Match Report
by Alan Evans
Northwood came from behind at Imber Court to record their second 2-1 pre-season victory in four days.
Both sides had scored narrow midweek wins over AFC Wimbledon, so a close game was anticipated, and there was also the added influence of the two clubs' impending FA Cup clash at Chestnut Avenue in just six weeks time.
But at this early stage of pre-season aperitif, it was merely a chance for both sides to get some match practice and improve fitness another notch.
With Sean Sonner absent, Colin Payne paired Terry Davies and Adrian Abramian up front for the first time, and it was Davies who had the first chance of the match after 12 minutes. Home goalkeeper Will Packham made a bit of a mess of an attempted clearance and was robbed by the Northwood striker. He took time to make room for a shot from outside the box but a defender had retreated and was able to clear.
There was 26 minutes on the clock when the home side recorded their first effort on goal as Steve Sargent raced through the defence but he shot over the bar.
Four minutes later a cross from Leon Johnson saw Craig Carley head over from a good position but generally, the Woods had managed to control the midfield in the first half, with Jack Bennett impressing on the left, while both Abdul Yoki and Dwane Williams saw plenty of the ball.
It was all-change at half-time as expected, and the Mets took full advantage of some indecision in defence when Sargent opened the scoring just five minutes into the second half.
The Woods hit back when a ball from Liam Sonner found on-trial striker Danny Buckle in space, but his shot across goal drifted wide of the far post.
At this stage, the Police were on top and looking like they might go on to win, but when one good strike came back off the crossbar, it offered the Woods a lifeline, which they took well.
After 84 minutes, Michael Gordon showed some sublime skills to dance his way past a succession of defenders as he cut in from the left and then levelled the scores with a shot from a tight angle which beat 'keeper Mo Maan at the near post.
Two minutes later, the move of the match involving Buckle, Jack Brown and Dwain Williams set up Danny Julienne to dance into the box and tuck the ball away with a left-footed finish.
There was no comeback from the Mets, who could have conceded further late on as Brown ran through but shot wide, and then Buckle's effort lacked the power to beat Maan.
Overall, Colin Payne can be pleased with this run-out, in which defender Richard Orlu looked solid for the 90 minute trial he got on the field and many others impressed. |
