Under 11s
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Click for: Fixtures League table
Match Reports 2010-11
10th April: Northwood 1 Bushey Rangers 1
Northwood signed off their league campaign with a hard fought draw against Bushey Rangers as the players and supporters basked in glorious sunshine at Chestnut Avenue. The Woods set out their stall from the kick off with Jonny, man of the match Ollie, and Harry looking to test the Bushey defenders at every opportunity. Bladen almost gave the hosts the lead when he headed agonisingly wide from Bradley’s deep corner. However, the Reds were rewarded for their endeavours when Jonny used his strength to hold off the attentions of a Bushey defender before calmly slotting the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper in the 23rd minute. Despite both teams testing each other, neither side were able to convert further chances before the break.
Kicking uphill in the second half, the Woods were looking to capitalise on their lead, but were undone shortly after the restart when a Bushey player turned from the edge of the box and saw his powerful shot beat Joe to level the scores. Both sides gave no quarter in their quest for the lead and either team could have taken all three points from this game. First of all Jonny saw a speculative shot from distance evade the Bushey keeper but his effort struck the bar and went to safety, before a Bushey player headed just over from a corner deep into stoppage time. In the end, both teams had to settle for a point in an exciting encounter. MOTM: Oliver Castle.
Finally, thanks must go to Paul and Dom for all their hard work this season.
3rd April 2011: AC Finchley North 2 Northwood 0
Northwood succumbed to a goal in the last minute of each half in this exciting contest with last week’s opponents AC Finchley North. In a fast and furious game played in glorious sunshine, Northwood suffered an early scare when a Finchley striker crashed a shot against the bar after a goalmouth scramble. Northwood also created chances of their own when the hosts cleared off the line from a Bradley corner and then minutes later following some excellent work down the left by Oliver, his teasing cross went just beyond Jonny’s outstretched leg. Another chance then fell Northwood’s way when Ben showed great strength to lay the ball to Tommy whose first time effort went agonisingly over the bar. However, just as the first half was drawing to a close, Joe made an excellent point blank save from the Finchley forward but could do nothing as the same player volleyed the rebound into the net.
The second half saw both sides seeking to take control of the game, with much of the play in the middle of the pitch. Both teams dominated in phases with man of the match Tobi looking assured in defence. However, as Northwood pushed forward in search of the elusive equaliser, a Finchley striker collected the ball in the final minute of the game from a Northwood clearance and with Joe off his line, was able to convert the ball over his head and into the back of the net securing the points for the home team.
This was the second contest between these teams in consecutive weeks and both games were played in the right spirit by both sides. Finally, a word of thanks to the young referee today who officiated the game to a high standard. We wish AC Finchley North well in their quest to win the title this season.
MOTM: Tobi Odanye.
27th March 2011: Northwood 1 AC Finchley North 2
Northwood again lost ground in the White Division after this narrow defeat against a well organised AC Finchley North, a team who could yet snatch the title. On a bright spring morning that provided the ideal conditions for football, both teams got off to a confident start although in fairness it was Northwood who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. They created a number of half chances, particularly from corners as they put the visitor’s defence under pressure. As the first half appeared to be heading for stalemate, Northwood failed to deal with a rare Finchley attack in the 29th minute and from the resulting melee the ball fell kindly for a visiting attacker who was able to convert the ball into an empty net. Although this was a little harsh on the hosts who had dominated for large periods of the first half, they went in at half time a goal down.
Despite kicking uphill in the second half, Northwood still looked to seize the initiative against their opponents and were rewarded midway through the half when Omar, playing in an unaccustomed midfield role burst forward before forcing a throw. Having received the ball from the throw-in his persistence in the visitor’s area saw the ball fall for Ben who expertly drilled his shot low past Finchley’s keeper to level the scores.
Expectations amongst the home support were high as Northwood looked to press for a winner. However, they were undone in the 47th minute when Finchley broke down the right and the resulting cross found a forward unmarked and he had the easy task of forcing the ball past Joe in the Northwood goal to give them the lead. With neither side able to convert any further chances the points went to the visitors in this closely fought contest. Rohan was awarded man of the match for his persistence and never say die approach to the game.
