Under 16s
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Match Reports 2011-12
Photos from the Presentation Evening can be seen here
13th May 2012: Northwood 2 Hadley Wood 0
The Woods' Under 16s completed an excellent double on Sunday, when they won the Watford Friendly League Challenge Cup Final, winning 2-0 against Hadley Rangers. Alex Delasalle netted both goals. The lads have already won the White Division title to gain promotion to the top division next season, winning 30 of the 33 matches they have played, the two defeats coming in other cup semi-finals.
This is the second season running that the team, managed by Richard Elderfield and Sat Malhotra, have won a league title, and it is two years since the last time they lost a league home game!! Well done to the whole squad and management for a brilliant campaign!!
Click here to view Alan Palmer's photos from the cup final.
This is the squad, and their schools:
Ben Holden |
Aldenham |
Ricky Froud |
Haydon |
Dave Palmer |
Queensmead |
Pranav Amarnath |
Watford |
Jay Mc Kay |
Joan of Arc |
Tilk Malhotra |
Aldenham |
Alex Delasalle |
Chalfonts Community |
Ronnie Blagden |
Bushey Meads |
Tom Ellis |
Whitmore High |
Nathan Austin |
Whitmore High |
Michael Elderfield |
Westfield |
Billy Mackenzie |
Haydon |
Adam Wais |
Uxbridge High |
Imran Haliday |
Uxbridge |
Martin Conner |
Joan of Arc |
Tom Franklin |
Watford |
Alessandro Smoldone |
St Michaels |
Eric Nyarko |
Streatham High |
2nd May2012: Panathinaikos White 1 Northwood 3
Congratulations go to Northwood Under 16s, who last night lifted the Watford Friendly League White Division title with three games still to play, and it is their second title in successive years. Northwood beat Panathinaikos White 3-1, with goals from M. Elderfield, I. Haidary and A. Wais.
It has been a good season for the team, who also reached three cup semi-finals, and play Hadley Rangers in the final of the Challenge Cup on Sunday 13th May. And several of the side have appeared in the club's Ryman Youth League Under 18 team this year.
Well done to all the lads!!
18th Mar. 2012: Northwood 1 Chorleywood 5
The semi final of the League Cup saw Woods go down to Chorleywood 5-1 in a hard fought game, but to be fair we were beaten in probably all departments by a side that are well on the way of probably being red division league champions. That's not to say that we gave it all we had on the day, even when we went 2-0 down after 20 minutes we were still in the game, especially after Adam Wais scored a superb individual goal to bring the score to 2-1.
But then disaster struck when the Chorleywood striker kind of, sort of, kicked the ball out of Ben the goalie's hands as he was scrambling to get hold of the ball on ground, 3-1 to Chorleywood just before half-time.
The second half was not much better than the last five minutes of the first half; as already mentioned we were second to most balls and beaten by a well drilled side. Holden, Woods' goalie, came off with a sore shoulder and Martin Conner came on from right back to substitute goalie, but Woods let in two further goals to put the game far beyond reach.
This was probably our worst performance of the season and our home record finally went on this miserable but sunny Sunday, but our league records still stands at no losses this season. We again have a hard game this Sunday in the challenge cup semi final against London Macabbi, who I personally know have some very good players but we can beat them, that's if we turn up.
MOTM - no one in particular Report by Tilk Malhotra.
19th Feb. 2012: Hayes & Yeading 3 Northwood 0
The Middlesex County Cup semi-final saw Woods lose their first game of the season. To lose just one out of eighteen games is some going, and additionally Northwood are still in the quarter finals of both the Challenge and League Cups.
Unfortunately I have taken the role of the match report this week as Tilk has been away for a long weekend to sunny Wales! I shall make this report short and sweet (a bit like our physio John!). As a spectator and watching from the sidelines, the one thing I would have to say is that the Hayes boys just wanted this game a little bit more than us.
