Under 17s (White)
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Match Reports 2009-10
12th April 2010: Belmont 2 Northwood White 2
With the league campaign moving into the crucial stages every game for Northwood would be a test as they seek to maintain their position at the top and retain their unbeaten record. Belstone having come into form over the last few weeks, were close losers in the first game with the Woods, and were looking for a different outcome. Their pitch was well prepared and in pristine condition for the game ahead, a compliment to their ground staff.
Woods once again this season was handicapped, with only 11 men available to maintain their challenge. This meant significant positioning adjustments in midfield and defence ensued to minimise the impact. The game started with Belstone quickly getting into their stride, pressing the Woods with strength and purpose, winning all the second balls and challenges in crucial areas around the park. Woods struggled to compete with the free-flowing Belstone who were looking more like the side on top of the league. Their sustained efforts brought an early reward in the 20th min when from a soft corner their centre-half rose unchallenged on the penalty spot to glance a delicate header in the top left hand corner to make it 1-0.
Woods tried to withstand the pressure but were again made to pay for constantly giving the ball away, when in the 25th min a long clearance left the Belstone striker clear on the left and as he was closed down, smashed a dipping 25yard shot which beat C.Smart who desperately tried to tip it over 2-0. With all the pressure these were the only two real chances Belstone had, with J.Charles and J.Comer outstanding in defence keeping the team stabilised. Around the field there were too many Woods plays second best and slow, which could not continue if they were to get anything out of the game.
In the second half the Woods players responded to the team talk and started on the front foot with purpose, attitude, and pace. A completely different pattern emerged with Woods passing the ball around briskly, winning challenges and creating early half chances. But Belstone were resolute in holding on to their winning position. Woods had to step up the pace and energy to break them down. The breakthrough came in the 65th min when J.Charles won two crunching tackles on the opponents 18yard box and with skilful execution curled the ball low and hard through a crowded box past an outstretched keeper into the back of the net, Woods were back in it 2-1. Woods finally got their rhythm and took the game to Belstone, powerfully battling and causing chaos in their defence. Woods stepped up the pressure and in the 70th min B.Smith picked up the ball on the right and floated a peach of a ball in the path of A.Gardner who under heavy pressure glided the ball into the back of the net 2-2. In the 75th min from yet another corner G.Adelana drove back into the box which was cleverly ’heeled’ on by L.Cole through the defenders legs for B.Smith to lash into the net, only to be ruled for offside by the referee, which was a diabolical decision and denied Woods the victory.
A tremendous second half response by Northwood to maintain their unbeaten run and secure a point, strong improved performances by all in the second half, but MOTM goes to J.Charles who in the centre half position was a tower of strength and commitment, with pace, awareness, strong communication, tackling, heading and when required the ability to get forward and score. He is developing into a player of all round quality and was impressive today.
22nd Nov. 2009: Northwood White 4 Belstone Youth
On a rainy and blustery morning Northwood ‘Whites’ continued their league campaign against Belstone Youth on a pitch that had some surface water, but was generally sound. Woods having lost a tough game in the Middlesex County Cup the week before and with key players missing, were determined to bounce back.
Belstone started the game strongly as Woods were forced to defend their goal in the first ten minutes. Their early pressure led to a quick breakthrough in the 11th minute, when they scored after Woods defence failed to clear 0-1. Woods tightened up and started to play more urgently, pressing Belstone back with several attacks, which saw captain B.Smith go close but his lob was easily saved by the keeper. Woods struck back in the 23rd minute when a series of passes saw A.Gardener raced through into the box and sweetly glided the ball past the keeper into the net1-1. Woods stepped up the pace and attacked from both flanks forcing a series of corners. J.Charles saw his crisp header cleared off the line from one corner, but in the 32nd min, another great corner from J.Smith saw him rise superbly to smash a header which shuddered the crossbar into the back of the net 2-1. Woods worked hard to get on top, but with five minutes of the half to go, let Belstone in cheaply to nick a soft goal out of nothing 2-2.
