Kings Langley 1  Northwood Res. 3

Tuesday 26th July 2011

On paper this was always going to be decent game: Kings Langley being in the Spartan South Midlands League division 1, and Northwood Reserves showing signs over the recent weeks that a reasonable team will be created. On the night it was agreed between both clubs the match would be played over three thirty minute halves, as this would suit both teams with several substitutes being used.

The game started very evenly, and both sides struggled to build the ball in to the final third of the pitch. In the opening 30 minutes Northwood were playing the ball nicely at the back but struggling to feed passes into the midfield. The players needed time to adapt to the 4-4-2 diamond system.

Romaine Walker looked lively in Northwood's attack, demonstrating a trick or two, and was confident in his ability to get in a few attempts at goal. Throughout the match Kevin Ayodele looked very positive at right back, making several runs forward and putting in plenty of crosses.

Kings Langley took the lead on 25 minutes when Northwood's midfield was unable to get tight to their opponents, who created a two v one situation. Their midfield man slipped the ball to side of Doug Fitzgerald, and the front man coolly slotted the ball home.

The second period was far more positive from Northwood. The tempo to the play was a lot quicker at times, and Woods created the best move of the game. Sam Sharples distributed quickly to Kevin Ayodele, the ball was played between Julian Cole and Prince Alozie, and Julian Smith received the ball before testing the keeper with a high attempt.

Northwood were sharper in attacking areas and equalised shortly after the break, when Julian Cole laid the ball in to Smith, who smashed the ball in off the post. Soon after, Woods took the lead when Smith threaded a ball through to Walker, who turned, dribbled and then placed the ball into the corner.

Northwood were firm at the back throughout the second and third periods. Kings Langley had less ideas and Woods continued to create chances, with Jack Hutchinson and Alozie showing some good touches on the ball in the midfield, and continuing to find their front men. 

A third goal was added with ten  minutes to go, when Glenn O'Malley played a diagonal ball through to Walker on the left, and he ran past the defence and beat the goalkeeper to make the score 3-1.

The Northwood coaches were happy with the performance in the match. There is a lot of ability in the squad but more work needs to be done, and the players still need to get sharper and get used to playing in the 4-4-2 diamond. With a couple of friendlies to play, the coaching staff is confident that the team will be competitive.

Report: IAN BUCKINGHAM - Coach