Woodford United Take Early Lead but Fall to Play‑Off‑Chasing Vics
Malmesbury Victoria FC secured their Hellenic League 1 play-off position on Saturday with two games remaining.
It was the culmination of a busy week which started on Easter Monday away against Cheltenham Saracens FC. Trailing 1-0, player/manager Mani Roper rescued a point with a sensational free kick which flew over the wall and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
On Thursday the Vics hosted Brimscombe and Thrupp FC, who like the Saracens, had their own promotion aspirations. Goals from George Evatt, Josh Hughes from a penalty and Ashley Taylor, without any reply, captured all 3 points.
Two days later it was the turn of Woodford United FC to visit the Flying Monk ground. Despite sitting just outside of the relegation places, it was Woodford who unexpectedly took the lead on 21 minutes.
Spurred into action, the Vics soon equalised when Evan Bexon-Shaw played a delightful through ball to his brother, Lewis who skilfully netted past the advancing keeper.
Minutes later the Vics were awarded a free kick just outside of the box. Dead-ball specialist Mani Roper stepped up and bent the ball over the helpless defenders into the back of the net.
Before half-time a long pass towards Lewis Bexon-Shaw was intercepted by a Woodford United player. He headed past his goalkeeper who had come out to narrow the angle. They both raced after the ball but couldn’t prevent it rolling into the empty goal.
The Vics dominated the second period and rounded off a comprehensive win with a goal in the 90th minute. Mani Roper’s corner was met by the head of Ashley Taylor, winner of the Vics’ Man of the Match award, who easily outjumped his marker to power the ball home.
Malmesbury Victoria FC 4-1 Woodford United FC