Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s away-day blues continued as they suffered their second reverse in four days by going down to a solitary goal defeat at Maldon.
Manager Colin Payne had been busy bolstering his injury hit squad and there was a start on the left flank for Rodney Hicks following his return from St Albans City. Danny Power replaced the injured Lee Holland at right-back with Dwane Williams also missing out through injury, Woods reverting to a 4-4-2 line up with Abdul Yoki partnering Otis Williams in attack.
After suffering an early scare when Danny Murphy cleared James Robinson’s shot off the line, Northwood proceeded to take the game to the hosts. Hicks almost marked his return with a goal but his downward header from Yoki’s corner was cleared from under the crossbar by Danny Roles.
Power was enjoying a steady game at right-back and he combined well with Michael Gordon whose cross presented Yoki with a free header but his effort was wide of the target.
Power and Gordon combined well once more with the over-lapping full-back bursting into the box but his shot flew narrowly wide of the upright.
Northwood weren’t having it all their own way, and Robinson broke through the Woods defence but his shot could only find the side-netting.
Chris Day was the next to threaten for Maldon but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.
Woods were soon on the attack once more and they dominated up to the half-time break, with Michael Gordon a particular thorn in the side of the Maldon defence.
Gordon created an opening for Williams, but his shot was charged down before the Woods’ winger latched onto the rebound but was unable to keep his shot down.
Northwood went close once more after Gordon latched onto John Christian’s through ball, Gordon’s dangerous ball across the face of goal being diverted away from the in-rushing Yoki.
Woods continued to dominate with Anthony Page heading over before Yoki rattled the crossbar with a fierce drive.
But the deserved goal didn’t arrive for Northwood and the match turned two minutes into the second half, when a uncharacteristic mistake from Richard Orlu presented Jack West with an easy chance to give Maldon the lead, which he duly took.
New signings Inih Effiong and Craig Mortimer were introduced for Hicks and Page respectively whilst Rob Ursell replaced Williams.
However, despite the injection of fresh legs Northwood grew increasingly devoid of attacking ideas in a desperately disappointing second half performance.
Christian saw his shot comfortably saved by ‘keeper David McCartney whilst Effiong wasn’t far away with a header from Gordon’s cross.
But that was the closest Woods came to restoring parity, and there was an air of inevitability as the game petered out, leaving Northwood to reflect on their second defeat of the week.
| 
