Northwood
followed up the previous week’s F.A. Cup success by coming from behind
to overcome promotion favourites Dartford and record their first
league win of the season, writes Robin Piper.
There was a
significant change to the Woods attack, the injured Jerome Hall being
replaced by Kyle Matthews, and the lively striker enjoyed a fine game
following his return from Harrow Borough.
In a fairly
low-key start to proceedings chances were at a premium, both sides
being restricted to speculative efforts. Brendon Cass tried his luck
for the Darts, whilst a Danny Murphy cross was almost gathered over
the line by visiting ‘keeper Tony Kessell.
However, the mood
changed in an instant on 18 minutes as Northwood took the lead in
spectacular fashion. Matthews played a clever ball through to
Buchanan, who created space before unleashing a 25-yard shot which
curled beyond the reach of Kessell.
Dartford looked
for a response and they were causing Woods problems with the high ball
into the box, Jay May latching onto a far post knockdown and bringing
out an instinctive save from man of the match Liam Watson.
However,
Northwood were undone by a similar move as Eddie McClements fired home
from close-range to give Dartford parity on 35 minutes.
Woods were
beginning to look particularly shaky as the Darts dominated up to
half-time, and May spurned a great chance to give his team the lead.
However, the
visitors’ were finally rewarded for their efforts five minutes after
the restart, a goalmouth scramble resulting in Brendon Cass firing
home to give Dartford the lead.
Woods needed to
up their game if they harboured any thoughts of getting back into the
contest, and a low ball from Abdul Yoki almost found Dean Clark – but
the Northwood skipper was unable to apply the finishing touch.
At the other end,
Woods continued to look vulnerable to the high ball, and Watson pulled
off another fine save to deny May once more.
Northwood made a
change on 65 minutes, Bradley Hewitt replacing Lee Holland with Jazz
Rose moving to right-back.
And Woods
immediately hauled themselves back into the game with another stunning
effort, Adam Theo registering his first goal for the club with a
spectacular half-volley which arrowed into the top corner after
Dartford failed to clear a Buchanan corner.
Northwood were
visibly lifted and they began to produce their best football of the
afternoon, Matthews getting to the by-line before sending over a
delightful cross which skimmed off the head of Jermaine Hamilton with
the goal at his mercy.
However, the
Darts continued to threaten, Watson performing more heroics to deny
substitute Matt Bodkin.
The experienced
John Lawford was introduced to the Northwood attack in the 77th
minute, Matthews making way, as the hosts looked for the deciding
goal.
However, the
action was down the other end as Watson made another brave save at the
feet of McClements.
Terry Hogan
replaced Theo with five minutes left on the clock, with Rose moving
back into central defence, as both sides continued to look for the
elusive winning goal.
And the crucial
strike arrived three minutes from time, when Buchanan fed Lawford,
whose blocked shot fell to Hewitt, and the young defender found
himself in unfamiliar territory, but finished with aplomb to record
his second goal of the season and seal three much-needed points for
Northwood.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Action on the halfway line
Abdul Yoki in the thick of it...
Abdul Yoki challenging again
Skipper Dean Clark hits a measured pass from the middle of the park
Large v little - Kyle Matthews in a chase for the ball
Losing his shirt - Danny Murphy withstands a challenge...
...and Adam Theo has lost part of his shirt
Abdulai Yoki tries to get round his man
The keeper's despairing dive says it all as Adam Theo's spectacular equaliser bulges the back of the net
Jermaine Hamilton and Abdul Yoki on the attack
Action on the halfway line
Photos: James Brown
