Sunday 3rd
May 2009
Woodley (A)
ECSFL
League Match 20
Referee
Mark Brockbank
After last week's disppointing cup exit the Fire were looking to end the league season on a high after winning 6 and drawing 1 of their last seven matches. It was Woodley though that started brighter and they squandered a great chance to score when their forward headed over the bar from inches out when it looked easier to score. The Fire, playing into a strong wind were limited to breakaway attacks and Dan Moss was unlucky not to score when the Woodley keeper saved with his legs. With Woodley well on top it was no surprise that the breakthough came. Some good build up play saw a Woodley midfielder break through the Fire defence and Robert Green was adjudged to have brought him down as he muscled the player away from goal. The resultant penalty was dispatched to give Woodley the lead and it stayed that way despite a brilliant run from Dan Moss late on when after beating several players his tame shot was blocked, once again by the keeper's legs.
Half Time 0-1

The second half saw the Fire failing to exert the pressure Woodley did with the wind in their favour and it looked more likely that Woodley would extend their advantage. With the game drifting towards a 1-0 home win the Fire got a fortuitous equaliser when a long range Dan Moss freekick slipped through the keeper's legs and into the net. Minutes later the Fire were indebted to their keeper, Gareth Hughes, for producing a stunning save from a well struck shot from just inside the box. The save was to prove crucial as within a couple of minutes the Fire went in front, Lee Knott scoring from close range after dribbling round the keeper after being played in by strike partner Shaun Lloyd Griffiths. Brian Mullen, on as a sub, then had a great chance to make the game safe when a flick on by Shaun fund him with just the keeper to beat and an age in which to pick his spot. However after composing himself Brian flashed the shot accross the keeper and wide of the post.
Woodley, buoyed by the miss threw everything at the Fire with the Fire desperately putting bodies in front of the ball to keep their opponents out. With the clock ticking down Woodley looked certain to score with a rocket of a shot that beat Gareth Hughes but Matt Birkinshaw managed to head the ball over the top to preserve the Fire lead and secure the side's first ever competitive win over Woodley.
Full Time 2-1

Ratings:Gareth Hughes 8, Huw Lloyd-Griffiths 6, Josh Jennings 6, Robert Green 7, Simon Hallows 7, Dan Moss 7, Matt Jones 6.5, Matt Birkinshaw 7, Lee Knott 7.5, Shaun Lloyd-Griffiths 7.5, Paul Watkins 6

Subs: Andy Cullum 8, Brian Mullen 7, Roberto Alili 7
MoM: ?
 Goalscorers: Dan Moss, Lee Knott