The new season got under way with a 4 - 2 win for the Pinewood U17 Predators in a well contested Div 3 match on a difficult pitch.

Woodley started the match on the front foot, looking the more settled side during an opening 20 minute spell that saw them race into a 2 goal lead. Both goals coming from uncertainty in the new look Predators defensive lineup that saw them concede first from a corner and then from a first time effort that looped over Logan in goal, who could do nothing about either strike.

Pinewood regrouped and remained calm, despite the early set back, and soon halved the deficit. When Max worked some space for a shot, the attempted block by the defender could only deflect the ball over the stranded Woodley keeper. A debut goal for the newly signed attacking midfielder and an assist for Mason on his return to the side.

Within 10 minutes, the scores were level. After a good spell of attacking pressure Max scored his second of the match. This time, rather fortunately, directly from a corner.

With the score level and half time approaching, the game opened up a bit. After some intricate passing out of defence to beat the energetic Woodley press, a delightful flick on from Harry W sent Kai in behind the Woodley back line, his shot beating the last defender and the keeper before agonisingly hitting the outside of the post.

After the break Pinewood took control and reduced Woodley to speculative efforts that were dealt with comfortably by Logan, who gathered everything with safe hands. The game became a bit scrappy as the half wore on but when ball was delivered into a dangerous area the clearance fell to Harry W who was on hand to hit it first time, on the volley, out of the keepers reach and into the back of the Woodley net. Pinewood finally had their noses in front.

Woodley continued to press for the equaliser and were very sharp with closing down Pinewood to win the ball back, giving them very little time to settle and pick a pass. Pinewood looked to be holding on to the delicate lead when another delivery from Mason, this time from a corner, allowed Alex to head the ball in at the near post. After that Pinewood focussed on defending for the last 15 minutes and not letting a spririted Woodley side get back into the game.

Player of the match was Oli who capped his debut with some outstanding defensive work as he and Leo look to build a solid partnership at the back. The whole team played well and whilst there will be some things to work on, it was a very creditable performance for the whole 90 minutes against a good team.