Two substitutes combined to give Northwood a deserved victory in last week’s crucial Capital League clash with reigning champions Dulwich Hamlet, writes Mick Russell.

In a very entertaining match, rated one of the best at Chestnut Avenue this season, Woods finally came out on top as both sides gave everything.

Early on, Portuguese player Hugo Figueiredo had a shot that the visiting keeper Roberts dropped, but Prince Toku put the rebound wide. Then Figueiredo let in Marcus Sawyerr, whose first shot was parried by the keeper, and after the ball came back to him, he shot wide.

Woods continued to press, and Sawyerr brought a save out of the keeper, then Danny Brown shot over after good work by Luke Lynham. As half-time approached  Jack Bennett sent an effort wide when well-placed.

Dulwich started the second half much the stronger of the two sides, as Woods seemed to struggle to get going, but Lynham and Liam O’Keefe were defending well to keep the visitors out. Mark Barnham’s team came more into it again as the hour-mark approached, and Bennett blazed over when through on goal, whilst Figueiredo, who played well throughout, shot over the bar from a narrow angle.

But Dulwich weren’t finished, though Lynham had time to get forward, and had an effort headed off the line. As Woods stepped up the pace in the closing stages, Lynham was again in the thick of the action, this time with a long-range effort that had the Hamlet keeper scrambling to keep the ball out.

Figueiredo had a couple of efforts tipped over by the visiting custodian, but with five minutes remaining the winning goal finally arrived. Laurie Walters did well to flick the ball over the top, catching the Dulwich defence square, and Andrew Harewood finished clinically, giving keeper Roberts no chance.

The win moved Northwood three points clear at the top of the table, so well done to Barney’s boys!