20th March 2011: Whetstone Wanderers Tigers 3 Northwood 0
Northwood visited high flying Whetstone Wanderers Tigers for this White Division fixture that was played in almost perfect conditions. Both teams were clearly looking to take the initiative as they approached the game in a positive manner. Joe’s kicking was causing the Tigers’ problems as Harry and Ben looked to capitalise on some hesitant defending when dealing with the long ball. However, the Woods’ defence was also kept busy in keeping the home side at bay. On 24 minutes, with the game evenly poised, Joe was just unable to hold onto a speculative low drive by the Tigers and the ball was tapped home on the line to give the hosts the advantage. This was a little harsh on the Woods who had ensured the contest had been a very even encounter up to that point. Although Northwood continued to press for an equaliser before the break, it wasn’t to be and they went in at half time one goal down.
Northwood tried hard in the second half to draw level, with man of the match Ben trying everything to get the better of the home defence. However, they went two behind within 13 minutes of the restart when the Tigers took a short goal kick before working the ball forward and as the Woods defenders backed off, the Tigers forward had an opportunity to shoot, making no mistake from inside the box. Four minutes later and Northwood were almost back in the game when a corner from Bradley was headed forward in the box to Bladen who, with his back to goal, swivelled to rifle a shot that went agonisingly over the bar. Whetstone finished the game off in the final minute when the shortest player on the pitch got his head to a free kick and headed past Joe from close range. Northwood had one final chance in the dying seconds to get on the score sheet when Bradley floated a free kick into the box but no-one was able to get on the end of it to fire the ball home. A disappointing outcome for Northwood who held their own for large periods of this game. MOTM: Ben Stewart.
13th March 2011: Aldenham Juniors Rhinos 3 Northwood 1
Northwood looked to repeat their win from last week as they travelled to Bushey to take on Aldenham Rhinos. The home game earlier in the season had been a close affair with both sides sharing the spoils.
Northwood started the game brightly and deservedly went ahead after 17 minutes when Bladen received the ball from Bradley before dinking in a perfectly weighted pass to Harry, who showed great composure to thread the ball past the onrushing keeper. Despite looking in control of the game against a well organised Aldenham side, the Woods conceded in the 23rd minute when a long range effort beat Joe at his near post. Worse was to follow as Aldenham took the lead just before half time, this time their forward showing great composure when put through to lob the ball over the onrushing Joe.
Both sides looked to seize the initiative in the second half with Johnny and Harry working hard up front. Assured touches from the very impressive Rohan and man of the match Bradley demonstrated that Northwood were still very much in the game, but the Aldenham keeper never put a foot wrong when called upon. As the game wore on it could have been either side that would score again. Unfortunately for the Reds it was Aldenham’s day when Northwood failed to clear their lines from a corner and a speculative effort from the edge of the box took a deflection before nestling in the bottom of the goal. Still Northwood pressed for a second goal but eventually the game petered out and Aldenham took the points. MOTM: Bradley Henderson.
6th March 2011: Northwood 3 London Maccabi Lions Blue 1
Without a game for a month due to the awful weather, Northwood switched this fixture to Maccabi’s home pitch in Barnet to increase the likelihood of the match taking place. So an afternoon trip to North London t meant that the Sunday roast would have to wait a while.
In a frenetic first 5 minutes, both sides had scored – Northwood went ahead through man of the match Bladen Trigg as he headed into an empty goal, before Northwood lost possession in midfield and Maccabi capitalised with a fine effort from just inside the box that thumped into the top of Joe’s net. However, Northwood restored their lead after 15 minutes when a left footed (ahem) cross from Bradley found Bladen unmarked in the box, and he expertly guided his header into the back of the net. With their tails up, the Reds were taking control and it came as no surprise when they extended their lead again through Bladen to claim a first half hat-trick. This time he was faced with an empty net following a goalmouth scramble, and the simple task of tapping the ball home.
The second half failed to live up to the excitement of the first as both sides found it hard to gather any real momentum. It will be remembered though for a wonder save from Reds stopper Joe, and notable performances from new boy Cahal in defence and Jack Gibbs who did well in an unaccustomed role up front. Omar, Dan and Tobi were all solid in defence, Bradley and Tommy put in excellent shifts in the centre of midfield and Johnny and Harry always caused problems with their pace up front whilst Ollie caused problems out wide with his incisive passing. MOTM: Bladen Trigg.
