Match Report
by Alan Evans
 

Northwood's Under 18s came through with flying colours on Monday night as they stormed to a League Cup Final victory with a 4-1 victory over Maidenhead United.

And as they celebrated their success, news came through that Hayes & Yeading United had been held to a 1-1 draw at Oxford City in a League game, meaning that the Woods had also been crowned Premier Division champions.

Having lost their final league match at home to Bisley, the Woods were naturally cautious at the start of the Cup-tie as neither side really got into their stride early on.

It was after 13 minutes that the first chance presented itself when Courtney Francis showed a good touch to a long ball which put him through on goal but his well-struck shot was just blocked by goalkeeper Kieron Hudson. From the resulting Taj corner, Dan Power headed into the side-netting at the far post.

The opening goal followed six minutes later and was neatly crafted.

Scott Purdue, a dynamo in the midfield, spread the ball wide to Jack Bennett who knocked in an excellent cross to the far post. Power had got well forward and his header back across goal picked out Francis, who converted from close-range.

Just two minutes later, that lead could have been doubled as a cross was met by Taj with a stunning volley which crashed back off the crossbar having rocketed past the diving 'keeper.

But the Magpies showed plenty of spirit with a header from Jake Chance being cleared off the line before they came back to level the scores after 27 minutes.

There was a hint of controversy about it as a flag from an assistant referee suggested offside against the attacking side before it was overruled as Ryan Hazell burst through with the ball. His run into the box was ended by an Elliott Gibbs challenge considered to be malicious enough for a penalty to be awarded. Hazell made no mistake from the spot and suddenly it was all-square again and all to play for.

Northwood were back on their heels for the rest of the half as Maidenhead looked to get a grip on the game, but they were often frustrated by a series of offside flags. The nearest they came to threatening the goal was when Troy Roach saved comfortably from a Lee Barney strike, while Nathan Lishman had a shot which wasn't far wide.

It seemed set for a close-fought second half but in fact the Woods took command from the start. The half-time talk had clearly re-focused the team and they were soon on the attack, with Bennett going close with an overhead kick having been picked out by Purdue.

The crucial second goal came after 64 minutes with Francis getting into a good position and then cutting the ball back for Bennett to finish with a rare right-foot strike.

Aiden Lynam replaced the tiring Dan Power and Maidenhead made changes of their own as they looked for a way back, but they never threatened to do so.

After 76 minutes Hudson got down well to make a low save to deny Bennett but he could do nothing to prevent Northwood increasing their advantage eight minutes later. Francis again provided the assist with a good through ball, which saw Jake O'Meara bear down on goal and finish clinically.

A header from a free-kick brought out a fine save from Roach in goal before the win was sealed by a late fourth goal as Taj raced onto another defence-splitting pass and knocked it past Hudson.

Read the match preview here.

 

PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)

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Thanks to Pauline Purdue for the photos