FINCHAMPSTEAD slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Hellenic League Division One East title-chasers Woodley United last Tuesday.

The opening stages were cagey, United were having more of the ball, but it was the visitors who had the game’s first chance – a long-range effort easily dealt with by Alex Reed in the home goal.

Fifteen minutes in saw the hosts string together several half-chances. Captain Jake Nicholls missed to the right while Danny Horscroft tested Finchampstead keeper Neil Griffith.

Midway through the half saw a fantastic effort from Horscroft; allowing the ball to bounce his shot from 25 yards just went over and more pressure from Woodley followed. A Horscroft free-kick on the right was headed goalwards forcing Griffith to save before the visitors hacked clear.

At the other end a good left-wing cross by Chace Jewell picked out Chris Dean in the box; swivelling on the ball the Finchampstead player put a difficult chance wide.

Three minutes before the break saw United presented with a golden chance to take the lead when Greg Beckett was brought down in the box.

Beckett stepped up to take the penalty but saw his shot tipped on to the post by Griffith.

The first chance of the second half saw Horscroft pick out Abdul Kamara. However the Woodley midfielder could not get much on his header and it went wide.

Five minutes after his introduction from the bench, Josh Drew grabbed the game’s only goal when Woodley were awarded another spot-kick after the away side were harshly penalised for hand ball. This time Drew beat Griffith with a low shot into the left corner.

Finchampstead struggled to mount a response. A David Stevens corner did cause problems, but Woodley managed the clear their lines.

With the game in its final stages, Wilson prodded wide a right-wing cross wide while Griffith pulled off a superb save, back peddling to tip over a Horscroft effort after it nicked off a defender. The resultant corner was half cleared to Drew who narrowly missed to the right from 20 yards.

The final opportunity fell to Finchampstead when Reed saved a well-struck effort, and Woodley held on for the points.

Finchampstead conclude their season at home to rock bottom Wantage Town Reserves on Saturday (3pm).