6th Feb. 2011: Abbots Youth Red 1 Northwood 1
Northwood travelled to Abbots Langley for this early afternoon kick off in the White Division against Abbots Youth Red. It was the hosts who went on the attack from the outset, keeping Northwood on the back foot in the early stages. Gradually the Reds found their rhythm as they got to grips with the strong cross wind, with Harry and Johnny looking particularly dangerous as they used their pace to put the Abbots defence under pressure. The first real effort of note came on 20 minutes when an Abbots player let rip with a speculative shot from outside the penalty box, which crashed against the bar, flew up in the air and then hit the bar a second time before going behind for a goal kick, much to the relief of Woods goalkeeper Joe. As each team looked for the breakthrough, it was advantage Abbots when, on the stroke of half time, Northwood failed to clear their lines and an Abbots player found himself unmarked in the 6 yard box with the simple task of stabbing the ball home.
The second half started with Northwood kicking downhill, although the wind was still strong and unpredictable. Abbots went in search of a second goal to extend their lead, but the Reds’ defence, marshalled by man of the match Tobi, held firm. When the defence were beaten, Joe was there to produce a superb one handed save to keep the match alive. That save proved to be even more important when, in the 59th minute, the ball fell to Bradley on the edge of the Abbots box who hit a first time effort that fizzed past the keeper and into the top of the goal. Both sides looked to seal a win but in the end it finished honours even, which was just about the right result on the day. MOTM: Tobi Odanye.
30th Jan. 2011: Northwood 0 Omonia White 1
Northwood returned to league action this morning at home to Omonia, having shared the spoils in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Both sides clearly fancied themselves to get a win on a heavy pitch, with both playing attacking football as the Woods kicked downhill in the first half. Despite enjoying much of the possession in the opening period, Northwood were unable to carve out any clear cut chances. Omonia on the other hand had three clear goal scoring opportunities but were thwarted each time, most notably from a fantastically timed tackle from Dan to deny the forward. As neither side was able to break the deadlock, it was 0-0 at half time.
With the pitch getting heavier and heavier as the game progressed, it was always going to be difficult for either side to play flowing football. When the only goal of the game arrived on 45 minutes, it was inevitably a scrambled effort inside the Northwood box that an Omonia forward managed to poke over the line. Northwood huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half but in truth never really troubled the Omonia goalkeeper. MOTM: Tommy Sharp.
23rd Jan. 2011: London Maccabi Lions White 5 Northwood 0
Northwood were once again beaten by top flight side London Maccabi Lions White in the cup, following their defeat against the same opponents in the Challenge Cup back in October. This game saw the Reds concede five goals without reply.
Going into the game on the back of a 4 goal demolition of Whetstone Wanderers Cougars last week, hopes were high of a cup upset this afternoon. However, as early as the fifth minute Lions took the lead and it was always an uphill battle after that. Despite constant Lions pressure in Northwood’s half, they were unable to extend their lead and so the Reds went into the break just a goal down.
Any hopes of a cup shock in this game were effectively ended within 3 minutes of the restart when Lions doubled their lead. Northwood launched their first meaningful attack 3 minutes later when Harry pushed through the middle after a pass from Bladen, but his shot was saved by the home keeper. The pressure continued to build from the home side and two goals followed in quick succession on 44 and 46 minutes to give the score a more realistic look. The Lions even had the luxury of seeing a three times taken penalty crash off the bar before sealing the win with a fifth goal.
MOTM: Tobi Odanye.
16th Jan. 2011: Northwood 4 Whetstone Wanderers Cougars 0
Northwood, without a game since the middle of December, made sure there was to be no Christmas hangover as they overran their opponents to record a convincing first win in 2011. A waterlogged pitch at Northwood meant that this home fixture was switched to Whetstone’s ground, resulting in a trip to New Southgate for the Northwood players and supporters.
However, the journey was made worthwhile as early as the 6th minute when the lively Harry latched onto a superb through ball from Ollie, before shrugging off the attention of a Whetstone defender and coolly slotting past the oncoming goalkeeper to put the Reds ahead. With the game being all one-way traffic it was no surprise when Northwood doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Man of the match Harry was again at the heart of things when in the 15th minute he won the ball from a Whetstone defender before being tripped inside the box, leaving the referee with an easy decision to point to the spot. Bladen stepped up to the mark and sent the keeper the wrong way to ensure that the Woods went in at the break with a two goal cushion.
