ALLIEDS MATCH REPORTS 2007-08
 

NORTHWOOD YOUTH 2 OXFORD CITY YOUTH 1
 

The Woods’ Under 18s followed up last week’s County Cup success by collecting three Allied Counties League points to move closer at the top of the Premier Division to leaders Hayes & Yeading, who were beaten the same night. But visitors Oxford City didn’t make it easy for them, battling gamely throughout, even though they played almost half the match with ten men due to a lack of substitutes.

Early on, Jack Bennett’s wing play put Oxford under pressure, with Chris Michael also causing the visitors problems. Both Will Hudson and Nick Glenday saw efforts just off target, then midway through the half Bennett fired in a 25-yard effort which was also narrowly wide.

There hadn’t been much too actually test the Oxford keeper, but on 27 minutes Northwood took the lead when a tremendous strike from Jamie Tomkins from all of 35 yards hit the bar with the keeper beaten, and Courtney Francis was on hand to head home the rebound.

On occasions when Oxford pushed forwards strongly, 15-year-old Edward Hatcher and Tomkins were firm at the back. Then Woods went two up when Bennett went down the flank, and his cross was met by a header from Hudson which glanced neatly inside the post. As the home side continued to dictate the play, Glenday headed just wide with a good chance.

Six minutes after the restart City were back in it when Reece Denton netted, and even though they soon lost an injured man they continued to make the Woods work very hard to retain their single-goal advantage. Northwood continued to construct some good approach play, but the final pass and finishing wasn’t quite right.

It might have been three just past the hour-mark when a Michael cross prompted a huge melee in front of the Oxford goal, then Aidan Lynam’s effort was kicked off the line. Although Woods continued to attack as they sought the third goal rather than protect their lead, they couldn’t find the net, with City keeper Alex Williams making several good stops, but the three points stayed at Chestnut Avenue.

Manager Gez Reilly said afterwards: “Some of our play in the first half was as good as anything we’ve seen this season, with some excellent movement and passing. But we fell away a little after half-time, and perhaps became a little complacency when playing against ten men. However, we are delighted that we are still in with a chance of lifting three trophies.”