MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division 

Aylesbury United 3  Northwood 0

 Report by Robin Piper

Northwood sunk deeper into the relegation mire after they were soundly beaten by fellow strugglers Aylesbury in the crucial Bank Holiday clash. Hopes were high following an improved display at the weekend, but Woods put in a dreadful performance, failing to draw a single save from Aylesbury ‘keeper Reece Kirk.

Injuries meant manager Colin Payne had to reshuffle his back line once more. Daniel Hawes made his first senior start at left back in place of Gary Meakin, while Joe Devera replaced Danny Julienne in the right back birth.

Aylesbury were quickly into their stride, Richard Pringle spurning a golden opportunity to give the Ducks an early lead by directing his free header straight at ‘keeper Rob Bullivant. However, Aylesbury were rewarded for their bright start as they took the lead on 10 minutes. Northwood were caught napping as a free kick found its way to Aston Goss, who despatched a low shot into the far corner.

Aylesbury continued to show greater hunger, making Northwood look decidedly pedestrian and it was no surprise when they added to their lead after 22 minutes. The goal came from another free kick, slack marking allowing Dean Powles to direct his header beyond Bullivant to make it 2-0.

Northwood were unable to gain any foothold on the proceedings. The only half chance in a wretched opening period fell to Shayne Demetrious who wanted too long as the ball fell to him inside the Aylesbury box.

Woods made a change at the break, Devera making way for central defender James Shipperley with Dave Nolan moving to right full-back. And Northwood finally began to show some desire as they started brightly. Demetrious launched a couple of mazy runs from the right flank, his shot flying narrowly wide of the upright before he combined with Gavin Hart whose ball into the danger area just evaded Dean Clark.

At the other end, Bullivant pulled off a smart double save Pringle as the Ducks threatened to put the match beyond Woods.

Northwood had a good shout for a penalty turned down after the ball appeared to hit the hands of an Aylesbury defender as he cleared his lines. Woods continued to push for a way back into the game, Fergus Moore heading wide from Clark’s free kick whilst Peter Dean was inches away from applying the final touch to Demetrious’ far post cross.

Northwood’s momentum gradually faded in the face of an obstinate Aylesbury defence. Kieran Deane was introduced for Nolan on 77 minutes but there was to be no change of fortune for the frustrated Woods.

In fact it was the Ducks who looked the more likely to score as Woods left gaps at the back. Bullivant turned Pringle’s shot round the post, whilst substitutes Damon Ming and Neil Trebble spurned opportunities to extend the lead.

However, Woods’ miserable afternoon was made complete as Aston Goss broke clear in stoppage time to score his second of the afternoon, leaving Northwood to contemplate a defeat that puts them back in the extra relegation spot behind Ryman rivals Hendon.