Match Report
by Robin Piper
 

Northwood were soundly beaten by their local rivals on a cold night at Preston Park.

With important games on the horizon and injury worries surrounding a number of players, manager Colin Payne decided to give his second string an opportunity, and their inexperience showed against a seasoned Harefield United outfit.

The Hares created a succession of chances as they dominated the opening stages. Danny Buckle, Paul Haynes, Adam Willis and Craig Totton all went close, whilst Sam Holland shot into the arms of Harefield ‘keeper Nathan Cobb in a rare Northwood attack.

Woods were gradually beginning to find their feet and Shane Campbell shot narrowly wide, whilst Gary Edwards wasn’t far away with an overhead lick.

However, Harefield continued to threaten the Northwood goal before the half-time break. Haynes saw his header hit the upright and ‘keeper Simon Dean saved well from Buckle before Sean Sonner blazed wide with only Dean to beat.

The Hares finally got their reward on 52 minutes, Buckle adding the final touch to Haynes’ free-kick.

The hosts continued to dominate and they extended their lead after 61 minutes as Sonner converted Adam Willis’ cross.

Substitute Dennis Fenemore was introduced for Dean Clark, however there was no change to his side’s fortunes as Craig Totton added a third goal on 70 minutes with a free header from Ben Hammond’s cross. Stuart Alsford replaced Nick Chrysanthou for Northwood but it was business as usual as another Woods’ old boy got on the score-sheet for the hosts, Gary Williams heading home Totton’s corner in the 72nd minute.

Northwood used their full quota of substitutions when Liam O’Keefe replaced Terry Hogan and they finally had something to cheer eight minutes from time as youngster Sam Holland’s shot from a wide right position deceived Cobb.

However, Harefield completed the scoring in stoppage time, Buckle hitting the ball into an empty net after Dean misjudged Cobb’s long clearance.