Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s
Wembley dreams are over for another year after they succumbed to a
single goal defeat at Ryman Premier outfit Boreham Wood, writes Robin
Piper.
Bradley Hewitt
returned to the heart of the Woods’ defence, and the centre-back was a
rock against his former club. Jazz Rose undertook a midfield
man-marking role on Luke Gregson with Dean Clark reverting to the
bench, whilst ‘keeper Billy Fishenden made his first start of the
season following the recurrence of injury problems for Liam Watson.
Northwood almost
suffered a horror start as Fishenden’s poor clearance fell to the
lively Simon Thomas, whose goal-bound shot was blocked by the Woods’
defence.
But Woods’ were
undone in the 5th minute when the dangerous Greg Morgan
found space down the right flank before delivering a pin-point cross,
which was headed home via the post by Thomas.
The goal rattled
Northwood, and they almost presented the hosts with another gift,
Byron Harrison close to latching on to an under-hit back-pass from
Adam Theo.
Woods were on the
back foot with Morgan making a number of surging runs, and Fishenden
coped well with one well-struck effort.
Northwood
gradually settled and began to move the ball around with purpose, but
Jermaine Hamilton was unable to find a way past keeper Noel Imber
following a neat move involving Abdul Yoki and Elliot Buchanan.
Despite Northwood
having a fair share of possession, the better chances were being
created at the other end. Fishenden had to be alert to as he denied
Harrison and Thomas, whilst Hewitt was on hand to make a last ditch
tackle on Marvin Samuel.
Woods were
lacking the required composure in the final third. However, they went
close to levelling matters on the stroke of half-time, Imber showing a
safe pair of hands after Rose latched onto Kyle Matthews’ free-kick
into the box.
Northwood were
forced into a reshuffle at the break following a groin injury to
Buchanan. Clark came into the midfield with Yoki moving up front to
partner Hamilton, Matthews moving into the hole behind the front two.
Woods began the
second period in determined fashion, Hamilton shooting at Imber before
Yoki was crowded out after combining well with Lee Holland.
However, Hewitt
was on hand to prevent the hosts extending their lead as he blocked a
Gregson effort after a misjudgement from Rose.
Northwood
continued to enjoy plenty of possession but were lacking the necessary
conviction in front of goal and it was Boreham Wood who looked the
more likely to score, Fiston Manuella and Gregson going close.
Manager Colin
Payne, returning to his former club, made a double situation midway
through the half with Simeon Howell and Holland making way for John
Lawford and Dwane Williams. Woods went three at the back, with Murphy
and Yoki undertaking the wing-back roles.
But Northwood’s
frustrations continued as the hosts soaked up the pressure, Matthews
seeing his shot charged down.
Chances were
being created at both ends as the game moved into the final stages.
Thomas and Harrison went close for the Boreham Wood, whilst Matthews
tried his luck from distance for Northwood.
But Woods were
unable to find the elusive goal that their performance warranted,
Imber ensuring that there was to be no replay as he comfortably dealt
with Matthews’ curling effort in stoppage time.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Elliott Buchanan closes down his opponent Danny Murphy scraps for the ball Elliott Buchanan makes arun Jermaine Hamilton shields the ball High and higher...Bradley Hewitt and Adam Theo are outjumped Sub Dean Clark takes the game to Boreham Wood Jermaine Hamilton under pressure John Lawford tries to gain possession Kyle Matthews keeps his eye on the ball despite the defender's attempts... Adam Theo gets in a tackle
Elliott Buchanan closes down his opponent
Photos: James Brown |
