Northwood returned to competitive action after two-week break, but they were unable to find a way past a stubborn Tilbury as they played out a goalless draw at Chestnut Avenue. There was a new look to the Woods’ team with new signing Scott Orphanou making his debut in attack alongside Leon Osei in the absence of the suspended Eugene Ofori, whilst Kyle Matthews made a welcome return from injury to slot in behind the front two. Mark Burgess resumed the anchor role in front of the three-man defence with John Christian and Gary Burrell filling the wing-back berths.

Northwood were quickly into their stride and Leon Osei shot narrowly wide after a patient build-up before Christian capped a strong run into the box with a shot which was gathered by ‘keeper Andy Hall. Christian was involved again minutes later as he tried his luck with a long-range shot which flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Woods continued to enjoy the majority of the possession but without seriously testing Hall in the Tilbury goal. Osei went close with a header from Burrell’s free-kick before the latter saw his shot from the edge of the box fly over the bar following a short corner.

Having resisted Northwood’s attacking ambitions Tilbury began to ask questions of the home defence. Kayan Kalipha made space for himself before sending in a low shot which was comfortably gathered by ‘keeper Mitch Swain, before Rickie Hayles went close with a header from a Lee Hodges cross.

Woods looked keen to break the deadlock after the half-time break and they were immediately on the offensive with Harry Smart shooting wide after a slick move before Osei cut into the box and unleashed a shot which Hall did well to claim.

Northwood suffered a scare when the ball was cleared off the line in the in a goalmouth scramble before play immediately switched to the other end, as Smart was picked out by Burrell ball, but he blazed his shot wide of the far post when well placed.

Woods continued to press for the elusive goal, Christian’s through-ball releasing Orphanou whose crisp shot was deflected by the impressive Hall before the Tilbury defence cleared the loose ball.

Anthony Page was introduced for Mark Burgess with fifteen minutes left on the clock as Northwood strived to snatch the crucial goal, but the hosts had some defending to do, as Swain pulled off a smart save to claw out Joe Keith’s  free-kick from the edge of the box.

Woods were soon back on the attack, with Orphanou sending a shot narrowly over after good work from Page and Osei, whilst at the other end Brad Hewitt made a timely block as Kalipha threatened.

Manager Dave Anderson utilised all his substitutes, and Smart and Orphanou made way for Hugo Figueiredo and Danny Power. Both replacements were involved as Northwood had chances to claim the points in the closing minutes, Osei shooting into the side-netting after strong run and cross from Power before Figueiredo was denied by Hall in a one on one situation in stoppage time to ensure that the spoils were shared. 

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos by James Brown