007 and 2006.

Saturday 05.04.08

BEKCFAL Division Two East

Borden Village 3 Woodstock Park 3

Two key players withdrew from the Woodstock side due to work reasons during the week and another three pulled out for various reasons on Saturday morning. For the first time in two winning months wholesale changes were required.

Woodstock skipper James Ellis decided that the best way to settle a disrupted side was to get them off to a flying start which he did inside the first 30 minutes by scoring the perfect hat-trick. One left foot, one right foot and a header. Park were so on top that even when Borden pulled a goal back they still did not look in danger. During extra time at the end of the first half Borden pulled a second one back so at 3-2 it was game on in the second half.

Danny Chaney hit the bar with a good strike which should have made it 4-2 and game over but to their credit Borden fought back to equalise for a 3-3 draw. It was not as entertaining a game as the earlier in the season 4-4 draw between the two sides but it was more significant as both teams outside chance of runners up spot most likely went with the dropped points.

Woodstock are still in second as they have been for a very long time now with just one game away to Platt to be arranged as this has been postponed twice. They will now have to wait now to see what teams can finally overhaul them. 11 draws this year has been their downfall. Next Saturday Woodstock will be hoping to get their famous five back as they travel to Smarden for the semi final of the Weald Of Kent Cup, hoping to again beat last years semi final opponents to reach their third final on the trot, having won the competition 2006 and 2007.

Sunday 23.03.08  

Scorpions 5 Old Oak 5
Horrible conditions underfoot at Rainham Rec and snow and sleet blowing making visibility difficult. All the makings of an enjoyable Sunday morning game for Oak but in reality it was a complete farce. After 10 minutes they lost player manager Kevin Dunk to injury in which was an already depleted side and that did not help their cause.

The Sittingbourne side were only ever behind once however in a match they led 2-0, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2, 4-2 and 4-3. Two goals from Ben Jones one from James Ellis and the fourth from Martin Walker making up the four. A two goal salvo gave the home side their first lead in the match at 5-4 on 85 minutes but in the 90th minute a James Ellis corner was headed home by Darren Rogers for a 5-5 draw. Comedy of errors type of game with a point each a fair result.

Monday 24.03.08

Weald of Kent Charity Cup Qtr Final
Woodstock Park 1 Platt Utd 0 AET
Five players missing for Woodstock Easter Monday morning and three withdrawing just before kick off. Two players returning from injury were pressed into service. James Day and Michael Russell and Manager Mick Rees putting on his boots to start a game for the first time in many weeks. The visiting team that they had defeated in last years final made all the early running but once things settled down it was a very even contest.

When defences were breached both keepers were up to everything that came their way. In the 90 minutes Platt had one good chance which came back off the crossbar and Woodstock also had one good chance when a solo run by Danny Chaney ended with him shooting straight at the keeper from close range.

Extra time and it looked that one mistake was going to seal it. As the second period was drawing to a close with the penalty shoot out looming the visitors hesitated over a possible offside and ball out of play. Darren Rogers did not hesitate however and his low drive with the outside of his boot found the bottom corner for a 1-0 win. Woodstock move into the semi final in the hope that they can go on and win this cup for the third year running.

Saturday 15.03.08

BEKCFAL Div Two East

APM Mears 0 Woodstock Park 1

Having drawn at home with APM and narrowly losing in the league cup after extra time away Woodstock knew they were in for a bigger test today than in previous weeks when they visited the Aylesford based team.

The first 15 minutes of the game featured a lot of intent from the home side all of which amounted to a lot of long range wayward shooting and over hit passes down the slight slope with the breeze behind them. During this time all that seemed to be happening is that Mark Rees in the Woodstock goal was retrieving the ball from near the M20 and taking goal kicks. As a result of this the home side skipper was strongly protesting that the keeper was time wasting and the referee should be adding time on for the delays at this early stage.

It was at that point that Woodstock mounted their first real attack and a good move ended with Richard King scoring from close range wrong footing the keeper with cool finish. If the first 15 minutes of the half had belonged to APM then the last 30 belonged to the visitors. They brought a couple of good saves from the keeper and Imran Englefield hit the bar with a header. They also had two very good calls for penalties turned down the first when the busy Darren Rogers seemed to be hauled to the ground by the home keeper and the second when a James Ellis shot was handled by a defender on the line.

Woodstock went in 1-0 up at half time with the feeling it could have been 3-0 and playing against 9 men in the second.

The highlights of the second half were four outstanding saves by the home keeper three at the expense of the unlucky Ellis with visiting keeper Mark Rees troubled just the once late on. The main talking point was however the length of the second half. The referee had added an additional five minutes to the first half that had kicked off at 2.45pm with the second half getting underway at 3.45pm which was not unreasonable. The match finally ended at 4.50pm with the second half lasting an amazing 65 minutes! There did not seem to be as many delays one or two injuries and a few substitutions so the conclusion by both teams was that the referees watch must have stopped. At 4.30pm a player was told there were13 minutes to go which at the time seemed excessive but there was still some 13 minutes to go when asked the same question ten minutes later!

With the score remaining 1-0 it was a hard fought victory for Woodstock over the 115 minutes but in truth with a little bit of luck the score could have been more favourable. Woodstock do not have a league game next Saturday but they do entertain Platt Utd on Easter Monday in the quarter final of the Weald of Kent Charity Cup kick off 11am. Woodstock have won the cup in the last two seasons and the team that they played in last years final stand in the way of a third semi final appearance on the trot.

Heavy overnight rain meant that all matches at Woodstock were postponed Sunday 16.3.08.

Saturday 08.03.08

BEKCFAL League Div Two East

Lanes End 2 Woodstock Park 6

With the wind and slope in their favour, Woodstock struggled to get their usual passing game going at Lanes End Saturday. The ball did not seem to be on the Park much in windy conditions and chances were at a premium. On thirty minutes they finally took the lead for which their possession had warranted with skipper James Ellis volleying in from an acute angle. The lead lasted just three minutes when they conceded a corner which home centre back Todd headed in unmarked. Pushing hard forward trying to get a first half lead the visitors left themselves open for a counter attack and amazingly Lanes End did just that with their player Williams scoring from close range.

