Brownlow’s late goals earns visitors shield success

WOODCOTE Development performed a “smash and grab” raid at Compton on Saturday in the round-robin section of the North Berks Charity Shield.

Compton dominated for large sections of the match and looked certain winners at 2-1 with less than
15 minutes to play. From the start Compton attacked strongly, but on 20 minutes in almost their first attack Woodcote forced a corner and Zak Fanstone’s perfect kick saw Tommy Brownlow rise above everyone to head a powerful header into the Compton net.

Two minutes later, Woodcote had the ball in the net again with Fraser Sharples providing the cross for Kartel Barlow to supply the finishing touch but the goal was ruled out for offside.

With Compton dominant, it was no surprise when a couple of minutes before half-time they scored an equaliser. Early in the second half, only a good save from Olly Pereira, one of a number he made during the match, robbed Compton of the lead, but the respite was short-lived. On 50 minutes a Compton forward beat the onrushing Pereira to the ball to score in an empty net.

With 15 minutes to play, Woodcote looked down and out but suddenly found a burst of extra energy with Fanstone bringing two good saves from the substitute home keeper.

This proved to be a prelude to a grandstand finish. On 75 minutes Fraser Sharples cut in from the right and his cross was deflected by a defender into the path of Tommy Brownlow who scored with a volley.

Now, for the first time, Woodcote sensed victory and with five minutes to play, Brownlow, who had dispensed with his defensive duties, was in the right place at the right time again to hook home a loose ball to complete his hat-trick and secure the victory.