Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood scored two second-half goals without reply to move safely into the fourth round of the Isthmian League Cup at the expense of their Ryman South opponents.
There were a couple of changes to the Woods team which beat Ware, Ryan Tackley returning for Gary Meakin and Hugo Figueiredo replacing Danny Brown.
Northwood looked a little rusty as they emerged from their enforced hibernation due to the inclement weather, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm in a fairly scrappy opening to the game.
However, the lively Michael Gordon gradually made his presence felt with a number of surging runs. The flying winger created an opportunity for Mark Burgess, whose shot was comfortably saved by ‘keeper Paul Smith, before another quick break from Gordon ended with his shot sailing over the crossbar.
At the other end, Northwood ‘keeper Mitch Swain had to be on his toes as he parried a shot from Steve Hemmings following an incisive move.
The game was steadily warming up and Gordon continued to ask questions of the visitors’ defence, running from deep in his own half before setting up Kyle Matthews, but ‘keeper Smith spread himself well to smother the shot.
More Gordon trickery in the box ended with Fleet desperately clearing the ball off the line.
The visitors stood firm and they finished the half strongly as Swain saved efforts from Mark Anderson and Nathan Smart whilst Paul Harkness was off-target with a long range shot.
Woods made a change at the break, young reserve team striker Courtney Francis making his senior debut as he joined Staforde Palmer in attack with Figueiredo standing down.
But Northwood had to do some defending, and Burgess made a last ditch clearance off the line after Anderson had lifted the ball over Swain following good work from Smart.
Fit-again Anthony Page was introduced to the Woods’ midfield just after the hour in place of Dwane Williams and the former played a delightful ball through to Francis, who was denied by a brave save from the quickly advancing Smith.
Northwood continued to press and the goal finally came on 73 minutes in somewhat fortuitous circumstances, Palmer’s shot being charged down before deflecting off Burgess and creeping inside the post.
However, there was no doubting the quality of Woods’ second goal on 82 minutes as Page gave Smith no chance with a sweetly struck effort from just outside the box after being set up by Palmer.
Confident Woods threatened more goals against their demoralised opponents, Francis trying his luck with an overhead kick which Smith gathered comfortably.
There were to be no additions to the score-line, although Fleet spurned the opportunity of a consolation goal in stoppage-time when James Field scooped his shot over from close-range, Northwood deservedly progressing to the next round.
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