2-1 down at half time Woodstock found themselves despite all their first half possession. The second half they found it easier to get their passing game going with the home side basically over hitting most passes. On 55 minutes Andy Wenzel had to go off injured and he was replaced by Michael "Tricky" Justin a winger who had missed the previous weeks win and found himself on the bench this week. His first touch was to volley in from close range an equaliser and a few minutes later he cashed in on a defensive mix up between goalkeeper and centre back to give the Sittingbourne side the lead. In an amazing ten minutes Tricky completed the super sub bit when he crossed after a good run for Richard King to score from close range making it 4-2 and a complete turnaround.

King was now causing all sorts of problems for Lanes End holding the ball up to keep the relentless pressure up. He won three free kicks for his side on the edge of the Box and a central one was converted by Terry Smith in an old set up that has been working for several seasons. Smiths low drive finding the corner of the net for 5-2 his teams 49th league goal of the season and his 49th goal for the club in over a 100 games.

Smith might have to wait a week or two for his 50th but his team did not as Ricky Law was brought down in the box getting to his feet to convert the penalty for a 6-2 win and a 5-0 second half performance that keeps Park for the time being second in the table. Woodstock visit APM next week kick off 2.45.

Sunday 09.03.08

MMSFL Div One

Rainham Eagles 2 Old Oak 5

Oak player manager Kevin Dunk got their visit to Rainham Eagles underway with and early goal to which the home side equalised for a 1-1 half time. Oak were much better in the second and Alec Johnson soon gave them the lead lobbing the keeper after he had made an error. Scott Lawson made it three one before Eagles pulled one back to 3-2. Two more goals rounded of a good 5-2 win for the Sittingbourne side defender Simon Hutchings getting a rare goal and another for back from injury striker Darren "Roadrunner" Rogers.

Oak have no game next week.

Saturday 01.03.08

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Woodstock Park 3 UKP 2
After last weeks entertaining 2-2 draw with these two close neighbours it was no surprise when another good match was served up. What was a surprise was the first goal which on the clock was a whirlwind 40 seconds. Richard
King gave Woodstock the lead in spectacular fashion when he tried his luck from long range and watched his wind assisted punt sail in inside the first minute. A really good turn and finish on the half hour mark by King again and Woodstock were in the driving seat at 2-0.
Dave Carpenter pulled a goal back just before half time which is always a crucial time. A good match which was heading in the second half for a 2.-1 home win was suddenly shaken up when the visitors UKP equalised.
With just 10 minutes to go it looked like another 2-2 draw like the week before when skipper James Ellis gave park the victory they just about deserved. Ellis has had a bit of a barren run but this goal will give him a lot of heart as it was the old Ellis of previous seasons. Beating a defender, rounding the keeper, being tripped by the keeper on his way past, keeping his feet, putting the ball into the empty net. Determination in abundance. That was Woodstock's last home League game of the season and they have been unbeaten there in all competitions.
Park go to Darenth to play Lanes End next Saturday 2.45ko hoping to hold on for the time being to second place with the chasing pack closing with lots of games in hand.


Sunday 02.03.08

Sunday 24.2.08

MMSFL Division One

Old Oak 3 Scorpions 3

Old Oak FC were boosted by the news that very long standing kit sponsor EDS (Education Distribution Services) of Sittingbourne are to continue with their support and Old Oak FC can be seen looking smart before their home league game on Sunday. As the club gets ever nearer to its 40 year existence the committee has decided to go back to the colours first worn in 1970 changing from the blue of the last twenty years back to all red.
 

They could not quite manage the win they were so looking for to mark the occasion and had to fight all the way to an exciting 3-3 draw with second place Scorpions. They were 2-0 down before Kevin Hopkinson pulled one back only to go further behind at 3-1. Young player Rob McGarry who only joined a short while ago and has only substitute appearances to his name then came on and changed the game scoring one and setting up the returning from injury Darren Rogers for an equaliser.

In the dying minutes McGarry almost became the hero as he could have sealed a 4-3 win but he shot wide from close range.

Saturday 23.2.08

BEKCFAL Division Two East

UK Paper 2 Woodstock Park 2

UKP dominated the first half of this local derby and visitors from one mile up the road Woodstock Park were quite happy to go in just the 1-0 down. UKP had looked the more dangerous without really working Mark Rees in the Woodstock Goal.

The second half however belonged to Woodstock, player Manager Mick Rees equalised from close range and newcomer Michael Justin in only his third game gave them the lead which they looked more than capable of holding on to if not increasing. James Ellis looked on course to make it 3-1 but the home keeper stopped him handling the ball outside of the box and it seemed that the referee was the only one on the pitch who did not see it.

As has been the case so often this season Woodstock let it slip and the match ended up a 2-2 draw with a very good later equaliser from the home sides Dave Carpenter.

Woodstock have received a boost with the news that long standing sponsors The Dover Castle Inn Teynham are continuing their support and Woodstock can be seen in their new kit before a recent match. Woodstock Park Secretary Dave Brown can also be seen receiving the kit from Phil Clemments of the Dover Castle.

The fixture is reversed next week with UKP visiting Woodstock Park kick off 2.45pm.

Saturday 16th February

BEKCFAL Div Two East

Saga Sports & Social 1 Woodstock Park 0

Two weeks ago Woodstock won a very entertaining close game 2-1 at home to Saga Sports & Social so they knew the visit to Bishopsbourne was not going to be easy and to have the spine of their team missing was not helpful.

James Day an ever present and very good performer this season was missing and could be for a few weeks with hamstring trouble and combative midfielder Andy Wenzel who always gives 100% was serving a one match ban. To complete the missing spine the vastly experienced forward Richard King who has come into form of late and had scored three in three games was involved in an RTA on the way to the match.

