MATCH REPORT: Stoppage-time strike sends Heacham home as Woodbridge progress in FA Cup
It was yet another dramatic affair at the Homestyle UK Ground this weekend, as the Peckers left it late once again, with Ryan Marsh’s 91st minute strike firing Woodbridge Town to a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.
The contest started slowly, with neither side able to really find a rhythm in the opening stages. Taylor Southgate’s return to action unfortunately ended after just four minutes, with the Woodbridge midfielder taking a nasty knock to the head, causing him to be replaced by new signing Kie Dyer.
Woodbridge did grow into the game, and the expected pattern of play started to materialise as the half went on - the Peckers dominating the ball with Heacham sitting in a solid low block. Half chances came for Dier and Andrews, but neither effort really troubled the goalkeeper.
The Woodpeckers had their best chance of the game so far on 24 minutes, after good link up on the left found Luke Mallett in space on the edge of the area. Mallett fired his effort towards the near post, forcing a strong save out of Tom Norman in the Heacham net.
It was Woodbridge who continued to keep the pressure on, enjoying plenty of the ball in the Heacham half. Great footwork from Mason Harvey in the 34th minute saw him beat his man before chipping the ball up to Mark Ray, who headed narrowly over the bar.
The Peckers would be rewarded for their work a couple minutes later, as Mallett drove inside brilliantly, skipping past his man before cutting the ball back from the byline. The ball ran across the face of goal, before being turned home by Mackenzie Travis at the back post for his first goal in a black-and-white shirt.
Heacham would have their best effort of the game on the stroke of half time, as a low driven free-kick forced a tidy save out of Toby Hurst. A solid half from Woodbridge though would see them into the break with the lead, and only 45 minutes from the next round. Half time, Woodbridge Town 1 Heacham 0.
It was the Magpies who came out the break looking the most threatening, with them finding joy hitting the Peckers with pace on the break. A loose pass at the back was latched onto by the Heacham forward through on goal, but Hurst did just enough to stop the striker getting round him.
The visitors would level against the run of play after 53 minutes, as the ball was picked off in midfield with Woodbridge high up the pitch. Heacham broke effectively, before working the ball to Colby Wood on the left hand side. Wood set himself before applying a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Woodbridge again found themselves having the bulk of possession, but couldn’t threaten the Heacham backline, who were resolute in their defensive display. Both sides cycled through subs, and with the Peckers only creating half chances, this tie felt destined for a replay.
Zach Gayfer, who scored the last minute winner against Kirkley & Pakefield last Tuesday, saw his effort charge down in the 88th minute, with Travis also having an effort denied. As the clock struck 90, Ryan Marsh drove inside with purpose, before being dragged down by the Heacham defender for a free kick in a dangerous position.
Up stepped Marsh, who fired the free kick low across goal and found the far corner to fire the Peckers in front. A hugely important goal for Woodbridge, and Marsh’s second of the season after his goal on the opening day. The final whistle would soon follow, and the Woodpeckers march on to the FA Cup Preliminary Round. Full time, Woodbridge Town 2 Heacham 1.
What it means
Woodbridge have now reached the Preliminary Round for the second year running, and will take on Felixstowe & Walton United at home. Details surrounding this fixture will be announced in due course.
The Teams
Woodbridge Town: Toby Hurst, Ross Mcguire (Ivan Costa 74’), Mason Harvey, Taylor Southgate (Kie Dyer 4’ - Ryan Marsh 73’), Billy Jordan, Sean Rea (C), Mackenzie Travis, Luke Mallett (Zach Gayfer 84’), Mark Ray, Andy Crowe, Kyron Andrews (Josh Goodwin 51’)
Heacham: Tom Norman, Josh Fenby, Jack Prentice, Callum Robinson (C), Callum Howe (Harvey Pightling 70’), Thomas Harwood, Robbie Sutherland, Conall Forde, Colby Wood, Thomas Beatie (Andy Willmott 81’), Jack Parker
Our Supporters
Thank you to everyone who got behind the lads yesterday - I’m sure these last minute winners are healthy for everyone! The Peckers are back in action next Saturday, as they welcome Lakenheath FC in the FA Vase. Your support is truly appreciated, and it really can make the difference in games like this.
UP THE PECKERS!
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