Nerves were jangling amongst the Northwood fans as the second half got underway given their record of second half performances this season. However, the boys started as they finished the first half by dominating possession against a good Whetstone Cougars side that had led the White Division for much of the season. A repeat of the 1-0 reverse earlier in the season was looking less and less likely and the game was effectively over as a contest on 58 minutes when Johnny won a header under a challenge from two Whetstone defenders, and was then first to react to the loose ball. With only one thing on his mind, Johnny showed both defenders a clean pair of heels before an exquisite chip over the on rushing goalkeeper landed safely in the back of the net to give the Woods a deserved 3-0 lead. There was still time, in the 7th minute of added on time in the second half, for Northwood to win a second penalty, this time when Johnny was pushed over in the box as he bore down on Whetstone’s goal. Once again, up stepped Bladen to send the ball past the hapless Whetstone keeper to give Northwood a deserved 4-0 victory.
This was an excellent team performance today that resulted in a convincing win over a very good passing Whetstone team. The fact that Joe did not have to make a proper save throughout the whole game is testament to the work and team ethic displayed by the Reds today. MOTM: Harry West.
12th Dec. 2010: Northwood 1 London Maccabi Lions White 5
Northwood were back in match action today after a two-week absence due to frozen pitched, and they welcomed London Maccabi Lions White of the Red Division in the second round of the Challenge Cup.
Coach Paul Sharp was forced into a number of changes with players unavailable through illness, including goalkeeper Joe, which saw regular defender Dan make his debut between the sticks. Northwood started the game in positive fashion kicking downhill on a very heavy pitch and with most of the game being played in midfield, it wasn’t until the 12th minute when Dan was called into real action – making a great save to push the ball round the post after a Maccabi player had a shot from the edge of the box. Unfortunately, following a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner Maccabi went ahead with a close range header that Dan could do nothing about. The visitors were clearly looking confident and played the ball around really well although the expected onslaught never really materialised as Northwood fought to get back into the game. They did just that on the stroke of half time when an in swinging corner from Bradley Henderson caught out the Maccabi goalkeeper and defenders before nestling in the back of the net to draw the Reds level. Half time 1-1
Northwood made a positive start to the second half, matching their opponents across the pitch. In fact, they nearly took the lead when Bradley connected to a delicious cross from Oliver that hit the bar, although the linesman had his flag up for offside. However, on 41 minutes Maccabi took the lead when a speculative shot across the goal landed in the back of the net. Nine minutes later and Maccabi increased their lead when their forward showed great skill with a turn in the box before firing an unstoppable left footed shot past Dan to give the visitors a two goal cushion. To their credit, Northwood never allowed their heads to drop even when Maccabi scored their fourth after 53 minutes following a goalmouth scramble. With the outcome an inevitability, Maccabi scored a fifth seconds before the final whistle, which was perhaps a little harsh on the Northwood players who battled to the end. Man of the match Bladen, playing in an unaccustomed left back position, gave a fantastic performance that typified the spirit of the boys, despite losing this game to Maccabi who deserved their victory. Credit should go to all the boys today. Good luck to Maccabi in the next round of the Cup. Full time 1-5.
MOTM: Bladen Trigg.
21st Nov. 2010: Omonia White 2 Northwood 2
Northwood shared the spoils in this lively encounter against a battling Omonia side in North London. In a much improved performance from last week, Northwood were looking to set the pace against the home side, and Bladen did just that in the 9th minute when he met Oliver’s delightful cross first time to slot past the keeper and give the Woods a deserved lead. Bladen struck again 10 minutes later when a defensive mix up in the Omonia penalty area gave Bladen the chance to slot the loose ball home. Despite continuing to dominate possession, Northwood were unable to add to their tally and therefore went into the break with a two goal lead.
The dreaded second half curse struck the Woods once again however as they conceded two goals from headers in the 41st and 56th minutes to allow Omonia right back into the game and were then kept on the back foot as the home side pushed forward in search of a winner. However, some real backs to the wall performances from the defence and man of the match Brads alongside Tommy in midfield ensured that Northwood held on for a draw.
