Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood suffered their second reverse in four days as a
controversial penalty condemned them to defeat and almost certain
relegation from the Premier Division.
Injuries and unavailability meant there were a number of changes to
the Woods’ line-up. Bill Fishenden returned between the sticks,
whilst there was a welcome return for Elliott Buchanan on the right
flank following his injury lay-off. With Jerome Hall out for the
season with a broken foot, Harry Hunt returned to partner Peter Dean
in attack, and Danny Julienne moved in to central midfield to cover
the absence of Dwane Williams.
Hitchin were on the attack from the off with Ryan Charles sending a
shot into the arms of Fishenden. But after Danny Murphy and Ryan
Tackley went close for Woods, the hosts gradually pinned Northwood
back. Jon Stevenson wasn’t far away with a 25-yard free-kick, whilst
Martin Standen flashed a shot across the face of goal following a
quick break.
Northwood’s best moments continued to come from set pieces, Tackley
testing home ‘keeper Michael Parkin with a long range free-kick,
whilst Bradley Hewitt’s header from Murphy’s corner was almost
touched home by Wayne Carter.
However, Hitchin finished the half strongly with a succession of
attacks. Fishenden saved well from Standen before Carl Williams,
Glen Lamacraft and Stevenson all had opportunities to open the
scoring for Hitchin.
And the hosts were on the attack immediately after the break with
Lance Gentle-King and Ryan Charles being afforded free headers, but
were unable to make the breakthrough.
However, the deadlock was finally broken as Hitchin were awarded a
penalty after Terry Hogan was harshly penalised for a challenge on
the diving Mark Ducket, Standen making no mistake with the 75th
minute spot-kick.
Substitute James Shipperley was introduced as an emergency striker
with Hogan making way as Northwood looked for a way back.
And Woods rallied well, Hunt rattling the crossbar from close range
after Hitchin failed to clear a Murphy corner, whilst Julienne twice
went close with strikes from the edge of the box.
At
the other end, Fishenden was once again enjoying a fine game,
denying Standen a second goal with a useful save.
However, Woods were unable to break down the determined Hitchin
defence, Hunt having the last chance to retrieve a point in the
final minute as he broke clear only to be let down by a poor touch
as he advanced on goal. |
