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Under 10s (Red)

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Match Reports 2009-10

9th May 2010: Hadley Rangers 1 Northwood Red 5

The final game of the season saw Northwood take on Hadley Rangers in an ‘away’ fixture that was played at Northwood as Hadley’s goals had been taken down - testament to the fact that it had been a long season due to a number of postponements. The Reds continued the superb form they had shown the previous day where they reached the Cup Final in the Northwood tournament and matched a strong Ruislip Town ‘A’ team before losing in a penalty shoot-out, despite having only seven players available including James who was suffering from illness. A number of chances had fallen Northwood’s way before James converted a direct free kick after 10 minutes from outside the box that went past their keeper into the bottom right hand corner. The lead was doubled just 4 minutes later when a clearance from the Hadley keeper went straight to James who took a couple of touches and fired in an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. The Reds were then rocked by an injury to the impressive Jack Gibbs who had to leave the pitch and with no subs to bring on Northwood faced the difficult task of playing with a man short. Hadley took the opportunity to press forward but Cameron, deputising in goal for Tyler along with Dan and Omar in defence snuffed out any threats. Just before half-time the physio had worked wonders on Jack and he was able to rejoin the fray.
Half-time 2-0
The Reds, buoyed by their form in the first half were showing some sublime touches on the ball. Bradley had a header from a corner cleared off the line and Tobi and James also had close efforts before the Reds scored their third of the game after 40 minutes when a long goal kick from Dan was picked up by Tobi who neatly turned a defender before rounding the keeper and slotting home into an empty net. Three minutes later and it was 4-0 when some excellent passing play between Jack and man of the match James culminated with a pass to Tobi who finished with aplomb. The Reds were now playing with confidence and on 46 minutes made it five when James again smashed an unstoppable free-kick from distance into the roof of the net. Hadley managed a consolation when they converted a penalty right at the end but the day and the points belonged to Northwood.
This was the final game that Northwood Red U10 would be playing in mini-soccer, and it was fitting that they put in such a fantastic performance, which reaped its rewards. Coach Terry Henderson would like to thank all the boys for their efforts over the season and also the parents, friends and family who have supported the boys as well as helping out with putting up the goals.

18th April 2010: Northwood 1 Olympiacos 1

For the second week running, Northwood were down to the bare bones, with just 7 players available. On the face of it, this was a game that Northwood would have expected to win, given that their opposition had won just one game all season. However, from the beginning it was clear that Olympiacos’ recent run of good results had been no fluke. The game saw a reshuffle with Bradley starting up front, Cameron, James and Jack occupying midfield berths, and Dan and Omar playing in defence in front of Tyler in goal. Northwood dominated the first half and had a number of chances to score, including a fantastic reaction save from their keeper as Bradley let rip from close distance. At the other end, Tyler was a virtual spectator as Dan and Omar dealt with everything in front of him. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Northwood were unable to break the resolute Olympiacos defence.
Half time 0-0
Northwood started strongly in the second half and created more opportunities to take the lead, with James looking dangerous when breaking through from midfield. The game looked as though it was heading for a draw when, in the 43rd minute, the deadlock was finally broken when the visitors failed to deal with an excellent low cross from James and Cameron was on hand to drill the ball home. Just as it seemed that Northwood had just about claimed the points, Olympiacos pulled level when a long clearance evaded the Reds’ defence and was slotted home by the grateful visiting forward into an empty net. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the game was played out with no further goals. Thanks to Ian for refereeing this game.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Dan Carter, Jack Gibbs, Bradley Henderson, Cameron Lyall, James Pearse, Omar Fouda.

11th April 2010: Pinnacle 1 Northwood 4

Following the Easter break, Northwood were looking to complete the double over Pinnacle on a warm sunny day in Edgware. With only 7 players available and therefore without the luxury of any subs, the boys knew that they would all have to put in a lot of hard work if they were to leave with all 3 points. Despite putting the hosts under some early pressure, it took Northwood a little while to get into their stride. The first goal came courtesy of a nicely floated corner from James that Oliver volleyed first time past the hapless defenders and keeper. The lead was soon doubled when Bradley let fly with his left foot from just inside the area, firing the ball past the Pinnacle stopper and into the roof of the net. Before half time, the Reds were 4-0 up following two more goals from Oliver to complete his hat-trick.
Half time 4 – 0.
Expectations were high that Northwood would make their superiority pay in the second half and therefore increase their lead. Pinnacle had other ideas, however, when a speculative cross high in the air was forced over the line by a forward to reduce the deficit. Northwood continued to press and Bladen saw a fine shot come back off a post, Bradley’s curling left foot shot from distance was well saved by the keeper and Oliver didn’t quite manage to bag his fourth when one on one with their goalkeeper. Dan and Omar gave an impressive and assured display in defence, with Dan taking the plaudits in this game for man of the match. In midfield, Bladen and James worked well with Bradley with some nice passing moves that on another day would have seen the Reds score more goals. Tyler was a virtual spectator for most of this game and Oliver showed some sublime touches throughout the match. Some of the boys seemed to be tiring towards the end but even though they failed to add to their half time tally they saw out what was, in truth, a very comfortable win.

