WOODLEY United remain unbeaten at Rivermoor this season following a 1-0 home victory against Sandhurst Town.

It means Woodley boast a 100 per cent record at the west Reading ground in Hellenic Division One East matches.

United were made to sweat for Saturday’s victory which did not come until the 85th minute when Josh Drew crashed home the winner for the second week running.

A frenetic opening saw both teams create chances, with Sandhurst keeper Matt Watson denying Charlie Oakley on a number of occasions.

However, Woodley keeper Alex Reed was also called into action several times as the visitors stood up to the hosts.

Watson also had to be at his best to deny Greg Beckett before making another smart save to thwart the lively Oakley on his return from a one-match ban.

In fact, Oakley forced two more excellent stops from Watson and then rattled the Sandhurst crossbar all in the opening half hour.

The visitors, meanwhile, were reduced to long-range efforts at the other end as Woodley’s defence was superbly marshalled by makeshift left-back Dan Greenwood who has played in every position across the back four this season.

Town started the second period on the front foot but they failed to turn their superior possession into a goal.

Woodley hit back and skipper Idris Kamara was a whisker away from scoring following a strong run from the half-way line.

The hosts gradually regained control and the introduction of winger Carl Prestige gave them fresh hope.

With Drew moving into the number 10 role, they also posed a greater threat up front, with Beckett twice going close and Prestige firing narrowly over.

Their patience was finally rewarded five minutes from time when Danny Horscroft linked up with Prestige, whose low cross was expertly turned in by Drew.

Even then there was late drama as Woodley were forced to see out more than seven minutes of injury time with 10 men after Joe Barley went off injured as they had already used all three substitutions.

But they held on for the three points which leaves them second in the table ahead of the Boxing Day visit of Didcot Town Reserves (3pm).

Sandhurst host Holyport at Bottom Meadow on Boxing Day (3pm).

Woodley: Reed, Morgan (Kang) Greenwood (Wilson), Nicholls, I Kamara, Barley, Drew, A Kamara (Prestidge), Oakley, Horscroft, Beckett. Subs not used: Thomas, Meredith.

  • WOODLEY United sealed their place in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup quarter finals with a 2-0 win against Beaconsfield at Rivermoor on Monday night thanks to first-half goals from Charlie Oakley and Liam Wilson. Woodley host Great Horwood on January 14 in the next round.