MATCH REPORTS 2006-07
 

NORTHWOOD RES. 4  SALISBURY CITY RES. 1
 

For their game was against last season’s champions Salisbury City, Northwood adopted an enterprising 3-4-3 formation to take the game to the Wiltshire side, who arrived late at Chestnut Avenue due to traffic problems.

Mark Dennison made his long awaited comeback from injury, James Shipperley played his first game after suspension, and there were debuts for Dwane Williams and Harry Hunt.

The Woods got off to a great start and looked lively from the start. After 16 minutes Peter Dean played a neat ball into Kyle Matthews and a good strike beat the ‘keeper for the opening goal. Soon after, another good move led to a cross from Martin Skipp and Dean set up Hunt for a first-time blast which the ‘keeper did well to keep out.

Salisbury’s first effort on goal came from a free-kick on 25 minutes but Rob Bullivant was behind the ball and took it comfortably. The Woods’ goalkeeper went on to make one fine save to turn a long-range strike round a post, but the lead was extended before half-time. It was a Hunt cross that did the damage and a defensive mis-kick presented Peter Dean with his an easy finish from six yards. As the half came to a close it was all Northwood, with Dean going close twice and Matthews volleying wide.

Only three minutes after the restart, the visitors gave themselves hope of a revival when a corner wasn’t cleared and the loose ball was rifled in from twelve yards. But the Woods hit back immediately, with Dean playing a neat one-two with Matthews before taking the ball past the ‘keeper and slotting home his second of the game.

Lee Holland enjoyed a fine run past three players, only to have his shot blocked and Jack Lisi went close from the loose ball. Then Hunt broke through the Salisbury defence only to be denied by the ‘keeper. John Swift, recently released by Uxbridge, replaced Holland soon after, and the fourth goal came on 69 minutes. Once again the impressive Dean was involved with a cross which Hunt headed for goal. It hit the cross bar and bounced down over the line.

Peter Dean came off on 77 minutes, and would have done his confidence the world of good, as he had regained not only his goalscoring touch but also his all-round ability that is so important to the team as a whole.

There was one final chance to add to the scoreline and it came right at the end. The ‘keeper came racing out of goal and lost it out wide to Hunt. He did well to pick out Matthews in the centre but his shot bobbled wide.