MATCH REPORTS 2005-06

Southern League Premier Division

Northwood 0  Kings Lynn 1

 Report by Robin Piper 

Northwood's mini revival came to a disappointing end as they lost to a single goal in an entertaining encounter at Chestnut Avenue. Despite the scoreline, Woods did more than enough to earn a share of the spoils in a free flowing game which was worthy of more goals. Kings Lynn made the early running, creating a number of opportunities. Former Norwich man Cedric Anselin was narrowly wide with a volley from the edge of the box before Craig Nicholson pulled off a fingertip save to deny Danny Bloomfield.

Anselin threatened once again as Kings Lynn spent the opening 15 minutes camped in the Northwood half, but the home defence was standing resolute once again, with Jason O'Connor and Jason Shipperley doing sterling work in the centre. Having weathered the early storm, Woods gradually began to ask questions of the visitors. Dean Clark saw his hooked shot dealt comfortably with by Higgs after Gavin Hart's far post cross was headed back by Shayne Demetrious, before the Kings Lynn keeper was almost caught out as a Alistair Heselton shot flew off a divot.

Woods began to enjoy a period of domination, creating a number of openings. Skipper Luke Garrard flashed a header wide of the upright from Clark's cross while the latter and Heselton were let down by poor control.
Northwood forced a succession of corners, James Shipperley having a header deflect off Anselin and onto the bar, while Garrard volleyed over after the visiting defence failed to clear their lines. An entertaining opening period was brought to a dramatic close with a mass melee on half time following a challenge from Woods' Wayne Carter.

Kings Lynn's Adam Jones shot wide of an upright, while Clark drew a fine save from Higgs with a well hit 25 yard free kick, but the hosts had a let-off on the hour as both Matt O'Halloran and Danny Bloomfield hit the
woodwork. The elusive goal finally came in the 75th minute in rather unfortunate circumstances. Substitute Danny Hammond's low cross found Adam Smith, whose deflected shot gave Nicholson no chance, to give the visitors the lead.

After that there was to be no way back for Northwood. However, Kings Lynn were indebted to keeper Higgs who dived full length to deny Harry Howell a deserved equaliser two minutes from time, but it wasn't to be Woods' day as they succumbed to their first defeat in three games to remain two points adrift at the bottom of the table.