20 March 2010: St Albans City South 2 Northwood Red 1

This was another disappointing defeat that belied the dominance that Northwood enjoyed for the entire duration of the game. The Reds welcomed back Jack Gibbs from injury and Cameron deputised for the absent Tyler in goal on a glorious sunny morning in St Albans. It was the Reds who were out of the traps first, passing and moving with confidence, and forcing save after save from the St Albans keeper. In fact, if the game had been decided on goal scoring chances alone, this would have been declared a ‘no contest’ by half time. However, St Albans had their keeper and lady luck to thank for the game being goal less at the interval.
Half time 0–0.
Northwood continued the second half in the same way they had finished the first by forcing the play, stealing possession and testing their keeper. It was St Albans who drew first blood, however, with a quality strike that beat Cameron and went in courtesy of the underside of the bar. Northwood responded with a good strike of their own after a fantastic solo run down the right from Tobi culminated in a shot that was too hot for their keeper to handle. Northwood launched wave after wave of attack in search of the winner, but were undone when the ref missed a handball and the Northwood players all stopped in anticipation of the whistle, which allowed the St Albans striker to shoot unchallenged past Cameron into the goal. Even then Northwood had time to hit the post (again) and bombard their goal including a shot from James that their keeper just managed to take enough fizz out of to prevent the ball crossing the line.
A good display from Northwood that shows how they just need to be more clinical in front of goal and also to play to the referee’s whistle. Man of the match went to Cameron who gave an assured display in goal. Another positive was that Jack came through the game without aggravating his knee.

7th March 2010: Whetstone Wanderers Lions 3 Northwood Blue 2

A dubious free kick that resulted in a scrambled late goal set the seal on a game that Northwood could and probably should have won based on the balance of possession and the effort shown by the Reds.
On a bitterly cold morning in north London both sides took a while to warm up. But the Woods had the best of the early pressure and made it pay after six minutes when a speculative cross-shot from Oliver sneaked past the keeper. It was disappointing then that Northwood held the lead for less than two minutes as they became embroiled in a physical battle which at times wasn’t pretty to watch.
Four minutes after the restart the home team nosed ahead, despite the valiant efforts of keeper Tyler, who came out well to parry the first shot but was unable to prevent the follow up.
Toby equalised nine minutes later. And it looked for all the world like this encounter was destined for a well deserved draw. But we hadn’t reckoned on the rather debatable decision to award a free kick inside the box after possibly the cleanest tackle of the game. An awful set-piece sent the ball ricocheting across the goal mouth and finally off a shin of the Whetstone number four to dribble apologetically over the goal line.

14th Feb. 2010: Omonia White 0 Northwood Red 2

Love was in the air this fine Valentine Day’s morning as our players overcame a sluggish start to beat top of the table Omonia White. The Woods only had seven players with no substitutes, which was a concern on a very heavy pitch. Northwood had the better of the early exchanges but created no clear cut chances and Omonia soon started taking control of the game. Omonia hit the post twice in the first half whilst Northwood continued to look off the pace.
However Northwood came out stronger in the 2nd half and about halfway through the half, Oliver Garrett latched onto a through ball and held off the challenge from the last defender and shot which slipped through the keepers legs to make it 1-0. Omonia pressed but did not look like scoring although they appealed for a penalty with 2 minutes to go. It would have been a harsh decision and Northwood managed to break away with Oliver Garrett chipping a delightful ball to Bladen Trigg who slotted the ball into the goal to seal the win.
A special mention to Cameron Lyall who played in goal for the first time this season at very short notice and putting in an assured display.