The changes that had to be made did not seem to effect the Sittingbourne side and in the first half they just about shaded the possession but 0-0 at half time was probably fair to both teams. Ten minutes into the second half and the home side took the lead, a long ball was played up to the two strikers for a well worked goal but Woodstock might like to reflect on how easy it was for the Saga's midfielders to support the attack with the Woodstock opposite numbers being too high up the pitch.

Woodstock's defence was not troubled much again in the second half with keeper Mark Rees largely unused. The remainder of the game rested upon if and when Woodstock could score because that has been their problem all season. Defensively they have been a match for anyone but their inability to score enough goals has seen them draw their way out of the promotion race. 39 goals in 18 games is no comparison to the teams around them who have scored 60 and 72 respectively and if you can only score maximum of 1 or two goals a game you will not win as often as you would like.

Whilst Woodstock did not deserve to lose this game their bad luck in not being able to field enough forwards and score enough times finally came to haunt them and the longest unbeaten league run in the Clubs history dating back to their one previous defeat on the 8.9.08 came to an end. It was also the first time they had failed to score in a league match this season but in all honesty for all their possession and endeavour they never looked likely to do so.

Park visit very near neighbours UKP next Saturday kick off 2.45pm.

Saturday 2nd February 2008

Woodstock Park 2 Saga Sports & Social 1

A team form the lower half of the table should not have posed too many problems for Woodstock but boosted by their first away win of the season at Platt Utd last week Saga were to prove a very difficult hurdle indeed. Inside the first five minutes the visitors took the lead and their pacey front two continued to cause problems in the half. On 15 minutes they had the ball in the net again only to be ruled out for offside by the referee even though the linesman had not flagged. Towards the end of the half Woodstock did get a bit more possession and a left wing cross from skipper James Ellis was too good for everyone until it reached right winger Ricky Law who recycled it back into the middle for Richard King to nod an equaliser.

Half time team talks have been quite mild this year thanks to the long unbeaten run but after a half where they were completely outplayed player manager Mick Rees delivered one of those tea cup throwing burn the paint off the walls type efforts. To be fair the players were as constructive in their response to the home truths being delivered.  Five minutes into the second half and the manager was still not happy and tactically he was aware he had to do something. Brian Clough was quoted as saying "tactics don't lose you matches players do" but it is fair to say at all levels a little guidance sometimes helps. Rees took himself off switching the quicker James Day to centre back to counteract the pacey forwards and brought on Andy Wenzel to give bite to the midfield.

The switch worked and from the side lines he was able to make more changes that clearly helped the team. Wingers Imran Englefield and Ricky Law were switched over to good effect and as much as they had come second best in the first period Woodstock were well on top for the second. The new centre back pairing of Michael Russel and James Day snuffed out the visitors attacks and as the half progressed it was only a matter of time before the home team scored. 

Richard King has spent a few matches on the bench this season but he scored his second which was to prove the winner when he poached another good strikers goal at the far post in a performance more in keeping with what he is capable of.

The win took Woodstock up in to second place and that is where they hope to be next week after a visit to bottom side Tenterden Town. Having only drawn at home to the bottom side Woodstock are aware that they must not take the game lightly. With eight league games left and only one of them at home Woodstock are going to have to win on their travels in their promotion effort.

Saturday 26th January 2008

BEKCFAL Division Two East
Woodstock Park 4 Atcost 1
Woodstock's pacey forwards Jason Brooks and James Ellis caused Atcost lots of early problems at the start of this game and after only a few minutes a shot from Brooks was put into his own net by a visiting defender to give Park an early lead. The best passing move of the game ended with a ball played back to the edge of the box where Ricky Law crashed a firm shot into the roof of the net for 2-0 and it looked like the floodgates would open for the home team. The visitors actually fought back after that and it took a couple of smart saves from home keeper Mark Rees to preserve the 2-0 lead at half time.

A groin strain meant that Brooks could not take the field at the start of the second half and he was replaced by the experienced Richard King. It did not upset the home sides rhythm that much and a sustained opening period of pressure for the home side in the second half should have reaped more rewards. Returning players after long lay offs Imran Englefiled and Danny Vecchiolla causing lots of problems for the visitors on the left hand side. Against the run of play the visitors pulled a goal back to 2-1 following a mix up in the home teams defence. For fifteen minutes it was a very good and even contest until Ellis restored the two goal advantage. Then like strike partner Brooks the skipper also had to leave the field with a groin strain to be replaced by another returning player Terry Smith.

Smith was very lively and with hindsight possibly should have been introduced earlier as he set up several good attacks. Richard King made it 4-1 with a side foot volley for his 50th goal for the club and that is how the score remained in a fair contest well handled by referee Pat Murphy who did not have to reach for the notebook once.

The win pushed Woodstock up to third and a repeat performance next week at
home to Saga Sports would see them rise to second.
 

Saturday 12th January 2008

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Woodstock Park 4 Borden Village 4

Woodstock Park played host to their near neighbours Borden Village on Saturday and it was the visitors who were the better side dominating for large periods of the game. Against the run of play Andy Wenzell gave the home team the lead on ten minutes when he scored following a scramble in the six yard box. On 14 minutes the visitors were level when Mark Barker fired home from close range following an excellent Jamie Sharman Cross.  Borden skipper Gary Hake then gave them a 2-1 lead which they took into the break.

Borden started the second half like they finished the first with attack after attack and sometimes four forwards versus three defenders or three on two. It really was not a good day for Woodstock defensive wise, as a team they left a lot to be desired in that department. No excuses really as their defence has been their strength this season with hardly any forwards available. The balance has now swung however and they now seem to have more attack minded players available than defensive ones. On the hour Borden extended their lead to 3-1 when Andy Kearns struck a fine shot from outside of the box. Mick Rees converted a penalty on 70 minutes to give the home side some hope but that lasted just five minutes as Jamie Sharman hit an 18 yarder on 75 minutes to restore the two goal advantage for 4-2.