Needless to say, the game was started with a high tempo, with both sides pushing for that all important early goal, and after 10 minutes of play the goal came, but not for us. A through ball was played to the Hayes striker and from just outside the box he smashed the ball in the top corner, giving Ben in goal little chance for a save.
After another 10 minutes Hayes got their second, capitalising on a mix-up in our defence and it has to be said our heads began to drop towards the end of the first half.
Woods started the second period with three at the back and five across the middle, with the boys being told a goal is all we need to make this cup tie a nail biter. But it never came for Woods, as Hayes were happy to sit back and defend their two-goal lead. This made it hard for Woods to break down their solid defence and they caught Northwood out with a breakaway goal that effectively ended the game.
I hHave to say Woods did fantasticly well to get this far and to still be in two cups and with the league title beckoning. We all now need to think about the forthcoming games.
MOTM: Ronnie Blagden
Match report by Tilk's dad
29th Jan. 2012: Northwood 6 Comets 2
This was a very difficult game with Northwood once again coming out with a win. It was a match where we were under some pressure but we always maintained a high level of performance. The first half was a quick, high tempo, high intensity half, with both teams looking lively on the attack. We had the majority of the possession and we looked very comfortable.
There were spells where they had some possession but when we did get the ball we looked a threat. Our wingers as ever were brilliant, tracking back and pursuing the wings. Woods first goal came about when Alex played athe ball through to Adam and he calmly passed it beyond the Comets goalkeeper. We made it two when Nathan fired it past the goalkeeper some 10 minutes later, we seemed in cruise control. We then however started to get sloppy and we lost the bite in our play. The horrible surface did not seem to help either. Still we went in at half time two goals to the good.
The second half was a lot more lively. We still dominated possession and we created many more chances than the opposition. Our third goal was from Ronnie, a beautiful shot from outside the area which did reflect off a defender but claimed by Ronnie. We were then all over Comets, our fourth was from Michael a typical strikers poke shot.
Comets did however get a consolation goal after goalkeeper Ben twisted his ankle and that allowed an open goal. However, Nathan got his second and our fifth with a cool finish in the bottom right hand corner. A mistake from stand in keeper Tilk allowed Comets to get their second. To finish on a high though Jay McKay ended up getting on the score sheet also, for a 6-2 result to the Woods.
MOTM: Jay McKay and Adam Wais
Match report by Tilk Malhotra
22nd Jan. 2012: Abbots Youth 0 Northwood 1
After this fantastic win Northwood march on to the Challenge Cup quarter finals, and will now play Harvesters for a semi final place. This hard-fought game against a good Abbots side was played on probably one of the biggest pitches that we have played on all season.
We started this game from the very first whistle with high tempo football, as if we were starting the second half and Abbots I believe did not know what hit them. Pressure after pressure hence why we scored in around the 15th minute with a beautiful worked move from the right and finishing with Tom Ellis hitting a thunderbolt of a shot over the goalie and finishing in the top left corner of the goal.
But Abbots never gave up and from the 30th minute Woods were under pressure as they changed their formation and starting chasing the game playing with 3 strikers up front, and it nearly worked from them as they were very quick and skilful players, but hats off to the defence for keeping them at bay, and also for Ben in goal for a couple of good saves when they did manage to get through and shoot.
The second half was much the same as the latter part of the first, Northwood were under constant pressure, but their never say die attitude pulled them through against this tough Abbots side, not surprising as we did pick up a few injuries though.
Match Report By Tilk Malhotra
MOTM: The Whole Squad
8th Jan. 2012: Harvesters 2 Northwood 7
This top of the league clash was a game that we had all been waiting for and what a game, we beat them up front, in the middle and also in the backs we were just too good for them in all areas of the pitch. Sure they had a real speedy forward and a couple of good mid fielders that's why they are top of the league but only because they have played more games than us, they just could not compete against us in all areas, but we have to say we played out of our skins, probably one of our best performances of the season.
