Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood suffered a disappointing afternoon as they slipped to a solitary goal defeat at the hands of bottom of the table Witham.
The Essex outfit have had a torrid time this season with managerial changes and the afternoon marked the first game in charge for Danny Greaves, son of the legendary Jimmy.
There were a couple of changes to the Woods side which beat Tilbury the previous Saturday. Bradley Hewitt was replaced by Richard Orlu after suffering an ankle injury during training, whilst John Christian returned to the midfield at the expense of Dwane Williams.
The game began at a breathless pace with chances at both ends. Anthony Page saw a couple of headers claimed by home keeper Rhys Madden whilst Sean Sonner’s header from Danny Murphy’s corner deflected onto the upright and away to safety. At the other end, Witham’s Tommy Robinson went close.
And the lively start to the game continued as Witham secured the decisive goal as early as the 11th minute in somewhat fortunate circumstances, Darren Hawes’ free-kick from just outside the box ricocheting off the Northwood wall leaving goalkeeper Mitch Swain helpless to prevent the hosts taking the lead.
Woods had a chance to restore the balance as they were awarded a free-kick in a similar position, but Murphy’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
Witham were clearly growing in confidence and they threatened once again through Chris Glibbery but Swain was equal to his shot.
But Northwood were enjoying plenty of possession and they pushed the hosts onto the back foot for the remainder of the half.
Woods were awarded another free-kick on the edge of the box, Michael Gordon’s shot looping off the defensive wall but Page was unable to find the target as he headed the loose ball over the bar.
Orlu was the next to go close as he latched onto Murphy’s cross following a short corner but his header flashed wide of the far post.
And Northwood had another great opportunity in the final minute of the half, Gordon finding space in the box but his shot was blocked as was the follow-up from Christian.
Manager Colin Payne made a change at the break as Northwood switched to a 4-3-3 formation with Ryan Tackley making way for Dwane Williams, Murphy moving to left-back, Page moving to the left side of midfield and Gordon pushing on.
And the changes appeared to have the desired effect as Woods began the second half in a positive manner with Sonner twice going close, Madden saving his low shot before another effort flashed across the face of goal after a neat interchange with Page.
Northwood continued to ask questions of the Witham defence, Otis Williams slipping a ball through to Gordon but Madden was quickly off his line to smother the danger.
Woods also had a strong shout for a penalty turned down as the referee missed a blatant hand-ball from goalscorer Hawes as Witham attempted to clear their lines.
However, Northwood were presented with the opportunity to restore parity when they were awarded a penalty for a challenge by Joe Nightingill on Page but Madden beat out Sonner’s 78th minute spot-kick, the latter firing the rebound over the bar.
Defender Mark Burgess was sacrificed for debutant Hugo Figueiredo with five minutes left on the clock as Woods desperately sought an equaliser.
But Northwood were lacking the guile to break down the stubborn Witham rearguard, the last chance falling to Otis Williams but he headed weakly at Madden deep in stoppage time allowing the hosts to celebrate only their second win of the season.
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