MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

FA Cup Second Qualifying Round 

Northwood 0  Aylesbury United 0

 Report by Robin Piper

It was honours even at Chestnut Avenue as these two Southern League Premier rivals fought out an entertaining stalemate to take the tie back to Aylesbury’s Buckingham Road

But Northwood should have made the tie safe in stoppage time as Danny Grieves fired over from five yards, though that would have been harsh on an Aylesbury outfit who squandered a host of chances to book their place in the next round.

There was a number of changes to the Woods’ line up following last Saturday’s poor showing at Yate Town, Chris Gell returning from suspension to take his place in midfield, Wayne Carter replacing Nick Beasant in central defenc,e while there was a first start for new signing Frazer Toms on the left flank.

However, Northwood struggled to get into gear as the visitors made all the early running. Veteran Gary Crawshaw was denied by keeper Lee Carroll as he broke clear of a flat defence, before the Woods’ stopper was called into action again to palm away Dean Powles’ headed effort.

Woods were struggling to make an impact as Peter Dean ploughed a lonely furrow in the sole striker’s role, a rare chance falling to the Northwood number 10 as he chipped into keeper Jack Rashid’s arms after he was picked out by Toms.

Aylesbury continued to ask questions of the home defence, Crawshaw seeing his close range effort blocked as Greg Williams dragged the follow up across the face of goal, then Gavin Jaggard hooked a loose ball over the bar from a good position.

However, Northwood had a great chance to open the scoring against the run of play, Chris Gell arriving in the box to volley over after Dean had done well to retrieve Toms through-ball.

Manager Colin Payne needed a half time rethink, and Northwood resumed with Darren Grieves joining Dean in attack, Richard McDonagh making way, while new recruit Jamie Palmer replaced the injured Wayne Carter in defence as the hosts switched to a 3-5-2 formation.

Northwood’s new set-up quickly appeared to offer a greater threat, Chris Gell creating an opening for Dean whose weak header failed to test Rashid.

However, Aylesbury continued to create openings, Williams wasting a gilt edged chance to break the deadlock, while Crawshaw went close once again.

And Woods were forced to make a change in goal as Carroll’s groin problem meant he was replaced by substitute keeper Dean Lindsay with half an hour left on the clock.

This seemed to signal a sea change as Northwood began to get a grip on the game, Dean, Grieves, and Toms all going close, although Lindsay produced a superb finger-tip save after Jonathan Brewer’s shot took a wicked deflection.

Woods were getting stronger, with Aylesbury visibly flagging, and Grieves and Fergus Moore got in  close range headers, whilst Dean saw his shot roll the wrong side of the upright.

But the elusive goal could not be found as thoughts began to drift towards a possible replay. However, such musings appeared to be premature as the game moved into stoppage time, Dave Nolan sending over a teasing cross, Dean flicking on to the unmarked Grieves, who miscued with the goal at his mercy, to ensure parity – and a replay.