Saturday 12th April, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 2-1 Woodford Town | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 125
By Harry Biggs
Derby Day Delight for The Stags!
A massive Derby Day victory for Buckhurst Hill in the Roding Valley Derby, as The Stags overcame rivals Woodford Town for the first time in a league fixture – and what a game to do it, in our penultimate fixture of the season!
With manager Mark Williams unavailable, Ted Buchanan took charge from the dugout. Four changes were made to the side that drew 1–1 with Ilford the previous week. Skipper Ollie Williams returned to the starting XI, linking up with Hammond and Foster in midfield. Jack Ferris started on the wing in place of Levi Burgin, who dropped to the bench alongside Fenton Kehinde. Marquez Cadette came in at the back, while Anthony Page returned in goal after missing the Ilford game.
First Half
The game kicked off at a rapid pace, with Woodford nearly opening the scoring inside 20 seconds. A dangerous cross from David Gokou found Miles Mitchell-Nelson in the box, but his effort flew over the bar.
Woodford threatened again in the 12th minute, as Normand Kebi fired a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but Anthony Page pulled off a superb diving save to tip the ball behind for a corner.
Then came the breakthrough. After Alfie Harris was fouled just outside the area, Archie Hammond stepped up. True to form, he rifled the free-kick into the back of the net with style — 1–0 to The Stags after 27 minutes!
Buckhurst Hill came close to doubling the lead moments later. Jack Ferris surged down the wing and delivered a threatening cross, only for the Woodford keeper to tip it away just before Robertson could pounce.
Woodford responded with a chance of their own. A corner from Banfield found Kirwan-Meade at the back post, but his header struck the outside of the post. The Stags rode their luck again.
Just before the break, tempers flared as Nathan Sollosi — a former Buckhurst Hill man — was booked for a late challenge on Hammond. The visitors’ captain went into the book as the first half ended with The Stags on top.
Second Half
Woodford made a change seven minutes into the second half, with Martins replaced by Harbrow. The substitute was straight into the action, going down in the box under pressure — but the referee waved away the penalty claims.
At the other end, Jack Ferris tested the Woodford keeper with a powerful strike. Shortly after, Buckhurst Hill made their first change as Tyreece Robertson made way for Levi Burgin, while Woodford made a triple substitution to chase the game.
But it was The Stags who struck again — and what a moment! A corner from Hammond was flicked to the edge of the box, where Jack Ferris unleashed a stunning volley into the top corner. 2–0! The winger had told our media team at half-time he’d score — and he delivered in style!
It could’ve been 3–0 soon after, as a Woodford defensive error left keeper Manyy Agboola stranded. The ball fell kindly to Hammond, but his effort drifted just wide of the post.
With 12 minutes to go, Archie Hammond was booked for a foul on Harbrow, and Buchanan reacted by bringing on fresh legs — Georgiou and Kehinde replaced the two goalscorers to see the game out.
But the drama wasn’t done. With four minutes left, Woodford pulled one back. A deep cross from Dion Johnson was met by Josh Banfield, who slotted home to make it 2–1. Moments later, Khris Oti was replaced by Chama Torsiello as The Stags looked to protect the lead.
There was one final scare in stoppage time. A free-kick on the edge of the box for Woodford had hearts in mouths. Marquez Cadette was booked in the lead-up, and Banfield stood over it, knowing he had to score. He struck it well… but it deflected over the bar!
Full-Time: Buckhurst Hill 2–1 Woodford Town
A historic day at Myrak Park as Buckhurst Hill claimed their first ever league win over their local rivals in the Roding Valley Derby. A passionate and determined performance, and a result that means far more than just three points.
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Cadette 🟨, Carolan, Foster, Harris, Knight, Hammond ⚽🟨, Williams ©️, Oti, Ferris ⚽, Robertson
SUBS :
Padington, Kehinde (83’ – Hammond), Georgiou (83’ – Ferris), Burgin (66’ – Robertson), Torsiello (90’ – Oti)
REMAINING LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON:
Saturday 19th April – Frenford (H) – KO 3PM
Saturday 26th April – Romford (A) – KO 3PM
