Northwood slipped to their first defeat of the season as they conceded a late goal in a closely fought Bank Holiday fixture. Woods welcomed Brad Hewitt back for his first start of the season, and he replaced Danny Power in defence, the only change from Saturday’s F.A. Cup success.

Thamesmead were enjoying plenty of possession in the early stages with Northwood struggling to make much of an impression. But Woods finally settled, with Rob Ursell creating an opening for Hugo Figueiredo but his snapshot flew the wrong side of the upright.

The visitors threatened through Marcus Perona and Lee Dawson whilst at the other end, Thamesmead goalkeeper Steve Northwood turned Gary Meakin’s free-kick around the post before Gary Burrell sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal which just evaded Garry Senior and Figueiredo.

Northwood were forced into a change on the half-hour after Figueiredo was unable to continue after a heavy challenge from behind, new signing Leon Osei his replacement in attack. Having hitherto struggled to get a grip on the midfield, Woods gradually began to see more of the ball, and Ursell should have done better after being teed up by Burrell but he shot tamely at ‘keeper Northwood.

Thamesmead reminded Woods of the threat they presented, but goalkeeper Mitch Swain comfortably dealt with efforts from Scot Mulholland and James Brown before the half-time break.

Woods exerted some pressure on Thamesmead early in the second-half without seriously testing Northwood in the visitors’ goal. In fact it was Thamesmead who went close to scoring, as Perona was denied by a last ditch tackle from Chris Seeby.

Northwood proceeded to work themselves into some good positions but were unable to apply the necessary finish with Anthony Page and Ursell both having opportunities to open the scoring. Woods had a scare when Swain collected a shot which deflected off Seeby. But Northwood were soon on the attack again, with the lively Ursell twice shooting wide after creating opportunities with his trickery.

The Thamesmead rearguard was standing up well as Northwood continued to dominate proceedings, and a quick counter-attack almost paid dividends for the visitors but Rikki Cable dragged his shot wide of the near post.

However, Northwood were made to pay for their lack of cutting edge as Thamesmead grabbed the decisive goal four minutes from time. In circumstances similar to the goal they conceded on Saturday, Woods failed to clear a free-kick into the box and skipper Lewis Tozer scrambled the ball home, to consign Northwood to a disappointing defeat which saw them vacate top spot in the table and drop down to third place.

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos by James Brown