Match Report
by Robin Piper
Blue Square Premier opposition in the form of Stevenage Borough was the next challenge for Northwood in their busy pre-season programme.
The game had added significance as it was arranged as part of the deal which saw Elliott Buchanan leave Chestnut Avenue for Broadhall Way last season, so it was rather disappointing to see Buchanan confined to the substitutes bench for the duration of the evening.
Stevenage created a number of openings in the early stages. with Lee Boylan spurning a number of chances.
But Northwood were seeing their fair share of the ball, and they almost forced the opening goal as Richard Orlu had his shot charged down in a goalmouth melee.
The play continued to flow freely from end to end and Stevenage’s Laurie Wilson saw his low drive rattle an upright after a surging run from deep.
At the other end, John Christian’s long range effort was comfortably dealt with by keeper Michael Jordan.
The visitors produced a strong finish to the opening period, with Mitch Swain being tested by Craig Westcarr and Anthony Thomas, Westcarr also being denied by an offside flag.
But it was Woods who opened the scoring four minutes into the second half when Adrian Abramian converted the loose ball after Jordan could only parry Nick White’s close range effort following Sean Sonner’s fine run and cross.
Northwood made a triple substitution on 55 minutes with Bradley Hewitt, Andre Delisser and Sonner making way for Lee Holland, Michael Gordon and Terry Davies respectively.
Stevenage pushed for the equaliser and they were rewarded with a goal on 58 minutes as Westcarr’s deflected shot found its way past Swain.
The visitors made a number of substitutions, whilst Joe Cowen was introduced for Christian in the Northwood midfield.
Stevenage visibly upped the tempo and they took the lead on 71 minutes, although there was a touch of fortune as Jerome Anderson’s intended cross flew over Swain to nestle in the far corner.
Woods were being increasingly stretched by a revitalised Borough and Callum Willock was denied by Swain, whilst Boylan’s radar was off target once more as he headed wide.
Gary Edwards and Jack Bennett replaced Danny Murphy and Abramian as Northwood looked to get back in the game but they fell further behind as Wilson fired a low shot across Swain for Stevenage’s third goal on 79 minutes.
Danny Brown, Nick Pearce and Anthony Page were all given a run out for Woods with Plaskett, White and Dwain Williams making way, but there was no way back for Northwood, who had Swain to thank for restricting Stevenage as he produced a point blank save from Anderson.
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