Colliers Wood United Res. 0  Northwood Res. 1

Saturday 27th August 2011

Northwood Res.		Suburban League Wibbandune Sports Ground W Wimbledon
Derek Lewis	1	Kick Off
Michael Williams	2	3.00 p.m.
Callum Scrivens	3	H/T
Doug Fitzgerald	4	1-0
Ryan Phillips	5	Scorers
Kerran Pacquette	6	Northwood
Julian Smith	7	Barker
Ben Hinely	8
Evandro Delgado	9
Ghislain Yoro	10
Charlie Barker	11
Adam Doe (11, 65)	12
Reece Fallon (2, 70)	14
Jimmy Froud	15
Dom Franklin (8, 70)	16
	17

With a difficult travelling experience to Surrey for the second week running, preparation for this game was a test. Several new faces came into the team along with most of those who played their part in the 2-2 draw last week, so Woods were had a strong squad.

The first half saw the Northwood players give a dominating performance, and they constantly looked a threat going forwards, creating several opportunities. Woods’ main threat was in the wide attacking areas, with Evandro Delgado and Kerran Pacquette looking a threat, and they had the beating of the Colliers Wood full backs every time.

The front two, Ghislan Yoro and Charlie Barker, worked very hard and both showed willingness to receive the ball and run in behind. However, throughout the game Woods wasted several opportunities by running offside, and the timing of runs has to improve.

The only goal of the game came following a terrific move. The ball was worked from Ben Hiney and Julian Smith in the centre to Ghislain Yoro, who played a tidy first time pass in to Evandro Delgado, who proceeded to burst into the penalty area, where the Colliers Woods full-back tripped him. The referee pointed to the spot and Charlie Barker sent the goalkeeper the wrong way on the half hour.

Ben Hiney was always looking to play the ball early throughout the half, and partnered with Julian Smith in the middle of midfield, Northwood had two players who were happy to receive the ball and create a positive pattern of play.

Defensively, the visitors were solid at the back and skippered well by Doug Fitzgerald, conceding very little ground and working very hard in midfield, and the interval lead was well deserved.

After the break Colliers Wood threatened more, and at times they kept the ball well, breaking into Northwood’s last third more often. However, only they once broke the defence line, and Derek Lewis pulled off a smart save.

Woods were making harder work of the second half and failing to keep their width. This made playing out from the back and midfield hard, and so possession was lost when we it was not necessary.

Scott Cousins and Ian Buckingham decided to make three changes to freshen up Woods’ attacking ideas, with Delgado was placed up front with Ghislain Yoro. Adam Doe used the width wide on the left, and Dominic Franklin made some good challenges in midfield, and following the changes Northwood looked more threatening and they went close to extending the lead on a few occasions. 

Overall, though Woods made harder work of the game than they needed to, four points from two away games is a very good start.

Report: IAN BUCKINGHAM