Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s
indifferent form continued as they suffered their third league defeat
in four games.
Woods’ display
followed a familiar pattern as they were punished for an under-par
second half performance, the Rocks coming from behind and scoring two
late goals to take the points back to Essex.
Northwood were
pleased to welcome Sean Sonner back to the starting line-up as he
partnered Otis Williams in attack, Danny Brown reverting to the
substitutes bench, with Rob Ursell and Abdul Yoki occupying the wide
positions.
It was Woods who
looked the more dangerous in the early stages with Ursell twice going
close. Firstly he cut in from the left flank before sending a shot
narrowly wide of the far post. Moments later, Ursell created another
chance for himself, but his shot curled inches wide of the upright
once again.
Northwood
continued to threaten the East Thurrock goal and Sonner might have
done better after being beautifully set up by Williams, but he was
unable to apply the finishing touch to the pinpoint cross.
Having weathered
the early pressure the Rocks began to ask questions of the Northwood
rearguard ,and John Christian was on hand to clear Max Cornhill’s
effort off the line before Danny Murphy cleared the loose ball.
But it was Woods
who struck the first blow as they opened the scoring on 28 minutes,
Williams latching onto Ursell’s cross to send a stooping header beyond
‘keeper Richard Wray.
Northwood were
buoyed by the goal and they went close to adding a second as Yoki and
Sonner combined well but the latter’s shot was blocked by the Rocks’
defence.
However, Woods
weren’t having things all their own way and Mitch Swain had to be
alert as he produced an instinctive save to deny Lee Williams after
Matt Lovell’s free-kick caused alarm in the home defence.
But the hosts
continued to carry a threat of further goals up to the half-time
break, Richard Orlu not far away with a volley following Murphy’s
corner.
East Thurrock
signalled their intentions immediately after the restart, as Williams
had a chance at the far post but was unable to make the most of the
opportunity.
The Rocks
proceeded to put Woods under a sustained spell of pressure and Swain
was tested by efforts from Martin Tuohy and Kris Newby.
The tide had
clearly turned, with Woods struggling to break out of their own half,
and Newby went close again as he dragged his shot across the face of
goal.
Michael Gordon
was introduced for Yoki just after the hour-mark but the change made
little impression as the Rocks continued to dominate, Kurt Smith and
Newby sending shots narrowly wide of the target.
East Thurrock
finally secured the goal that their efforts had warranted with an
equaliser on 78 minutes, Tuohy poking the ball beyond Swain despite a
brave attempt from Murphy to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Tuohy was
displaying a renewed confidence and he tried his luck from distance
but Swain was up to the task with a comfortable save.
Williams was
sacrificed for Ryan Tackley, the latter’s first appearance for a
number of weeks following injury, as Woods looked to protect their
point in the closing minutes. However, Tackley was caught cold as he
was dispossessed by Newby but Swain saved with his legs.
However, the
resultant corner found its way to Newby, who produced a spectacular
bicycle kick from the corner of the box, and the ball flew into the
far corner of the net to give the Rocks the winning goal with three
minutes left on the clock.
With five minutes
added time to be played, there was still time for Northwood but a
Gordon ball across the face of goal was the closest they came, whilst
Swain had to save well from substitute Martin Llewellyn to prevent
further misery being inflicted upon the hosts in the final seconds.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Photos: James Brown |
