MATCH REPORT: Composed Crowe wins Woodbridge shootout to defy late Lakenheath comeback

Andy Crowe scored the winning penalty for Woodbridge Town (Photo: Max Woodward)

Andy Crowe held his nerve following a huge save from Toby Hurst to see Woodbridge Town win 12-11 on penalties, after Lakenheath came back from two goals down to level the contest and send the game to spot kicks.

The Peckers started the game on the front foot, with Travis latching onto a ball over the top early on. The Woodbridge winger controlled it well, but was forced wide by the defender before releasing a weak shot that bobbled past the post.

Woodbridge would take an early lead, as a deflected shot went behind for a corner. Lakenheath failed to deal with the set piece at the front post, flicking it into the box where Mark Ray acrobatically fired the ball home from close range with an overhead kick. A spectacular finish from Ray, and the perfect start for the Peckers.

The visitors took advantage of a momentary switch off from Woodbridge, as a sloppy pass landed straight to a Lakenheath midfielder. They worked it well to the left hand side, but the effort was straight into the gloves of Hurst. A let off for the Peckers, who should’ve really been punished.

It was Lakenheath’s turn to make an error at the back in the 27th minute, as a poor backpass was intercepted by Mark Ray. The goalkeeper did well to get out quickly to deny Ray’s effort and rescue his teammate.

A couple of half chances came and went for both sides, with Lakenheath’s only real opportunities coming from Woodbridge making errors in possession. The Peckers had got away with a few in the first 40 minutes, but had looked strong coming forwards.

Mark Ray celebrating after scoring the opener (Photo: Max Woodward)

The Woodpeckers would double their advantage on the stroke of half time, as a great ball over the top from Luke Mallett picked out the well-timed run of Mark Ray, who coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner. A brilliant brace from the Woodbridge number nine, and it saw the Peckers lead at the break. Half time, Woodbridge Town 2 Lakenheath 0.

Two changes at the break saw Woodbridge shuffle the defence around as they looked to see through this two goal lead. The second half started strongly, with both Mallett and Ray having chances in the opening 10 minutes.

Woodbridge looked comfortable for the majority of the second half, enjoying the ball, creating chances just not able to find a third goal. It looked for all the world that the Peckers would see this through for a strong win, but that very quickly unravelled.

Woodbridge Town's Kie Dyer battling with Isaac Lewis (Photo: Max Woodward)

In the 72nd minute, a weak backpass from Jordan was intercepted by Kai Wilson, who knocked the ball past Hurst to halve the deficit to one. The momentum swung towards The Heath, with Hurst forced into a great save on 88 minutes to keep Woodbridge ahead.

The visitors would find the leveller in the 5th minute of stoppage time, as a ball flashed across the box was turned home at the near post by Sonny Tully. Two disappointing goals to concede, and that would be the last kick of the game - this tie would be decided on penalties.

This shootout will be remembered by many as one of Woodbridge’s most dramatic moments in the FA Vase. Both sides scored their first eleven - yes, eleven - spot kicks, with the takers coming back round to take the 12th penalties.

Toby Hurst denied Lakenheath's 12th penalty (Photo: Max Woodward)

Hurst pulled off a strong save down to his left to deny the Lakenheath forward on his second kick, meaning it was down to Andy Crowe to fire home the winning penalty. Crowe stepped up and confidently sent the keeper the wrong way to win Woodbridge the shootout. Absolute drama, and the Peckers march onto the next round. Full time: Woodbridge Town 2 Lakenheath 2 (Woodbridge win 12-11 on pens).

What it means

Woodbridge advance to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase for only the second time in the last five seasons. We will play Downham Town away on Saturday 12th September.

This is also the first time in seven years that the Peckers have won in both the FA Cup and the FA Vase in the same season. A great achievement for Liam and the team, who have started this season very positively.

Full time celebrations (Photo: Max Woodward)

The teams

Woodbridge Town: Toby Hurst, Ivan Costa (Sean Rea 45’), Mason Harvey, Taylor Southgate, Billy Jordan, Ross Mcguire (Josh Goodwin 45’), Mackenzie Travis, Kie Dyer (Kyron Andrews 66’), Mark Ray (Isaac Ventura 63’), Andy Crowe (C), Luke Mallett (Cam Young 80’)

Lakenheath: Zac Tuvey, Sonny Tully, Archie Cowe (Isaac Hines 63’), Kieran Scanlan, Kieran Hayden (Tom Allen 45’), Harvey Norman (C), Kai Wilson, Isaac Lewis, Will Bailey, Mydas Smalls, Michele Cipriani 

Mark Ray was awarded Player of the Match by match sponsor Ryecroft Freight Limited

Our Supporters

Thank you all once again for your support - the drama at the Homestyle UK Ground has been on a different level this season, with Woodbridge refusing to do things the easy way! The Peckers are back in action on Friday night, as we take on Felixstowe and Walton United in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Please note: we encourage supporters to arrive early and to purchase digital tickets prior to the game, in order to improve the flow at the gate. Digital tickets for Friday’s clash are available here.

Let’s get behind the lads for what should be a great occasion for all involved. 

UP THE PECKERS!