BATTLING DRAW ON OPENING DAY

<p>Terling Villa came away with a point from their opening game of the 2013/14 season after a battling draw with last seasons league and cup winners, Valley Green in warm conditions at Fairstead Road.

<p>Terling started the game the stronger having the lions share of posession and winning the majority of 50/50 balls in the middle of the park. &nbsp;The game was mainly played in the central areas and after a strong couple of minutes of attacking play, their early pressure eventually told when striker Tristan Woolfenden was fed the ball around 30 yards from goal, and after a slightly fortuitous ricochet the ball fell kindly for him to slot past the on rushing goalkeeper into the right hand side of the goal to gift an early 1-0 lead.

<p>Terling continued to dominate and almost doubled their lead when Woolfenden managed to elevate like a salmon at the back post to nod a Scott Collins corner over the crossbar, when in reality he really should have done better.

<p>Valley Green did have the ball in the net through striker Hughes on 35 mins, however the offside flag rightly dampended any celebrations and the scoreline remained 1-0.

<p>Manager Woolfenden asked for more of the same battle in the second half, and after the introduction of fresh legs in Cridland and Alliston, Terling had to withstand a good spell of pressure from the opposition, however the rock solid centre back partnership of "pocket" Douglas and Colley stood firm.

<p>Alliston was looking sharp and on 65 minutes he took it round 2 if not 3 defenders before unleashing a rasping left footed effort destined for the top corner, only to see the post deny him a fine solo goal. &nbsp;He had the ball in the net 3 minutes later, going clean through on goal, rounding the goalkeeper, and slotting it home, before being flagged for offside, a decision that replays showed to be the wrong one.

<p>Unfortunately on 79 mins, Terling were harshly punished for not managing to extend their lead when left winger Charlie Bell scored a fine individual goal, cutting in from the left hand side before curling the ball into the top right hand corner.

<p>This did not take the wind from Villas sails however and they had further chances to win the game before the final whistle.

<p>A pleasing opening day display that gives much hope for the season ahead, Villa fans left Fairstead Road disappointed at a lack of 3 points, however with a sense of optimism going into Sundays game with rivals Witham Galacticos.

<p>Manager Woolfenden has this to say "it feels like a defeat to have victory snatched from us so late on, but all in all I have to be delighted with the way in which we played today. &nbsp;I thought out entire back four were solid for 90 mins, and but for a fine solo goal we would have had ourselves a clean sheet today." &nbsp;He added "I thought Sam Colley and Scott Collins were in superb form today. &nbsp;Arguably joint man of the match for us, but the most pleasing aspect of the game was the performance of our subs when they cam on. &nbsp;At the end of the day there are 11 shirts up for grabs and I thought our substitutes did really well and staked a claim for a starting place next Sunday. &nbsp;Ive got a real selection headache on my hands".

<p>When asked about an incident that took place after the game involving winger Thomas Creane and a hammer, Woolfenden declined to comment, but midfield maestro Chris Collins shed further light on the event "there I am pulling my tape off and scoffing a bag of wine gums, and before I know it this hammer has come flying across the room from Creano and missed my head by about half an inch! &nbsp;Jesus knows how it missed my head, I mean it is pretty big....a bit like my waist!!"

<p>Keeper Gavin Woolfenden, never shy of a word or two, summarised the game as follows "we were pretty good I have to say. &nbsp;I had no chance with the goal, I had all my angles covered but when a guy pops the ball in the top bins what am I meant to do! &nbsp;It wasnt like he was on the byline or anything and only had a gap the size of a postage stamp to aim for".

<p>Villa head to Witham Galacticos on Sunday 8th for an early season showdown that is sure to be another tight encounter.