MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Errea Cup Third Round

Northwood 1  Ashford Town 2

 Report by Robin Piper

The League Cup offered no respite for Northwood as they were knocked out of the competition by their Middlesex rivals.

There was a first competitive start in Northwood colours for defender James Shipperley and goalkeeper Liam Watson, recently signed from Beaconsfield, while there was a return for Wayne Carter in midfield.

Ashford were quickly into their stride and Woods were indebted to Watson as he pulled off a succession of fine saves. Twice he denied Gavin Smith in one on one situations, while the lively Scott Todd had his shot tipped over the bar by the Northwood keeper.

The hosts’ early efforts were limited to a long range Wayne Carter strike, which flew narrowly over, as the visitors made all the running.

However, after weathering the storm, Woods opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Shipperley was caught by Ashford’s Paul Johnson as he shaped to shoot, Shayne Demetrious converting the spot-kick, despite the valiant efforts of keeper Scott Chalmers-Stephens, to give Northwood an 18^th minute lead.

The penalty settled Woods, who went on to enjoy their best spell of the game. Matthew Judge was beginning test the Ashford defence with his close skills and he saw his close range shot blocked after a typical mazy run. Judge’s co-striker Peter Dean wasn’t far away with a free-kick while Fergus Moore and Shipperley saw headed efforts blocked.

At the other end, Todd was denied by the woodwork after his free-kick from outside the box left Watson standing but rebounded off the post.

However, parity was finally restored on the hour as Todd was afforded a free-header from Darren Deegan’s left wing cross to give Ashford a deserved equaliser.

Northwood were struggling to create any real openings and their frustration culminated with the  67^th minute dismissal of Dean. The Woods’ striker was guilty of a wild lunge on Deegan, whose anguished response did little to discourage the referee from brandishing the red card.

Despite Woods being a man short the game remained evenly balanced, with neither keeper being seriously tested.

Alistair Heselton was introduced in place of Judge with 15 minutes left on the clock as Northwood looked for the elusive winner, and the Woods’ substitute was afforded a half chance but dragged his shot wide.

However, with extra-time looming it was Ashford who finally secured the tie with Todd’s second goal of the evening, breaking clear of the Northwood defence before applying an emphatic finish to give his team an 83^rd minute lead and a deserved place in the next round.