MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division

 Banbury United 0  Northwood 1

Report by Robin Piper

Northwood’s away-day voodoo was finally broken as they gained their first victory on their travels since last December to give manager Colin Payne his first win.

Woods were inspired by on-loan Reading keeper Adam Federici, who pulled of a number of saves to ensure that Woods secured only their second win of the season.

Frazer Toms returned from injury to take his place alongside Dean Clark in a supporting role to lone striker Peter Dean, but while the Woods line-up had plenty of attacking options, a difficult wind and bumpy surface meant the opening exchanges were a largely scrappy affair. Richard Gell shot wide from distance while Chris Potter dragged his shot wide of the upright for the hosts.

Both sides were struggling to find any real momentum with too many passes going astray, although in a rare moment of quality, Toms found space on the left flank before delivering an inviting cross which was bit too strong for the on-rushing Gavin Hart to control.

Gradually, Banbury began to threaten the Northwood goal, Federici denying Matthew Gooderick before Adrian Fuller saw his free-kick deflected narrowly wide while Andrew Baird sent a header narrowly wide.

However, Woods finished the half strongly. Fergus Moore headed wide from Clark’s corner while the latter shot into the side-netting from a short corner. And as the game moved into first half stoppage time, Matt Ruby fired over from the edge of the box after a corner was only half cleared before Banbury keeper Simon Tricker turned Toms low drive round the post after a strong run from the Northwood flyer.

But is was turn of the Northwood keeper to perform heroics after the break, producing a flying save to deflect Andrew Baird’s goal-bound half-volley.

Alistair Heselton was introduced on the hour for the tiring Toms but it was the hosts who were looking the more dangerous, substitute George Redknap firing across the face of goal after a Moore slip, while Clark was called upon to perform some rare defensive duties, clearing off the line Wayne Blossom.

However,  Northwood gradually began to enjoy a spell of sustained pressure, Hart attempting an overhead effort after Dean and Clark had combined well while the former was through on goal, but keeper Tricker did well to force the Woods striker wide.

Shayne Demetrious was introduced for the subdued Clark for the final twenty minutes as Woods looked to grab the elusive goal. Heselton was denied by the legs of Tricker but with five minutes left on the clock, a high ball from Chris Gell found Heselton beyond the Banbury rearguard, who were hoping for an offside flag, and the Northwood substitute had time and space to pick his spot to give the visitors the lead.

The game then entered a frantic final five minutes, which was extended by eight minutes of stoppage time, after Northwood’s Moore and Banbury’s Wayne Blossom received their marching orders for second yellow cards, having  tangled off the ball.

Federici produced a finger tip save to deny Banbury’s Darren Pond but Woods hung on to deservedly take the points, and prompt relief-inspired celebrations among the players and the loyal away support.