All level, in the second half Woods started the stronger, with the shape firmed up. The playing conditions was worsening but both teams were competing in good spirit. It was Woods who made the breakthrough in the 60th min when a through ball left B.Smith clear on the right to cross for A.Gardener to race in and slam past the stranded keeper 3-2. In the 66th min Woods again stretched the Belstone defence, with A.Gardener beating two players to burst into the box and neatly side foot past the diving keeper 4-2. With 20 minutes to go the game was tarnished with a severe downpour and thoughts of abandonment arose, but sense prevailed and the game continued. Belstone to their credit fought and battled back into the game with a third goal in the 76th min to make it 4-3, and missed a penalty in the 80th min, and hit the post in the 85th min. Woods held out to secure the 3 points and retain their unbeaten record, but only just.
Outstanding performance from J.Charles who was strong in every department, leading from the front with natural aggression, composure and skill. Congratulations to A.Gardener for his first hat-trick for the Club, hope we see more of it. Good battling performance from everyone to hold out for the victory, deserved the luck. MOTM J.Charles for his all round performance with confidence and authority.
8th Nov. 2009: London Road Hammers 2 Northwood 2
Northwood once again were playing away, meeting London Road ‘Hammers’ for the second time in St Albans. The conditions was good for playing, and both teams were mindful of their cup match, when the Woods prevailed but after a tough battle. With both teams in the top half of the league, this was a crucial game to win. If Woods won they would go top of the league, if Hammers won they would go above Woods. The game started at a steady pace with Wood’s pressing the game early, with T.Scille going close twice in the first 10mins and was unlucky in the 15min when he beat the keeper only to see his shot hit the post. Woods was firmly on top for the first 20mins, but kept on missing the target on several occasions. Hammers who did not threaten at all, caught Woods with a sucker punch when in the 25th min a long ball into the Woods box saw four defenders fail to clear gifting the ball to the Hammers striker who from point blank range fired into the net 1-0. Woods having all the play was left stunned as Hammers raised their effort and strengthened their tackles. Woods tried to get back on level terms but Hammers were resilient and grew in confidence as they repelled all attempts to keep the score at 1-0 to half time.
In the second half Woods started brightly and in the 50th min captain B.Smith controlled neatly in the box, beating the centre half and from six yards agonisingly hit the crossbar. Hammers continued to frustrate Woods who could not find that elusive goal to get back into the game. In the 60th min Woods were rocked again when a Hammers midfielder picked up the ball on the left came inside and with the defence backing off fired a low 25yard shot which surprisingly beat C.Smart in the right hand corner of the goal 2-0. The game became a battle with Woods fighting to get a foothold and Hammers resisting all efforts. Finally in the 75th min J.Charles picked up in midfield, surged forward on the right and with a lovely floating cross found T.Scille in the 6 yard box who made no mistake to side foot into the goal from close range 2-1, Woods were deservedly back in the game. Woods started to ramp up the pace with J.Uche and J.Comer making solid tackles at the back to wipe out the attacking threat of the Hammers. In the 84th min J.Stapleton picked up the ball on the left and weaving through three players glided an angled ball to T.Scille on the far right, who cleverly beat the defender on the turn and smashed a low rasping shot under the Hammers keeper 2-2. Woods was totally on top and were going for the victory as Hammers were struggling under the relenting pressure. In the 86th min B.Smith picked up in midfield and racing forward played a neat ball to A.Gardener on the right who blasted a low angled drive into the goal only to be ruled off-side. The game ended a draw which was a fair result, but again Woods were made to rue their missed chances. An excellent response from Woods who came back from a two goal deficit, to almost win the game. Gritty performances from the midfield and centre backs in the second half made the difference, with T.Scille again in scintillating form with another brace, but MOTM goes to J.Comer who was rock solid both in midfield and centre back, never flinching any challenge, and looking stronger than ever, for the battles ahead, well done.
