WOODLEY UNITED experienced defeat in their first match of 2022 after four weeks out of action.
Woodley started sprightly and took the lead in the ninth minute when Rafa Brandao lobbed visiting keeper Shane Farrer to score his first goal for the club.
However, rather than use this start as a springboard to continue the three match unbeaten run Woodley allowed itself to be bogged down on a heavy pitch and found it difficult to move the ball freely, whereas the visitors were more direct in their play.
Ashley East was called upon to make a good save in the 11th minute but Langley were level on the quarter hour mark through Antonio Denis and then proceeded to enjoy the better of the first half.
East was called upon to tip a free kick over the cross bar while the lively Dimitris Savva went on a mazy run before seeing his shot cleared for a visitor’s corner. Samuel Essien was allowed an unchallenged corner while East was again required to make a save in the thirty fourth minute.
With the game approaching half time, a Woodley ball played forward to Ciaran Carolan deep in the visitors half saw the United slip allowing Langley to gain possession and hit the hosts on counter attack which saw Flavio Gyawu-Kyem beat East one on one in the second minute of stoppage time.
As with the first half United started positively and levelled in the 54th minute when Farrer parried Carolan’s shot for Caleb Lucas to react first and level from close range.
Woodley continued to enjoy good possession and put pressure on the away goal. Stuart Birkett agonisingly failed to head the ball at the far post following a free kick.
It was from a Woodley free kick that Langley retook the lead.
Having defended the kick in their penalty area and then Woodley’s resulting second ball into the area, Langley broke on the counter attack and a cross from their left hand side allowed Kushon Lewis-Thomas to score unmarked at the far post in the sixty sixth minute.
Max Reid was introduced in the 77th minute and immediately forced Farrer to save for a corner with Farrer doing likewise to deny Carolan following a good run by the Woodley forward.
East was required to deny Savva with eighteen minutes remaining as the game opened up.
A Reid challenge in the 78th minute saw a penalty awarded and converted by Rodgers Omondi. With players tiring on the pitch that was becoming increasingly heavy and slippery United found it difficult to gain momentum with Langley seeing out remaining time to take the match points.
Woodley United: East, Gough, Carmichael, Monteiro (Reid), G Smith, Birkett, Lucas (R Smith), Likita, Carolan, Anderson, Brandao (Swell) Sub not used: Hudell
Goals: Rafa Brandao, Caleb Lucas