7th Feb 2010: Hemel Athletic 1 Northwood 3

Northwood took this game by the scruff of the neck from the very outset – which was only to be expected against an under strength Hemel team.
That it took 17 minutes to break the deadlock was all credit to the home side who mounted a belligerent rearguard.
A Dan Carter corner was the catalyst for the opening goal, which went in over the line courtesy of an outstretched Hemel leg.
There then followed a series of missed opportunities for Bladen, man-of-the-match Bradley and Toby, before Hemel hit back three minutes before the break.
Concerted Woods pressure paid off in the 38th minute when a cross shot from James got the faintest of deflections to nestle in the corner of the net.
With their noses ahead for a second time, Northwood never looked likely to surrender the lead this time.
The game was sewn up on 38 minutes when Cameron slotted away clinically from close range to make it 3-1.
That Terry Henderson’s young charges didn’t go on to make it five or six was down to some dogged defending by Hemel, who were up for the fight. They were rightly applauded off the field at the end.

24th Jan 2010: Northwood 2 Hadley Rangers 2

This was Northwood’s first match since the middle of December thanks to Christmas, New Year and the recent snow. On a heavy pitch, it was Northwood who started the strongest and had it not been for fortune favouring the visitors and some excellent goalkeeping from the Hadley stopper, Northwood would have been out of sight after 15 minutes. It was no surprise, therefore, that Northwood made their dominance pay on 18 minutes when debutant James Pears jinked past two players before slotting the ball coolly past their keeper. The pattern of play remained the same until the break with Northwood continuing to threaten without being able to convert their dominance into more goals.
Half time 1-0
Changes were made at the start of the second half but it was Northwood who doubled their lead on the half hour mark when Bladen jumped highest in the box to head home a corner from Bradley, which an anonymous fan said was definitely one for the scrapbook!! With Northwood seemingly destined to get their first win in 2010, Hadley Rangers had other ideas when they pulled one back on 35 minutes with a well taken effort that left Tyler with no chance. Worse was to come for Northwood just 3 minutes later when they conceded a free kick outside the box that was despatched into the top of the net. The game took on a different feel after that and Hadley clearly wanted to leave Chestnut Avenue with all 3 points, which they would have done had it not been for the heroics of man of the match Tyler.
So, a game that felt more like a defeat than a draw in the end, but credit must go to Hadley Rangers who battled hard and never gave up the game. For Northwood there was a very good debut for James and some good individual performances, but ultimately this really was the proverbial game of two halves.

13th Dec. 2009: Northwood Red 0 Whetstone Wanderers Lions 1

In sport, as in life, there are times when you don’t get what you really deserve. And so it was on Sunday for the Woods in that cold and muddy corner of Northwood Park that the Reds call home. It was a full-blooded encounter with man-of-the-match Dan - assisted by midfielders Bradley and Toby - bossing the game. Yet it was a breakaway goal from the opposition five minutes from half-time that ultimately decided this confrontation.
Had it been scored on chances and possession, then this match would have been ruled a no contest long before the opener rattled the back of the net. Despite the setback nobody stopped running. The team’s determination to get something from the game was personified by Omar, who looked at times like he was prepared to run through a brick wall to get to the ball before his opponent.
Coach Terry Henderson told his young charges to hold their heads high as they plugged away right to the bitter end – and it was a bitter end given the final score-line and the fact the wind whistled through the park for the entire 50 minutes.
For the record, Oliver again gave us some sublime moments of skill as he created two first half chances and one in the second half. Bradley, meanwhile, hit a long-range effort that was inches wide of the left upright and Omar hoofed a looping ball from almost halfway that looked at one point destined to set the old onion bag bulging. But it was not to be. Better luck next year Woods and merry Christmas.

15th Nov. 2009: Whetstone Tigers 2 Northwood Red 3

This was the hangover game after Northwood’s impressive win the week before. So it says a great deal for the new-found resolve of the Reds that they dug out a victory away against a very committed Whetstone Tigers despite a below-par showing.
Under pressure for most of the first half, a right wing run and superb cross from Toby was nodded home almost nonchalantly by a stooping Bladen to put the visitors ahead seven minutes before the break.
A more cohesive second half performance saw the Woods create more chances. But the second goal owed more to individual brilliance than teamwork as Oliver let rip with a left foot screamer out wide and from distance that would not have looked out of place in the Premiership. The lead was pegged back in the 39th minute, but it took just three minutes before the two-goal advantage was restored by poacher-supreme Bladen. A second by Whetstone made for a nervy end to this encounter, though Northwood were able to run down the clock.
Coach Terry Henderson awarded man-of-the-match to Oliver for his tireless running up front. A special mention goes to stand-in keeper Cameron Lyall, who commanded his box well and made a number crucial stops and interventions.

