MATCH REPORT: Super-sub Gayfer fires home last-minute winner to earn Peckers important win

Zach Gayfer celebrating after netting a 94th minute winner (Photo: Max Woodward)

Woodbridge Town claimed victory in Liam Scopes’ first home game in charge, thanks to Zach Gayfer’s 90+4’ minute strike, as the Peckers beat Kirkley & Pakefield 2-1. After countless chances, Gayfer stepped up and found the way to goal to deliver a deserved three points.

It was Woodbridge who started the game strongest, enjoying the majority of possession and moving the ball quickly. The final pass wasn’t quite coming off to begin with, but the intent and positive moments from Saturday had translated into this game.

A nice move from left to right found Luke Mallett in space on 13 minutes, after the defender misjudged the flight of the ball. Mallett looked to lift the ball towards Mark Ray in the box, who narrowly missed the ball at full stretch.

Woodbridge Town's Luke Mallett (Photo: Max Woodward)

From there the Peckers got on top, as Mackenzie Travis showed good feet to beat his man and find Ray on the edge of the box. The Woodbridge striker turned well, before unleashing a shot towards goal that was deflected behind for a corner.

Woodbridge would make the pressure count in the 21st minute, as after beating his man, Ryan Marsh cut the ball back from the byline, picking out Jordan Matthews on the penalty spot. The new signing fired low into the far corner, beating the keeper, and netting on his debut. Not a bad start!

And the hosts should’ve scored again moments later, as a deep corner was headed back across goal by Billy Jordan at the back post. It bounced around on the line, with both sides swinging and missing at the ball, before it was somehow cleared away by Kirkley.

The Royals did improve as the half went on, testing Hurst with a couple of speculative efforts from range, which the Woodbridge keeper claimed comfortably. It was still the Peckers with the momentum however, as Mallett’s effort on 35 minutes went narrowly over the bar.

The half time whistle came, and after a dominant 45 minutes, Woodbridge were ahead at the break. A deserved lead for the Peckers, who would’ve felt they should have made the pressure count and led by a stronger margin at the interval. Woodbridge Town 1 Kirkley & Pakefield 0.

Jordan Matthews celebrating his opening goal (Photo: Max Woodward)

Woodbridge would regret not finding more goals whilst they were on top, as after a quiet start to the second half from both teams, Kirkley found a leveller. It was a moment of magic from substitute Gabriel Hind, who cut inside onto his left foot, and unleashed a beautiful strike into the top left corner. 

It was a wake up call for the Peckers, who eventually did get back into gear in the second 45. A good ball from Mallett picked out Mark Ray, who turned well to get away from his man. He fired across goal well, with his effort narrowly missing the target.

Mark Ray firing towards goal (Photo: Max Woodward)

Two minutes later, Ray would be involved again as he combined well with Crowe, with the latter dragging his shot just past the post. Woodbridge were playing well and keeping the visitors under pressure, but couldn’t quite find that second goal.

Ronnie Yeo produced a good stop to deny Ray in the 78th minute, and after a succession of corners that amounted to nothing, the Peckers were running out on time.

But, with a minute left to play, up stepped Zach Gayfer to deliver the all-important winner. It was a great move from the Peckers, who combined well in the middle of the park. Ray and Crowe then worked it between them, before setting the ball to the onrushing Gayfer to fire home into the bottom corner. A huge goal for Woodbridge, bringing home a big three points. Woodbridge Town 2 Kirkley & Pakefield 1.

What it means

With this win, Woodbridge move up to 11th in the table - though some teams have only played once. It's been a positive start to the season despite the opening day defeat, with two encouraging performances.

The Teams

Woodbridge Town: Toby Hurst, Ryan Marsh (Isaac Ventura 66’), Mason Harvey (Rhys Barber 90+4’), Cameron Young (Kie Dyer 66’), Billy Jordan, Sean Rea (C), Luke Mallett (Laurie Higgs 85’), Andy Crowe, Mark Ray, Jordan Matthews, Mackenzie Travis (Zach Gayfer 79’) 

Kirkley & Pakefield: Ronnie Yeo, Blyth Hammonds, Jamie Besford (Zygimantas Peckys 45’), Aiden Chirimunjiri (George Landsdale 73’), Harry Creamer, Kieran Wing (C), Riley Eastell (Ryan Mcnab 45’), Henry Arnold, Bailey Phipps, Mehdi Bayasta, Sonil Vasileiou (Gabriel Hind 45+2’)

Our Supporters

Firstly, thank you to our match sponsor, Wild Strawberry Cafe, for supporting the club!

And thank you all for your support, it really makes the difference in these games. We are back in action on Saturday, at home to Downham Town. It was a great atmosphere last night, so let’s keep that going and we hope to see as many of you as possible getting behind the lads once again this weekend!

UP THE PECKERS!