MOTM: Bradley Henderson
14th Nov. 2010: Northwood 2 Abbots Youth Red 1
Northwood returned to league action at Chestnut Avenue this morning following their narrow away win in the cup last week. Today they faced Abbots Youth who had just nine players available. A silence was held prior to kick off to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and also served as a timely reminder about the really important things in life.
Anyway, on with the game, and any thoughts Northwood had of an easy day at the office were soon cast away as Abbots set out their stall with some attacking play. At times it was difficult to see who had the numerical advantage as Abbots continued to stretch the Woods defence. With Northwood looking a little out of sorts it was with some relief that Jack Gibbs’ excellent strike in the 16th minute gave the Woods a narrow lead. Following a corner taken by Ollie, the ball found its way out to him again on the right and he dinked in an inch perfect cross that Jack hit first time amongst a crowd of players and the ball nestled in the top corner. Exchanges were still even between the two sides before Northwood extended their lead on 25 minutes when man of the match Ellis showed strength, grit and determination to push forward and beat two defenders in 50-50 challenges before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. However, Abbots still refused to lie down and deservedly pulled a goal back just before the break to show this game was going to be no pushover. Half time 2-1.
With the advantage of kicking downhill after the restart as well as having the extra two players, the expectation was that Northwood would push on and increase their lead. However, Abbots showed that nothing is certain in the game of football as they looked the most likely team to score as they pressed for an equaliser. Northwood cleared off the line twice in the second half and looked to catch Abbots on the break without success. In the end, this was a hard fought victory for Northwood who will be pleased that they finally managed to bag the points. A final word for the young referee who took charge of his first game today and put in an excellent performance. Full time 2-1.
MOTM: Ellis Stewart.
7th Nov. 2010: Berkhampstead Raiders 0 Northwood 1
Northwood travelled to Berkhampstead for this early morning League Cup fixture against the Raiders, who play one division below Northwood in the Watford Friendly League. Both teams started the game brightly with some excellent passing moves to try and seize the initiative. However, in the 10th minute it was the Woods who broke the deadlock when Jonny latched on to a superb through ball down the middle before showing their defender a clean pair of heels and then despatching the ball from 12 yards out past the home keeper. Although the Reds continued to edge the first half, they were able to convert their enterprise into further goals. Half time 1-0.
The second half saw Northwood fall off the pace a little as the Raiders went in search of an equaliser, and almost did just that early on when their forward shot agonisingly wide when one on one with the excellent Joe in goal for the Reds. Following this early scare the home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but found themselves up against a strong defensive unit, typified by man of the match Tobi who was calmness personified. Even when the defence was breached, the Raiders were unable to beat Joe whose handling was fantastic throughout the game. As the game drew towards a close, Northwood continued to feed on scraps and played out the game without conceding to go into the draw for the second round. This game was played in an excellent spirit and the Raiders will consider themselves unfortunate not to have had more to show for their football. On the other hand Northwood will know that their performance was a little below par and will hope to build on the positives to improve their league form over the coming weeks. Full time 1-0.
31st Oct. 2010: Whetstone Wanderers Cougars 1 Northwood 0
Once again Northwood finished a game without any points to show for their hard work and endeavour. This match against Whetstone Wanderers Cougars was played in wet and slippery conditions, so credit must first of all go to both goalkeepers for excellent handling. Northwood were more than a match for their opponents in this game, and on another day may even have come away with all three points.
The first half saw even exchanges between both teams, with both teams playing attacking football and both goalkeepers seeing plenty of the ball. As the first half drew to a close, it was man of the match Joe who pulled off a superb save to ensure both sides went in at the break without a goal. Half-time 0-0.
Northwood’s Achilles heel in recent weeks has been their second half displays, but that was not the case today as they battled for everything until the final whistle. It was rough justice therefore that, after a Whetstone player went down injured, the ball was played back to Joe in the Red’s goal to restart the match, and Whetstone scored from the resulting clearance. However, there were still chances for Northwood to equalise with sub Harry looking dangerous up front and a shot hitting the side netting when many of the travelling support thought it was a goal.
In the end it wasn’t to be Northwood’s day, but they should take heart from today’s excellent performance against arguably one of the division’s stronger sides. Full-time 0-1.
