Under 15s
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Match Reports 2010-11
10th April 2011: Northwood 9 St Albans Rangers 3
Wow! After a fantastic season we are finally crowned champions. We have worked ever so hard whether that is in training or simply running our socks off in the matches. We are deserved champions, and I am sure that everyone else in the league whether they are parents or players will agree. Well done Northwood FC.
We usually score our goals in the first half and we usually sustain a reasonable consistent performance throughout the game. But this was different. We started off appallingly and that in the end cost us. We failed to string more then two or three passes together and we were not working as a unit. St Albans seemed to capitalise on our surprisingly disappointing opening performance and they then put pressure on us. They scored one through their striker, no not the one that has scored the most goals in the league, but the one that seems to play in defence, middle and up front. We never really took off, and once again some sloppy play was exploited and they scored again thanks to some nice build up from their striker who centred the ball into the box and it was destined to go into the back of the net. To say we were disappointed was an understatement, but we had to pick ourselves up. We started to get better; we were dictating the play and were manoeuvring the ball around nicely. Two nil down we still had a lot to do, but it was a start. We soon pegged one back thanks to Michael Elderfield who has been in outstanding form this season. The ball was played through nicely by Alex Dellesale, and Michael timed his run to perfection and in turn he scored.
That goal seemed to have given us confidence and we seemed to be controlling the game. So the play continued in controversy as St Albans felt they should have had a throw in, but it was refused. Anyway the throw in was taken by Dan Dodd, and in turn it was flicked on by Pranav Amaranath, and their was Tilk Malhotra to poke it into the net. Game on. We continued to stride forward and look for the goal that would give us the lead, and fortune favoured us as just before the whistle was about to blow for half time, Michael added his second and our third to put us 3-2 in front.
The second half was full of action, some end to end stuff. Unfortunately for us though we conceded due to an own goal, once again our sloppiness got the better of us, but in true Northwood fashion we kept our heads up high and looked for our fourth. After that though St Albans did not get a sniff at our goal, we were quite frankly excellent. However we were still drawing and we did not like that. We got our fourth thanks to some nice play in the middle of the park by Tilk Malhotra, who played through Michael who in turn lobbed the keeper, only for the St Albans player to parry it away with his hand. An odd incident but nonetheless a penalty for us which was put away by Billy Mackenzie. Not long after that Alex Dellesale got the first of his two goals, one of which was a run into the box and calmly placing it past the keeper, the other was similar but on the other side of the pitch. We continued to look for more and a goal from Michael which insured his hat trick put the game way out of St Albans hands. Further goals from Mitchell Tate and Dan Dodd added salt to the wound.
A fantastic season from the lads, and I am proud to say that we have maintained our home winning run and I am also proud to say that we are league champions. Well done lads and the Pepsi/Beer are on Richard.
27th March 2011: St Albans Rangers 1 Northwood 5
This is a side that we have met on a number of occasions. But fortunately for us we have always come out on top. This does not mean to say though that we should take St Albans lightly, they are a side that are constantly improving, and considering this is the first time we have met them this season, we could not take them lighty as they are a side with some quality players.
The first half as a many first half’s was competitive, but to be honest we always did feel confident, we had an aura about us this game and in fact an aura that has guided us through this season. We have maintained a consistent performance and that can only be done by strong support from parents and managing our team, but most importantly a consistent performance from the players. Anyway, we were on top for the majority of the half, we passed the ball fluently and we made some superb tackles. Our impressive first half was capped off with a goal from Michael to make it his 20th league goal of the season, a terrific season.
So we were one nil up and looking good, but as ever we kept on striding for the second. St Albans however started to raise their game they to were looking for that all important first goal, but that did not stop the resilience woods, we matched their sudden boost in performance and in turn we scored another through Michael. Two nil up and looking good, but then disaster happened. Newcomer David Palmer went to head clear the ball, and as his head connected to the ball it also connected to a St Albans players boot. It was a shock to us all, and I can only say that from Northwood we hope he gets better. We went in at half time with a two goal lead.
The second half was always going to be tough especially as we also lost Martin through a leg injury, both central defenders out. But as ever we cracked on but it was not long before they capitalised St Albans in form striker who we marked out brilliantly, pounced and scored. Yeah sure that gave them a boost, but we were confident. We soon made it three thanks to Billy Mackenzie, a nice solo goal. We were in that mood again to score a handful of goals, and boy we did. Two more goals from Michael Elderfield assured a fantastic finish. All I can say is well done lads.
Match report by Tilk Malhotra
20th March 2011: Northwood 3 AC Finchley 3
A very dramatic game, with both teams showing quality going forward as well us quality in defending. As for Northwood our undefeated streak at home continues, it seems we are invincible at home.