8th Nov. 2009: Northwood 5 Hemel Hempstead 2

AN outstanding team display was capped by a two-goal man-of-the-match performance from Toby as stand-in striker at home against Hemel on Sunday. Although the score-line may suggest it, this was no walkover.
But the Woods did impose themselves from the start with a slick and at times physical display that showed the result the week earlier against Bushey Rangers was an aberration. Cameron opened the scoring with a coolly executed right foot strike from just inside the box to get the home side under way after 15 minutes.
This was followed six minutes later by a trademark piece of perseverance from Bladen, which sent the red team into a two-goal lead. Jack’s clearance off in the 18th minute summed up the contribution of the Northwood utility man who played at the back and in midfield.
It was 3-0 by half time as Toby struck just before the break and he got a second on 32 minutes, but not before Hemel narrowed the deficit. The away team scored a second 12 minutes from time, but Northwood’s three-goal advantage was restored just before the end with a sliding goal from Bradley that received the oddest of assists from Toby’s backside.
Delighted coach Terry Henderson applauded a committed and at times impressively polished performance, which even drew praise from the opposition support.

1st Nov. 2009: Northwood 1 Bushey Rangers Hawks 5

The Reds fell at the first hurdle of the League Cup against a disciplined and well organised Bushey Rangers who adapted far better to the driving wind and lashing rain. Although the first half saw exchanges at both ends it was Bushey who were playing the slicker football. Despite some heroics from Tyler who made three fantastic saves, the Reds found themselves 2 goals down at half time following a fortuitous own goal and a screamer from outside the box.
Half time 0-2.
Jack Gibbs replaced Bradley who was still struggling with flu at the start of the 2nd half, but within 5 minutes of the restart Bushey increased their lead with another effort from distance that evaded the defenders and flew past Tyler. Things went from bad to worse for the Reds when man of the match Tyler had to leave the field suffering an illness and he was replaced by Jack Gibbs in goal. The Reds played with 6 players for a while before Bradley rejoined the game, but then Bladen also came off feeling unwell, which again meant that the Reds were down to 6 players. Bushey took full advantage and scored 2 further goals to make it 5-0. There was something for the Reds to smile about though when the ball broke loose for Ollie on the halfway line and he showed the defender a clean pair of heels before coolly slotting past their advancing keeper. Despite Bushey having a player advantage it was Northwood who went closest again in the dying minutes with a shot from an acute angle by Bradley that went just over the bar and then Tobi shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
A disappointing outcome for the boys who, despite the illnesses within the team, will need to apply themselves much more against teams that pass and move the ball around as well as Bushey did today.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Bradley Henderson, Tobi Odanye, Omar Fouda, Oliver Garrett, Jack Gibbs.

25th Oct.: Northwood Red 0 AC Finchley South 2

Northwood Reds exited the Challenge Cup at the first hurdle, despite a valiant attempt to overcome opponents from a higher Division. With only 7 players available, the Reds were more than a match for Finchley, carving out some excellent opportunities to take the lead. Bradley and Tobi in particular were dominant in midfield, despite Bradley struggling with illness. However, the Reds were unable to turn possession into goals and as the half time whistle blew, the game was deadlocked at 0-0.
In the second half Finchley came out of the traps and utilised the pace of their midfield to good effect. Within 7 minutes of the restart, Finchley took the lead with a fantastic shot from the edge of the box that left Tyler with no chance. They didn’t have it all their own way though as Tobi beat a player before squaring across the goal for Bladen whose shot went agonisingly wide. The game opened up now with the Reds searching for an equaliser and Finchley looking to put the game beyond their reach. It was no surprise therefore to see both sides have opportunities to score. The first chance went to Finchley, however Tyler was able to make a superb save from a long range effort that he pushed onto the bar, and then at the other end Ollie went close with a shot that just went over the bar. The game was decided with just 3 minutes to go when a Finchley player stuck out a foot to connect with a corner and flicked it past Tyler to make it 2-0. The final minutes were played out with no more efforts of note.
So, a disappointing outcome, but credit must go to the boys for not giving up. Their gutsy display was typified by Bradley who earned man of the match for his passing, tackling and hard work. Good luck to AC Finchley South who were good value for their win in the end.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Bradley Henderson (MOM), Tobi Odanye, Omar Fouda, Oliver Garrett.

