MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Middlesex Senior Cup Quarter-final

 Northwood 2  Hendon 1 (a.e.t)

 Report by Robin Piper

Northwood had to endure extra-time and the loss of ‘keeper Liam Watson to a nasty facial injury before overcoming their Ryman Premier rivals at a bitterly cold Chestnut Avenue. Watson suffered his injury as he bravely saved at the feet of Blaise O’Brien then collided with his own defender Gary Meakin, Dave Nolan donning the ‘keeper’s jersey for the majority of extra-time.

There were changes to the Northwood team following last Saturday’s success at Rugby, Shayne Demetrious replacing hamstring strain victim Dean Clark while Fergus Moore returned to the defence at the expense of Nolan.

Northwood were quickly into their stride, Alistair Heselton dragging his shot wide of  the upright  after good work from Shayne Demetrious. However, Woods’ fine start to the game was rewarded when they took a 20^th minute lead through Peter Dean, who curled in a low shot from outside the box and into the bottom  corner, although ‘keeper Dave King would have been disappointed with his attempt to save it.

Hendon responded well to falling a goal behind as they enjoyed plenty of possession. Former Wood Andy Cook rattled the home crossbar with a 35 yard piledriver, whilst fellow old boys Danny Julienne and Rene Street also went close.

Having held onto the lead, Northwood had a great chance to wrap the tie up in first half stoppage time, Heselton rolling his shot agonisingly wide of the far post with King beaten. Demetrious took a knock on his ankle midway through the half and he was replaced by Dave Nolan.

The visitors looked the more hungry as the second period began and after a couple of near misses they were back on level terms. Watson did well to block John Frendo’s shot but the ball rebounded off the unfortunate Gary Meakin, who conceded an own goal.

Both sides had chances to book their semi-final berth, Frendo shooting wide of an open goal whilst Northwood skipper Luke Garrard attempted to square a ball to Heselton when a shot looked the better option.

Hendon were indebted to ‘keeper King, who made a great save to deny Heselton in stoppage time, Nolan blasting over the follow up. So the game moved into extra-time, but Northwood suffered an early setback as Watson departed the field with a bloodied face,  with Harry Howell joining the fray as substitute.

Remarkably Hendon failed to test stand-in ‘keeper Nolan as Northwood finally woke up to take a firm grip on proceedings. And the winning goal came after 105 minutes, Wayne Carter sending over a precise free-kick which Heselton headed home unchallenged.

There were further chances squandered at both end, Howell being culpable as he missed the chance to put the icing on the cake for Woods, shooting wide with only ‘keeper King to beat . But Northwood had done enough to book their place in the semi-final, where they will meet Hampton & Richmond.