Two goals came from Michael and there was one each from Imran, Jay, Ronnie, Alex and Adam. The score was 0-2 to Northwood at half time but Harvesters just did not have an answer to the constant pressure, when we kept pushing forward time and time again. Then when we sat back and passed the ball around from one side of the pitch to the other and back agai,n I feel they lost heart in this game and knew that the victory was ours. Our winning unbeaten run continues into 2012.
Report By Tilk Malhotra
MOTM: Alex Delasale
11th Dec. 2011: Northwood 3 St Albans City 1
To say that Northwood controlled the opening fifteen minutes of this Challenge cup Round 2 tie would be a massive understatement, as they took charge of all sorts of possession and seemed dominant in every single department of the game. Without a doubt St Albans are a good side and two years ago when Woods played them it was very close and they just edged it, but now the tables have turned. Which shows just how far we have come.
So for me it was no surprise when Woods took the lead: an exchange of passes in the middle was threaded through, and Alex Dellasale slotted the ball under the goalkeeper. That goal gave Northwood some breathing space, and they still dominated the play after that: it seemed that St Albans had no idea what hit them where. So when Northwood went 2-0 up it came as a shock to them as Michael calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. That's what I believe. I know that some parents were unhappy with our performance but that just simply shows how much expectations people have on us now.
The second half was very much different. Obviously the St Albans manager gave his team some wise words which resulted in them being completely different side. However, Northwood stayed strong but the onslaught of yellow shirts finally got to us. A mistake in the middle resulted in their quick striker going past our defence and being one on one with our keeper. For a striker that's like a gift from God, and he coolly put it past Ben's left.
So Woods were now one goal to the good: no matter, though, as they continued on in their courageous fashion. You could say the next all important goal would be a deciding factor for this cup game, and both teams looked dangerous on the attack. However, fortunately for the home side, they scored the goal that proved to be the clinchre, and there was no comeback for St Albans. A fantastic combination of speed and strength from Tom Ellis resulted in him clipping the ball over the keeper for a magnificent goal.
This was a strong win and a good performance. However, we know and I am sure everyone else knows, that we can perform better and will need to in the quarter finals.
MOTM: Adam Wais and Michael Elderfield.
Match report by Tilk Malhotra.
4th Dec. 2011: Whitewebbs Eagles 0 Northwood 3
An absolutely fantastic result in the quarter-final of the Middlesex Cup! A performance that has to go down as one of our very best. It is safe to say that this is the furthest we have progressed in the county cup. Well done lads.
The first half was a gritty, passionate, maximal effort half. Both sides played their part for an enjoyable match for both us as players and the spectators. Having said that, we did dominate the majority of the first fifteen minutes. We passed the ball fluently and our tackling when we did not have the ball was excellent. However, Whitewebbs did have a couple of left and right wingers who seemed lively. But as a whole Woods dominated possession and I am sure the statics will favour us.
We pressed their defence like a pack of lions and when we got the ball we distributed play terrifically.It was only a matter of time before we got our first goal. And it was in fact from a corner, after some good play from Pranav. A swinging corner from Tom was met by a superb head of Imran to give us a deserved lead. To say we were ecstatic would be classed as an understatement!
For about 15 minutes after we controlled every aspect of the game. And to add to our joy, Imran got his second of the game with a simple tap in from about four yards out: his scoring record continues to impress. However, after that goal went in we did seem to get complacent. Giving the ball away in silly places, but we managed to hold on till the end of the half, and get some much needed fluid in.
The second half was still full tempo, with Whitewebbs thinking they still had a chance, so the game was as competitive as ever. Whitewebbs did seem to see more of the ball, and if their strikers were more deceive the game could have been completely different. The game was still 50/50 with the ball being won and lost in the centre of the park. Things however were against us as at one point when we had three players off the field due to injuries.
But Northwood were still resilient. Whitewebbs had a few chances here and there, but fortunately for us they fluffed them. And to add salt to the wounds, Nathan scored our third to put the game to bed. A breakaway from Michael ended up with a shot that rebounded back to Michael who shot again, and just when you thought the goalkeeper did enough, Nathan came in to slot it between his legs. The finale whistle was a relief. The effort the lads put in gives us faith that we can win this cup for the first time.