MOTM: Joe Guymer.
17th Oct. 2010: Bushey Rangers 6 Northwood 2
Northwood left Bushey rueing a host of missed opportunities after an exciting encounter that was played in perfect conditions, meaning that the final score flattered the hosts. Bushey got off to a flying start, with a number of attacks that kept Northwood on the back foot. Having had the better of the opening exchanges, Bushey were rewarded with a goal on 15 minutes when the Reds were only able to clear a corner to the edge of the box, and a Bushey player struck the ball hard and low to give the home team a deserved lead.
However, the Reds gradually came back into the game and on 21 minutes it was honours even when Bradley let fly from 20 yards with an effort that went into the top right hand corner. Northwood’s tails were up now and they sensed an opportunity to capitalise on their domination. After creating a number of chances, Bladen finally gave the Woods a deserved lead on the stroke of half time after some neat inter play with Ellis, when he slotted the ball past the Bushey keeper. Half time 2-1.
Northwood were keen to convert their authority into more goals, and they continually pressed the Bushey defence without managing to convert their chances into goals. The whole complexion of the game then changed following a decision by the referee to award a penalty to Bushey for an infringement in the box. The resultant spot kick was hit straight at Joe in the Woods’ goal, but luck was on the home team’s side as it managed to squirm under his body and crept across the line.
Despite this setback Northwood continued to look comfortable on the ball, but were hit by a sucker punch 2 minutes later when Bushey scored following a corner kick. Northwood were still in the game but despite creating a number of goal scoring chances could not find the killer punch. Bushey on the other hand managed to capitalise on their opportunities with three further goals in the last 15 minutes to give the final result a one-sided look that belied the pattern of the match. Full-time 2-6.
MOTM: Omar Fouda
10th Oct. 2010: Northwood 3 Aldenham Juniors Rhinos 3
Another afternoon kick off saw the Reds take on Aldenham Juniors in glorious sunshine at Chestnut Avenue. A healthy crowd were there to see six goals shared between two teams who looked to play football from the outset.
Northwood started the first half in confident mood kicking downhill, and twice went close in the opening minutes. In fact, the ball was rarely in the Northwood half due to their domination of the match. Their hard work and determination paid off after 19 minutes when hat-trick hero Bladen Trigg got his head to a free kick floated in by Oliver, and managed to flick the ball past the Aldenham keeper to give the Woods a deserved lead. On 25 minutes, Northwood doubled their lead when Bladen showed a brilliant piece of individual skill beating two defenders before poking the ball into the net with his left foot. Northwood were playing the ball around well and were unlucky not to go into the break 3-0 up when Ellis saw an effort clear the bar from close range. Half time 2-0.
The worst thing that could have happened to the Reds was the half-time whistle, as they were enjoying the lion’s share of possession and dominating the game. However, within 11 minutes of the restart they found themselves 3-2 down. Aldenham had clearly been given some stern words at half-time and they came out all guns blazing. After 32 minutes they had pulled one back when a free-kick played into the box took an unlucky deflection and found an unmarked Aldenham forward who slotted the ball past Joe. Two minutes later and honours were even when the ball fell kindly to an Aldenham player who struck the ball past Joe from just inside the box. Aldenham’s tails were up now and they went looking for a third, which duly arrived on 41 minutes when they converted following a goalmouth scramble from a corner that the Reds were unable to clear. However, it was Northwood who had the final word when a speculative long-range effort from Tommy bounced awkwardly for the visiting keeper who was unable to hold the ball, and Bladen in typical poacher fashion was on hand to poke the ball into an empty net for a deserved hat-trick.
This was always going to be a tough test for Northwood against a team that won the Division last season, and credit must go to coach Paul for encouraging the boys to play football with confidence. Full-time 3-3.
MOTM: Tobi Odanye
3rd Oct. 2010: London Maccabi Lions Blue 2 Northwood 3
Northwood travelled to Borehamwood to face London Maccabi Lions in their first league match of the season. The game started in driving rain and ended in bright sunshine, with Northwood running out eventual winners in this close encounter.
