Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s long unbeaten run came to an end as league leaders Dartford twice came from behind to take the three points at Princes Park.
Bradley Hewitt passed a fitness test to return to the heart of defence with Jazz Rose missing through injury, whilst Adam Theo was serving the second of his two match ban. And there was a change in attack as Adrian Abramian came in for Elliott Buchanan, following his midweek departure to Stevenage Borough.
Having survived an early scare when Dartford’s John Guest was afforded a free-header from Ryan Hayes’ corner, Woods stunned the home crowd by taking a 7th minute lead as Abdul Yoki sent a spectacular 25-yard strike into the top corner of the net.
However, Northwood’s joy was short-lived as Jamie Coyle ghosted in at the far post to head home from Hayes’ cross to restore parity on 11 minutes.
Dartford proceeded to put Woods under intense pressure as they forced a succession of corners. But the Woods’ rearguard withstood the onslaught and they had a chance of their own as Jerome Hall’s shot was deflected into the arms of goalkeeper Tony Kessell.
Northwood continued to play their passing brand of football in contrast to the direct approach of their opponents.And Woods’ enterprise was rewarded as they regained the lead on 31 minutes, Abramian applying a clinical finish after Michael Gordon had worked the opening.
The Darts were immediately back on the offensive as they looked to restore the balance before the half-time break, Phil Williams having a shot cleared off the line before James Fisher deflected a shot against his own crossbar, Woods’ goalkeeper Mitch Swain recovering to avert the danger to keep the lead intact.
Manager Colin Payne made a half-time change to the Northwood line-up, with debutant Warren Coborne replacing Abramian in attack. Dartford began the second period in a determined manner and the game was transformed in their favour as Junior Kadi bagged two goals in four minutes.
The Dartford number 10 gave Swain no chance with an unstoppable strike from outside the box on 51 minutes.
However, the Northwood custodian would have been disappointed with the manner of Kadi’s second goal on 54 minutes. With Hewitt off the pitch after receiving treatment to a facial injury the Woods’ defence switched off, allowing Kadi’s intended free-kick into the box to find its way into the bottom corner to give Dartford the lead.
Dwane Williams replaced Dwain Williams on 59 minutes as Northwood bravely stuck to their task, the impressive John Christian shooting narrowly over from the edge of the box after good work from Yoki.
But Dartford continued to threaten the Woods goal, Jay May twice going close whilst Brendon Cass was denied by good defending from Hewitt.
At the other end , Yoki sent a free-kick into the arms of Kessell. Dartford finally put the game beyond Northwood with a fourth goal on 85 minutes when Cass drilled the ball home after Woods failed to clear their lines.
However, Northwood were denied a consolation in the closing minutes as Hall was upended in the box as he broke clear of the Dartford defence, the referee capping an inconsistent performance as he chose to ignore the justified appeals for a penalty.
Photos: James Brown |