MOTM: Ben Holden (some very good saves)
Match report by Tilk Malhotra
20th Nov. 2011: Northwood 5 Watford Youth Sports 0
Our fantastic winning run continues, which we can all be proud of. It was a comfortable victory in the end. In this league game the first half was always one sided. We controlled the ball in the middle as well as the wings. But for us the goal was still beckoning, but it was our new boy Jay who scored the first. A corner whipped in by Adam was headed by Jay and with the slightest of touches from Imran the goal went in, but for the benefit of doubt we will give the goal to Jay.
From then on we dominated the game. We were first to the second balls and were very direct in our passes. But it was Imran who scored our second, what may of been a cross was actually a goal, landing in the top left hand corner. The first half ended with Northwood two goals to the good.
The second half was always going to go in our favour, and to make matters worse for Watford, Ronnie, our free kick expert, stepped up with another free kick a yard outside the penalty area, 3-0 to the Woods, and an achievement he can be proud off. That goal was adding salt to the wounds. Imran scored his double, with a poacher's effort inside the six yard box.
And Michael finished off the rout with a tap in on the far post towards the end of the game after some great play on the right side of the field with the ball being passed around between at least five players. Have to say, this was an easy victory in a match that we dominated from the first whistle. Well done boys!
MOTM: Jay Mckay
Report By Tilk Malhotra
13th Nov. 2011: Northwood 2 Hillingdon Borough 1
Northwood go marching on to the quarter finals of the Middx County Cup after this hard fought game against Hillingdon Borough with a 2-1 win. The first 10 minutes was end to end but neither team penetrating the others defence but in all honestly the ball seemed to be in the air a lot rather than playing it around on the floor. Some build up play around the middle of the park by Woods, the ball was played to Alex who hit the ball from about 16 yards out into the top right corner of the goal which must be his wonder goal of the season so far and gave the goalie no chance.Alex's goal seemed to give us a kick start and we started to pressure Hillingdon at every opportunity and about 5 minutes later we got our second goal through Imran with a goal mouth scramble who slotted the ball in the back of the net from 3 yards out.
Half time approached and 2-0 to the Woods, we came out for the second half to keep the 2 goal advantage but after 20 minutes Hillingdon scored as they had nothing to lose and started to really push forward and put our defence under pressure, having said that Dave had a great game as our central defender and cleared most of Hillingdon's onslaught to earn man of the match.The last 10 minutes saw us under pressure but I have to say they never looked like scoring and if Hillingdon did get that all important equaliser I would've backed us to win in extra time as I feel we were the better side.
So now the quarter finals approach on the 4th December, and it works out we play Whitewebb Eagles of Enfield for the semi finals spot a side that we have not played before, bring it on!.
MOTM: David Palmer
Report By Tilk Malhotra
6th Nov. 2011: Gadeside Rangers Hornets 1 Northwood 8
This was a comfortable Challenge Cup Round 1 win but at times a lacklustre effort. The goals were individually all very good but as a whole team performance, it was not very good. We would have to perform better next week. Still a win is a win.
The first half was always going to be one-sided, with Gadeside being exploited down the left and right flanks. But it was from a free kick that we got our first goal. As Ronnie stepped over the ball you could tell that it was going to go straight in the top right hand corner, and it did. What a way to put us one up! From that moment onwards it was always going to be a high scoring game. The second was a goal by Imran, who continues his amazing form. A blasted shot into the top corner was to be the only goal for Imran today.
Woods had chance after chance and dominated the possession. The third was a goal by Alex but in fairness it should be classed as an own goal as the keeper spilled it into his own net, but it was decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. The game was over in the first 25 minutes, however, Gadeside did manage to claw a goal back. A lack in concentration was the key for the ball ending up in the back of the net. But it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal. The fourth goal was made by a floated cross by Nathan which sailed over the heads of the Gadeside defence and was latched onto by Tom Ellis. So Northwood went in at half time three goals up but in hindsight we were playing rather poorly.
