MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division 

Kings Lynn 3  Northwood 2 

Report by Robin Piper

Northwood suffered their third league defeat in four games as they succumbed to promotion chasing King’s Lynn.

Woods pushed the Linnets all the way with a late barrage, but they had nothing to show for their brave performance as they left Norfolk empty handed.

There was one change to the Northwood line up following the defeat at Bath, Frazer Toms replacing Gavin Hart on the left flank.

There was only team in it during the early stages as Woods had to defend a succession of attacks. Rob Bullivant, who enjoyed a fine game, pulled off a couple of point blank saves to deny Matt O’Halloran, whilst Cedric Anselin swept a shot over the bar following a low cross.

Northwood were struggling to make any impression as the one-way traffic continued. Dave Nolan had to clear off his own line before Bullivant produced a fine fingertip save to deflect Sam McMahon’s free kick to safety.

And Bullivant was the Woods’ hero minutes later, diving away to his right to save Matt Nolan’s 35^th minute penalty kick, the award of which left both sides bemused. However, Bullivant was then finally beaten, Grant Cooper finding the net after Northwood failed to clear their lines following the resultant corner.

But the large crowd was stunned as Northwood managed to restore parity three minutes before the break. Dean Clark’s corner was knocked back in by Wayne Carter, Tom’s shot rebounding off the bar to James Shipperley who gleefully headed home.

Northwood suffered the worst possible start to the second period as they were behind again inside the opening minute as Nolan converted O’Halloran’s far post cross.

Woods were still recovering their composure when they suffered a further setback three minutes later, Nolan applying a cool finish to a sweeping King’s Lynn move.

The Linnets continued to press forward and one was beginning to fear for the Northwood goal difference,  and Bullivant pulled off another smart save to deny O’Halloran, whilst Nolan dragged his shot wide when well placed.

Woods’ manager Colin Payne made a triple substitution on 65 minutes, Rob Courtnage, new signing Joe Devera – on loan from Barnet – and Gavin Hart, replacing Fergus Moore, Nolan and Toms respectively.

To their credit, Northwood battled away and began to ask questions of the home defence. And Woods gave themselves a lifeline when top scorer Clark hooked the ball home after a game of ping-pong in the King’s Lynn box to reduce the arrears in the 68^th minute.

Woods’ were buoyed by the goal and continued to press, Alistair Heselton’s speculative effort flying narrowly over.

At the other end, Bullivant kept Northwood in it with another superb save to deny Nolan a second of the afternoon.

However, one sensed it wasn’t going to be Woods’ day after the officials missed a blatant handball offence in the box by Anselin and turned down a strong shout for a penalty after a robust challenge on Clark from the same player.

After Bullivant had performed more heroics to deny McMahon, Northwood spent the closing minutes camped in the Kings Lynn half.

However, the ball wouldn’t fall kindly and despite a couple of scares, the hosts hung on to claim the points and leave Woods frustrated once again.