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After last weeks tight victory over Bingham, the visit of top of the table Ruddington was always going to be a tough affair. Woodlands always seem to play better football against better teams and we have had some excellent battles against Ruddington (Clifton All Whites) in the past as Woodlands & Long Eaton Utd.
Ruddington couldn't have got off to a better start. Woodlands giving away a corner in the first minute, were made to pay as the Ruddington attacker scored from point blank range with a towering header.
Pleasingly Woodlands regrouped really well and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. A good move on the right saw Shannon lay the ball inside for Jess who's first time strike beat the keeper but bent agonisingly just wide of the post.
Woodlands drew level after 25 minutes Nicci feeding Shannon and from 20 yards out her low shot found the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Some of the football from both sides was excellent and both teams continued to push forward. The Woodlands defence was well marshalled by Chloe. Ruddington re-took the lead after 35 minutes, when the right winger was played through, it looked suspiciously like off side but the flag stayed down and from her neat cross Faye tucked the ball away to give the league leaders a slender lead going into half time.
Woodlands came out in the second half and for fully thirty minutes played some of their best Football of the season. Claire & Amy giving Woodlands the width to push Ruddington back. Woodlands had a number of corners & a real shout for a penalty for handball, but were unable to create the opening that their pressure deserved. Gina in the centre of the Ruddington defence was particularly impressive with Betty and Frankie excellent all afternoon for Woodlands.
Woodlands were caught on the break after 76 minutes, again the break came down the Ruddington right and after a superb cross Sophie Dyson was left with no chance as the Ruddington striker scored from close range.
Ruddington scored a 4th in the final minute Faye's vicious long shot was cruel on Woodlands who had played their part in an excellent game of Football
Player of the match: Betty Hull
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