MATCH REPORT: Young Peckers win on penalties as Plumb heroics send Haverhill packing

Woodbridge Town U18s are into the Semi-Finals of the Suffolk FA U18 Midweek Cup after beating Haverhill Borough U18s on penalties. Following a goalless draw in normal time, the Peckers held their nerve to win the shootout 4-2 and advance to the last four.

This fixture was bound to be a good one, as Haverhill Borough arrived at the Homestyle UK Ground having won every single league game so far this season. With Woodbridge’s disrupted schedule, it felt that this Quarter-Final could have been a tough night for the Peckers. But, the lads rose to the occasion and delivered a strong performance to see off the visitors.

Woodbridge started the game positively, looking to put the visitors under pressure and cause them problems. The fast start paid off, and after just 13 minutes, Haverhill Borough were reduced to 10 men, after denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The referee pointed to the spot and dismissed Haverhill’s six. Up stepped Kye Webb, but the keeper guessed the right way and made a good stop down to his left to keep the penalty out. A player advantage now for the Peckers, but a massive opportunity to take the lead missed.

The Peckers used the extra man to their advantage for the rest of the half, keeping the visitors deep in their own third. Chances came and went for many players, with the biggest opportunity being a deep free kick that somehow no one made contact with at the back post. Haverhill picked up two more cards in the first 45, with bookings being given for a late challenge and timewasting. Despite Woodbridge being on top, the first half came to a close with the deadlock yet to be broken - Woodbridge Town nil, Haverhill Borough nil.

The second half started the same way the first ended, with the Woodpeckers on the ball and the visitors absorbing pressure. Another great chance to break the deadlock fell to Laurie Higgs, who put his shot just past the post after a nice combination down the left hand side with Webb. It felt that the opening goal wasn’t too far away, but Woodbridge couldn’t find a way past Haverhill’s defence just yet.

The final 25 minutes evened out, as Borough did well to take the pace out of the game, stunt Woodbridge coming forwards and got themselves further up the pitch. A succession of corners allowed the visitors to keep the Peckers under pressure, but the set pieces came to nothing in the end. The biggest chance to win the game came late on for Woodbridge, as a headed effort struck the post and bounced clear! The game remained goalless, and the referee called an end to normal time - this Quarter-Final would be decided from the penalty spot.

It was the Peckers who stepped up first and converted to get the shootout underway. Haverhill Borough netted their first penalty also, before both sides missed their second attempts from the spot. Woodbridge slotted home the third penalty, followed by Borough scoring again to keep the score level at 2-2. The Peckers converted their 4th spot kick, before a huge save from Plumb kept out Haverhill’s attempt, to give Woodbridge a chance to win it. Kye Webb stepped up again, and redeemed himself for his miss in normal time by firing the ball straight down the middle and winning Woodbridge the shootout. Peckers advance 4-2 on penalties.

Massive praise to Jack Plumb, who at only 16 showed his quality with two brilliant penalty saves - Not a bad way to return from injury! Player of the Match went to Dan Southgate, who not only worked hard from the first whistle, but in the second half he put in a strong performance in a position he’s never played before! Quality all round from Woodbridge, who deservedly go through.

Thank you to everyone who came up and showed their support for the young Peckers, it truly is appreciated. This result means that Woodbridge will meet either Brantham Athletic, Leiston or Needham Market in the Semi-Finals. As a club, there are still three opportunities for silverware, with the U18s and the Ladies into the last four of their respective cups, and the U23s have a Quarter-Final clash next Saturday. Plenty to be positive about, so come show your support with both the U23s and the Ladies at home this weekend! UP THE PECKERS! 

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