25th Oct. 2009: Northwood 3 London Colney 2
On a wet and windy morning Northwood White resumed their league campaign against a new opponent in London Colney. The Whites have played their last seven games on the road and was looking for a good home performance to gain three points and keep on the pace at the top of the league. The conditions did not auger well for a classic match, but both teams looked up for it at the start. The game started strongly with London Colney playing an aggressive physical game which produced some cynical and blatant fouls on the Woods players in the first 15mins. Woods responded by raising the intensity of their challenges, and began to get hold of the ball and play it around. For the first 30mins the game remained with both sides looking to get an advantage, but Woods keeper C. Smart saved, smothered and stifled Colney’s dangerous attempts, and the forwards kept their defence on the back foot. Woods finally broke through the heart of Colney’s defence in the 38th min where T.Scille was hacked down in the box, and earned a penalty. He took the penalty and smashed it in the top right hand corner 1-0. Woods were on top and after a third consecutive corner in the 42nd min, the ball fell to T.Scille who spun full circle and thumped the ball high in the top right hand corner, past a wall of players 2-0.
In the second half the game started on a high tempo with both sides fighting for domination. Colney forced the pace as they fought to get back in the game but met strong resistance from the Woods midfield and could not get past their defensive line. But in the 60th min Colney were given a penalty by the ref for an incident no one else saw in the box!! They duly obliged and just beat the keeper who got his fingers to the ball 2-1. Woods were taken aback by the decision, but maintained their composure and fought back to take the initiative in the 70th min, when captain B.Smith picked up a sweet diagonal pass on the right, beat the left back for pace and raced into the area and struck a vicious low shot at an acute angle to pass the keeper at the near post 3-1. In the 75th min again Colney was awarded a disputed goal, after the Woods keeper C. Smart was clearly obstructed as he came to collect the ball, and as it dropped with Woods waiting for a whistle, a forward ran in and poked into the goal 3-2. Woods held out to win what was a frustrating, rough and tough game, with four players being booked.
A solid team performance with plenty of commitment and strength, securing three points. This game highlights the need for Woods to consistently be on top of their game, as every team will be coming to challenge their current unbeaten status in the league, however they can. MOTM C.Smart Woods goalkeeper who was on top form with his handling giving the team confidence and performing with competence and control, giving the defence a solid base, well done.
18th Oct. 2009: Alpha & Omega 1 Northwood 4
Northwood ‘White’ continued their Middx County Cup campaign against a dangerous opponent in Alpha & Omega Youth. In a cup that is very difficult to win each round requires maximum effort to subdue and beat opponents, and the Woods approached this game with this in mind. Playing away for the sixth successive game, Woods started the game strongly, played with discipline and had a solid shape. Neither team got close to scoring in the first 20 minutes, due to the tightness of the game, but Woods started to create openings with some crisp possession football and the use of their wide players. Then in the 25th min the ball fell to Cole in the centre of the park, who smashed a 30 yd dipping half volley which crashed of the crossbar, and with pace and strength T.Scille pounced, won the ball, and firmly rammed past the keeper 0-1. Woods backs was up and forced Alpha onto the back foot with several close chances, until in the 30th min J.Charles T. Day and J.Smith linked up to produce a flashing cross through the box which the Alpha goal keeper could not hold, leaving A.Gardener to slot in from close range 0-2. Alpha tried to press forward but were well marshalled by the Woods defensive back line, who gave nothing away. Woods comfortably held the game until half time with the score reflecting the true balance of the first half.
In the second half the game started in a similar vein to the first, tight, with Woods holding their ground and Alpha a little bit more determined. Their efforts were rewarded when in the 55tth min they broke through with a good passing move and scored to grab a life line and bring them right back in the game 1-2. This gave them new energy as they launched a 10min barrage on the Woods goal which saw R.McNeil pull off three spectacular close range saves to keep Woods lead. In the 70th min Woods retaliated and J.Smith picked up the ball on the right, he ghosted past three players and the goalkeeper and blasted the ball into an empty net 1-3. In the 75th min after a flurry of goal bound chances in Alpha’s penalty area, T.Scille picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and sped into the box only to be cynically brought down, penalty. He brushed off himself and duly laced the ball in the back of the net giving the goalie no chance 1-4.
