Match Report
by Robin Piper
It was a case of
‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ for Northwood as they followed up last
week’s impressive win at Sudbury with a disappointing defeat at the
hands of their lowly Essex rivals.
Aveley arrived at
Chestnut Avenue with a new manager and a brand new team and their
determination was too strong for a lacklustre Northwood.
Woods’ line-up
showed one change from the previous week, Jazz Rose coming in for the
unfit Ryan Tackley at left-back.
Both sides were
restricted to long range attempts on goal in the early stages with
neither goalkeeper being seriously tested. Danny Hart tried his luck
for Northwood and Aveley’s Bradley Barnes might have done better when
well placed.
Woods continued
to see plenty of the ball but they were struggling to create any
clear-cut chances. Abdul Yoki went close with a 30-yard free-kick
before he sent another shot from distance wide of the upright.
But it was the
visitors who broke the deadlock on 29 minutes as Barnes converted from
close range after Mitch Swain had saved his initial shot.
Woods were
struggling to threaten the Aveley goal, Elliott Buchanan and Yoki
being off target with shots from the edge of the box, whilst striker
Adrian Abramian made way for Jerome Hall before the break.
Northwood hoped
for better things in the second half but after a bright start when
Hall saw his close range shot blocked, the hosts continued to show a
lack of cutting edge.
Theo Ohene
replaced the injured Yoki whilst Dean Clark was brought on for
defender Danny Brown as Woods looked to turn the tide.
But it was Aveley
who went close to extending their lead, Ainsley Gasper shooting into
the side-netting.
Northwood finally
forced visiting ‘keeper Adam Raffis into action as he produced an
instinctive save to divert Buchanan’s deflected shot to safety.
Raffis proceeded
to deal comfortably with Clark’s free-kick whilst Buchanan’s corner
was cleared off the line.
But that was the
closest Woods came to scoring. And it was Aveley who showed the hosts
how it should be done when Barnes completed his brace in stoppage time
to make it a thoroughly forgettable afternoon for Northwood.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Dwane Williams goes up for an aerial challenge Elliott Buchanan and Jerome Hall await the arrival of the ball! Bradley Hewitt puts the Aveley defence under pressure An Aveley player tries to get to grips with Danny Brown Jazz Rose is the winner in this mid-air battle Adam Theo shapes up for a meaty tackle... All ready...for Jazz Rose's throw Danny Brown takes the play to the visitors
Dwane Williams goes up for an aerial challenge
Photos: James Brown |