The second half was a better performance and the interchange of passing was more fluent. Having set up one already, Nathan deserved to get a goal. And he did. A blocked shot fell to Nathan who slotted it in with ease. It seemed that Gadeside gave up after the first 25 minutes of the first half. The sixth was a lovely placed shot by Tom Ellis. The build up was equally as good, with Tom showing Some good feet which allowed him to have enough space to generate a shot. The game was becoming a whitewash. Nathan added to his tally with a chip over the keeper from all of thirty yards out. And finally the eighth was by David Palmer, who I am sure will be spending that 20 quid wisely. To be fair to him, he did show some tenaciousness in getting the ball, taking it round the keeper, and then slotting it in to the open goal. Three goals in two weeks is not bad for a defender.
MOTM: the whole team (again!)
Match report by Tilk Malhotra
30th Oct. 2011: Northwood 6 Borehamwood Youth 1
After an awful display of football in the first half, it was fair to say that the second one was a lot better. All six of Northwood's goals were scored after the break, which really sums up the opening period's performance. Still, we got the victory, which is all that counts. Having not lost at home in over a year and a half, a record that we are proud to boast, came under threat from a team that are top of their league which is two leagues below us.
Woods played sloppy football at the start, ther penetrating ball that have set up so many goals over the last six games was lacking, and it was in total a lacklustre performance. We were, however, all over the awa team, having the majority of the possession. But with all our possession and against the run of play they scored the first goal. A switch of play from their right winger was latched on by their centre forward, who thumped it into the top corner. It was fair to say that it was a shock to us and the management, but nonetheless we had to carry on, seeking the equaliser. We still dominated the possession and Borehamwood never seemed like getting a second, it was our game to lose.
When the referee blew the whistle, it was more of a shock then it was a relief.
The second half was completely different. Having gone in behind at the break, some would of expected us to come out all guns blazing, but in fact we just kept it simple and contained. We still dominated possession by no means, but we had a different, sharper edge to us. And finally we got the goal that was destined. A blocked shot went in the air and fell right in front of Imran, who snatched at the ball with his left foot and it rocketed into the right hand corner. After that goal we had more belief and more courage and pushed on for the goal that would give us the lead. The second goal came about from David Palmer. After a corner that was whipped in by Billy, it fell right in front of David Palmer, who just slotted it in.
The third goal was also from a corner. And once again David Palmer came up with the goods, with a bullet header. After the third it was just a matter of how many. Imran made it four with an easy finish. Having Imran and Michael up front is defiantly a lethal combination. Imran completed his hat-trick with a poachers' goal. This is Imran's fourth game and he has already scored eight goals. Borehamwood were well and truly out of it. Michael also managed to get himself on the score sheet, taking it past the keeper to score in the open net from some great build up play that probably involved half the team. After a bare effort display in the first half, we picked up our game and did brilliantly in the second.
MOTM= Nathan Austin
Match report by Tilk Malhotra
23rd Oct. 2011: Comets Blue 0 Northwood 5
After last week's fantastic match the confidence within the team was booming. A consistent level of performance is required to keep up our good form. No disrespect to this team but they were not that good, in all fairness neither were we. We did however put five past them. It's the score that counts in the end.
It was a groggy first half, unlike the one last week where it was intense and quick. We were by far the better team and controlled the possession of the ball but we did not make enough chances.
Perhaps it was down to the fact that both our strikers were not playing. However we still pushed on seeking the opener, eventually it came though. A lovely through ball by Ronnie was latched onto by Nathan and exquisitely he lobbed the keeper from about twenty yards. After that goal went in we seemed to have relaxed and drop a gear. But we still dominated the game. The second came from some nifty footwork from Nathan down the left. He crossed the ball and there was Adam to flick it in. We were winning 0-2; but it was a poor performance.
