By Stephen Holcroft
A stirring Wentworth side reaped the plaudits yet Goodricke took the points as Ben Smith’s men fended off their opponents’ mini-revival to claim a 4-3 thriller.
First half goals from Jon Sharpe and Luke Innis both in quick succession had Goodricke on route. Sharpe smashed a stinging drive from the edge of the box which latecomer Dan Horsfold could only parry into his net. Then strike duo Smith and Sharpe interchanged well around the goal area and Innis was found left unmarked to double their lead. Goodricke were seemingly in cruise control.
Two soon became three as Sam Lewis played a long through-ball behind Wentworth centre-backs Matt Lakins and Alex Smith. Shanley controlled admirably but shot at onrushing Horsfold, and Wentworth were having to withstand the rough seas – Goodricke’s attacking line.
They refused to surrender though and on the half-time interval inspirational figure Dom Greene grabbed a goal to spark a threatened comeback. Matters were then brought level ten minutes into the restart when Luke Fleet converted a Greene head-on with Ed Foster’s goal gaping. Wentworth rallied and Goodricke appeared rattled.
Sam Lewis swung the pendulum back in Goodricke’s favour against the run of play via a Ben Smith cross but Wentworth pegged back once more through afternoon teaser, Greene on 80 minutes.
The saga wasn’t finished there though and as the clock ticked down to the remaining five, controversial circumstances saw Horsfold bundle a Smith corner although the goalkeeper claimed to be fouled momentarily. Protests were waved away and Goodricke had the 4-3 victory. Yet Wentworth’s no-pushover attitude shouldn’t be underestimated as Goodricke found, but the consistent attacking threat marginally favoured the victors.
Why on earth is it Ben Smith’s men?!