Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood had to
settle for a share of the spoils in a low-key encounter at Chestnut
Avenue.
Woods’ line-up
showed a number of changes to the side that won at Wingate the
previous Saturday. Midweek signing from Harefield, Sean Sonner made
his debut in place of loan striker Matt Baxter, whilst Danny Murphy
and Ryan Tackley returned to the defence in place of Lee Holland and
Adam Theo.
Potters Bar had
the first chance of the afternoon as Dane Springer was denied by the
legs of goalkeeper Mitch Swain before Junior Dadson miscued the
rebound.
Northwood were
struggling to make any real impression in the opening quarter as they
looked to break down a stubborn Potters Bar rearguard.
However, they
gradually began to ask questions of the visitors, Jerome Hall shooting
past the far post from a tight angle whilst Murphy’s low shot was
parried by goalkeeper Tope Okeowo.
Woods continued
to press for the opening goal and Sonner went close to netting his
first Northwood score, but his header was cleared off the line
following Murphy’s throw into the box.
But Woods managed
to break the deadlock four minutes before the half-time break when
John Christian recorded his first goal in Northwood colours, heading
home at the far post following Michael Gordon’s jinking run and cross.
However, parity
was restored early in the second-half as the unmarked Dadson converted
Nathan Smith’s far post cross on 56 minutes.
Northwood made a
double substitution with Murphy and Dwain Williams making way for
Holland and Dwane Williams.
Chances continued
to be created at both ends, Okeowo dealing comfortably with Hall’s
header before Dadson shot over from a good position for the visitors.
Prince Toku made
his first Northwood appearance hen he replaced Abdul Yoki on 79
minutes as the hosts continued to look for the winning goal.
And Woods went
close in the latter stages, Christian almost getting on the end of
Sonner’s low cross, whilst the latter volleyed narrowly over following
Bradley Hewitt’s flick-on in the box.
However, it
wasn’t to be for Northwood, the draw a fair reflection on the
afternoon.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Woods scorer John Christian goes in for a tackle Sean Sonner went so close to netting on his debut... Dwain Williams battles away in midfield Ryan Tackley trying to win possession Michael Gordon made Northwood's goal, and here he is on a typical run Skipper Danny Murphy prepares to start an attack Sean Sonner battling hard Ryan Tackley shapes up for a challenge Jerome can't quite get there on time Michael Gordon goes on a run on the right flank Sean Sonner worked hard throughout his first game
Woods scorer John Christian goes in for a tackle
Photos: James Brown |