The second half was more lively. Perhaps that was down to the fatigue of the Comets players. We exploited the space rather well. Pranav Ammeranth was a constant threat and he linked up play well with Alex. The two central defenders Ricky and David were excellent, keeping another clean sheet. The midfielders Ronnie and Tilk also put in their fair share. But it was the wide men who caused real problems. They were a constant threat. The first of three second half goals from Alex would determine a clean sweep. Alex's first was a belter in the roof of the net, a goal that I am sure he would've been proud of, his second was an open goal a rebounded shot fell in the path of Dellesale, who scored the most easiest goal of his life. The third was just a placed shot in the corner on the net from some good build up play in the middle of the park.
A poor performance. We have to emulate the performance that we displayed against Parkfield and put that to good measure.
Report by Tilk Malhotra.
16th Oct. 2011: Northwood 0 Parkfield 0 (AET: Woods win on penalties)
Woods go marching on into Middlesex Cup round 3 after this hard fought game against a very good Parkfield side. We were told that this was a great game to witness from a number of spectators, even though after 90 minutes, including extra time of end to end football, the score was still 0-0, and the game was decided on penalties.
We have to be honest to ourselves and say that Parkfield probably created 3, possibly 4, more chances to put the ball in the back of the net than we did, but Woods should be proud of themselves in winning this game against a side that have won Harrow Youth League Premier title a few times over the years as well as the Middlesex Cup, so that has to put us right up there with the best and a team to be reckoned with!
The game was end to end, with both defences playing a major role in keeping the strikers at bay, but we played some quality football from goalie to defence to midfield and to the strikers. This game of chess cup tie was decided on penalties with Ronnie, Tom E, Dave and Billy putting the ball in the back of the net for a fantastic 4-2 win.
Our home record still shows that we have not lost in a cup, league or friendly this season or the whole of last season, not bad!
MOTM: The whole team again
Match report by Tilk Malhotra.
9th Oct. 2011: Northwood 6 AC Finchley 2
A positive win for the lads in this Challenge Cup Round 1 tie, and one that we all deserved. Another high scoring game, and luckily though we were the ones who contributed most of them. The start of the first half was immediately engulfed with controversy. A loopy shot from Tilk Malhotra was disallowed by the referee as apparently one of our players was interfering with play. A strange decision, still we started off where we left off last week. After the shot, though, AC Finchley seemed to see a lot more of the ball, but the different between us and them was that we could use the ball better.
Some nice build up play between the midfield and attackers resulted in a free kick on the edge of the area. Our free kick taker Ronnie stepped up and curved the ball into the top left hand corner and left their keeper stranded. A truly wonderful goal.We were 1-0 to the good, and hoped to keep it that way. However we began to get complacent and some of our play was extremely sloppy. It was when we conceded a free kick that they got their equaliser. A deep cross fell to the unmarked AC Finchley player who headed it past Ben. A sloppy goal to concede considering our dominance.
We did however pick ourselves up and started to string passes together. We were more fluent with our play and used the ball to exploit the spaces. But in fact it was a counter attack that gave us the lead. A forward thinking Adam took on one player and played a lovely through ball which was latched on by Nathan who coolly slotted it past the keeper. A wonderful counter attack goal. Having scored five goals on his debut last week, we introduced Imran and you could see he is a deadly striker, always playing off the last man. And in fact it was Imran who got the third to make it six goals in two games. A lovely run by Tom, who forced a shot, which was in turn spilled by the keeper and the ball fell to the feet of Imran who had the goal at his mercy. We could all breathe a sigh of relief now going into the break.
The second half was just as lively as the first. We were always in control and never seemed to be uplifted. And we continued to add misery to the Finchley defence. A shot by Imran rebounded off the crossbar and fell to Michael, who coolly shot the ball in: Michael also just cannot stop scoring. After that goal went in, AC Finchley's heads just seemed to drop, and they could not control the barrage of attacking play by the lads.
Having said that, once again the defence were brilliant and Ben our goalie had a solid game. But we just punished AC Finchley. Michael was in the thick of the action, heading the cross from Prav back in to the area for Billy to score. We could have made it five but Tom missed a penalty. No matter, though, as he played excellently when he came on in the first half.
