MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division 

Northwood 1  Chesham United 1

 Report by Robin Piper

Northwood were indebted to a spectacular late Dean Clark strike as they secured a crucial point against fellow strugglers Chesham. In a game billed as a “must-win”, manager Colin Payne fielded an attacking line up. Peter Dean returned from suspension to link up with Alistair Heselton and Clark in a three-man attack.

After an early scare when Chesham’s Leon Callender rounded Woods’ keeper Liam Watson but was unable to convert, the hosts warmed to the task enjoying plenty of possession in the opening fifteen minutes.

But for all their territorial advantage, Northwood were struggling to create any real chances. However, Chesham had a let-off when ‘keeper Paul McCarthy spilled a Dave Nolan cross under pressure from Dean but the Generals defence were able to clear the danger.

Woods’ first chance fell to Clark who saw his shot blocked after good work from Nolan, Heselton’s follow up rebounding off Clark and wide of the goal. The game continued to be finely balanced with chances at either end. The lively Callender once again creating space in the box but unable to find the target.

Chesham had further long range efforts from Anton Smith and Callender dealt comfortably with by Watson as the Generals enjoyed a bright finish to the half, Smith squandering a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring.

Northwood had to make a change on the stroke of half-time, Wayne Carter succumbing to a foot injury, Harry Howell replacing him in central midfield. Woods regained the initiative after the break, Dean’s cross almost finding Heselton while Clark and Luke Garrard both had efforts blocked.

However, Chesham took the lead against the run of play, Nathan Stamp converting a 56^th minute penalty after Callendar had made the most of a gentle nudge from Nolan.

Darren Grieves was added to the attack at the expense of Nolan as Woods looked for a reply, the Northwood substitute going close with a couple of headers, but not before Callender had squandered another chance, dragging his shot well wide of the far post after breaking clear of the Woods’ defence.

Frazer Toms was the last throw of the dice for Northwood as he replaced Gavin Hart on the left flank for the final fifteen minutes, but the action was at the other end as Howell performed a last ditch goal line clearance to deny Alfie Kamara. And it was Kamara who saw red three minutes from time after he received his second yellow card of the afternoon.

The dismissal of Kamara signalled a change of fortune for Northwood as Dean Clark latched onto a long clearance to drill an unstoppable 30-yard shot low into the bottom corner of the net to give Woods a deserved equaliser with two minutes left on the clock.

However, the hosts were fortunate to escape with a share of the spoils as the visitors created three golden chances in stoppage time. Callender had two bites at the cherry before substitute Darryl Wilson shot wide from a good position. But honours remained even allowing Woods to move within a point of Cheshunt at the foot of the table.