Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
extended their unbeaten run under caretaker manager Mark Barnham to
four games as the Casuals from Ryman South were soundly beaten at a
near freezing Chestnut Avenue in this League Cup second round tie.
Woods were
forced into making a number of changes to their starting line-up.
There was a first start for young Elliott Gibbs in place of Bradley
Hewitt whilst Lee Holland replaced the injured Danny Power. Dwane
Williams came in for the injured Joe Cowen, and there were starts
for Laurie Walters and Scott Purdue in place of Anthony Page and
Michael Gordon .
Kick-off was
delayed due to the late arrival of the Casuals’ team and the
visitors were still finding their feet when Northwood opened the
scoring on 10 minutes, Otis Williams punishing sloppy defending by
taking the ball around ’keeper Colin Harris and converting into an
empty net.
Hugo
Figueiredo, who enjoyed a fine game for Woods, saw his shot
deflected wide after a strong run,
Northwood kept
up the pressure and they deservedly extended their lead on 25
minutes as Purdue steered the ball home from Ryan Tackley’s low
free-kick for his first senior goal in Northwood colours.
Woods were now
playing with real verve as John Christian played in Walters whose
shot flew narrowly over the target.
In a rare
Casuals’ attack Eseosa Omeregie pulled his shot wide of the far post
after a quick break.
However, it was
Woods who scored again on 36 minutes, Otis Williams grabbing his
second goal of the evening as he shot beyond Harris following good
work from Figueiredo
Northwood made
a change at half-time with Brown coming on for Dwane Williams. Woods
continued to threaten with some slick football and Figueiredo sent a
shot curling into the bottom corner of the Casuals’ goal to
effectively end the tie on 53 minutes.
Page was
introduced for Purdue whilst Rob Pearce made a rare appearance
between the sticks with Mitch Swain standing down.
The Casuals
stuck to their guns and they managed a consolation goal after 69
minutes as Sam Robinson fired the ball home after good work from
substitute Joe Nwoko.
The visitors
went close to reducing the arrears further as Omoregie dragged his
shot wide before Tom Jelly tested Pearce with a low drive.
But it wasn’t
to be for the Casuals as Northwood eased comfortably into the next
round.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
An aerial battle early in the game Otis Williams tucks the ball home to give Woods the lead Debutant Scott Purdue in midfield action Hugo Figueiredo shows his speed on the flank Scott Purdue gets the touch to score Northwood's second goal on his debut Lee Holland shows his overlapping prowess Lee Holland makes the interception Hugo's shot has flown past the Casuals keeper to put the Woods 4-0 ahead Danny Brown gets up high for this one Ryan Tackley gets in to win the ball despite the presence of three Casuals men
An aerial battle early in the game
Photos: Pat McGuigan |
