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Once again Woking & Weybridge exhibited the incredible resolve and determination within this group of players to come back from 0-2 down at half time to grab an excellent point against high flying AFC Woking.
The visitors took the lead within 5 minutes. It was not a moment stand-in keeper Luke Belcher will want to reminisce as he was beaten by their centre back with a shot that came from within AFC's half. No doubting the quality of the shot, but really goals like this shouldn't occur.
AFC were controlling proceedings and had a couple of good chances to extend their lead, missing one guild edged chance in particular.
At the other end WWFC were posing a threat on the break and also set pieces. Craig Baker was denied by a good save, while Rich Crosby failed to turn home a cut back after Lorenzo Favata's free kick caused mayhem in the AFC area.
It was the away side who gave themselves a deserved cushion on the half hour mark. This time Belcher had absolutely no chance as their striker scored with an impressive strike from 20 yards that flew into the top corner. He was afforded far too much space, but nonetheless, sometimes you have to say 'take a booooow son'.
The Whites made it to half-time two goals adrift, but there was no need to panic. It was clear AFC had a weakness defending set pieces and Baker's pace was making mischief with theyre backline.
Obviously they needed to keep it tight so the game wasn't killed off by a 3rd AFC goal and the WWFC defence, who were not really at fault in the first half, resisted effectively. On the hour mark WWFC's patience was rewarded as Baker's excellent solo goal restored some hope and belief. He turned his marker inside out before coolly curling past the keeper. A splendid goal and a goal Baker's magnificent display fully warranted. He may not have played a better game for the club, even though he only scored a relatively paltry one goal compared to his numerous hat-tricks.
AFC who had seemed so controlled were now a little rattled and WWFC began to go for the jugular. With 15 minutes remaining the Whites decided to use a more expansive formation and the visitors were being forced back into their half.
WWFC then won a corner and substitute Giles Smith's delivery found a majestic leap from John Guest and he thumped a header into the roof of the net at the back post. Guest had been monumental at the back and thoroughly deserved his goal to cap a man of the match display.
In the remaining minutes WWFC continued to threaten, especially from set pieces as AFC struggled to deal with it time and time again. In the end perhaps both teams were relieved to hear the final whistle - WWFC happy with a point and AFC, although unhappy at losing a 2 goal lead, maybe realising they could have ended up with nothing had the game continued much longer.
This was a great team performance, especially in the second half. The effort and desire showed by everyone was simply fantastic. Defensively we were superb with Guest and Dan Crosby excelling in particular. Belcher grew in confidence and by the end looked assured in goal, making one particularly good save in the process.
Bearing in mind that we only had 13 men today (bad for us) and were missing a number of players (including Rich who was operating at about 25%, and not to mention covered in black), this can only be seen as an extremely positive result. Bring on Milford next week.
Note: I can't remember who set up Craig's goal. Please let me know and I will edit.
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