Pereira’s penalty save helps side progress

WOODCOTE DEVELOPMENT’S first win of the season saw them through to the second round of the Oxfordshire Intermediate Cup at the expense of CHARLTON UNITED from Division 1 of the Oxfordshire Senior League last Saturday.

In a drab first half Charlton looked the stronger side and they had chances to take the lead but were thwarted by good saves from Oliveira Pereira and a goal-line clearance from Alec Curtis.

Woodcote had only one clear-cut chance with Zak Fanstone creating a chance for himself but robbed of a goal by a good save.

The second half was a different story with a number of chances created and some good saves from the Charlton keeper. Woodcote thought they had taken the lead on the hour mark when a rebound off the crossbar was forced home, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The home side took the lead five minutes later when the Charlton defence failed to clear Fanstone’s free kick and Iestyn Proctor latched on to the loose ball to fire home.

Woodcote continued to dominate, but Charlton looked dangerous on the break and were awarded a penalty for a foul. Home keeper Pereira pulled off a good save, pushing the ball on the bar, with Charlton unable to force home the rebound.

This save, plus the introduction of substitutes Adam Harper and Chris Bark, proved decisive. Bark used all his experience and calm presence to good effect in midfield while Harper, with almost his first touch, scored a fine goal with an angled shot to make the score 2-0 and effectively end the visitors’ resistance.

GORING UNITED RESERVES and HENLEY TOWN DEVELOPMENT both made their exit from the competition after going down to heavy defeats — 11-0 at THAME UNTIED RESERVES, and 7-0 at home to CLANFIELD (85) RESERVES respectively.

HENLEY EXILES crashed out of the Berkshire Trophy Centre Intermediate Cup following a 7-1 defeat at READING CITY YOUTH. The visitors got off to a disastrous start as they conceded a penalty which was scored after just 10 seconds. Chasing the game and frantic to get back into it quickly, Henley conceded again.

As the half wore on Henley were working their way back into the contest as Sully Priestley pulled a goal back. The home side went on to score a further five unanswered goals to secure their place in the next round of the competition.