Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood rediscovered their goal scoring touch as they put three goals past Leyton without reply.
There were a number of changes to the Woods’ starting eleven. Mitch Swain had recovered sufficiently to reclaim the ‘keeper’s jersey from Rob Pearce whilst Dwain Williams returned to the midfield in place of the injured John Christian. There was also a return for Rob Ursell in a free attacking role, whilst Danny Power made his first start at right-back after Ryan Tackley was injured in the pre-match warm up.
The game got off to a bright start with both sides enjoying their share of possession. But it was Northwood who created the better openings. Ursell sent a low drive narrowly wide after making space for himself on the edge of the box whilst Dwane Williams tested ‘keeper Rob Blackburne after a sweeping move involving Abdul Yoki and Michael Gordon.
After a lively start the pace slackened, allowing both sides to catch breath.
However, it was during the quiet spell that Woods took the lead as Bradley Hewitt headed home Ursell’s 31st minute free-kick to claim his third goal of the season.
Leyton set about trying to restore parity but Paul Killick was unable to make the most of a good position as he blazed his shot wide of the target.
Ursell was becoming a growing influence for Northwood and his clever ball created a chance for Sean Sonner but his shot found the side-netting as Blackburne quickly narrowed the angle.
And the action switched to the other end in the final minute of the half with the ball ending up in the Woods’ net but not before the linesman had signalled for a corner after Swain had diverted a fiercely driven free-kick.
Northwood made a change at half-time with Lee Holland making his first competitive appearance of the season following his injury lay-off as he replaced Power at right-back.
Holland and his fellow defenders had some defending to do as the Lilywhites threatened to equalise with Andy Jones sending a speculative effort over the bar before Northwood survived a goalmouth melee.
However, Leyton’s hopes were dashed as the hosts extended their lead on 57 minutes, Yoki giving Blackburne no chance with unstoppable 20-yard shot into the top corner after Ursell had worked the opening.
Ursell was pulling the strings for Northwood and he created another chance for Sonner whose shot was blocked with Gbenga Sonuga closing down Yoki’s follow-up.
But Woods weren’t going to be denied for long and they put the game beyond the Lilywhites’ reach with the third goal on 71 minutes, Gordon sweeping home after Sonner unselfishly squared the ball following Yoki’s through ball.
Unfortunately the impressive Ursell succumbed to a back injury and was replaced by Otis Williams with fifteen minutes left on the clock.
Leyton were growing increasingly frustrated as Woods continued to thwart their efforts, Swain coming out on top with a one on one with substitute Stuart Blackburne before the visitors rattled the Northwood woodwork.
But there was to be no consolation for Leyton as the Northwood successfully protected their clean sheet to register their fifth league win of the season.
Photos: Pat McGuigan
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