Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s four
year Premier Division sojourn is almost over after relegation was
confirmed following a three goal defeat at Butlin Road.
The Woods, who
needed a win to keep their slim hopes of avoiding the drop alive, were
never in the game, and accompany Corby and Cirencester Town in the
move down to Division One.
Northwood had to
do without their influential skipper Wayne Carter, missing through
suspension, whilst midfielder Dwane Williams was absent once again,
James Sparrowhawk accompanying Danny Julienne in central midfield.
There was also a start in attack for Karl Lewis, Harry Hunt reverting
to the subs bench.
Rugby were
quickly into their stride, Bill Fishenden pulling off the first of
many fine saves as he denied Akinwale Adeltoun in the opening minute.
However, Adeltoun
capitalised on a mix up between Fishenden and defender Perry Norman to
roll the ball into an empty net to give the hosts the lead on eight
minutes.
Northwood were
looking distinctly second best as Rugby looked to extend their lead,
Fishenden performing heroics as he saved shots from Chris Tullin,
Adeltoun, and David Staff.
After David Stone
had pulled a shot wide of the goal after breaking clear of the
Northwood defence, Rugby’s superiority was confirmed with a second
goal in the 28th minute. Adeltoun applied the finish once
more following a sweeping move involving Tullin and Stone.
Having failed to
trouble home ‘keeper Farhad Afandiyev in the opening period, Woods
hoped for better things after the break.
And Northwood
made a bright start, Lewis not getting enough power on shot to trouble
Afandiyev, whilst Elliot Buchanan shot into the side netting after
good work from Peter Dean.
However, Rugby
continued to look dangerous on the break, Andy Commander heading over
from a corner, while Fishenden was on hand to block a shot from the
hat-trick seeking Adeltoun.
But the young
Woods keeper was powerless to prevent Tullin adding a third on 52
minutes when he latched onto Parys Okai’s left wing cross to seal
Northwood’s fate.
With nothing left
to lose, Woods added an extra attacker in the shape of Hunt, with
Norman making way.
And for a while
Northwood suggested they might yet make a game of it, Lewis off-target
when well placed before Afandiyev produced a good save to deny Hunt,
Dean almost latching onto the rebound.
And after Rugby
squandered a great chance to add a fourth goal, Stone shooting into
the side-netting, there were further chances for Northwood to gain a
consolation through Buchanan and Dean.
However, Woods
were indebted to Fishenden once again as he saved from Tom Breward.
Dave Sexton and
Jack Bennett were introduced for Lewis and Buchanan respectively, but
it was the hosts who looked the more dangerous in the closing stages.
Fishenden continued to show what a bright future he has when he
produced fine saves to deny Staff and Stone, whilst Adeltoun should
have wrapped up his hat-trick but shot wide from close range,
as Northwood conceded defeat in their brave fight against relegation.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Karl Lewis started for the first time Danny Julienne into the box...
...But he loses out to a Rugby defender Danny Murphy with his back to goal
The "crowd" find something to smile about
Karl Lewis started for the first time
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