Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood exited the Isthmian League Cup at the hands of Premier Division high flyers Staines Town despite a brave effort which saw them come from two goals behind to force extra-time.
There were chances at either end early on, Staines ‘keeper Louis Wells claiming Anthony Pages’ header before Woods’ stopper Mitch Swain clawed away Lewis Cook’s low shot.
However, Staines took control as they opened up a two-goal lead through Scott Taylor. Cook provided the cross for Taylor to head home on 19 minutes before the latter capitalised on a slip from Hewitt to slot the ball past Swain for the second goal in the 32nd minute.
Northwood gradually regained their composure and began to pose a threat, Kyle Matthews being inches away from converting Michael Gordon’s ball across the face of goal.
Gordon continued to ask questions of the Staines’ defence and he was instrumental in Woods pulling a goal back on 40 minutes as he broke quickly before setting up Figueiredo, who finished well with a low shot inside the far post.
Northwood began the second half in a lively fashion and they were rewarded with the equaliser on 58 minutes when Wells could only Parry Gordon’s fierce shot, and Matthews on hand to convert the rebound.
Play was flowing freely from end to end as both sides looked to finish the tie off before extra-time, Rob Ursell being crowded out as he shaped to shoot home after good work from Matthews whilst Swain claimed Cook’s cross-shot.
John Christian replaced Page in the Woods midfield, Danny Power replaced the injured Lee Holland and Danny Brown was introduced for Figueiredo as extra-time loomed.
There was frantic action at both ends in the closing minutes of normal time, Swain denying Andre Scarlett, whilst Ursell could have won it for Northwood after he was neatly set up by Matthews but was unable to get his shot in on goal.
Staines substitute Richard Butler spurned a couple of opportunities in the opening minutes of extra-time before Ursell and Matthews had shots blocked at the other end.
However, Staines regained the lead in the 14th minute of extra-time as Howard Newton’s shot swerved past Swain.
Four minutes later the tie was effectively over as Swain’s attempted punt up field rebounded off Staines’ Leroy Griffiths and into the net.
Ursell, Michael Peacock and Matthews all went close with shots from distance as Woods bravely soldiered on in the second period of extra-time..
However, the game ended on a sour note as the referee stuck rigidly to the letter of the law to send Bradley Hewitt off in the last seconds after he handled Newton’s goal-bound shot on the line, former Northwood favourite Dave Sargent stepping up to convert the penalty a minute into stoppage time.
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