Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood dropped to the bottom of the league after they suffered their third straight league defeat.
There were a couple of changes to the Woods line-up, with a first start for new boy James Sparrowhawk on the right flank, whilst Bradley Hewitt partnered James Shipperley in central defence in the absence of Mark Dennison.
In blustery conditions and on a heavy surface, quality football was always going to be at a premium. And Northwood struggled to make much headway as they battled into the wind in the first half.
Clevedon had already gone close through Jack Pitcher before the striker turned provider for Mitchell Page, who shot beyond Keita Karamoko to give the hosts a 16th minute lead.
Clevedon continued to dominate with Kris Witcombe and Pitcher trying their luck with shots from the edge of the box.
However, the defence stood firm and Woods gradually began to find their feet, Elliott Buchanan shooting wide when well placed,
At the other end, Karamoko was called into action as he clawed Andy Gurney’s shot away to safety.
Northwood came out for the second period in positive mood with the wind at their backs. Wayne Carter tried his luck with a speculative effort from distance whilst Jerome Hall latched onto Peter Dean’s flick, his first time shot narrowly clearing the bar.
However, Clevedon continued to carry a threat on the break, Page shooting weakly at Karamoko when well placed, then the Woods’ keeper was on hand to deal with a free header from Pitcher.
But Northwood continued to work hard for the equaliser, Buchanan shooting across the face of goal, and Dwane Williams wasn’t far away with a 20-yard shot.
James Hamsher was introduced for Sparrowhawk in the 70th minute, the Woods midfielder having recovered from a long term injury, and Buchanan moved into a central attacking role.
However, Northwood’s growing momentum was interrupted when Clevedon extended their lead on 73 minutes against the run of play. Dave Nolan appeared to have averted the danger as he tackled Pitcher but the latter picked himself up to dispatch the ball beyond Karamoko.
But Woods threw themselves a lifeline two minutes later, Hewitt scoring his first goal in Northwood colours as he converted from close range after Hall had returned Wayne Carter’s hanging cross back into the danger area.
However, the door was shut firmly in Woods’ face in the 83rd minute when Pitcher grabbed his second of the afternoon, as he got beyond the defence to head past a stranded Karamoko and restore the two-goal cushion.
Dean Powles and Terry Hogan were introduced for Carter and Shipperley respectively, but the clock was against Northwood, although Hall almost capped a jinking run with a goal, Clevedon ‘keeper Danny Greaves denying the Woods’ striker as the game drew to a close.
Peter Dean sends over a cross Jerome Hall challenges for a header Elliott Buchanan sidesteps a defender Dwane Williams challenges for a header Jerome Hall looks for assistance
Jerome Hall challenges a Clevedon defender
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