Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood had to
settle for a share of the points in a keenly contested affair at the
Wallace Binder Ground.
Injury to Ryan
Tackley afforded Gary Edwards a first league start, and he enjoyed a
steady game at centre-back. Matt Baxter regained his place in attack
at the expense of Jerome Hall whilst Rodney Hicks was preferred to
Abdul Yoki on the left flank.
Woods started in
a positive vein and it wasn’t long before Maldon ‘keeper Darren Gould
was called into action, clawing away an in-swinging corner from Danny
Murphy, before producing a smart save to deny Michael Gordon after he
was sent clear by Dwane Williams.
Northwood thought
they had gained the reward for their bright start on 17 minutes but
were denied by the offside flag as Hicks found the net following
Murphy’s free-kick into the box.
However, Woods
were not to be denied and they deservedly took the lead after 23
minutes, Sean Sonner converting from the penalty spot after Glen
Revell was adjudged to have handled Bradley Hewitt’s knockdown
following another Murphy free-kick.
And Sonner had a
great chance to extend Northwood’s lead minutes later as he was played
in by Baxter but he lifted his shot wide of the far post.
Woods were
enjoying the majority of the play and Gould was tested once again as
he gathered a shot from Hicks following a strong run from midfield.
But the hosts
were beginning to show signs of a revival, Kevin Hawes going close
with a couple of efforts.
And Maldon
managed to restore the balance five minutes before the break following
a quickly-taken free-kick in the middle of the park, James Robinson
getting to the by-line before crossing to Matthew Cutchey, who applied
a simple finish from close-range.
There were
further chances at both ends at the end of an entertaining half, Lee
Perry shooting into the arms of Woods’ keeper Mitch Swain, whilst
Gordon blazed his shot over the Maldon bar after good work from Hicks.
With the
stiffening breeze now in their faces, Northwood had a lot of defending
to do in the second-half.
Jamie Ricks had a
couple of early opportunities whilst Ollie Blackwell and Hawes went
close with headed efforts.
Woods made a
change on 66 minutes, Hicks making way for Yoki and the latter created
an opening for Gordon whose shot was deflected towards goal by Sonner,
Gould making the save.
Hall replaced
Baxter in attack for the final fifteen minutes, and the substitute
combined well with Sonner whose pull-back found John Christian in a
good position but his shot was blocked by Blackwell.
Woods had to
defend a number of dead-ball situations in the closing minutes with a
series of pin-point deliveries from James Robinson, but the Northwood
defence was up to the test.
Having soaked up
the Maldon pressure, Woods almost delivered the sucker-punch with a
quick breakaway from Gordon but Sonner saw his shot blocked, and the
draw was a fair reflection of the afternoon’s proceedings.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Michael Gordon in a tussle Sean Sonner hits the penalty low into the corner to put Woods ahead John Christian in possession This effort from Sean Sonner went inches wide of the post Rodney Hicks skates past the defender's challenge Michael Gordon is through on goal..but doesn't score Dwane Williams concentrates on the ball Rodney Hicks in dribbling mode Danny Murphy goes in for the tackle Midfield action featuring Dwane Williams and Sean Sonner John Christian is thwarted by the Maldon keeper Danny Murphy sends the ball towards the box - no sign of any red shirts, though! Rodney Hicks in defensive mode Sub Jerome Hall threatens the Maldon defence Sean Sonner forcing the pace Dwane Williams in midfield Maldon keeper Darren Gould makes a diving stop Danny Murphy surges forwards Up high... Dwane Williams A typical run from Michael Gordon Jerome Hall keeps the Maldon defenders occupied
Michael Gordon in a tussle
Photos: James Brown |
