Match Report
by Robin Piper

Northwood completed the ‘double’ over their Essex visitors with their sixth consecutive home win in the final game of the season.

Woods were unchanged as they sought to end the season on a high note, with Adrian Abramian making a welcome return on the substitutes’ bench following his long lay-off.

The home side threatened from the start, with Sean Sonner making a strong run into the box, but there was no-one to apply the finishing touch to his low cross.

Woods continued to take the game to Great Wakering and they were rewarded with the decisive strike on eight minutes. John Christian combined well with Sonner, who played a clever ball inside to Matt Baxter whose shot sailed over visiting keeper Louis Green for the striker’s sixth goal in twelve games.

Rovers looked for a reply and Northwood keeper Mitch Swain had to be on his mettle has he dealt with a fierce half-volley from Martin Tuohy.

Woods proceeded to enjoy the majority of the play and they went close to adding to their lead. Michael Gordon found space down the left flank before picking out Abdul Yoki at the far post but he dragged his shot across the face of goal.

And Yoki was involved again as his deep cross found Sonner whose ball back into the middle was cleared by the visitors’ defence.

Woods completed a strong first half showing with a good shout for handball after Ryan Tackley latched onto a Danny Murphy corner, but the referee waved away the home protests.

Great Wakering went close to restoring parity immediately after the restart when Jack O’Connor’s speculative long-range effort flew narrowly wide.

Rovers continued to ask questions of Northwood, and Swain pulled of a full length save to deny James Foy a headed goal from Grant Khory-Davinson’s pin-point cross.

The visitors continued to push for the equaliser, Swain gathering Tuohy’s hooked shot following Foy’s cross whilst Sean Foy dragged his shot wide after a flowing move.

Rovers utilised their full quota of substitutes whilst for Woods Baxter made way for Jerome Hall on the hour mark.

Northwood had a great chance to make the points sage when they had three bites at the cherry in a goalmouth melee, Green producing a point-blank save to deny Sonner, whilst Christian and Gordon were unable to convert the loose ball.

Abramian was introduced for his first appearance since February with seven minutes left on the clock, Yoki making way with Sonner moving out wide.

Chances continued to be created at both ends in the closing stages, Christian shooting over when well placed, whilst Lewis Sparrow was off target with a header.

And Woods were indebted to Swain as he pulled off two late saves to deny Rovers a share of the spoils, dealing well with shots from substitute Anton Dwyer and Sean Foy.

The afternoon ended with the worrying site of Bradley Hewitt leaving the pitch on a stretcher, Jamie Tompkins his replacement for the final seconds, but his ankle injury was not as bad as first feared as the final whistle blew on another season.   

PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge) 

Matt Baxter's early goal that proved to be the winner

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Matt Baxter's early goal that proved to be the winner

Photos: James Brown