Northwood continued their unbeaten start to the season by overcoming newly promoted Romford at Aveley’s Mill Field ground. The hosts joined the Ryman ranks this season after being crowned Essex Senior champions and they had an opening day win away at Cheshunt before being brought back down to earth with a home defeat to Thamesmead.

Woods were looking to improve on the midweek point they gained at Waltham Forest and they went into the game unchanged.

Both sides threatened in the early stages with Northwood ‘keeper Mitch Swain producing a brave block to deny Romford’s Danny Jones before Gary Meakin’s fierce strike shaved the back stanchion of the Romford goal after being teed up by Garry Senior.

Rob Ursell was seeing plenty of the ball for Woods and he was involved in the opening goal as his pull-back found its way to Hugo Figueiredo on the edge of the box, the latter’s delightful left-footed strike too strong for ‘keeper Danny Mulrooney to give Northwood the lead on 11 minutes.

Romford looked to respond with their direct approach and the lively Danny Jones found himself in a good position, but he dragged his shot across the face of the Woods’ goal. Chances were being created at both ends in a free-flowing opening half, Senior shooting over for Northwood whilst Romford’s Jimmy Noakes shot into the side-netting with only Swain to beat.

At the other end, more trickery from Ursell ended with his low shot being turned around the upright by Mulrooney.

However, Romford had been looking increasingly threatening and they restored parity with a 28th minute equaliser as Shaun Clarke chased a long ball and got beyond Chris Seeby before lifting an exquisite lob over the helpless Swain.

Northwood looked to restore their lead before the half-time break and they had opportunities as Senior spurned a couple of chances before Figueiredo was sent clear by Ursell on the stroke of half-time but the shot cannoned off Mulrooney’s legs and away to safety.

With manager Dave Anderson’s strong words ringing in their ears and a change in personnel as Anthony Page replaced Harry Smart, Northwood looked keen to get on with the job after the half-time break.

The lively Figueiredo was soon on the attack as he got behind the Romford defence and sent over a near-post cross which Senior bravely looked to convert, the loose ball falling to John Christian whose shot deflected for a corner.

Woods maintained the pressure on Romford and they were rewarded as they regained the lead on 63 minutes with a fine solo goal from Ursell as he set off on a mazy run from deep before nonchalantly stroking the ball past Mulrooney.

Romford utilised all their substitutions as they looked to get back in the game but they were struggling to make an impact against Northwood who had switched to a flat back four to counter the threat.

The impressive Ursell continued to harass the Romford defence and another jinking run ended with a ball to the near-post but there was no one to apply the finishing touch.

Ursell should have added a third goal for Northwood after another jinking run, but he wanted an extra touch and the angle was too tight for his shot.

But Northwood had done enough. A half-chance for Romford substitute Luke Hughes in the final minute as he volleyed over the bar, was the closest the hosts came to scoring, Woods deservedly taking the points to move into second place in the early season table.

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos by James Brown