The first half was more like a battlefield, with both teams showing no fear and no remorse for one another, albeit though Finchley did have the upper hand in the height department, but in true Northwood fashion we continued to stride forward, and continued to look for that opening goal. When the opening goal came unfortunately it was not for us. After starting the game brightly, we soon began to fade away and we began to get sloppy in our play, and in turn that backfired on us. Their midfield player played a through ball, that split our defence open and in turn there striker scored. We never really seemed to get our heads up after that goal went in. Anyone at that match would say that our defence was better then our attacking display, at least in the first half anyway.
The second half was different we showed a lot more resilience, even after we went three down. This is the reason why I love this club so much, even when we look worse for wear we never ever give up, very few teams have that quality, we have.
Anyway at one nil we were still in the game and we still looked dangerous. But after Finchley scored their second, our hopes of winning this must win game began to fade. The disappointment was not over as Finchley scored another, this was the first time that we have conceded three goals in a league match, but nevertheless we still had hope. We still piled on pressure and after some decent play by Prav over the far left hand side, Northwood were rewarded with a corner. A sliced corner from Michael somehow managed to get through the defence and there was Tilk to place it in, by what seemed a complimentary goal was in fact a goal that was the start of our comeback. After the game seemed impossible to come back from we had hope after that goal, and the momentum swung back in our direction. We soon made it two thanks to Michael who coolly slotted the ball in from close range. We began to get more confident and about two minutes from the end, Michael scored again to complete our comeback. A fantastic game with two good teams. Well done lads for that fantastic comeback
By Tilk Malhotra
6th March 2011: Northwood 7 Stonegrove Park 0
A hugely important win as it keeps the pressure on AC Finchley, who are first in the league, but have played two more games then Northwood. A typical performance from the lads, and a win which we thoroughly deserved and also our winning home run continues.
The start of the match was a little a bit wayward; the two weeks without playing any football took its toll. But after five minutes, Northwood took control of the game and dominated match from then on. We took the lead after about 12 minutes through Pranav, a deflected pass fell straight into the path of Prav, who coolly with his right foot slotted it into the bottom right hand corner. Stonegrove never really got into the match, there defence was poor and Northwood exploited there defensive mishap. We soon doubled our lead, through Prav again. He managed to control the ball outside the area, and in turn he lofted it over the goalkeeper. We soon made it three thanks to Michael after he pounced, on a loose ball and fired it into the bottom left hand corner. Northwood soon began to get complacent, but we managed to pull ourselves together and in turn we got another one before half time, thanks to Adam. Four up at half time and looking good.
The second half we dropped a gear, still on top, just not playing at the same intensity as we played in the first half. Stonegrove once again never posed any threat to us; but Northwood just did not seem to play like we did in the first half. To be perfectly honest though it proves how far we have come, we have the ability to win games, by not playing well. Northwood made it 5 nil thanks to Michael who scored from inside their area and prav who rounded of his hat trick, Joe Grogan also got another goal for the club. A convincing win, helped by a good performance from the lads.
MOTM: Tilk Malhotra Match report by Tilk Malhotra
13th Feb. 2011: Northwood 3 Bedmond Ajax 1
Our winning home run continues playing against Bedmond is always a competitive match, a high intensity, high tempo match. A victory today would not only bring back confidence, but will also bring back the chance to win the league.Having played Bedmond a few times, we knew what they were about. They were a physical side with also a bit of speed in their play. Still on each occasion we had played them we had always come out on top. In the early parts of the match we were dominating, not allowing Bedmond to get comfortable with the ball, we were quick within our play, and we were threatening going forward, not forgetting our back four who were coping well.
Our first goal came about through a corner. Some neat play from Prav was awarded by a corner, in which Billy whipped in, and Alex who managed to tower over the defender, scored from his head. Northwood were jubilant, as we thoroughly deserved to get the first goal. Northwood were Excellent in the opening half hour and our dominance paid off, as Michael Elderfield made it two, and made it more difficult for Bedmond to come back. After that goal though we seemed to lose concentration and in turn our performance went downhill. We began to get sloppy, and we lost the ball in the middle of the park, although some may argue that the state of the pitch, which by the way was really bad, played against us. Anyway, we lost the ball in the middle of the park, and there centre Midfielder, played a through ball that zipped past our defence, straight into the path of the ex Northwood player Reece Doyle, who scored to add uneasy tension. From then on though we were very good, going back to how we were in the opening part of the first half, passing it around, closing down, which by the way was essential in getting our third goal. A corner which was deflected off the Bedmond player, was once again whipped in by Billy, and in turn was met by a powerful head of Tilk who made it three one, all set and game done, we hoped.
