After 2 defeats in the opening 2 league games, Sawbridgeworth Reserves were at home
for the first time and with the squad now taking shape were looking for there first win.

The team still had a youthful look to it with 4 x U18s starting and playing the entire game.

Sawbridgeworth started brightly and had the better of the opening exchanges. On 20 mins
Moyo Ajibade collected the ball just inside the Woodford half, he pushed forward as the Woodford defenders dropped back and was allowed a clear run to the edge of the box, where he was given the space to shoot low in the the bottom right corner to give Sawbridgeworth a 1-0 lead.

Sawbridgeworth were under increased pressure for the rest of the half but held firm until half time, defending their slender 1-0 lead.

The start of the second half continued in the same way with Woodford pushing hard for the equaliser. Woodford were rewarded on 55 mins when the No. 10 was given too much room and slipped between 2 Sawbridgeworth defenders to fire home from just inside the box.

Sawbridgeworth then brought on Brandon Pembele from the bench and his tireless hard work in midfield changed the game. He won the ball in the Woodford half and played a well weighted ball to Said Ahmed who had drifted in from the right wing, he ghosted past the Woodford centrepiece half, drew the keeper and then rolled the ball into the corner of the net to give Sawbridgeworth a well deserved 2-1 lead.

Woodford had the chance to pull back level on 65 mins as again their No 10 cut inside the box but his shot was well saved by James Askew.

Sawbridgeworth sealed the win when Alex Hithersay received the ball just inside the box and had just enough space to turn and fire how to give Sawbridgeworth a 3-1 lead.

A great first league win for the team, with the youthful squad now starting to take shape and gelling together, things look bright for the season.

Report Andrew Askew