11th Oct. 2009: Northwood Red 3 Olympiacos 1

This was a vastly improved performance from Northwood following last week’s disappointing resul, and got Northwood off the mark in the Blue Division. The Reds were out of the blocks from the very start with Oliver creating all sorts of confusion amongst the Olympiacos defence, including a thunder shot that crashed off the underside of the bar. However, their pressure paid off in the 8th minute when Cameron was well positioned to finish off a goal mouth scramble. Three minutes later the Reds extended their lead when Dan scored direct from a corner (that one was straight from the training ground – not!!). The 2-0 half time score was not really a true reflection of the Reds’ domination, with Oliver, Tobi, Bradley and Bladen all going close.
Despite continuing their domination at the start of the second half including a wonder save by their goalkeeper from man of the match Tobi’s power shot, it was Olympiacos who scored next after 8 minutes of the restart when a speculative effort somehow managed to squirm under Tyler. This clearly lifted the Olympiacos players who went searching for an equaliser. However, in truth Tyler was never really troubled again and the match was put beyond the reach of the hosts when Bradley headed home an exquisite cross from Dan. Such an assured display from all the boys today meant that the final 3-1 score line flattered the home team and sets us up for next week.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Jack Gibbs, Bradley Henderson, Cameron Lyall, Tobi Odanye, Omar Fouda, Oliver Garrett.

4th Oct. 2009: Northwood Red 2 Aldenham Rhinos 5

This is a game the Reds probably want to forget after going 3-0 down before the break. A compact and very busy Aldenham team hassled and harried a lacklustre Northwood, taking an early chance well to go ahead after just four minutes. They doubled that advantage five minutes later, before the home side finally woke up.
Two good efforts from Bradley and one that shaved the bar from Bladon could have evened things up a little. Instead the Woods conceded a penalty for handball that was neatly converted, with keeper Tyler unable to repeat the heroics of moments earlier when he pulled off a stunning save.
After some stern words at the interval, the home side came out for the second half looking the livelier of the two teams only to concede another silly goal. Things looked up momentarily in the 35th minute when man-of-the-match Oliver stormed in to make it 4-1, and he got another two minutes before the whistle, but not before the Blues made it 5-2.
As a disconsolate Northwood trudged off the pitch, coach Terry Henderson told them a lack of application had gifted the opposition the game.

27th Sept. 2009: Northwood Red 1 Hemel Athletic 1

This friendly match between two teams that will be pitting their wits against each other in the league this season was played in perfect conditions at Northwood. The Reds were out of the traps first and tested their keeper on a number of occasions. It wasn’t all one-way traffic though as Hemel created opportunities for themselves. The only surprise at half time was that it was still goalless.
Half time 1-1.
Having shuffled the pack at half-time, Northwood were still creating chances but lacked the final cutting edge. They were then caught on the break on 35 minutes when a Hemel forward outpaced three Northwood players and fired low past Tyler’s left to put the visitors in front. The Reds kept pushing forward and creating chances but lacked the shape and discipline they had shown in the first half. It was some relief, therefore, when some excellent interchange between Bradley and Bladen resulted in Bladen turning a defender and slotting the ball home from the edge of the area. The rest of the game was played out with opportunities for both teams to seal the win, but in the end both were probably happy with a draw.
Some fantastic individual performances from Tobi, Jack and Dan showed just how we are improving as a team. An assured performance in goal from Tyler ensured he was deservedly awarded man of the match. Thanks again to Ian for a faultless display as ref and to Hemel’s players and supporters for a sporting and enjoyable football match.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Jack Gibbs, Bradley Henderson, Cameron Lyall, Tobi Odanje, Oliver Garrett.

20th Sept. 2009: Edson Youth 6 Northwood Red 3

A disappointing finale to the League Cup Group stages as Northwood succumbed to an impressive Edson Youth in a nine goal thriller that was played in glorious sunshine at Burnt Oak. Although the opening exchanges were fairly even, Northwood opened the scoring when Dan played a through ball down the line to Bradley who skipped past 2 players before finishing from a tight angle. Edson responded immediately, forcing Tyler into two great saves before levelling on 19 minutes from a free kick that took an unfortunate deflection off the head of a Northwood player and looped into the top of the net. Tobi then had an excellent effort charged down before Tyler made another great save at the other end from an Edson free kick.
Half time 1-1.
Both teams seemed to be feeling the effects of the heat on a big pitch, but it was Edson who took the lead within 10 minutes of the restart after a goalmouth scramble, before making it 3-1 minutes later with another good finish. The game seemed to be all over in the 45th minute when Edson made it 4-1, but Northwood hit back within a minute when Bladen turned their keeper and finished coolly after an excellent through ball from Bradley. Edson extended their lead to 5-2 following another goalmouth scramble before being pegged back again by Northwood when man of the match Tobi finished superbly following some excellent exchanges between Bladen and Bradley to reduce the deficit to 5-3. However, Edson finished the scoring with the last kick of the game when Tyler was adjudged to have tripped an Edson player and the resulting penalty was despatched into the top corner.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Jack Gibbs, Bradley Henderson, Cameron Lyall, Tobi Odanje, Omar Fouda. MOTM: Tobi Odanje