Borden were closing out the game and at the same time were looking more likely to increase their lead. Come back Kings on many occasions this season Woodstock have been, but their unbeaten league run extending back to the 8.9.07 was surely over. Skipper James Ellis and forward partner Jason Brooks had looked lively throughout and always looked dangerous despite living off scraps of possession.

On 87 minutes Ellis evaded two challenges and smashed the ball into the roof of the net for 3-4 to ignite what was surely impossible? It was the 92nd minute when James Day powered through to equalise with Park's never say die attitude coming to the fore yet again. The game restarted and the final whistle was immediately blown leaving a very angry visiting team who really should have won but had to settle for a 4-4 draw. As well as a team might play in a match if you concede four goals you will not win many.

Woodstock's off the field team worked hard on the pitch Saturday morning to get the game played something that a lot of clubs do not seem to do these days. Because of such a postponement a rearranged cup game for next weeks listed opponents sees Woodstock without a match.
 

Saturday 5th January 2008

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Larkfield and New Hythe Wanderers 2 Woodstock 3

For the first time since the early part of the season Woodstock actually had some forwards to pick from and it was a well balance squad that went to Larkfield Saturday.

Disaster struck in the match warm up however when ever present Mr Reliable veteran keeper Mark Rees had to withdraw with a back strain. Centre back and brother Mick Rees had to stand in and the last minute change to the line up upset Woodstock's preparation. It was no surprise then when they found themselves 2-0 down to a side that whilst not good on their travels had only previously been beaten the once at home in all competitions.

The visitors then served up a 10 minute feast of football. Jason Brooks who has not been available since the opening month of the season combined well with skipper James Ellis up front in only their third start together. Brooks scored his first two goals for the club providing the sandwich for a meaty finish by Ellis giving Woodstock a 3-2 half time lead. This partnership could well improve and provides food for thought for the Woodstock Management team for the coming games.

The second half was a much more settled affair and the Sittingbourne side managed to hold out for a good away win maintaining their long unbeaten league run which stretches back to their one defeat at Canterbury City on the 8.9.07.

Next week Woodstock host local rivals Borden Village with a 2pm kick off at
Woodstock Park.

Satuday 22nd December

BEKCFAL Div Two East

Pembury 2 Woodstock Park 2

A really difficult week for Woodstock where they struggled to field 11 due to the Christmas Holidays and injuries. They pulled on all their resources and dragged one player out of retirement and added some inexperienced youngsters for the trip to Pembury.

Andy Wenzel then let his team mates down by getting his marching orders after twenty even minutes leaving his already under strength side down to ten men for an hour and ten minutes. The Sittingbourne sides long unbeaten run was severely under threat and with 15 minutes to go they were trailing 2-0 to a side that they had beaten easily at home and at full strength would not have posed them too much trouble.

The big plus for this season is the fighting spirit they continue to show and when Mick Rees converted a penalty with ten minutes left the 10 men threw everything at the home team. With three minutes left full back Anthony Dipper chose the right moment to score his first goal for the club in over 80 appearances when he overlapped a fine move to score from close range at the far post. The visitors held on for yet another draw which unfortunately is not enough at this stage to mount a serious promotion challenge. In the second half of the season they need to convert the draws into wins.

Sunday 23rd December

MMSFL Div One

Cuxton Social 2 Old Oak 2

Old Oak visited Cuxton looking for revenge for their one heavy defeat of the season when they were beaten 5-1 at home last month. In truth Cuxton had played really well that day but because of injury and a depleted squad Oak had played almost all of that game with 10.

This was a far more even match and Oak were well on top in the early stages and on a least three occasions in the first 15 minutes they really should have scored. Against the run of play Cuxton did take the lead when a miscued clearance fell luckily at the feet of the home side forward. Cuxton were on top from then until just before half time when against the run of play Oak equalised. Player Manager Kevin Dunk levelling form the penalty spot.

The second half was end to end stuff and really quite a good contest. When Cuxton took the lead with ten minutes left it seemed that they had shaded it. A draw however was a much fairer result so when Tom Heathfield on debut popped up to equalise it was well deserved.

Saturday 15th December

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Otford Utd 2 Woodstock Park 2
Woodstock visited second placed Otford Utd on Saturday with what on paper looked a reasonable starting eleven. In truth though they were missing a few recent regulars and the replacements were all players returning from long lay offs who would normally have been brought back gradually via the subs bench.

Match rusty some of the Woodstock team were then, and that was evident from the kick off. Fifteen minutes into the game and they were 2-0 down and looking down the barrel of a possible heavy defeat and the loss of their long unbeaten record. Gritty is a word often used in Football terms and that is exactly what the Sittingbourne side are this year and gradually as the half continued they worked their way back into the game. They even pulled a goal back before half time when centre back Michael Russell, new to the Club this season and improving with each game, scored from a corner. The ball was played back to him fifteen yards out and his well placed firm shot reduced the score to 1-2 at half time.

The floodlights came on for the second half and on cue Woodstock's performance brightened up as well. It was still more gritty than fluent however with wingers Ricky Law and Terry Smith not getting their usual service and returning striker James Ellis living off scraps. In the centre of midfield though the Sittingbourne team did have the best player on show in the tenacious James Day and it was the pressure he applied on a home defender from another set piece that caused the player to turn the ball into his own net for a deserved equaliser.

With so many players short of match fitness in the Woodstock squad they could not step up a gear for the last 15 minutes to try and force the win and in truth the home side had a period like the first 15 when they were completely on top. Woodstock clung on for a hard earned point at 2-2 with their man of the match Day making one amazing last ditch tackle to deny a home forward. Woodstock visit Pembury next week in their final game before the Christmas break, kick off 2pm.
 

Saturday 1st December

BEKCFAL Two East
Woodstock Park 1 Lanes End 1
Park's committee and groundsman worked hard to remove surface water and sand the goal areas Saturday to get this game played but they probably wished they had not bothered after seeing the lack lustre performance the home team put in.