Excellent defensive performances by D.Long, B.Stu, D.Ogerio and T,Day and most impressively by R.McNeil in goal. Solid work by J.Stapleton in midfield and superb front running by T.Scille and A.Gardner up front, brought about a very good victory. MOTM T. Day who defended his area brilliantly both on the ground and in the air, and commanded the whole right flank being involved in several key moves in the build up of the goals.4th Oct. 2009: Northwood 3 Echoes 3
Northwood Whites returned to league action after successfully going through all their 1st round cup competition games. Today it was back to the business of league points, playing against Echoes for the first time the Woods needed to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. The game started evenly with both sides threatening but lacking that final pass and finish. The Woods had to battle well to contain a strong, physical clever Echoes side. But against the run of play in the 30th minute the Woods broke down the right with J. Smith sliding a well timed pass through to T. Scille who raced in to blast the ball low in the left hand corner of the net 0-1. This weakened Echoes who were on the back foot as Woods took greater control of the game, and doubled the score in the 44th min when T. Scille was brought down in the penalty area. With confidence he brushed off and took the penalty, smashing the ball in net 0-2. The Woods were fortunate to have gone ahead as Echoes played well, and would be disappointed they were behind.
In the second half Echoes started much the brighter, and forced the pace in the first 15 mins, which eventually paid off when in the 65th min they opened their account with a well taken goal by their centre forward 1-2. Echoes got more confident and had Woods on the back foot threatening on every attack. Their pressure paid off when in the 75th minute they again broke through the Woods defence and scored to level the game 2-2. Woods had no answer, as Echoes hit the woodwork on three occasions, but could not turn it in. They finally penetrated when from a corner in the 80th min they scored a simple header to take them into the lead for the first time 3-2. Time was against Woods as they battled to find a way back into the game, after being two up. With minutes remaining Woods pushed on and worked their way into the opponents half and were justly rewarded getting a penalty after captain B.Smith was brought down in the box J.Charles stepped up and made no mistake with a firm strike to the left of the keeper 3-3. The game ended a draw which was a fair effort by both sides.MOTM James Comer for his overall performance on the left and in the middle of the park, he was strong and effective in all areas.
27th Sept. 2009: Nascott Wood Rangers U18
Royals 1 Northwood White 7
Northwood White began their campaign for the Challenge Cup away to Nascott Wood, determined to maintain their current hot form, remaining unbeaten in all competitions this season. However, the Woods started the game with only eight players and were 1-0 down in the first 15mins as the Royals took advantage of the situation. With full numbers resumed Woods regrouped and started to find their shape and pattern. After 15mins, the Woods picked up their pace and started to seriously threaten the Royals defence, with T. Scille going close on two occasions, only to be denied by the keeper. In the 20th min, J. Smith received the ball on the right and glided into the centre past two players, positioned himself and struck a superb 30yd strike that flew past the keeper into the net 1-1.
This signalled a period of dominance as Woods brutally dissected the Royals defence, with several clear cut chances created in front of goal which the team uncharacteristically failed to convert. Finally, in the 35th min T. Scille latched onto a cross from the right which he blasted past the keeper to take the Woods into the lead and maintain his record of scoring in every game 1-2. Nascott battled well and went close to equalising only to be denied by a good save by R. Mcneil, but Woods was too strong, and comfortably held the game to half time.
In the second half Woods started in rampant fashion with J. Charles and captain B. Smith powerfully controlling the midfield and dictating the flow of play with confidence and ball craft. The Woods quickly struck in the 50th min with a series of intricate passing movements, setting up B. Smith who neatly beat the keeper with a firm strike to the left of goal 1-3. Woods centre-half’s B. Stuart and D. Long were commanding at the back winning everything as Royals never got a sight of goal. Woods continued their impressive offensive when in the 52nd min, a stretched Royals could not clear a switched cross to J. Comer on the left who rammed the ball low past the keeper1-4. Woods stepped up another gear when in the 55th min a wonderful 40yd cross from right to left by J. Charles, fell perfectly to A. Gardner who brilliantly hit a first time high volley which looped into the top left hand corner1-5. In the 58th min J. Stapleton made it 1-6 with a super run into the box after a string of passes, to side food past the keeper.
