Mallett and Marsh lead Woodbridge to important victory over Hadleigh

Andy Crowe and Luke Mallett celebrating (Photo: Max Woodward)

Woodbridge Town claimed another crucial victory on Tuesday, as they defeated Hadleigh United 2-0. The Peckers extend their unbeaten run over the Brettsiders to four games, and are starting to gain momentum as we enter the run-in.

Following a convincing win on Friday night against Kirkley & Pakefield, Woodbridge Town looked to kick on as the Peckers welcomed bottom of the league Hadleigh to the Homestyle UK Ground. Having already beaten the Brettsiders 3-6 away from home, Tuesday was expected to be positive for the Peckers. Despite a slow performance, Woodbridge did enough to walk away with the three points once again.

The visitors started the quickest in this one, as Jack Palmer drilled an effort goalwards after just two minutes; the strike only finding the gloves of Hurst. Woodbridge reacted well and saw a chance of their own go wide, as Ryan Marsh’s delivery was headed past the post by Webb. The game started to become scrappy, with neither side able to really get the ball down and play - a theme that continued throughout. A late challenge saw Field booked after 19 minutes, and the slow start to the game looked to continue.

Woodbridge would find the breakthrough with 23 minutes on the clock, as Southgate slotted through Connor Field, who was taken out by Lewis Oakes in the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and showed a yellow card to Oakes for his offence. With Ash Blow out injured, the spot kick duties fell to Luke Mallett, who coolly dispatched the penalty into the bottom left corner. It wasn’t a pretty start by either side, but importantly, the Peckers were the ones in front.

Half chances came and went for both sides, with efforts being blazed over the bar and possession changing hands frequently. The Peckers found a nice combination for the goal on 38 minutes as the midfield combined to find Field, who then played through Marsh. With the keeper off his line, the Woodbridge full-back lifted the ball perfectly over the head of Josh Ball and into the back of the net for 2-0. The best piece of play in the first half, leading to a superb finish from Ryan Marsh, who now has two goals in two! The opening 45 came to a close, with the Peckers leading a scrappy affair.

Ryan Marsh has now scored in consecutive fixtures (Photo: Max Woodward)

The second half was a quiet 45 from both sides. Hadleigh started to get the ball down and play some decent football, with Palmer and Harvey combining well for the Brettsiders on a couple occasions - although failing to threaten Hurst with any real efforts on goal. Yellow cards were picked up by both sides in the last half an hour, and Woodbridge looked to make changes and see the game through. The last 10 minutes went a bit flat, with the Peckers looking to protect their lead, and Hadleigh struggling to create chances. Eventually, the final whistle would sound, and Woodbridge had done enough to take the three points.

Tuesday’s win sees Woodbridge rise to 11th, level with Walsham Le Willows and only a point away from the top half. With eight games left to play for the Peckers, things are looking up as we head towards the end of the campaign. Hadleigh meanwhile remain bottom of the table, but sit only two points away from Lakenheath in 16th. 

Thank you to everyone who came and got behind the lads on Tuesday night - it wasn’t the best performance, but a crucial result nonetheless. Your support is always appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more action. Let’s keep building momentum, and hope to end the season in a strong position. 

In other exciting news, WTFC Ladies’ Day has been confirmed for 19th April, so be sure to make a note in your diary; we would love to see as many of you as possible at the club to celebrate our wonderful Ladies team! We have a range of sponsorship opportunities for the event, so if you’re interested contact WTFC-Media@outlook.com for more information. UP THE PECKERS!

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