Match Report
by Robin Piper

Northwood’s pre-season preparations stepped up a gear as they played host to Coca Cola League Two outfit Barnet.

In fine weather and on the newly re-laid Chestnut Avenue pitch, hopes were high for an entertaining afternoon’s football.

And it was the strong Barnet side who struck first after former Hemel striker Anthony Thomas latched onto an under-hit Kevin McKenna back-pass to give his team a third minute lead.

Elliott Buchanan tested visiting ‘keeper Rob Beckwith a low shot from distance, but the Bees were soon back on the attack as Woods goalkeeper Bill Fishenden collected Thomas’ shot on the turn.

However, Fishenden was unable to prevent Barnet from extending their lead on 16 minutes after the ball ran loose to Rory May, who rolled the ball into an empty net.

The Bees continued to dominate proceedings, Ismail Yakubu and Neal Bishop going close before Thomas grabbed his second of the afternoon with a 25-yard screamer on 28 minutes.

Northwood were indebted to young Fishenden as he pulled off a trio of fine saves to deny Jason Puncheon before the half-time break.

Manager Colin Payne reshuffled his troops as he sought to give every member of his squad a run out but normal business was resumed late on as James Laws and Ben Wright added further goals for Barnet.

And that proved to be the end of the scoring, leaving manager Colin Payne much to ponder after a useful exercise for his squad despite the result.

PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)

Elliott Buchanan causes Barnet some problems!

The Barnet keeper is called into action

Jerome Hall gets in a challenge

James Bennett and Nick Pearce battle it out

Jerome Hall gets stuck in...

A hair-raising game for Simon Whall

Danny Tilbury and Dwane Williams in the thick of the action

Jerome Hall on the ball

Simon Whall disputes possession

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Elliott Buchanan causes Barnet some problems!

 

Photos: James Brown