Woods sealed the game, when in the 65th min a through ball saw A. Gardner surge into the box and shrug of the challenge of the centre half to slot past the keeper from close range 1-7. Classy performances from B. Smith, J. Charles and J. Uche, strong defensive work and wing play proved too overwhelming for the opponents. A brace by A. Gardener who was outstanding when coming on, but MOTM was J. Smith who gave a vintage performance on the right flank causing havoc, scoring the first and creating three goals.
Scorers: Andrew Gardener 2, Tyrone Scille, Ben Smith, Joe Stapleton, James Comer, Julian Smith.
MOTM : Julian Smith.
20th Sept. 2009: Northwood White 3 Hayes Gate Youth 2
Northwood Whites kicked off their County Cup campaign against a familiar opponent in Hayes Gate. While this Woods side have always beaten these opponents, the cup was a different story, and they would have to work to get a victory. Woods started the game strongly, and quickly asserted and had Hayes on the back foot. With the majority of possession and making more penetrating attacks, the first quarter of the game was dominated by Woods. This pressure paid off when T.Scille found a way through the centre of Gates defence in the 25th min, and was brought down by the struggling defender, penalty. T.Scille got up and duly drove the ball hard and low into the net 1-0. Hayes tried to breach Woods defence, but missed many half chances through strong defending and poor finishing. Woods made them pay in the 40th min when a beautiful passing move from midfield sent G.Adelana through on the left, who put in a superb cross straight to T.Scille to score his second goal 2-0. The result stayed like this till half time.
In the second half the game started more evenly and for the first fifteen minutes the match was at stalemate, with both teams battling well for control. But it was Woods who made the breakthrough in the 65th min, when a through ball from midfield sent T.Scille bursting through the Hayes defence again, to blast the ball past the keeper and complete his hat-trick 3-0. Woods began to lower the tempo and started to get sloppy, allowing Hayes to get back into the game with two late goals, pushing the game right to the end, 3-2 the match ended. A good all round display by Woods, who slightly tired in the end, but the team got the victory to take them to round 2. MOTM T.Scille who is in red hot form scoring eight in three games and leading the line with strength, power and pace, but most of all goals!!
13 Sept. 2009: London Road Hammers 2 Northwood White 4
Northwood travelled up to St Albans to kick off their League Cup campaign against London Road, with vivid memories of the last failed visit, which the players wanted to rectify. Once again the team was forced to play with the bare eleven after late absences from certain players. On a good sized unlevelled pitch the Woods started on the front foot, forcing the older London Road players to defend vigorously, and bringing early saves from the keeper. This was the pattern of the game, with Woods creating and missing chances, until the 25th minute when the ball was pumped into the box and T.Scille pounced and smashed the ball past the diving keeper 0-1. With the continued squandering of chances Woods paid the penalty in the 35th min, when a hopeful clearance by Roads defence found their right winger, who crossed the ball into the box which the keeper fumbled and presented the striker with a simple tap in 1-1. London Road were let back into the game and they stepped up their game physically, with some strong and testing tackles. This led to J.Charles getting injured and having to go off late in the first half, forcing Woods on the back foot to the end of the half.In the second half the game increased in tempo and became more balanced with both sides battling for control. Road took the initiative and struck in the 60th min with a goal gifted by Woods who lost their shape 2-1. Woods regrouped and began to press the game and in the 65th min won a free kick about 25yds out, which J.Uche brilliantly struck, with the ball hitting the cross bar, bouncing down for B.Smith to head in at close range 2-2. Woods gradually took control and in the 70thth min a long ball forward sent T.Scille clear to strike a well timed volley over the keeper 2-3. Woods were well on top when in the 80th min the ball fell to J.Comer in the centre who hit a superb 30yd volley which rocketed into the back the net the send the Woods clear 2-4.
Strong all round performances where everyone stepped up their game and responded to the pressure to win a tough game. Thanks to JC for his resilience and standing firm. Thanks to B Stu for standing in the goal. MOTM J.Uche for playing a strong disciplined game at the back and changing the game with his free kick.
Results & Fixtures
