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Just 5 weeks after losing agonisingly to Ruddington in the Semi Final of the League cup in the last minute. We visited them in the league, sitting just one point behind them. In the Semi Final Woodlands were guilty of missing some very good chances early on, but that was to change this time around. On 6 minutes Mel played a beautiful 40 yard pass over to the left wing, Hollie took it in her stride and after holding off a desperate defensive challenge fired Woodlands into the lead. Woodlands welcoming Sophie back in goal after her trip to South Africa played some good Football early on and Mell should have scored when one on one with the Ruddington keeper.
Ruddington haven't been top of the league for most of the season for nothing and gradually got on top, great defending by Chloe P saw her clear the ball from the 6 yard box, but she fell awkwardly and was substituted. Sophie's handling and decision making in goal was excellent, both Nia & Betty were absolutely magnificent all afternoon clearing up the danger when Ruddington came forward.
At half time Woodlands were warned that Ruddington would open up more, and so it proved a near post cross just being steered past Sophie in goal on 56 minutes to bring Ruddington level.
Jess was injured after 60 minutes and Chloe P had to return despite not being properly fit, but it proved to be a defining moment in the match. Mel, who worked her socks off all afternoon upfront ran through the Ruddington defence on 75 minutes and her long shot struck the post. But she earned a free kick 2 minutes later when she was fouled on the edge of the box. Chloe fired her shot over the wall and into the roof of the net on 77 minutes.
Woodlands now playing with Chloe P & Hayley injured continued to thwart Ruddington's attacks and Gina for Ruddington was unlucky when her effort struck the bar with 5 minutes to go. But this time Ruddington didn't find the last minute goal that would have been hard on Woodlands and Woodlands at last took the three points they thoroughly deserved.
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