MATCH REPORT: Young Peckers held at home by solid Stowmarket display

Photo: Max Woodward

It was last season’s 8th place finishers against last season's 9th last night as Woodbridge Town U18s played Stowmarket Town U18s. The young Peckers were held to a nil-nil draw at the hands of a very physical Stowmarket. Woodbridge were looking to continue their form going into the game after a 3-1 win at home to Framlingham Town U18s while Stowmarket were looking to bounce back after a loss away at Walsham le Willows. 

In the first 10 mins of the game both teams showed signs of scoring, more so for Stowmarket but any chance of a Stowmarket attacking threat was cleared by our strong defence. Stowmarket’s transitional play was prevalent in the opening minutes of the game. 

As the early stages of the first half went on Stowmarket were dictating the play while Woodbridge were playing more transitional football to try and combat the Stowmarket control. 

Both teams had very good chances to score in the first half but the final pass seemed to be too heavy. In the 19th minute a pass from captain Alfie Hunt nearly made its way to vice captain Harry Brown but the pass just escaped him.

Stowmarket had probably the best chance of the first half with a cross whipped in from the Stowmarket left winger and the subsequent header was missed by the visitors' No. 9. 

As half time came around both teams were fairly equal going into the break despite Stowmarket having more big chances. 

Into the second half, Stowmarket started on the front foot once again with an offside chance missed 8 minutes after the restart and a flick on volley attempt saved by the keeper five minutes later.

Woodbridge had many chances of their own in the second half with a shot from range missed in the 66th minute and a free kick from Wilding went over the entire Woodbridge contingent in the box and nearly found its way in 3 mins after. Stowmarket later had a good chance on the breakaway from a cleared Woodbridge cross but the chance was squandered by a poor shot. 

Into the last 10 mins of the game and chances were equal for the two teams. A Woodbridge free kick was met with a good head and nearly guided in but prevented by the Stowmarket keeper. A Stowmarket low driven cross found its way into the hands of Wilding.

In the last minute of regulation an outswinging cross for the young Peckers nearly found its way in to break the deadlock late on. The last action of the game was an inswinging corner ball but nothing came of it.

Full time - both teams were evenly matched with Stowmarket U18s having more chances and possession but a draw was a fair result for both teams on the night.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the young Peckers last night, as they look to continue a solid start to the season. The U18s are back at home next Thursday as they take on Bury in the FA Youth Cup.

Final score: Woodbridge Town U18s 0-0 Stowmarket Town U18s 

Attendance: 72