Both sides were finding their feet in the opening exchanges, before Northwood started to impose themselves in the final third. Their pressure paid off in the 19th minute when, following a neat exchange, Bladen slotted the ball into the net from the penalty area. The lead lasted just 3 minutes, however, when Maccabi capitalised on a throw-in that the Woods failed to clear, and the ball was played across goal for a home forward to shoot past Joe in the Woods goal. Northwood never allowed their heads to drop from this set back and could have taken the lead in the 25th minute when Bladen shot agonisingly wide after neat play from Jonny, who himself had a speculative effort from the edge of the box that flew wide just seconds later. The visitors were rewarded for their endeavours a minute later when Bladen bagged his second of the game with a skilful drag back that beat the defender before his shot across goal found its way into the far corner. Half time 2–1.
The opening stages of the first half saw both sides seeking the initiative, but it was Maccabi who struck next on 45 minutes when a fantastic solo effort from the forward created an opening and he made no mistake despatching the ball past the outstretched arms of Joe in goal. The home team’s fortunes looked to have changed completely when they were awarded a penalty 2 minutes later following a trip in the box. However, the resulting spot kick was skied over the bar to allow Woods a let off. This seemed to wake the Reds up and they went in search of a winner as they piled on the pressure. First Ellis was put through by Bladen, but the goalkeeper managed to get good hands to his stinging shot and man of the match Jonny was just unable to reach the rebound. In the final minute of the game, Northwood’s pressure finally paid off when Ellis managed to get his foot to the ball following a goalmouth scramble to make sure the Reds returned home with all three points. Well done to Northwood for winning a very tough game, played in difficult conditions. Full time 3-2.
MOTM: Jonathan Phillips.
26th Sept. 2010: AC Finchley North 2 Northwood 3
Northwood travelled to Burnt Oak this morning to lock horns with AC Finchley North in a friendly match, although it was always going to be an intriguing contest between two teams that will be pitting their wits against each other in the White Division this season. Northwood welcomed twins Jamie and Sam to the squad, although both started on the bench. The first half saw Northwood kicking with the wind behind them but despite dominating possession the Woods were unable to take advantage going into the break, although Bladen came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot that cannoned back off the post.
Half time 0–0.
This match was proving to be an enthralling contest between two well matched teams. Northwood broke the deadlock within 12 minutes of the restart when Ben slotted home into an empty net after some excellent chasing down from debutant Sam. However, just a minute later Finchley were back on level terms when their forward let fly from the edge of the box with a stunning strike that Joe managed to reach in the Woods goal but he couldn’t keep out. Finchley looked to take the lead at this point and had it not been for a terrific save from Joe they would have done. This proved pivotal when, on 52 minutes, Bradley played a delightful defence splitting through ball to Bladen who took a touch before slotting home past the advancing Finchley keeper. However, just as the game was drawing to a close, there were still a couple of dramatic twists to this fascinating contest. With just a minute of normal time remaining, Finchley capitalised on a long throw-in that evaded the Woods defence and allowed a Finchley striker to flick the ball past Joe and into the net. Just as the game was looking to finish in a draw, Woods had one more trick up their sleeve when deep into stoppage time a hopeful ball forward was chased down by Jamie and as the Finchley defender attempted to clear his lines, the ball deflected off the keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Although a draw may well have been the fairer result for a close game played in the best spirits of the game, no-one could deny the Woods’ endeavour and application in this match.
Full Time: 3-2
19th Sept. 2010: Northwood 1 Brentham Colts 2
Northwood fell at the first hurdle of the Middlesex County Cup when they came up against a well disciplined Brentham Colts of the Harrow League Premier Division. Lining up with Joe in goal, Ben, Dan, Tobi and Omar in defence, Jack, Tommy, Bradley and Bladen in midfield and Oliver and Ellis up front, the Reds got off to a positive start kicking up hill as they passed the ball around and settled into their play quite quickly. After 10 minutes, Bradley picked up the ball just inside the Brentham half and let fly with a dipping shot that looped over the hapless Brentham keeper who could just watch helplessly as the ball bulged the back of the net to give the Woods a 1-0 lead. This seemed to kick start the Brentham players who began to play some excellent football that stretched the Northwood defence time after time. However, with the defence being well marshalled by man of the match Dan, they were able to deal with most of the threats, and on the occasions that they were beaten, Joe was on hand in goal to mop up. Half time 1-0.