However, AC Finchley did get a consolation goal when a through ball was controlled and scored by their striker, but it proved no more than a consolation goal. After that goal went in AC Finchley did show some belief but that all fizzled out when Michael got his much deserved second. A cross was met by the head of Michael, 6-2 to the Woods, job done. A solid performance from the lads. A tough game next week against a strong Parkfield side but if we play like we have been doing then we should give them a run for their money.
MOTM: The whole team
Match report by Tilk Malhotra.
2nd Oct. 2011: Hadley Wood & Wingate 1 Northwood 10
The opposition for this League Cup round one tie was a team that is in our division, so winning this would definitely assert our authority. The pitch was long but narrow and using the width was always going to be a tough task. However, it was a good victory and one we all deserved. In the opening 20 minutes of the half, Wingate held their own. We were playing quick, fluent, exciting football, which seemed to surprise the opposition.
We maintained a high level intensity and for reward got the opening goal. Some nice build up down the left flank was finished beautifully by Tom Ellis, and cutting in from the left side to finish with his right foot was exquisite. From then on we controlled the game. We had a vast amount of possession and at times Wingate were chasing shadows. One soon became two thanks to Michael's persistence: what seemed to go out for a goal kick was made otherwise by Michael Elderfield, and he lobbed the ball back into the area and in doing so fell right in front of Alex Dellasale, who poked it in.
We were looking very good. The defence was excellent throughout with some good tackles from David Palmer. The midfield were sublime, controlling everything, and the attackers were phenomenal. Two soon became three and it was a deserved goal for Michael, a tap in. and with the form he is in he wasn't going to miss. Just before half time the manager gave a debut performance to Imran Haidary. So we went in at half time looking very comfortable and 3-0 up.
With the introduction of Imran you could tell he is going to add something special to the team. Wingate could not handle him. We continued where we left off and rattled Wingate. Nathan and Tom caused havoc down the left and right flank, and it was from the wide areas were Imran got his first goal. A crossed ball was met by Imran and he flicked the ball into the net. A poacher's goal. And this continually happened: Alex and Ronnie were instrumental in the midfield (feel for Ronnie, taking a shot then hitting either post before bouncing away) and they just seemed to find space. The fifth goal came about through Tom this time and like Nathan he crossed it in and it met Imran's foot, 5-0 to the Woods.
The defence kept their best player quiet all day and that deserved a job well done. The sixth goal however was completely different. A deflected shot fell to Imran, who completed his rout, a hat-trick on his debut, well done. However Wingate did manage a consolation goal to make the score 6-1. From then on we just turned off the gas and seemed to let the game flow. But that did not stop us scoring four more. This time the seventh was a corner, a whipped in ball from Adam was met by the trailing leg of Tilk Malhotra . Afterwards, it was just of case how many we can get. The eighth was exactly the same: a corner from Adam was met by the head of Alex. Imran scored two further goals to make his tally five on his debut.
MOTM Imran Haidary
Match report by Tilk Malhotr.
25th Sept. 2011: Northwood 4 Panathianikos 2
A good solid team performance from the boys today, a real team effort. Playing against a good Panathianikos side was always going to be a tough ask, but the boys dug in and ensured a fantastic win. From the second the referee blew his whistle, Woods were fantastic, working very hard in pressurising the opposition and working just as hard at keeping the ball. We had a few early chances, one of them being a disallowed goal.
But in fact, against the run of play it was Panathianikos who drew first blood. A mistake by Martin (who in fact played excellent afterwards) was punished when their striker caught on to the loose ball and carried his run into the penalty area, in doing so he was brought down and the referee awarded the penalty. Perhaps a harsh decision but one we could not mull over. The penalty was converted, but instead of bowing our heads we continued on seeking the equaliser.