The second half was still played at a high intensity, but funnily enough there were no goals. Still taking in account, we deserved our win, and if we can perform like that, then I am sure we can mount a title challenge.
MOTM - Tilk Malhotra Match report by Tilk Malhotra
6th Feb. 2011: Hadley Rangers 4 Northwood 0
A competitive match, but one where we felt we were outplayed. Hadley wood were a very good side, a league above us, but a side that we have given a number of good hard fought matches to in the past
The first half was a slow progressing half, were it took time for the players to get used to the slow intensity. Hadley liked to play the ball round the back, and exploit the spaces, whenever they could. It took time for us to get used to the way Hadley were playing but eventually after about fifteen minutes we managed to get a few good passes together and start playing our game rather than sitting back and watching them play theirs. But what was lacking in our play was our shooting, we never really throughout the match tested the keeper, and that was everyone’s fault. Hadley got there first goal from a long ball strike from the winger, which Ben in goal could not get. Even when the goal went in, we still managed to keep our heads up high, and continue to search for the equaliser.
Our lack in possession was Hadley’s advantage. Hadley managed to extend there lead by two, thanks to a goal that could be considered as a slice of good fortune. We went in at half time 2 down knowing that we had to better our play in order to come back into the game.
The second half was much like the first, except we managed to hit two close shots, but as our shots grew so did Hadley’s lead, and our hope of getting a comeback was ruined thanks to some strikes from their players. A short match report means we played a bad game, but we are still a very good side. And hopefully we can play well next week and get a good result.
MOTM - Ricky Froud Match report by Tilk Malhotra
24th Oct. 2010: Watford Youth Sports 1 Northwood 3
The last time we played Watford Youth they were in our league, and every time they won, it was only by one goal. But this time, in the League Cup, it was different, we won, and we won beautifully. With a massive crowd of, well I lost count at 23, the spectators were witnessing a brilliant performance from the lads.
The first half was a full blown battle, with each team being as good as each other. There was nothing between us, but the game changed with the momentum swinging in our direction. It was about 25 minutes into the game when a cross from Prav, fell to the feet of Dan D, and all he had to do was slot it in. one nil up and that gave us the belief that we could win. The goal seemed to make Watford stronger, and after wave of attacks, Watford’s persistency seemed to pay off, and it was only when Watford tricky little winger scored, that we began to see less of the ball. But when we did get the ball we looked dangerous. Half time came and after much needed fluid, we came out ready for the rest of the match.
The second half was all us, yeah there was the odd shot from Watford, but we were terrific. When we didn’t have the ball, we closed it down excellently, when we did have the ball, we looked dangerous. Due to some fantastic closing down as a team, we managed to get are self a corner, a lovely floating ball form Billy, was placed inch perfect on the forehead of Prav, lovely. We didn’t stop there and in typical, Northwood fashion we continued on, seeking for that third goal, and it came, form Mitch. After a clearout from Tilk, it bounced over the head of the Watford defender, and from there Mitch controlled it and lobbed the keeper, nice. And when the finale whistle blew, the boys were ecstatic. Our terrific run continues and we look like a team which everyone will fear. Well done lads! MOTM: HARRY WICKINGS
17th Oct. 2010: Northwood 7 Alexandra Park South 0
An unusual afternoon 2pm kick off, did not stop the woods winning again. It was only a couple of weeks ago that we played Alexandra Park, and it was a victory that proved that Alexandra Park were a team that we had no qualms with, that victory being 10-1. And again the same thing happened here with another huge victory.
Our game play was top class, from the beginning of the game to the end. The first goal came from a Mitch throw that bamboozled the defence and left Alex to poke it in. one nil us. The second was a lovely goal, after a good build up, the ball was switched to the wide man, Dan Dodd, who crossed it beautifully to Prav, who placed it with his head, to make it two nil. After the pressure mounted the sense of recreating that huge victory seemed possible, and our hopes were beginning to come true. The third goal was a cracker from Dan Pope, outside the box, that lobbed the keeper. Nice one. Northwood were now beginning to control the game, and it almost seemed that those Alexandra Park players gave up. The fourth was about to distinguish any hopes of a Alexandra park comeback. A nice lay off from Michael, created the space for Alex to score, to make us four up going into half-time.
The second half was a repeat of the first, Northwood controlling the game. The fifth goal put more misery on the backs of the Alexandra players. A good through ball from Alex, created the chance for Michael to score his first goal of the game. And he took that opportunity with both hands, by taking on the keeper and placing it in the net. The woods were dominant in every way, always first to every ball. The sixth was on its way. A well timed header by Dan Dodd to Alex got us our sixth, and Alex’s hat trick. The last and final goal of the came was a beauty from Mitch. All in all it was another decisive victory. Well done lads.
