MATCH REPORT: Woodbridge fall to opening day defeat as Dereham deliver clinical display

Woodbridge Town’s opening day woes continued this weekend, as despite a positive performance from the Peckers, Dereham dug deep to hold onto a 3-2 win. Three first-half goals from the Magpies were enough to take the points and kick off their season with a victory.

It was a perfect start for the Woodpeckers though, as Ryan Marsh fired us in front after just eight minutes. New signing Billy Jordan picked out Marsh with a great ball over the top, and the Woodbridge winger showed good composure to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the back of the net. 

The hosts reacted well to falling behind, shifting the ball out wide to Lagshan Sivakumar who looked dangerous all game. The Dereham winger went close on 13 minutes, firing a low effort into the foot of the post.

It wasn’t long until the Magpies were back on level terms though, as Sivakumar got the wrong side of his man again, this time winning a penalty. Up stepped Louis Simmons, who fired the ball past the outstretched right-hand of Hurst to make it 1-1. 

Sivakumar would be the one to fire Dereham in front on 36 minutes, as the hosts kept the pressure on, getting the winger in behind on most occasions. Another switch of the play picked out the Dereham man, who burst away from Ivan Costa to coolly knock the ball past Hurst. 

The Magpies would increase their advantage 3 minutes later, as a poor pass from the Peckers was picked off by the Dereham midfield. The initial effort was blocked by Sean Rea, but the ball fell to Reuben Johnson at the back post to fire across goal and find the bottom corner. 

Half time quickly followed, with Woodbridge trailing by three goals to one. It hadn’t been a bad performance from the Peckers, who had a few half chances throughout the first 45 minutes, but Dereham showed composure in front of goal to take all of their opportunities, and lead pretty comfortably at the break.

The Woodpeckers came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, showing intent and moving the ball with purpose. Woodbridge would pull one back after 52 minutes, as a corner from Higgs wasn’t dealt with by the Dereham defence, and Mark Ray reacted first to find the back of the net. 

With the deficit halved, the Peckers kept the pressure on and looked the stronger side throughout the second half. Both Ventura and Crowe forced good saves out of Warren Burwood in the Dereham net, but couldn’t find a way through.

The greatest chance to level would fall to Mason Harvey, as a brilliant delivery from substitute Ventura was met by the new Woodbridge full-back at the far post, but his header went narrowly over. A couple of set pieces came and went for the Peckers, but the hosts held firm to see the points home.

Dereham did well to take the pace out of the game, and despite being the better team in the second 45, Woodbridge couldn’t find an equaliser. It was a well-fought contest to start the season, with plenty of positives to take into next week. For a new manager and new squad, the Peckers showed strong signs despite not claiming the points.

Thank you to all our supporters who made the trip, your support is always appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you all back to the Homestyle UK Ground as we take on Kirkley & Pakefield on Tuesday. 

UP THE PECKERS!