From the team that beat Canterbury in their last match Woodstock had 9 of those players available but with both centrebacks missing a reshuffle was required. Peter Halls having left to live in Canada and Michael Russell injured. The 5 man midfield that had played so well in the previous match was available to the Club but because of the loss of the two centre backs this had to be broken up. Adam Overton was moved up front James Day to the back. Craig Smith was put on the bench and Englefield, Cook and Wenzel all brought into the side.

The changes really did not suit Woodstock and at no time during the game did their midfield get a grip and set up any decent moves. Lanes End battled for everything in a game that was one of those that really never got going, featuring lots of throw ins, goal kicks, free kicks and corners. One of those days when the match seem to stop every 60 seconds.

A succession of good first half corners from Danny Vecchiolla was finally rewarded when Andy Wenzel headed one in to give the home side the lead which they held until half time. Woodstock never convinced in the second half and once they had lost Rob Warburton and Danny Vecchiolla to injury the changes to the team just made matters even worse but it did look as though they might hold on for a narrow win.

Lanes End were finally rewarded for their dogged approach and a well struck
free kick was well saved by Mark Rees only to bounce into the path of two End forwards who seemingly were both offside and now active. The referee however overruled the linesman and the goal stood.

In 10 games Woodstock have only lost just the once away to Canterbury but with 5 draws now they are dropping just far too many points. Woodstock host Atcost this week for incredibly their 9th home game in 11 played which will leave them just three home games in the five months after Christmas.

Sunday 2nd December

MMSFL Div One
Co-op 3 Old Oak 6
Oak played against the elements in the first half at Sheerness and the score at the break was even at 2-2. They used the weather to their advantage in the second period to run in three goals with only one in reply for a final 6-3 win. Two goals for Adam Overton, one each for Andy Hopkinson, Kevin Dunk, Rob Mitchell and an own goal made up the scoreline following an easy second half for the Sittingbourne side.

Saturday 17th November 2007

BEKCFAL Div Two East

Woodstock Park 4 Canterbury City 0

Skipper and top goalscorer James Ellis was out injured and the player who had replaced him over the last two weeks as substitute Andy Wenzell pulled out of the game one hour before kick off. Woodstock's best player over the last two weeks Imran Englefiled was unavailable and ever present Mr reliable right back Anthony Dipper was too ill to start the game. Not the best preparation for the most important game of the season so far.

It was unusually silent during the warm ups and dressing room and it was either the Woodstock team were concerned about the visit of the unbeaten league leaders or they were completely focused on the task in hand. It took just 90 seconds to prove it was the latter and that the home team were up for the challenge. A terrific passing move ended with Mark Morrison scoring from close range. Tactically Canterbury's 4-3-3 had been spotted very early by the Woodstock management and the five man midfield they employed really allowed them to take control easily. With no fit strikers available the five man midfield and 4-5-1 system suited Park down to the ground. The only surprise was how slow the visitors took to change things and certainly they were still sleeping when Adam Overton doubled the home sides lead lobbing over the City keeper after yet another super move. It is possible that Overton was offside but the referee overruled the assistant referee who flagged so late it seemed to only go up when Canterbury protested. Woodstock were now buzzing with the impressive Morrison at the hub of most things and stand in skipper Peter Halls marking the leagues top scorer Wayne Fittall out of a very good first half for the Sittingbourne side. Fittall was clearly not well and was missing his strike partner Austin. Halls man marking task was also made easier by the performance of fellow centre back Michael Russell who was having his best game in a Woodstock shirt.

The Woodstock defence has trained hard together as a unit in recent weeks and with the only one league defeat of the season away at Canterbury and the number of drawn games has proved that defence is the teams current strength. Attack has been their weakness but with two goals up they were confident and sure they could easily close out the game in the second half. The boost was that they were finally able to field a recognised striker in Richard King at the start of the second half. King has not been available for a few weeks and came on allowing Woodstock to match the Canterbury system that they had now changed to 4-4-2. It did prove to be a very attractive second half with both teams creating several chances. On the few occasions Canterbury did breach the home sides defence they found the yet again impressive Mark Rees in no mood to concede.

In attacking play Woodstock's left hand side for some reason has always been strong for a number of years and all they have really lacked is a right winger to get those tap ins when the cross goes a bit further than expected. Ricky Law scored such a goal last week and the player who is growing each week on the right wing did just that again this time heading into an empty net for 3-0. When King chested down a cross and volleyed home from the edge of the box it sealed a deserved win for Woodstock and revenge for their one defeat away at Canterbury. It was Canterbury's first defeat and having conceded only five goals previously all season to concede four to a previously goal shy Woodstock was hard to take. Full credit must be given to Canterbury as they took the loss very well and will surely bounce back, their players and officials being a credit to them with their post match attitude. In some ways it might just be a good result for both teams. Woodstock are without a game next week.

Sunday 18th November 2007

MMSFL Division One

Livingstone Arms 0 Old Oak 0

Oak visited Luton Rec on Sunday to play Livingstone Arms and were clearly rusty after not having a fixture for three weeks.

It was however a very entertaining 0-0 result with both teams giving it their all in an encounter well handled by referee Darren Keating who was full of praise for both teams.

The match was summed up when Oaks long serving Robert Warburton brought an incredible save out of the home keeper late on. A goal and a 1-0 win was in all honesty a fairer result with the Sittingbourne side just about shading the 90 minutes. Oak are hoping the point was enough to keep them top of the division.

Saturday 10th November 2007

BEKCFAL Div Two East

Atcost 1 Woodstock Park 3

For the first time in 10 competitive matches this season so far Woodstock named an unchanged side for the trip to East Peckham to play Atcost. James Day and James Ellis who both had to go off injured last week passing late fitness tests.