Tilk Malhotra
10th Oct. 2010: Northwood 7 London Colney 0
Another game another win, four wins from four, leaves the Woods' confidence intact. A game that was fully dominated from the early kick off, and that showed in the score line.
London Colney are a team that we seem to meet on a regular basis, in fact the last match was only a couple of weeks ago. As the game started Colney were struggling to keep the ball, and as the game wore on Northwood took advantage of that, with a towering header from Prav, and Mitch scoring a very fluky goal, although he may argue differently. So Northwood went in at half time with two goals too the good.
The first five minutes of the second half were slow, and it seemed the Woods lowered a gear. But once we applied the pressure we brushed away the Colney attack with ease, and made it look like men versus boys. Goals from Prav 2, Alex, Michael, and Dan D made it another high scoring game. Another victory means we are now four games unbeaten. Well done lads!
Tilk
3rd Oct. 2010: Alexandra Park South 1 Northwood 10
Northwood travelled to Alexandra Park this week to try and extend the lead at the top of the table. They were however left without keeper Ben this week after the youngster fell ill with a virus, so Mitchell Tate would take the number 1 shirt for this week. Northwood were off to a flyer as they pushed forward right from the start. They were one up within two minutes after Pranav picked the ball up on the left clipped it inside to his skipper Alex who tucked a first time ball through for Pranav who’d made a splitting run, rounded the keeper and put the Woods 1-0 up.
It wasn’t long before Northwood got their second. Billy threaded a ball wide for Alex, who flicked it through the defenders leg, cutting inside and squeezing home from a tight angle for Northwood’s second. Only moments later Dan Dodd burst through one on one with the keeper he poked it past him, the ball was bobbling home when Michael Elderfield poked it cheekily in to deny Dan his first goal for Northwood but at the same time putting his team 3-0 ahead. Still Northwood pushed on and grabbed a fourth within 15 minutes of the start of the game. This one from a corner that Billy drilled towards the front post and captain Alex Delasalle rose well to head the ball into the net. Alexandra Park didn’t look threatening for the majority of the first half but they managed to grab a lucky goal after their throw in was poorly defended by Northwood and Alexandra Park were allowed to get a cross in. It looked to be a comfortable catch for keeper Mitchell but the slippery surface of the ball helped it fumble through Mitch’s hands and allow the oncoming striker to head in.
This wouldn’t effect Northwoods game, however, and a low fierce shot by Alex on the edge of the box was parried by the keeper straight to the feet of attacker Michael, who snatched his easy second and made it 5-1. Northwood continued to attack and a long ball over the top heading for the Alexandra Park keeper was pressured by Michael who jumped with the keeper and successfully won the ball the keeper appealed for hand ball but the referee waved play on and Michael passed into the empty net. Northwood could’ve easily hit double figures before half time with the number of chances they were given but they were happy with the 6-1 score line.
The second half was a different game and Alexandra Park seemed to start playing with a bit more heart. Northwood started sitting deep defending the league but caught Alexandra Park on the counter attack. Half time substitute Tom received the ball in the box from Michael and after a few touches past the defender managed to create enough space to thump the ball into the net for his first goal for the club. The game started to settle down now. Dan Dodd found Alex running down the left hand wing, Alex looked up and cut the ball back from the by-line inside to Dan Pope. The left back lashed the ball home for his first goal of the season. Northwood decided to swap keepers now and Tom took the number 1 jersey from Mitchell to give him a fair amount of outfield game time.
It was a very one sided game, but whenever Alexandra Park did get an attack it was very well defended by the defence which consisted of Harry Wickings, Martin Connor, Pranav Amaranth and Dan Pope. Northwood were heading for double figures and made that even more likeky when a loose ball fell to Tilk Malhorta on the edge of the box. Tilk dropped his shoulder and clattered the ball first time into the top corner from some way out for what was no doubt the best goal of the game. The tenth goal came about when Alex across the centre of the midfield and cut the ball smoothly through for Mitchell Tate who clipped the ball superbly up and over the goalkeeper for a delightful final goal of the game. The game finished 10-1 and Northwood stay top of the league for the second week running. All the boys played well but Man of the Match was awarded to skipper Alex Delasalle.
Report by Alex
26th Sept. 2010: Northwood 7 Cassiobury Rangers 0
This is a fixture that has been played a number of times, and in the past both teams have been quite equal. But this time the Woods asserted their right to be the better team.
