MATCH REPORT: Woodbridge Town made to rue missed chances as AFC Sudbury secure Cup crown
- Woodbridge Town
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Woodbridge Town Ladies were defeated in the SGWFL League Cup Final on Sunday, as AFC Sudbury Reserves completed the league and cup double with a 4-2 victory over the Peckers. Despite having plenty of chances to take control of the game, clinicality proved decisive with Woodbridge failing to capitalise on the opportunities they created.
The teams
Woodbridge Town XI: Eloisa Bruce, Evie Swanton, Lauren Jacobs, Alice Ager (C), Chloe Stopher, Caitlin Howe, Stacey Hadley, Kim Stock, Lola Beaumont, Sadie Jamieson, Rhianna Kiwomya.
Subs: Georgia Lindon, Tegan Jarvis, Charley Roach-Smith, Freya Emerick
AFC Sudbury Res XI: Flo Rumsby, Gracie Lambert, Alana Smith, Maddi Staples, Megan Petchey, Ruby Clark, Daisy Warren, Emily Newcomb, Hattie Childs, Joy Hughes, Olivia Clennell.
Subs: Lauren Amory, Sophie Kettle, Maddie Carpenter, Tegan Mortier, Amelia Karkoska
Sudbury’s fast start
The unbeaten league champions got off to a flyer in the final, forcing Bruce into a comfortable save after just four minutes. Sudbury would find their first two minutes later, as a nice move down the right-hand side released Joy Hughes in behind, who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The Yellows doubled their advantage on eighteen minutes, as after some brilliant footwork to reach the Woodbridge penalty area, the cutback from the Sudbury winger was met in the six yard box and turned home. It was a perfect start for Sudbury, who took a strong position early on in the game.
Woodbridge’s wastefulness in front of goal
The Peckers would’ve been frustrated to have fallen two goals behind, as the opening encounters saw Woodbridge have chances themselves to get on the scoresheet.
A glorious opportunity fell to Rhianna Kiwomya in the 13th minute, as after brilliant pressure from Howe turned the ball over high up the pitch, Kiwomya was played through on goal. The Woodbridge forward did well to open up her body and fire across goal, but the effort bounced just past the post.
Another half chance came and went for the Peckers moments later, as a nice move from back to front picked out Hadley on the edge, who dragged her effort wide.
Peckers pressure reaps its rewards
After twenty-three minutes, Woodbridge did find a way back into the game, with Sadie Jamieson netting her 19th of the season. Again, the Peckers worked it well to the edge of the area, where Jamieson looped a lovely effort into the far corner and halved the deficit to one.
The Woodbridge striker had another opportunity to level the game three minutes later, but this time her shot flew past the far post.
The rest of the half evened out, with both sides having half chances but nothing more. After a well-contested first forty-five, the referee brought the half to a close, Woodbridge Town 1 AFC Sudbury Res 2.
A fiery final forty-five
With both sides evenly matched throughout the first half, and similarly in the second, tempers flared with seven cards being handed out in the second forty-five, after not a single one in the first period.
The opening stages of the second half again saw both sides fail to create clear-cut chances, with yellow cards being handed out in both directions for reckless fouls.
A moment of madness sparked life back into the game in the 64th minute, as after Kiwomya hit the post with another effort, her and the Sudbury goalkeeper contested for the follow-up. The goalmouth altercation that followed saw the AFC Sudbury Res goalkeeper shown a straight red card for swinging an arm at the Woodbridge forward.
Sudbury dig deep to rise above red
Despite having an outfielder in goal, and one less player on the pitch, Sudbury reacted well to limit Woodbridge from testing the keeper and slowing the game down.
They would extend their advantage on seventy-six minutes, as a breakaway down the right-hand side saw another cutback turned home. The perfect response, and with little time left, Sudbury had one hand on the trophy.
The ten-player side would increase their lead with seven minutes to go, as after a big save from Eloisa Bruce, the rebound from range was lifted over the Woodbridge goalkeeper to score Sudbury’s fourth.
Woodbridge find a consolation
The Woodpeckers did get one back in the 87th minute, as a cross from the far side from Caitlin Howe looped over the keeper’s head and found its way into the back of the net.
It wouldn’t be enough for Woodbridge however, as the referee brought proceedings to a close. Full Time: Woodbridge Town 2, AFC Sudbury Res 4.
Positives for the Peckers despite frustrating final
It will feel like a missed opportunity for Woodbridge in this one, with early chances squandered, and having had an extra player for twenty-five minutes at 1-2 down. But, it was a spirited performance from the Peckers, who raised their game massively from previous results against this side.
The Woodpeckers played some very positive football, and combined nicely in forward areas. On another day, this final could’ve played out differently, but it wasn’t to be for Woodbridge this time around. The players and the management staff should be celebrated for not only reaching the final, but taking a brilliant fight to a Sudbury side who haven’t lost a single game this season.
Massive congratulations to AFC Sudbury Reserves on a fantastic season, claiming the league and cup double. Their quality in front of goal made the difference in this one, an attacking prowess that has shone throughout the campaign.
And finally, a massive thank you to everyone who came out to get behind the Ladies in this game, it is hugely appreciated. We look forward to seeing you all again at the Homestyle UK Ground next season, as we push for silverware once again.
Let’s keep pushing forward together and, as always, UP THE PECKERS!
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