Report

Woodstock Sports bounced back from their heavy defeat on Tuesday evening with a much improved performance at home to Rochester United. Player/manager Ben Taylor was his ever dominant self and inspiring his player after returning to the side after missing the Canterbury game through suspension.

Both teams started brightly but the final ball from both sides lacked accuracy and penetration.  7 minutes in right-back John Emmerson almost scored with what looked to be a pass to McDonald but hit the Rochester post. Later McDonald did find the net but the goal was ruled out as the referee saw a weak push on a Rochester defender. Rochester was posing threats also and keeper Jack Rankin did well to save a one-on-one from a Rochester counter attack.

On 43 minutes Woodstock was forced to make their first substitution when both Hockey and Jeffery went up for a header. Hockey landed an elbow into Jeffery’s forehead resulting in a trip to the hospital and 3 stiches. Ben Jones come on and filled in at centre-half.

A minute later Rochester Forward Anthony John hit Woodstock on the counter and scored just inside the box meaning Woodstock went in at half-time 0 -1 down.

The second half saw Woodstock take control of the game and on 57 minutes Sands was brought down in the Rochester penalty area. Unfortunately Sands re-acted to the lunged tackle by kicking the ball at the Rochester player resulting in a straight red card. Baverstock converted the penalty a minute later and Woodstock remained dominant with some good passing influenced by Captain Louis Valencia.

On 60 minutes McDonald went close hitting the post after some good link up play. On 83 minutes Hockey was substituted for Davidson and 3 minutes later Woodstock got the winning goal when some great play lead to McDonald making a run down the right and crossing the ball nicely for Baverstock to head into the Rochester goal.

Woodstock kept things tight for the remaining minutes and picked up the win.