League Play-Off

Houghton Regis Park
Spectators: 35 (Terracing: 27, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) Houghton Regis City's Den Burley started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. Sammy Bailey recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 3rd minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. South Woodford United's Pierre Delaney played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Den Burley in the 11th minute of play. Pierre Delaney made a fantastic save in the 15th minute, when Liam Ridsdale sent off a good shot on target. Sammy Bailey sent away a hard shot on goal in the 23rd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. When Den Burley came up free with the goalie in the 26th minute, the Houghton Regis City fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Den Burley couldn't finish the play. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Marc Picker in the 30th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Chris Mansell saved Houghton Regis City from getting behind. After a defensive mix-up in Houghton Regis City's zone, Sammy Bailey stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Chris Mansell came out of the goal and Sammy Bailey tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. When Den Burley came up free with the goalie in the 35th minute, the Houghton Regis City fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Den Burley couldn't finish the play. Guy Nelson received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 39th minute. Pierre Delaney tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After 44 minutes, Guy Nelson mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Houghton Regis City and the South Woodford United players grew even worse after the yellow card. The score stood at 0-0 when the half time whistle went. Both sets of players seemed reasonably pleased with how the match was going.

Liam Ridsdale recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 51st minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Niall Radcliffe struck a weak shot in the 56th minute. Pierre Delaney didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Houghton Regis City. Marc Picker could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 58th minute of the match, but Chris Mansell made a huge save. Marc Picker who was well placed in front of the goal fired away a dangerous shot that in the 60thth minute tested the skills of Chris Mansell when he managed to save the team from getting behind. Mickey Hunter kicked well hit freekick during the 66th minute of the match. After a rather tough play, Houghton Regis City's Julian Beverley got a free kick in the 67th minute. After a rather tough play, Houghton Regis City's Niall Radcliffe got a free kick in the 71st minute. In the 75th minute, Liam Ridsdale ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Pierre Delaney was frozen by the shot and now it was 1-0. The supporters of Houghton Regis City booed when South Woodford United was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 80 match minutes in a wonderful position. Jake Marshall didn't get a good kick on the ball. After some fancy dribbling in the 81st minute, Liam Ridsdale managed to get in a good position for a shot. Houghton Regis City's supporters rose to their feet, but Liam Ridsdale was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Pierre Delaney breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Den Burley's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Pierre Delaney read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 84th minute of play. Jake Marshall kicked well hit freekick during the 87th minute of the match.