Despite Northwood having the advantage of kicking downhill in the second half, it was Brentham who came out of the traps fastest as they dominated possession of the ball, constantly testing the Northwood midfield and defence. The visitors were rewarded for their relentless pressure after 44 minutes when a cross played into the Northwood penalty area evaded the defenders and dropped in off the post for a deserved equaliser. Brentham now sensed that they could finish the job in normal time and pressed for a winner, but could not break down the Red’s resolute defence. Then, in the final minute as both managers were contemplating the prospect of extra time and penalties, Brentham grabbed the winner when, following a short corner, the ball was played high into the Woods penalty area and a Brentham forward was on hand to stab the ball home from close range as it rebounded back off the far post.
A disappointing outcome for Northwood, but they should take heart from the game as they faced very good opponents today.
12th Sept. 2010: Sun Postal Blue 2 Northwood 7
Northwood extended their winning start to the season with a convincing victory away to Sun Postal, which was played in glorious sunshine. The Reds lined up with Joe in goal behind a back four of Rohan, Ben, Tobi and Dan. In midfield were Jack, Tommy, Brads and Bladen with Ellis and Oliver in attack. Jonny and Omar were on the bench.
The game got off to a cagey start, with both teams sizing each other up. However, Northwood were beginning to exert themselves by putting the Sun Postal defence under increasing pressure, whilst Joe was a virtual spectator at the other end in the Red’s goal. The deadlock was broken on 16 minutes when Bladen turned three players before letting go with a left footed shot that their keeper was unable to hold. This came just a minute after Ellis had seen an excellent effort well saved by the Sun Postal keeper. Northwood continued to pass the ball around although Tobi and Dan had to be alert to the constant threat from the Sun Postal number 9 who was proving to be a real handful. However, Northwood bagged their second on 24 minutes when Rohan let fly from outside the area with an unstoppable left footed shot that flew over their keeper and into the back of the net. Although the Reds were continuing to grow in confidence, the remainder of the first half was played out with no further goals. Half Time 2–0.
Northwood were looking to build on their two goal advantage early in the second half, and it was Tobi who did just that on 35 minutes when he made no mistake in despatching a shot into the top left corner after Bradley’s cross was only half cleared. Three minutes later and it was 4-1 after Ellis slotted past their keeper following some lovely work by Rohan and Jonny down the left flank. The game was really over as a contest on 41 minutes when Jonny got his name on the score sheet after finishing off a neat move by Bladen and on 45 minutes Bladen finished from an acute angle with his left foot after some lovely work down the bye-line. Sun Postal did not give up, however, and the number 9 was rewarded for his endeavours when he ran half the length of the pitch with the ball, seeing off four Northwood defenders before slotting past Joe to give Sun Postal a consolation. Three minutes after bagging his first, the number 9 was brought down in the box and after dusting himself down stepped up to take the resulting penalty. Joe got down excellently to his right to make the save but unfortunately the Sun Postal players were quickest to the rebound and found the back of the net to make it 6-2. However, it was Northwood who had the final say when man of the match Bladen beat two players before squeezing the ball home to make the final score 7-2 to the Reds.
5th Sept. 2010: Cassiobury Rangers Blue 0 Northwood 10
Northwood got off to an emphatic winning start in their first ever competitive 11-a-side fixture away to Cassiobury Rangers. The Reds lined up with Joe in goal behind a back four of Rohan, Jonny, Tobi and Dan. In midfield were Ben, Tommy, Brads and Bladen with debutants Ellis and Oliver spearheading the attack and Jack starting on the bench.
Kicking up hill in the first half, it took just 5 minutes for Northwood to register their first goal when Bladen netted with his left foot following a goalmouth scramble from a corner. Despite constant pressure from Northwood, it took another 15 minutes to double their lead, when Ellis fired into the top corner from a throw-in. Two minutes later it was 3-0 when Ellis bagged his second by lobbing the goalkeeper after Cassiobury failed to clear their lines. On 26 minutes Oliver registered his first goal for the Reds when he netted at the second attempt after a save from the Cassiobury keeper. Northwood made it five on the stroke of half time when Ben showed excellent strength to hold off a defender before slotting the ball coolly though the keeper’s legs after an excellent defence splitting pass from Rohan, who was looking assured at left back. Half Time: 5–0.
Results & Fixtures
