Northwood put their name in the hat for the next round after a solitary goal win over Zamaretto South & West outfit Abingdon United. Manager Dave Anderson opted to change things following the disappointing midweek defeat at Redbridge by deploying a diamond formation. Danny Power was brought in to fill the left-back role, whilst John Sonuga was given his first start in attack with Hugo Figueiredo reverting to the substitutes bench.

Woods were immediately on the attack as Kyle Matthews found himself with only goalkeeper Jon Beames to beat, but the Abingdon stopper stood up well and deflected the shot around the post. Northwood maintained the early pressure and Chris Seeby combined with Scott Orphanou who turned well to create an opening for Michael Peacock, but he stabbed his shot wide of the goal.

Northwood were rewarded for their bright start by scoring the crucial goal on 11 minutes following a sweeping move. Power began the move which involved Matthews and Gary Burrell, before Orphanou fed John Christian, who blasted the ball home. Christian went close to adding to his tally as he burst into the box once more after Power and Burrell combined well, but the shot was blocked.

Abingdon briefly threatened as James Faulkner got beyond Michael Peacock in the box, but ‘keeper Mitch Swain showed a strong hand to beat the beat the shot away.

Woods were quickly back into their attacking rhythm, Seeby getting on the end of Matthews’ far-post free-kick to send a downward header into the arms of Beames. And Northwood thought they had scored a second goal on 21 minutes, but Orphanou was deemed to be in an offside position as he received the ball from Sonuga.

Chances were now being created at both ends of the pitch, Swain saving well from John Mills and Faulkner whilst Christian had a shot saved by Beames before his follow-up shot was cleared off the line.
Northwood continued to press for the remainder of the half, creating a number of openings but unable to apply the finish with Matthews and Orphanou going close.

Figueiredo replaced Sonuga for the start of the second period, but Woods had some defending to do as Faulkner got behind the home defence but was unable to find a way past Swain. Northwood were anxious to find the second goal and they went close as Gary Burrell’s outstretched leg was inches away from connecting with Figueiredo’s low cross, whilst Brad Hewitt headed narrowly over from Burrell’s corner.

Skipper Mark Burgess made way for the fresh legs of Anthony Page on 72 minutes as Woods strived to make the game safe, but Abingdon remained a threat as Swain saved Mills’ snapshot.

There were further opportunities for both sides before the end, Figueiredo shooting wide and Burrell having two attempts on goal following a goalmouth melee, whilst Mills squandered another chance for Abingdon as Woods deservedly moved into the next round.

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos to follow...

Photos by James Brown