Atcost have not won in the league this season and had taken some heavy defeats in the early part. They had a break from league games during October and had returned to league action with a creditable draw against Platt Utd last week so things seem to have improved for them. Woodstock knew that it would not be an easy trip but they started brighter than any other game so far this season and following an opening 10 minutes of sustained pressure Adam Overton gave them the lead after a fine passing move from back to front. Ricky Law doubled the lead from close range on 25 minutes with an even better passing move again the length of the pitch. James Ellis the only recognised fit striker at the cub just now proved that the pre match fitness test had been a false dawn and for the second week running the leading scorer and skipper had to leave the field before half time with the same hamstring injury. This injury brought about the same change as the previous week with midfielder Andy Wenzell coming on as a make shift but very busy striker. The change however hampered any chance initially of Woodstock
adding to their tally before the break.

Atcost started the brighter in the second half and pulled a goal back with a stunning shot from the edge of the box and immediately Woodstock replaced the young Ricky Law with the experienced Rob Warburton to weather any storm and snub out any chance of the home team getting back into the match. James Day increased the Sittingbourne sides lead when he rolled the ball into an empty net from the edge of the box after the home keeper had blocked the initial strike and the visitors easily closed out the game with only the woodwork on two occasions denying them a greater win.

Woodstock have only lost once in the league so far this year away at unbeaten table toppers Canterbury City and City visit Woodstock Park this coming Saturday in the return match kick off 2pm. Canterbury enjoy crowds of 150 at their home games and take quite a bit of support with them to away games so the Sittingbourne side are appealing to everyone connected to the club to turn up and balance the vocal assistance for this vital game.

Saturday 3rd November 2007

BEKCFAL Div Two East

Woodstock Park 1 Otford Utd 1

Second placed Otford Utd were the visitors to Woodstock Saturday and the home side spurned a number of early chances which could have provided an upset. The visitors gradually got into the game and deservedly took the lead midway through the half when the home teams midfield failed to pick up a late runner into the box. Woodstock turned up the heat before half time but with five minutes left they lost influential midfielder James Day to injury. Andy Wenzell returning to the side after illness was a hard working replacement but the home team could not level up before the break.

Now Woodstock have signed more strikers than you get in a box of matches this season in an effort to find someone to partner their goal scoring skipper James Ellis. But getting an available uninjured striker on the pitch is proving a very difficult task with Ellis again finding himself the only recognised forward available. Five minutes into the second half and Woodstock lost their skipper to injury and Wenzell found himself pushed further up the field as a makeshift striker. The captains armband was handed to Peter Halls and the defender rose to the challenge when he headed home an equaliser from a Danny Vecchiolla corner in a half when Woodstock were generally on top.

They had one scare when veteran keeper Mark Rees had to make a top draw save to keep the scores level but generally the half belonged to Woodstock. Wenzell should have put the home side in the lead placing a header wide of the goal and late on they again thought they had wrapped up the points when the impressive Imran Englefield appearing for the first time this season in Woodstock's midfield came through from the left wing for an excellent finish. His effort unfortunately being ruled offside by the assistant referee.

Woodstock seem to be drawing their way out of contention for this division and their priority is to find a fit striker capable of turning some of the many draws into wins. Woodstock travel to East Peckham to play Atcost with a 2pm ko next week hoping they can win on their travels to give their season a kick start.

Saturday 27th October 2007

BEKCFAL Division Two East
Woodstock Park 2 Platt Utd 2
An even first half was determined by two hand ball decisions that both went against the home team. A first ball to hand incident saw the visiting forward gain an advantage by controlling the ball by accident with his hand allowing him to play the ball back for another player to score. The second ball to hand incident happened when Woodstock's Danny Vecchiolla not under much pressure attempted to chest the ball down to clear. The ball spun up and hit him high on the arm towards the shoulder taking the ball out of his path with no advantage gained. The referee with no protests from the visitors immediately awarded a penalty handing Platt a 2-0 lead at half time.

It was refreshing that at half time the referee admitted he had made an error with the penalty but at 2-0 down at this level it was not much consolation for the home side. If the first half was even the second was all one way traffic with home keeper Mark Rees a spectator for 45 minutes. From the kick off Woodstock forced a sequence of five corners which set the tone for the half and the visitors were incredibly time wasting with a full 30 minutes left. A mixture of good and sometimes lucky defending preserved the 2-0 advantage for a long period and Woodstock were cursing their luck hitting the woodwork three times. Skipper James Ellis eventually pulled a goal back making completely sure by rounding the keeper and running the ball into the net. The same player ended a good run past three defenders to set up Adam Overton for the equaliser and another goal would have surely opened the floodgates.

The match ended in a third league draw on the trot for Woodstock with October being a bit of a disaster for them. Their whole month was summed up in the final minute when striker Chris Pearce saw his seemingly well placed shot come back off the inside of the post straight into the arms of the Platt keeper. With two narrow cup exits and three draws October could be a defining month for the Sittingbourne side who now find themselves 13 points behind leaders Canterbury. Their 7th league game will take place this Saturday at home with an earlier 2pm kick off when they entertain one of the teams above them Otford Utd. Out of the 7 games 6 will have been at home come Saturday so if they are to make anything of this season it will need a good away run. Only beaten once so far in the league by Canterbury but drawing so many games has not helped their cause.

Sunday 28th October 2007

MMSFL Division One
Old Oak 2 Swallow Rise 93 1
With a lot of teams in cup action last week Oak sneaked their way to the top of Division One. Their good run needed to continue Sunday at home but they had to reshuffle the pack a bit with striker Alec Johnson not available after his good run of games with old partner Martin Walker.

Oak were a goal down at half time but Rob Mitchell equalised in the second half. A win would keep Old Oak in top spot and the winner was snatched in the 90th minute by defender Peter Halls. When any team he plays in is not scoring Halls is always heard shouting "play me up front". He got his wish this week and grabbed the very late winner.
 