In fact, one would say that Woods were still dominant even after they scored, constantly a threat, whilst the visitors very rarely had chances. And at around the twenty minute mark, we finally got the breakthrough. After some great build up, the ball was played out wide to Tom Ellis, who delivered a peach of a cross which was met ferociously by Nathan. We were back on level terms and we fully deserved it. We were still dominating everywhere on the pitch, but football is the cruellest of games sometimes. During the build up for the Panathianikos goal, one of their players apparently was offside, and even when our linesman had his flag up, the goal stood. A controversial goal, but one we had to accept. However we did have the chance to level it. A lovely run by Tom was stopped when their player fouled him in the D, a penalty to us was awarded. Billy our penalty taker missed the spot-kick tdue to a good save from the keeper. We felt robbed of our performance, we deserved much more. Could it be that the gods were not on our side?
The second half was much like the first. We got stuck in and made Panathianikos work to keep their lead. In fact, Northwood were so dominant that I only remember Panathianikos having three chances throughout the whole game. This was down to the defence working hard, getting tackles in and clearing the debris. But as a unit we honestly were fantastic. However, we were still 2-1 down and that had to change, and my God did it! A deflected shot fell straight in front of Ronnie who, with his weaker foot, slammed it home into the bottom right hand corner: a fantastic goal! And to be honest after that goal, we never looked like conceding again. But the goal would not have came if our manager Richard had not changed the formation.
After the goal Woods were still brilliant, were playing like we always knew we could: with confidence and flair. Still, one extra goal would put the game to bed, and Adam did just that. A catalogue of errors from Panathianikos were punished when Adam, with the goal at his mercy, slotted the ball in to the open net.
Surprisingly this was the first time we had lead Pananthianikos and we were not going to let that slip. In fact we were pursuing the fourth, and our efforts paid off when after some good build-up the ball was crossed into the box and there was Michael to slide the ball in. That's three goals in two games for him now.
A terrific game. And the boys fully deserved the win. Now hopefully we can continue our performance to next week where we play Hadley Wood & Wingate in a cup match.
Man of the match: Nathan and Tom
Match report by Tilk Malhotra.
11 Sept. 2011: Hendon United 2 Northwood 3
After some hard training it was safe to say that we were ready for our first game of the season. We were playing a team that have never played in the Watford Friendly League, but we still had to be at the top of our game. After last year’s success we had a lot to live up to, but as a team we knew we could do it and go far in the white division.
The much anticipated start to the season was about to come and we did feel ready. But sometimes over confidence can come at a price. We underestimated the new opposition and in the first 15 minutes they were better than us, we looked sloppy and very unfit. The long swirly grass did not help as it made controlling and kicking the ball hard to do, but a good team never blames the pitch. We did start to pick our performance up but we were not at our best, and it was only a matter of time before they scored.
After they netted it gave us a massive reality check, and in turn the level of our performance rose dramatically. We started to play more fluently and we started to pile the pressure on the newly founded Hendon United. We were controlling the game and our dominance paid off as Pranav scored the equaliser which was a sigh of relief. Woods were back in it but we had to get one more goal before half time to ease the nerves, and we did, Michael as resilient as ever, charged down the defender and pestered him. His never say never attitude paid off as he took the ball off the defender and slotted it in the bottom right hand corner.
We went in at half time with mixed emotions, but still 2-1 up, knowing we had to perform better in the second half to really ensure a victory, and were a lot better. We played with more width and more passion. Hendon could not really get the ball of us but when they did overturn us they looked impressive. For a new team they were very good, but we had that edge over them with speed. Our two wingers gave the full backs a nightmare with their speed and agility. And in fact it was from Adam where we got our third goal. A peach of a cross was met by Michael, but the defender did well to block it, but the deflected block fell straight in the path of Prav who slammed it home for a 3-1 lead.
Hendon, however, did get a goal and that set up a nervy ten minutes, but it turned out to be no more than a consolation goal. A good start to our campaign but we cannot rely on doing well in the second half to safely win a game. We have to play well in both halves. Nonetheless, Northwood won and got the first three points of the season.
Northwood MOTM – Alex Dellesale
Match Report by Tilk Malhotra
Results & Fixtures
