Young Peckers knocked out of Senior Reserve Cup after second half collapse

Daniel Southgate in action vs Haverhill Borough (Photo: Max Woodward)

Woodbridge Town U23s are out of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup, after losing 3-4 to Needham Market in the Semi-final. Despite the Peckers leading 3-0 at half time, Needham completed the second half comeback to progress to the final.

Standing one game away from returning to the final for the first time in five years, the Peckers were hopeful of keeping the cup run going last night as they faced a Needham Market side that they beat a couple weeks ago. Semi-finals are all about momentum - and Woodbridge learnt how harsh cup football can really be.

It was the Marketmen who started the game brightly, getting on the ball and looking to take the early advantage. Needham’s 7 went on a nice drive through the middle of the pitch, but the shot was easily claimed by Plumb in net. On 14 minutes, Cameron Welton was caught in a challenge and was unfortunately withdrawn with an injury - a blow for the Peckers to see a dangerous player unable to continue. Needham Market kept the pressure on in the first 20 minutes, and after a brilliant fingertip save from Plumb, they did have the ball in the net moments later - but the flag went up on the far side.

Having dealt with the early pressure, Woodbridge reacted well and started to grow into the game. A couple of half chances came to nothing, but following a brilliant give and go, Alfie Hunt found himself through on goal and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Peckers the lead. Hunt’s second goal against Needham this season, and Woodbridge were ahead in the semi-final.

It wasn’t long before the Peckers extended their advantage as a late challenge from Needham conceded a free kick on the edge of their own area. Gotts clipped the ball in brilliantly for Joe Dodman to flick the ball into the far corner, and Woodbridge were two to the good. Just when the half couldn’t get any better, a deflected cross from Alexander found Joshue Fleitas Branson, who found the bottom corner with a first time finish - half time at Friends Meadow, and Woodbridge were 3-0 in front.

The Woodpeckers picked up where they left off in the first 45, as they looked to kill the game off and seal their place in the final. A half chance for Alexander was saved by the keeper, before Hunt had an effort go wide. The Peckers cycled through changes, but as entered the final 30 minutes, Needham pulled one back after Woodbridge failed to clear their lines. This gave the Marketmen belief, and the young Peckers needed to react to conceding.

Woodbridge did well to weather the storm, absorbing pressure very similar to the first 20 minutes, and slowing the game down whenever possible. Needham would find their second goal with a quarter of an hour to play, as the forward latched onto a through ball and fired home for 3-2. Another good move from Needham Market, and Woodbridge were under pressure now to see this game through. 10 minutes to play, one goal in it.

Needham levelled on 82 minutes, as a cutback across the box was turned home from six yards. A hard one to take for Woodbridge, and it got even worse 2 minutes later as the Marketmen completed the comeback, finding space down the right hand side and striking into the bottom corner. From 3-0 Woodbridge at half time, to 3-4 Needham. 

A bitter pill to swallow for the young Peckers, who were brilliant in the first 45 minutes - the game just ran away from them in the second half. It’s a young and talented side, who have done brilliantly to get to the last four of this competition - I’m sure they’ll come back stronger from this defeat. Congratulations to Needham Market, and best of luck in the final as they take on Coplestonians Reserves.

Thank you to everyone who came to support the U23s last night, it truly is appreciated. There’s still plenty to play for this season, so make sure to get behind the lads for what is left of the season. And, with the Ladies in the League Cup Final and the U18s in the Midweek Cup Semi-finals, trophies are still on the cards for Woodbridge Town. Thank you for your support, and UP THE PECKERS!

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