MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division 

Northwood 3  Cheshunt 1

 Report by Robin Piper 

Northwood kept their survival hopes alive by coming from a goal behind to record their first win in five games. Manager Colin Payne reorganised his defence after a couple of indifferent performances. Dave Nolan partnered Fergus Moore in the centre, James Shipperley and Jason O’Connor reverting to the subs bench whilst Danny Julienne and Gary Meakin filled the full back berths, with Joe Devera making way. There was also a return to starting line up for midfielder Shayne Demetrious.

However, the new-look Northwood looked decidedly under par in the early stages, a Dean Clark free kick which flew narrowly wide and a long range Gavin Hart effort being the only moments of note in a disappointing opening quarter.

In fact it was Cheshunt, who featured ex Wood Alistair Heselton in attack, who looked the more dangerous. Michael Deane miss hit a shot when well placed before ‘keeper Rob Bullivant tipped over a far post free header from Dewayne Clark. However, Bullivant was helpless to prevent the visitors from taking the lead on 18 minutes. Woods failed to clear their lines following a corner, fullback Dave Wattley sweeping the ball home from close range.

Northwood’s lack of confidence was all too clear to see, with too many passes going astray as Cheshunt continued to dominate. Clark miscued from a good position whilst Heselton created an opening for himself in the box, Bullivant standing up well to deny the striker a goal against his former club.

Northwood finally drew a save from Cheshunt keeper Michael Kalli after 35 minutes, Sam Hatton being denied after good work from Clark and Peter Dean. However, Woods managed to restore parity on 39 minutes. Skipper Wayne Carter combined well with Clark and Dean, the latter applying the finishing touch to a slick Northwood move by coolly slotting the ball beyond Kalli.

And things got even better for Woods within two minutes of the restart. Clark was involved once more, threading a precise pass through to Dean whose first time shot beat the advancing Kalli to give Northwood a 47^th  minute lead.

Once in front, Northwood looked a different proposition, and they began to move the ball around with confidence: Clark saw his speculative effort from the edge of the box fly wide of the upright.

At the other end, there was a scare as Heselton threatened once again, Bullivant averting the danger by forcing the Cheshunt striker wide of the goal.

Woods had to make a change after 59 minutes, Meakin twisting his knee after falling awkwardly, Devera his replacement. Northwood continued to press for a third goal, Dean twice being denied by last ditch tackles, whilst Clark and the former both tried their luck with audacious bicycle kick attempts.

There were further chances for Dean but his headed efforts were off the mark. Youngster Daniel Hawes replaced Julienne at right back for the last ten minutes as Northwood looked to consolidate their afternoon’s work.

And Woods’ recovery was complete when Sam Hatton added a third goal deep into stoppage time. Hart, who enjoyed a fine game, was the instigator as he dribbled into the box, his shot rebounding to Hatton, who bundled the ball home to wrap up the points for Northwood, who move out of the extra relegation spot two points ahead of Ryman rivals Hendon.