Saturday 20^th October 2007

BEKCFAL Les Leckie Cup 1st Rd

APM Mears 2 Woodstock Park 1 AET FT 1-1

Woodstock rely heavily on their skipper Ellis to score the goals and have done for a few years. This season they have signed three new strikers to supplement Ellis but none were available Saturday and when Ellis pulled out at the last moment for family reasons the Sittingbourne side were left with just the one striker in Richard King. In seven competitive games this year they have not fielded the same two centre backs twice and this week yet again they were unable to as it was the turn of Michael Russell to fail a pre match fitness.

Putting their troubles behind them Woodstock carried on as they had left off in the draw in the league last week with APM and they took the lead on 17 minutes when Rob Warburton's 20 yard drive was only parried by the home keeper and King was on hand to knock in the rebound. On 27 minutes an otherwise good defensive display was marred when centre back Peter Halls was pulled out of position with APM exploiting the space behind him to equalise.

As with the previous week there was nothing to choose between the two sides but the second half started with APM being awarded a penalty. Mark Rees who has an incredible record on penalties again guessed the right way and made a good save. The player who failed from the spot got through again a minute later but Rees pulled off an even better save at the strikers feet. The rest of the match was a very even affair but with Woodstock's forward pairing of King and midfielder Overton not really firing it always looked that APM just had the edge.

Five minutes into the first period of extra time and a good move and cross saw the home side take the lead and try as they did for the rest of extra time Woodstock could not level the score even though everyone in the team gave 110%. With two cup exits and two league draws over the last four weeks Woodstock need to start winning games starting with this Saturdays 2.45ko home game with Platt Utd.

Sunday 21^st October 2007

MMSFL Division 1
Old Oak 4 Rainham Eagles 2

Old Oak continued there good league run with their third win on the trot to remain second in Division one. The old pairing from years back in its second week back together again did the damage with Alec Johnson scoring twice and partner Martin Walker once with Ben Jones getting the fourth in a 4-2 win.

Oak are at home to Swallow rise next week kick off 10.30am.

Saturday 13^th October

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Woodstock Park 2 APM Mears 2

With both regular centre backs having to withdraw at the last moment last weeks sub who came on for his attacking abilities to save the game John Gissing was pressed into service at centre back for his full debut alongside youngster Michael Russell playing only his second game. Having not played together before it took 30 minutes to get some kind of understanding going by which time unbeaten visitors APM had taken a strong looking 2-0 lead scoring on 15 and 30 minutes.

Things steadily improved for the home team and on 40 minutes Adam Overton volleyed home a Terry Smith corner to reduce the deficit to 1-2 at half time.

If the visitors had the better of the first half then Woodstock had the better of the second. They had tightened things up and were looking for the equaliser. It came just past the hour mark after a sustained bit of pressure. Skipper James Ellis barren run of three games without a goal came to an end with a well taken composed trade mark finish to everyone's relief.

Form is temporary, ability is permanent as they say making it 4 goals in five league games for Ellis.

Woodstock made their intentions clear that they were not going to settle for a point after such a good fight back and they ended the game with four strikers on the pitch replacing defensive and midfield players with strikers Richard King and Nathan Ballin. A draw was just about a fair result and a rematch will take place next week when Woodstock visit APM in the first round of the league cup with an early 2.15pm kick off at Cobdown Aylesford.

Sunday 14^th October

MMSFL Div One
Swallow Rise 93 1 Old Oak 4
Oak travelled to Medway to face old rivals Swalow Rise 93 who have come up through the divisions with the Sittingbourne side. Player Manager Kevin Dunk strained a hamstring on twenty minutes and he was grateful to have centre back Peter Halls available to take over his central midfield role. The defender missed his usually tough Saturday game and was full of running and the obvious choice for middle of the park duties.

He repaid the faith in him his manager had with two early goals to set things up.

Martin Walker has returned to the club after working away for a couple of years and he immediately struck up his old partnership with Alec Johnson. Both strikers added a goal each to Halls early brace giving Oak a 4-0 half time lead.

Rise made a fight of it in the second fearing a goal deluge and they did pretty well keeping a clean sheet and even managing a consolation goal with Old Oak ending up 4-1 winners moving up to second place in the division.

Saturday 6th October 2007

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Woodstock Park 1 Tenterden Town 1
With five defeats on the trot in the league and 28 goals conceded visitors Tenterden Town did not on the face of it seem to pose much of a threat to Woodstock Park, but as they say football is a funny old game.

From the start Woodstock looked uncomfortable with a change of system and not for the first time this year one or two new faces. As the first half went on the visitors grew more confident. On the 30 minute mark the home side gave away a needless free kick just outside the box. Tenterden crashed this against the bar and drove home the rebound to take a deserved lead.

The visitors had something to cling on to then and they did this with ease against the inept efforts of the Woodstock forwards. Skipper and leading scorer James Ellis has not scored a competitive goal in almost a month and as usual the lions share of chances went to him. The player who has scored over a 100 goals for the club at almost one a game is having one of those periods all strikers go through when the simplest of chances just will not go in. On such occasions in the past Terry Smith has been on hand to score a few but sadly this player has not been available to the club for the past three weeks.

With the game heading for defeat Park sent on two substitutes on debut making that 28 players used in just 5 games and the experienced John Gissing made just the right amount of difference with his ability in the air. Fellow debutant Chris Pearce followed up a Gissing effort that did not look like making the net for what was an equaliser just about deserved. Overall though this was one of Woodstock's worst performances in recent years.

With less than half of last years squad available for Saturdays game and 28 players used so far Woodstock will need to bed in their new players and settle quickly if they are to make anything of this season. Only five players have played in all five competitive games so far this season and October is not the best time to be rebuilding.

APM will be the visitors to Woodstock next week and Park will need to improve 100% if they are to take anything from their unbeaten opponents.

Sunday 7th October 2007

MMSFL Division One
Featherby 1 Old Oak 3
At last Oak fielded a team of somewhere near the required strength needed for this division and the Sittingbourne side came away with a good away win at Featherby.

Player manager Kevin Dunk scored his 4th league goal in the four matches and set up another for Chris Leah. Peter Halls scored the third in what was a much improved performance than of late.

