Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood left it late before finally overcoming their Essex rivals after a closely fought affair in spring-like conditions at Chestnut Avenue.
Woods were unchanged from the midweek win over Enfield Town, and hopes were high that the unbeaten run could be extended against a Maldon side, managed by former Spurs and Millwall man Stuart Nethercott, which had been on a poor run of late.
However, Woods struggled to make an impact in a scrappy opening to the game and it was the visitors who enjoyed the better of the chances. Jerome Ingram and Danny Johnson had chances to open the scoring for Maldon but their efforts failed to trouble Mitch Swain in the home goal.
Swain was later called into action, when he saved well from Johnson before dealing with a long range shot from Ingram.
Woods’ poor first-half display continued to frustrate the home supporters but they finally tested Maldon ‘keeper David McCartney as Anthony Page found space to fire in a low drive.
There was little else to mention in a forgettable opening half, and Northwood looked forward to an improved performance after the break as Manager Dave Anderson rang the changes, Ryan Tackley replacing Lee Holland in defence, whilst debutant Gary Burrell was introduced for Hugo Figueiredo on the left flank.
Northwood gradually began to carry a greater threat, and Kyle Matthews ran into the box but his ball eluded the waiting Solomon Henry and Burrell.
Matthews was involved again as he sent in a low shot, which was comfortably gathered by McCartney
Maldon served Woods a reminder of their threat, but Swain displayed good handling to deal with Andrew Edmonds cross-shot.
The visitors were indebted to McCartney as he produced a finger-tip save to divert Page’s goal-bound header following a Mark Burgess ball into the box.
Danny Brown replaced Matthews on 67 minutes with defender Michael Peacock being pushed into attack, as Woods looked to break the stalemate.
Brown was immediately involved as he played in Henry, whose shot was parried by McCartney.
At the other end, the lively Reddaway turned the Northwood defence but dragged his shot wide of the far post.
However, the elusive goal finally arrived three minutes from time when Henry latched onto Peacock’s flick-on to break clear of the Maldon defence, before calmly stroking the ball beyond McCartney for his first Northwood goal.
And the icing was put on the cake for Woods when Henry completed his brace in the second minute of stoppage-time, as he provided the finishing touch to Burrell’s run and cross to keep Northwood’s impressive run to the play-offs firmly on track.
Photos: James Brown |
