HELLENIC LEAGUE

Trowbridge Town 2, Old Woodstock Town 0

BOOKER Woodford enhanced his reputation as one of the most promising strikers in the Hellenic League with a brace to sink Old Woodstock Town.

The Trowbridge target man has work tirelessly this season, while strike partners Matt Minnis and Dave Percival have grabbed all the headlines.

But at Woodmarsh on Saturday, Woodford finally stepped out of the shadows and into the limelight with a clinical display of finishing.

The 21-year-old netted twice in the space of six minutes to underline his importance to the Bees' title challenge.

If the first was a simple tap-in, the second was a moment of individual brilliance as Woodford lobbed the ball over a defender's head before coolly picking his spot.

The double strike took his tally to nine goals in 13 starts this season and Woodford is determined to add to his record against title challengers Lydney tomorrow.

He said: "Things are going fantastically well for the team at the moment and I hope that continues.

"Every striker will tell you they love scoring goals and I'm no different. It's been a good start to the season for me.

"With Dave and Matt both scoring regularly it shows we have formed an effective forward line for Trowbridge."

Woodford's excellent first touch and upper body strength make him a formidable presence with his back to goal.

The University of Southampton undergraduate may not be the quickest across the ground, but his speed of thought more than compensates for this.

"I was not blessed with great pace so I had to learn to use my other attributes," he said "The way I hold the ball up seems to suit the team's style of play because the other players can make runs off me.

"It's great to be part of a winning team here at Trowbridge. Paul Shanley has brought in so many quality players that nobody can afford to drop their game.

"I've heard some of the training sessions have been really hard, which is why I'm glad I'm in Southampton most of the week."

Shanley was full of praise for his fiery front man after Woodford's two goals kept the Bees on top of the table for another week.

He said: "Booker has been tremendous for us this season. When he didn't play against Banbury Reserves we really struggled that day.

"He took his two goals very well on Saturday and his all-round play was excellent."

Woodford was almost beaten to the punch by the man he replaced on Saturday, when former Trowbridge striker Dean Barker returned to Woodmarsh.

Barker rattled the crossbar with a clever lob after 30 minutes as the visitors began the game on top.

Goalkeeper Eddie Quelch made an important save minutes before the break to keep sluggish Trowbridge on level terms.

The Bees came out buzzing after half-time and Woodford was soon in the thick of the action.

Substitute Lee Salter came on for his debut and immediately brought a save out of the Woodstock goalkeeper, with Woodford on hand to tuck away the rebound.

The same player scored again five minutes later with a delightful piece of trickery which left the visitors' defence dumbfounded.

Trowbridge will have defender Aaron Salter available for the visit of challengers Lydney tomorrow, which promises to be the match of the season at Woodmarsh so far.