Points are shared after an end-to-end 90 minute battle, writes Darcie Panayiotou.
The Chairgirls’ first team secured a point with a 1-1 draw with Woodley in a thrilling end-to-end, with Emma Newberry’s goal levelling the game after Wycombe conceded an early opener from the visitors.
A tough start to the 90 minutes for the Blues, as Woodley came out strong with the leading goal within the opening 2 minutes of the game, however, the Chairgirls maintained their composure on the ball as they searched for the equaliser. A quick footed Katie Riddington offered the home side their first opportunity to get on level terms only minutes after conceding, as she beat Woodley’s defence in a run-on goal after regaining possession from a misplaced Woodley pass from the halfway line, however her shot was denied by the keeper.
The Wanderers second convincing chance at goal followed a long ball from keeper, Chelsea Coles, finding the attacking half, with Sophie Attfield taking the ball down the left wing before cutting it back to player of the match, Sarah Davern, who’s cross to Ashley Harte resulted in a powerful strike from the centre edge of the box, but found the keepers arms.
Following several chances to gain one back on the visitors, the Chairgirls finally found their equaliser in the 22nd minute following a thrilling counterattack. A brilliantly defended shot from a Woodley chance allowed Harte to carry the ball up the pitch before executing a stunning long pass to find Attfield down the left wing. Attfield maintained her composure on the ball as she spun round a Woodley player to play the ball to Riddington on the left of the box. Riddinton’s cross found Newberry free six yards out from goal, as her touch looped over the visitor’s keeper and netted in the left.
With the first half close to an end, Newberry looked keen to add another to her tally as her shot from the right of the box was sent just past the far post in the 41st minute, built up by play from an outstanding long ball from Honor Cantrell finding Riddington on the edge of the box who assisted Newberry’s strike.
With both sides on level terms going into the final 45 minutes, the second half proved all to play for with both teams eager to walk away with the three points. The opening 10 minutes of the half were end-to-end with the hosts and visitors looking to capitalise from counters and take the lead.
Wycombe also put on a strong defensive display throughout the 90, with their performance keeping the visitors at bay. As Woodley looked to take the lead from a corner in the 60th minute, Emma Kern’s clearance from off the line kept the scoreline equal and was closely followed by a perfectly executed sliding tackle from Harte inside the box to deny a Woodley attack on goal in the 65th minute.
Despite two later chances from Attfield and Davern, the points were shared at the full-time whistle following the intense bout.
Wycombe are back in League action on Sunday 21stJanuary 2024 away to Eastleigh as they look for their next win.
Can also be viewed on: https://www.wwfc.com/womens-team/ in the news section!
There is also a fixture update: The Chairgirls game on Sunday 28th January will be played at The 1878 Stadium as they take on Eastleigh in the League Cup (2pm Kick off). Entrance is £4 adults, FREE for U16s. Your Season Ticket is also included in this so do come down and support the team!
