MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division

 Northwood 2  Tiverton Town 4

Report by Robin Piper

Northwood suffered their second successive home league defeat as Tiverton came from a goal behind to record a seasonal double.

Woods took to the field with an old face in goal, Rob Bullivant signing on loan from Basingstoke Town to cover for the injured Liam Watson. The Northwood defence was also missing the considerable influence of James Shipperley, who was serving a one match ban, Billy Matthews being his replacement.

Dean Clark passed a fitness test on his injured hamstring but he was only able to last twenty minutes before making way for Shayne Demetrious. However, Woods’ play-maker made a telling contribution before his departure by supplying the free kick from which Tiverton’s Darren Davies could only direct past his own keeper Mark Ovendale to give the hosts a 10^th minute lead.

After Fergus Moore had seen his free-kick from the edge of the box comfortably saved by Ovendale, Tivvy enjoyed a period of pressure. Twice the Northwood defence afforded the visitors free headers on goal, Davies seeing his effort blocked on the line, before Chris Bale should have done better from Mike Booth’s cross.

Tiverton were enjoying the majority of the possession but without seriously testing Bullivant in the Northwood goal. However, Woods received a let off when the referee turned down a good shout for handball when Tom Gardener’s overhead kick struck Moore’s arm.

At the other end, Ovendale produced a stunning save to deny Demetrious on the stroke of half time, deflecting the Woods’ substitute’s snap shot onto the bar and away to safety.

Northwood suffered the worst possible start to the second period as Tiverton drew level inside the first minute, James Mudge giving Bullivant no chance with a low curling shot into the far corner.

Things got even worse for Woods as Tivvy scored a second on 50 minutes. Slack marking allowed Danny Clay to get the last touch following a swiftly taken short corner to give the visitors the lead.

Northwood rolled up their sleeves as they looked for a way back and they were rewarded with a swift equaliser. Gavin Hart gave Ovendale no chance with a firm strike after combining well with Peter Dean to give the hosts parity in the 59^th minute.

However, the goal frenzy continued a minute later as Tiverton regained the lead, Mudge grabbing his second of the afternoon with a cool finish beyond Bullivant after Woods had squandered possession.

Northwood manager Colin Payne made an immediate change, sacrificing Gary Meakin for the extra striker as Darren Grieves joined the attack

Woods proceeded to create several openings. Dean was off target with a speculative volley whilst Alistair Heselton was denied as his close range shot on the turn ricocheted off Ovendale. Dean was in the action once again, as his flicked header sailed wide of the far post following Luke Garrard’s inviting cross.

But Northwood’s fate was sealed as they conceded a 78^th minute penalty following a foul by Matthews, Steve Winter giving Bullivant no chance with the spot kick.

Harry Howell replaced Garrard for the closing minutes but there was to be no reprieve for Woods, Wayne Carter’s long range attempt and a Grieves header into Ovendale’s arms the remaining efforts of note on a disappointing afternoon for Northwood.