Saturday 15th September 2007

BEKCFAL Two EastWoodstock Park 4 Pembury 1

Woodstock did not start too well in this match and their lively young visitors were causing them all sorts of problems. Pembury took the lead midway through the half following a sustained period of pressure where they had one goal disallowed for offside and one that was made to count.

Before half time the home side clawed their way back into the game when Terry Smith converted a penalty after the lively Adam Overton was brought down in the box following a fine run.

Woodstock had been ordinary in the first half but they were to play much better and dominate the second. Adam Overton opened up the Pembury defence with a reverse pass for Andy Wenzel to give them the lead from close range and at 2-1 Pembury were well beaten. James Ellis always ready to pounce when a team is reeling helped himself to two trade mark goals to give Park a deserved 4-1 win.

Saturday 8th September 2007

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Canterbury City 4 Woodstock Park 1
Following the good defensive clean sheet performance last week Woodstock had to travel to Canterbury this week without both of the previous weeks central defenders. During the warm up at Canterbury they lost Luke Simpson to injury leaving only one of last weeks back four able to play. A couple of last minute signings and a shuffle of positions saw them take the field in not as  good a shape as they would have liked. 

The first half was very even affair with Canterbury playing a long ball game on a pitch of minimum width and both sets of wide players struggling to find any space. Visitors Woodstock were just starting to edge ahead in the battle on 15 minutes when a typical long ball from Canterbury found their star striker Wayne Fittal, Rob Warburton one of those players asked to play out of position was guilty of a trip in the box on the forward who dusted himself off to plant the resulting penalty past Mark Rees via the inside of the post. With the slope behind them the Sittingbourne side tried desperately to get back on level terms before half time forcing a number of corners that they were unable to convert. One particular slick move ended with Woodstock's Adam Overton crashing a firm drive against the underside of the Canterbury crossbar.

Photo courtesy of Kent Messenger Group

The second half and Woodstock again took the game to Canterbury and on the hour skipper James Ellis deceived the home keeper with a floated shot that took a slight deflection on its way to the net. At 1-1 the game became very competitive with every foul committed by Woodstock greeted with a huge noise from the crowd of 147 and each foul incurred by Canterbury protested by the same crowd for what in their eyes was not a correct decision. It had become a difficult game to referee and for the local Canterbury referee clearly not used to such an atmosphere even more difficult. A hand ball by a Canterbury player was missed by the referee and when the ball broke the same player committed an ugly foul on a Woodstock player. The referee was at this point clearly losing control and he called the two team captains together to ask them to calm their players down. When the game restarted it was for reasons only known to him given as a kick to Canterbury. To Woodstock's dismay the quickly taken kick took them completely by surprise and City were back in the lead.

Canterbury went 3-1 up when the referee overruled the linesman for both an offside in the build up and a second offside when the final ball was played in. Woodstock were then beaten by a fourth goal bowing to the better and by their own admission fitter side. Woodstock did not deserve anything from the game but 4-1 was a little flattering for the home side.

Canterbury striker Wayne Fittal picked up the match ball for last weeks opening day hat-trick against Borden Village and he will pick up another for this weeks hat-trick against Woodstock. Fittall was the difference between the two sides and is clearly a player who should be playing a good deal further up the pyramid. If he stays with Canterbury they are going to run out of match balls. At home at least Canterbury City will be a force to reckon with this season.

Sunday 9th September 2007

MMSFL Senior League Cup 1st Round Old Oak 0 Cricketers 9

Oak missing over half of last weeks team were a patched up side, with several players playing with injuries and Club Secretary Dave Brown pressed into service against a team two divisions above them in the league cup. Andy Hopkinson replaced Mark Rees in the Oak goal from last week but after five minutes he was pressed into service as an outfield player as Carl Davies picked up an injury and had to take over in goal as the only place he could do a job making up the numbers. The team fought bravely to the end of this 9-0 defeat and remained in good spirits knowing that things should improve again next week.

Saturday 1st September 2007

BEKCFAL Div Two East
Woodstock 1 Larkfield and New Hythe Wanderers 0 A very dour opening home game for Woodstock against relegated Larkfield where hardly any flowing football was played and nothing really for the supporters of either teams to get excited about.

15 minutes into the game and Woodstock's Terry Smith was dismissed for two yellow cards; a little harsh it would seem judging by the reaction of players from both sides. Having to play an hour and fifteen minutes with ten men meant that Woodstock created little in the way of attacking options with the game being mainly fought in midfield or by the visitors taking matters to the home defence. Woodstock stood firm for an hour with a mixture of good defending, luck and some excellent goalkeeping from veteran Mark Rees. With 15 minutes left player manager Mick Rees took off a defender Luke Simpson and brought on forward Richard King. A corner was forced and the impressive Danny Vecchiolla swung it over for the player manager Mick Rees to score the only goal of the game from Woodstock's only real chance of the game.

The visitors were the fitter side but the last fifteen minute onslaught did not materialise and the home side were able to run down the clock for a hard fought if not pretty one nil win with some ease.

Sunday 2nd September 2007

MMSFL Division One Teynham Wanderers 1 Old Oak 5 Old Oak fielded their usual under strength side for the opening game of the season they always seem to suffer at the start with a mixture of holidays and people playing cricket. Teynham dominated the first half hitting the woodwork several times and bringing out the very best in Oaks veteran keeper Mark Rees. It could have been 8-0 to Teynham at half time but Oak against the run of play created two chances and took them both for an improbable 2-0 half time lead. Teynham were the better side again for the start of  the second half and when they pulled a goal back it seemed only a matter of time before they got on level terms. With 10 minutes left and the score still 2-1 visitors Oak gave the home team a lesson in finishing scoring three more times for an emphatic 5-1 away win. You can say the visitors were lucky, you can blame the home sides poor finishing but at the end of the day Oak only created 7 chances in the match and they took 5 of them, player manager Kevin Dunk scored twice with single strikes from Ben Jones, Rob Mitchell and Darren Rogers.

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