Saturday 30th January 1971
YEADING’S LAST MINUTE PENALTY A CUP PASSPORT
NORTHWOOD 2 YEADING 3
Northwood are out of the Middlesex Intermediate Cup, beaten in Saturday’s quarter final by a disputed last minute penalty when keeper Ray Byrne was judged to have pushed a Yeading forward as he went up to collect the ball in what must have surely been Yeading’s last attack. This penalty was Yeading’s passport into the semi-finals, and enabled them to finish up the best of two very good sides after being two goals in arrears at one stage.
In a game that was always exciting, skilful and hard-fought, Northwood led victory slip through their fingers after building up a two-goal lead inside five minutes. Paul Byrne won one of his many heading duels with the Yeading centre-back, and Ron Dodd was on hand to force the ball past Phil Spurden with two minutes gone. Dodd struck again three minutes later when his clever free-kick from outside the box rocketed into the goal off Yeading defender Davies, giving the keeper no chance.
Northwood were well on top at this stage and controlled mid-field. They should have made it three when Paul Byrne was well-placed to score on the half-hour, but he dragged his shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Other near misses followed, but the Yeading goal was not to fall again.
For ten minutes after the break exchanges were even but sharp running and some quick crosses by Norman Frape began to cause Northwood trouble. From one of these, Ray Byrne made the mistake of throwing the ball out to the tightly-marked Bailey, who lost re ball under pressure. It was quickly turned inside for mid-field man Roger Hawes to thump past Byrne from outside the area.
This was the signal for Yeading to capture the mid-field, and although Woods still broke away dangerously on occasions, their grip on the game had been snapped. Yeading threatened many times to score as the minutes ticked by and with their back men driving them on, it was no surprise when Norman Frape equalised with ten minutes to go.
Extra time looked a certainty as the game entered its final phase, but then came that dramatic incident that settled the issue. Thirty seconds from time Yeading were awarded a throw-in way up on their right-wing, and it was to be taken by Charlie Davies, who is regarded as a long throw expert.
As Davie’ huge throw floated towards the Northwood goal, at least two Yeading forwards were pushed in the back by defenders. Referee Mr S.J. Dawson, backed by his linesman who was also on the spot, was adamant with his decision. The vital spot-kick was taken by Roger Wood, and he made no mistake.
A dramatic end to a fine match, which leaves Northwood disappointed in defeat and makes Yeading near –certainties to join them in the Middlesex League next season.
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