Match Report
by Robin Piper
 

Northwood deservedly booked their place in the last four of the competition after comfortably overcoming Ryman North Potters Bar.

Both sides fielded much changed line-ups, Woods feeling the pinch due to recent departures, suspensions and unavailability.

Northwood were immediately on the back foot as Adrian Devine broke clear in the opening minute, his cross-shot narrowly clearing the far post.

But there were early chances at the other end, Elliott Buchanan almost latching onto Peter Dean’s through-ball before Jerome Hall saw his shot saved by ‘keeper Richard Hayward. Chances continued to be created by both sides, home ‘keeper Bill Fishenden coping comfortably with efforts from Ian Reddington and Carl Ashton whilst Hall and Dean Powles went close with headers.

Northwood were beginning to look the more threatening and they began to dominate proceedings. Hall rattled an upright after being picked out by Buchanan, whilst Powles and Dean combined well to create an opening for Lee Holland, who was crowded out by the Potters Bar rearguard.

The lively Hall was then on hand to create an opening for Powles who shot at the ‘keeper from 25 yards, whilst  Danny Murphy saw his strike tipped over by Hayward.

Manager Colin Payne was forced into a half-time change as youngster Dave Sexton replaced the injured Elliott Buchanan.

Woods continued to ask the more serious questions, Powles seeing his shot saved by Hayward whilst Hall was wide from a tight angle.

However, Powles’ injury jinx returned as he was stretchered off after twisting his knee with the second-half only seven minutes old, youth-teamer Terry Hogan being his replacement.

Woods created another opening, the unlikely Perry Norman leading a  foray into the heart of the opposition before testing Hayward in the visitors goal.

However, the elusive goal finally came on 67 minutes. Buchanan fed Sexton, who in turn found Hall, who side-stepped Hayward before calmly rolling the ball home.

Potters Bar made a double substitution, Tommy Allain and Chris Gomes  entering the fray in place of Bradley Poole and Adrian Devine.

Both ‘keepers were called in action once again, Fishenden dealing comfortably with Curtis Johnson’s shot, whilst Hayward collected Dean’s 25-yard effort.

Northwood made a further change with five minutes remaining, rookie Nick Pearce replacing Hall.

And Northwood put the icing on the cake with a goal from the penalty spot  two minutes from time. Lee Holland was brought down by James Dickie, and Dean successfully converted the spot-kick to make sure of Woods’ semi-final berth, where they await the winners of the Wingate & Finchley v Harrow Borough tie.