U18, U23, Development & Ladies Update:

U18s -

The U18s have made an excellent start to the season and currently sit fourth in their division, as of 26/10.

The season began with a home league win against Framlingham Town, followed by a goalless draw at home to Stowmarket Town.

Attention then turned to the FA Youth Cup, with Bury Town visiting the Homestyle UK Ground in the preliminary round. The lads produced an outstanding performance, dismantling a strong Bury side and keeping a clean sheet in a convincing 2-0 victory. This earned them another home draw against Mulbarton Wanderers in the first qualifying round, the same side that had knocked Woodbridge out at the same stage during the 2025/26 campaign.

League action resumed with a difficult away trip to Needham Market. Despite the hosts enjoying plenty of possession, the U18s defended superbly and secured an impressive 1-0 victory.

Mulbarton Wanderers were then back at the Homestyle UK Ground for the FA Youth Cup. Despite falling two goals behind, the lads showed tremendous character, pulling one back early in the second half before scoring a dramatic, very late equaliser to take the tie to penalties. Woodbridge held their nerve to progress, earning another home draw against Great Yarmouth Town.

Leiston were the next visitors, with a competitive encounter ending in a goalless draw.

The U18s then hosted Great Yarmouth in the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup. Another dominant display saw Woodbridge secure a 2-0 victory and progress to the third qualifying round, where they were once again drawn at home, this time against AFC Sudbury.

Before that tie, the lads travelled to Ipswich Wanderers and, in an ill-tempered encounter, suffered a 2-1 league defeat.

A very strong AFC Sudbury side then visited the Homestyle UK Ground. Despite the disappointment of a 7-0 defeat, the club and its supporters remain incredibly proud of the lads and their fantastic FA Youth Cup run, which saw them progress through three qualifying rounds.

The U18sthen turned their attention to the Suffolk FA County Cup, welcoming Waveney. Although it was not their best performance, the lads dug deep when it mattered and secured a 2-0 victory to progress to the next round.

U23s -

The U23s have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season and, as of 26 October, sit top of the league and remain unbeaten.

Holland were the visitors on the opening day. Despite creating enough chances to win the game, the sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw, with Cameron converting from the penalty spot.

The lads then travelled to Harwich & Parkeston, where a brace from Dines Ferrarge secured an impressive 2-1 away victory against a strong side.

AFC Pegasus, formerly Stanway Pegasus, were next to visit. Cameron opened the scoring early before the visitors hit back to make it 1-2. Dines Ferrarge then brought Woodbridge level before Clarke found the winner in an entertaining 3-2 victory.

The U23s followed this up with a trip to Haverhill Rovers, producing a superb attacking display to win 7-2. Goals came from Dines Ferrarge, Goodwin, Hunt (2), Thompson, Travis and Duro.

Hadleigh United then visited the Homestyle UK Ground in what is always a tough fixture. Goals from Cameron, Miguel, George and Hunt secured a convincing 4-1 home win.

The following week, the sides met again, this time at Hadleigh. Woodbridge made an excellent start, going 2-0 ahead through Cameron and Hunt, but a difficult second half saw the hosts apply plenty of pressure. Wilding produced several outstanding saves to preserve the lead, ensuring the U23s left with another three points after a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

The lads then travelled to Walsham and delivered another outstanding performance, running out emphatic 7-0 winners. Cameron, Hunt, Thompson, Travis, Costa, Dines Ferrarge and Page were all on the scoresheet.

Ipswich Wanderers were the visitors for a midweek fixture, with goals from Cameron and Travis securing a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Most recently, Little Oakley visited on a wet and windy afternoon. After falling behind, the U23s showed their determination once again, with a late Dines Ferrarge equaliser rescuing a point and preserving their unbeaten start to the campaign.

With an impressive run of results, plenty of goals and a squad continuing to develop, the U23s have given themselves an excellent platform for the season ahead.

Development Team -

It has been a challenging start to life for the Development side, with a managerial change after just five games. Ricardo Teixeira and James Goyder have since taken charge, and the early signs are encouraging, with the side beginning to settle and show greater consistency in both player availability and performances.

The campaign began with a 2-1 home defeat to Long Melford, before a positive performance against Claydon saw the lads fight back from two goals down to earn a point. Margetts and Grace were on target in the 2-2 draw.

Benhall St Mary Reserves were then the visitors, with Woodbridge narrowly losing 2-1.

A difficult away trip to Hope Church, who are strong favourites for the title, followed. Despite an 8-1 defeat, the young side can take positives from the experience as they continue to gel and adapt to senior football.

The Development side then travelled to Framlingham Town A in the Reserves League Cup, facing opposition two divisions higher in the league structure. Unfortunately, they exited the competition following a 5-0 defeat.

A trip to Cockfield followed, with special thanks to Ryan Sparrow from the U23 coaching team for taking charge of the fixture following the previous manager's departure by mutual agreement. Despite a good performance, the lads suffered a 4-0 defeat, with three goals coming late in the second half.

Capel Plough Reserves then visited the Homestyle UK Ground for Ricardo and James's first game in charge. The side responded brilliantly, producing a complete performance to dismantle their opponents in a 7-1 victory. Dragomir (2), Jacobs, Yankson and a hat-trick from Britton completed the scoring.

Unfortunately, an ineligible player had featured in the opening league fixture of the season, resulting in a league ruling that saw the three points from that game deducted.

The Development side subsequently returned to Cockfield for County Cup action, suffering a 6-1 defeat, with Duro scoring Woodbridge's goal.

Most recently, the lads travelled to Mendlesham. After missing an early penalty, Woodbridge found themselves 4-1 behind but showed tremendous character to fight back and score twice more. Time ultimately ran out, with the game finishing 4-3. Goals came from Franklin, Margetts and Teixeira, and with another five minutes, the lads may well have found an equaliser.

Although results have been difficult at times, the focus remains on developing young players, improving consistency and building a strong foundation for the future.

Ladies -

The Ladies have made a positive start to the season and currently sit second in the table, one point behind Long Melford with two games in hand.

The campaign got off to an excellent start with a home victory against Alresford Colne Rangers. Jarvis and McKew, who scored four goals, helped the side to a convincing 5-1 win.

Stowupland Falcons were the next visitors, with captain Hadley, Pluck, Rabey (2), Wilson, Claridge and Kent all finding the net in an emphatic 7-1 victory.

Attention then turned to the FA Cup, with Needham Market visiting. Despite a good performance, the Ladies were unable to progress and suffered defeat.

The side quickly returned to winning ways with an away trip to Needham Market's Development team, which featured several former Woodbridge players. Goals from Claridge and a brace from Rabey secured an impressive 3-1 victory.

The Ladies then travelled to Ipswich Valley Rangers in a cup fixture. Pluck gave Woodbridge the lead, but the hosts fought back to make it 1-1. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie went to penalties, where Woodbridge held their nerve to win 4-2.

The sides met again shortly afterwards in league action, and the Ladies produced another excellent performance. Goals from McKew (2), Rabey and Tuley secured a convincing 4-0 away victory.

With a strong start to the league campaign, goals coming from across the squad and games in hand on the teams above them, the Ladies are in a promising position as the season continues.

A strong start across the club

There have been plenty of positives across the U18s, U23s, Development and Ladies teams so far this season. From an excellent FA Youth Cup run and an unbeaten start for the U23s to the Development side finding their feet under new management and the Ladies pushing near the top of their division, there is plenty to be encouraged by.

The focus remains on developing players, supporting each team and continuing to build a strong pathway throughout Woodbridge Town FC.