Match Report
by
Robin Piper
Northwood brought some much needed cheer to Chestnut Avenue by
overcoming their North London rivals as this twice-postponed tie
was finally played.
Woods put in a spirited display to come from behind against an
Enfield outfit who are enjoying a decent season in Ryman North.
Northwood started well and were unfortunate not to take the lead
after 6 minutes, the offside flag denying Mark Dennison a goal after
latching onto Bradley Hewitt’s flick on from Danny Murphy’s cross.
After Enfield’s Neal Hughes went close following a strong run into
the box, Woods threatened with a couple of efforts from Elliott
Buchanan and Jerome Hall.
However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring on 12 minutes.
The Woods defence could only clear a corner as far as the waiting
Danny Rouco, who delivered an unerring 20-yard shot beyond rookie
‘keeper Bill Fishenden.
Northwood responded well and launched a succession of attacks.
Buchanan went close on a couple of occasions, whilst Dean tested
‘keeper Dan Anfossy with a low strike.
Woods continued to push for the equaliser, both Wayne Carter and
Buchanan seeing their free-kicks fly narrowly wide, whilst Hall
tried his luck with a couple of long range efforts but the visitors
stood firm as the half-time whistle blew.
Northwood were indebted to Fishenden as he produced the first of two
crucial saves immediately after the restart, deflecting Rouco’s shot
as the striker broke clear.
However, parity was deservedly restored after 48 minutes, Dean’s
shot into the far corner being too good for Anfossy after good work
from Dwane Williams and Buchanan.
The goal gave Northwood renewed belief, and they were immediately on
the attack, Dean finding Williams in the six yard box with a pull
back from the by-line, but the ball was played slightly behind the
off-balance midfielder who couldn’t get a clean contact.
Fishenden was called upon to deny the lively Marlon Stuart, but that
was the closest Enfield came to scoring as Northwood proceeded to
dominate the latter stages.
Hall was finally rewarded for his hard running when he grabbed the
all important goal in the 76th minute. Carter’s short
corner was played across by Buchanan, Tunnell’s shot falling to
Hall, who returned the ball with interest into the Enfield net.
Dean Powles was introduced for Williams with ten minutes left on the
clock, a welcome return for the midfielder following a three month
injury lay-off, whilst Enfield had to finish the game a man short
after using up all their substitutes and losing Elvis Balic to
injury.
Both Tunnell and Buchanan tested Anfossy in the final minutes, but
there was to be no further additions to the scoring, Woods
deservedly taking their place in the Quarter Finals of the
competition. |