13 Sept. 2009: Northwood Red 11 Muswell Hill Cobras 0

This was a noticeable improvement from last week against newly formed Muswell Hill Cobras. Despite their lack of competitive matches, Cobras put in a dogged defensive display to thwart a wave of Northwood attacks before Ollie broke the deadlock on 13 minutes after latching onto a long throw from Bradley and slotting the ball home. Bradley saw a long range effort hit the post and Dan and Omar, virtual spectators in defence, dealt with any threats with assured flair. To be fair, it was always one-way traffic and Northwood went into the break 3-0 up following two further goals from last week’s hat-trick hero Bladen.
Half time 3-0.
Any thoughts of a Cobras comeback were dashed in the first minute of the restart when Bradley converted following an excellent pass from Bladen, who then completed his second hat-trick in as many games with a fine solo effort to make it 5-0. It was soon 7-0 when Ollie scored two goals in quick succession, which again resulted from unselfish work from Bladen. By now everyone was getting in on the act, with Bradley and Cameron both going close before Bladen scored from distance with his left foot. With confidence at a premium, many of the boys were playing with a new found confidence. In particular, Cameron and Jack were putting in good displays with the former playing arguably his best game for Northwood and deserving of the man of the match award. Jack was next on the score sheet when the excellent Toby found him unmarked in the box and Jack had an easy finish. Ollie completed his scoring with a fine goal after another fantastic pass from Toby and Jack made the score 11-0 with another close range effort. A word must go to the Cobras who did cause some scares in the Northwood defence and they will no doubt improve as they get more competitive games under their belt. The match was played in a sporting way with both sets of supporters encouraging their teams. A final thanks to Ian Lyall who refereed the game today and did a fine job.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Jack Gibbs, Bradley Henderson, Cameron Lyall, Oliver Garrett, Tobi Odanje, Omar Fouda.

6 Sept. 2009: Alexandra Park 3 Northwood Red 4

The Reds’ first match of the new campaign got off to a winning start, but the final score belied their domination and in the end this game was closer than it should have been. From the kick off it was all one way traffic as Northwood created chance after chance but could not break the deadlock. That all changed in the 13th minute when Ollie got his first league goal with a cool finish in the bottom corner before the Woods doubled their lead just 4 minutes later when Bladen got off the mark with a good finish. However, just seconds before the half time whistle, Alexandra Park got back in the game with a well worked goal.
Half time 2-1.

Things were changed around at half time as Jack Gibbs made way for Cameron who slotted in at left back, and within a minute of the restart Northwood restored their two goal advantage when Bladen and Bradley exchanged passes before Bladen slotted the ball home. Although Northwood were now in the ascendancy they were pegged back again by a resolute Alexandra Park who were awarded a free kick just outside the area and their left footed midfielder found the top corner of the net with a well taken effort. Bladen once again restored the two goal advantage when, on 35 minutes, a speculative effort from outside the box found the top corner of the goal for his hat-trick. Tobi then gave way to Jack Gibbs who went to left back and Cameron moved to midfield. Alexandra Park still refused to lie down and their doggedness was rewarded in the 45th minute when a defensive lapse allowed them to score from a yard out.
Rather than try to defend their slender lead, Northwood went in search of a fifth goal to put the result beyond doubt, and they did just that when Oliver got his second of the game with another excellent finish. So, a winning start, but this could have been so different if Northwood had taken more of their chances. An entertaining match between two very sporting sides who gave the excellent ref very few difficult decisions to make. A man of the match performance from utility player Jack Gibbs who played well alongside Dan in place of the absent Omar. Also, well done to Tobi and Oliver who were making their competitive debuts today and both gave a good account of themselves.
Team: Tyler Smith (GK), Bladen Trigg, Dan Carter, Jack Gibbs, Bradley Henderson, Cameron Lyall, Oliver Garrett, Tobi Odanje.
Scorers: Trigg (3),Garrett (2). MOTM: Jack Gibbs