Match Report
by Robin Piper

Northwood’s bright start to 2008 continued after they overcame Tilbury in an entertaining encounter at Chadfields.

Tilbury belied their lowly league position as they pushed Woods all the way with their passing brand of football, and Northwood finished the game with ten men after they suffered a succession of injuries in the keenly contested affair.

Ryan Tackley returned to partner Bradley Hewitt in central defence after Adam Theo failed a fitness test, whilst Jazz Rose returned at the expense of Lee Holland.

Northwood began well with Abdul Yoki and James Fisher sending over inviting crosses which just evaded the waiting Elliott Buchanan. But the Woods’ striker’s afternoon ended prematurely after he suffered a knee injury in a collision with keeper Paul Agu, Adrian Abramian being his replacement after 17 minutes.

Despite losing Buchanan, Northwood maintained their positive start with Fisher sending a shot into the arms of Agu from Yoki’s throw-in.

However, the Dockers gradually began to find their rhythm with their lively wingers Andre Humphrey and Luke Stanley a constant threat as they ran at the Woods’ defence.

Northwood keeper Ben Harris was called into action as he dealt with shots from Humphrey and Danny O’Connor, whilst the Woods custodian had a scare as he collected James Dwyer’s stinging half-volley at the second attempt.

Woods had to reorganise the defence after Tackley suffered a facial injury on the half-hour mark, substitute Holland slotting into the right-back slot with Fisher moving into the centre.

The changes appeared to unsettle Northwood as Tilbury looked to capitalise before the half-time break. Danny O’Connor and Luke Purcell went close for the Dockers whilst Dwyer shot over from distance.

And Dwyer spurned a gilt-edged chance to give Tilbury the lead as he rolled his shot against the post with the goal at his mercy following a misjudgement from Harris.

Woods were grateful for the half-time whistle and the chance to regroup and they came out strongly after the break. Jerome Hall and John Christian saw their shots charged down before Hall had a goal disallowed for a push following Dwain Williams’ corner.

A revitalised Northwood continued to threaten the Dockers’ goal with Christian and Michael Gordon shooting at Agu, whilst Abramian had a great chance to score following Hall’s through-ball, but he failed to connect cleanly.

In an open game there were chances at the other end, Sam Groombridge and Dwyer heading narrowly over

The lively Hall was becoming more influential for Woods, carving out another opening for Christian but his shot failed to test Agu in the Tilbury goal.

Northwood finally reaped their reward for a vibrant second-half performance as they took the lead on 68 minutes, Abramian converting Gordon’s low cross for his eighth league goal of the season.

And things got even better for Woods as they extended their lead on 73 minutes, Hall supplying the impressive Gordon who cut in from the right flank before finishing with aplomb.

Hall had a wonderful opportunity to put the icing on the cake for Woods as he latched onto Fisher’s long ball over the top but he came out second best in a one on one with Agu.

Dwane Williams replaced Abdul Yoki for his first run-out for several weeks with ten minutes left on the clock.

And there were further chances at both ends, Hall shooting at Agu, whilst substitute Joshua Colson should have done better for Tilbury.

With the points safely in the bag, the gloss was slightly taken off Northwood’s win as Dwain Williams suffered a nasty facial injury in the final minute resulting in a trip to the local hospital. Happily, the Woods midfielder was fit enough to later rejoin his team-mates to celebrate another Northwood away win.