As half time began, it was quite a boring show, with neither side creating much creativity. Although the Woods were on top, but were not quite hitting top gear. A few shots were close, with Mitchell’s shot just bouncing over the bar, and Michael firing shots that were close as well. So at half-time the scores were level, with Northwood being the better team and Cassiobury chasing shadows.
The second half was a completely different ball game, with Northwood coming out of the starting blocks like a rocket. All seven goals where a mixture of skill, timing, persistency and most of all quality. Goals from Mitch, Prav, Alex, Tilk, Michael, Billy and an own goal assured a dominant victory.
Report by Tilk
12th Sept. 2010: London Colney 3 Northwood 5
Northwood just about managed to put a team together for today’s game, so with no substitutes all 11 players were going to have to work hard for each other in the morning sun. Northwood started the game attacking towards the sun and set the tempo right from the off. An early chance was created by Mitchell but his shot went soaring just over the crossbar. Northwood were on top, a loose ball fell to the feet of Northwood skipper Alex, the midfielder dipped a neat through ball to onside Michael, who coolly placed the ball past the London Colney keeper for 1-0.
Woods continued to set the pace of the game, and a long ball launched forward by the Northwood defender Martin bounced awkwardly in front of the opposition goalkeeper, who was put under pressure by striker Michael: the keeper panicked and allowed the ball to bounce through his hands and fall to Michael’s feet for an easy second for him and his team. With Michael now hungry for a hat-trick Northwood continued to attack, Tilk picked up the ball from a wide position and proceeded to run to the by line, cut it back for Michael to slide home grabbing a first half hat-trick. London Colney decided it was time to swap goalkeepers, and now weren’t ready to give up on the game yet.
A long ball was played over the top of the midfield and a lack of communication between the Northwood defence allowed the London Colney striker to round Ben the goalkeeper and place into the empty net. With half time quickly approaching, Northwood started to fall asleep and were on the back foot. The London Colney striker easily brushed aside defenders with some quick feet and smashed the ball past Ben from 10 yards out. Northwood went in at half time on the back foot but were still 3-2 up.
London Colney restarted the game well, but some good teamwork by Northwood kept the opposition out, 5 minutes in, however, a mix-up between the defence again allowed London Colney to snatch an early second half equaliser: 3-3. Northwood weren’t going to let this put their heads down and started to push on for the lead again. Tilks great ball found Michael again but he was forced wide by the defender, he done well to find Mitchell on the edge of the box who with his back to goal skilfully turned the defender and curled a beautiful dipping shot into the top corner leaving the London Colney keeper helpless, Northwood were in the lead once again. London Colney pressed forward again but good communication and goalkeeping from Ben prevented London Colney from finding the net.
It was a very end to end game, but Northwood came forward again with Michael one on one with the keeper, however his shot sailed wide of the goal. Dan Dodd was starting to course the defence problems attacking down the left side, the right back was struggling to deal with the quick wingers pace. Dan's quick feet allowed him to cut inside and unleash a ferocious left footed shot towards goal that was heading for the top corner, only to be denied by a well held save by the Colney keeper. The ball was brought forward by Alex who slid a through ball onto Michael again, who this time made sure of his shot and powered it into the back of the net to secure the result for the woods finishing the game 5-3.
Man of the match was awarded to Northwood skipper Alex Delasalle but credit goes to the whole team who all played extremely well on the day. Well done boys.
Scorers: MITCHELL TATE
1,
MICHAEL ELDERFIELD
4
Report by Alex
5th Sept. 2010: AC Finchley 3 Northwood 1
Our first game of the season wasn’t one to be remembered quickly. A disappointing performance, with very few positives. A team that we beat three times last season got their revenge.
The game got underway and immediately Finchley’s tricky winger was causing a few problems, and it was him who whipped the corner in, for Finchley to take the lead. After the goal went in, Northwood’s heads went down and so did our play. Numerous of passes were misplaced, and it seemed that we were second fiddle to everything. Our poor performance cost us another goal, and Finchley were two nil up at half time.
The second half began, and immediately the Woods began to show some dominance. There was brilliant lay offs, and our passes were streaming nicely. But all that we required was that first goal. After having chance after chance, and hitting the post a couple of times, we got our goal thanks to some good closing down from Mitchell Tate, it rebounded off him and went into the net. 2–1, game on. Wave after wave of countless Northwood attack, seemed that a goal was destined. It came. But not for us, Finchley caught us on the break, and after their cunning winger squared the ball, the Finchley player placed it into the net, and distinguished any hope of a Northwood comeback.
All in all it was a disappointing performance, but hopefully next week we can come back and get our season rolling.
Report by Tilk
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