Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
scored two second-half goals without reply to move safely into the
fourth round of the Isthmian League Cup at the expense of their
Ryman South opponents.
There were a
couple of changes to the Woods team which beat Ware, Ryan Tackley
returning for Gary Meakin and Hugo Figueiredo replacing Danny Brown.
Northwood
looked a little rusty as they emerged from their enforced
hibernation due to the inclement weather, with both sides struggling
to find their rhythm in a fairly scrappy opening to the game.
However, the
lively Michael Gordon gradually made his presence felt with a number
of surging runs. The flying winger created an opportunity for Mark
Burgess, whose shot was comfortably saved by ‘keeper Paul Smith,
before another quick break from Gordon ended with his shot sailing
over the crossbar.
At the other
end, Northwood ‘keeper Mitch Swain had to be on his toes as he
parried a shot from Steve Hemmings following an incisive move.
The game was
steadily warming up and Gordon continued to ask questions of the
visitors’ defence, running from deep in his own half before setting
up Kyle Matthews, but ‘keeper Smith spread himself well to smother
the shot.
More Gordon
trickery in the box ended with Fleet desperately clearing the ball
off the line.
The visitors
stood firm and they finished the half strongly as Swain saved
efforts from Mark Anderson and Nathan Smart whilst Paul Harkness was
off-target with a long range shot.
Woods made a
change at the break, young reserve team striker Courtney Francis
making his senior debut as he joined Staforde Palmer in attack with
Figueiredo standing down.
But Northwood
had to do some defending, and Burgess made a last ditch clearance
off the line after Anderson had lifted the ball over Swain following
good work from Smart.
Fit-again
Anthony Page was introduced to the Woods’ midfield just after the
hour in place of Dwane Williams and the former played a delightful
ball through to Francis, who was denied by a brave save from the
quickly advancing Smith.
Northwood
continued to press and the goal finally came on 73 minutes in
somewhat fortuitous circumstances, Palmer’s shot being charged down
before deflecting off Burgess and creeping inside the post.
However, there
was no doubting the quality of Woods’ second goal on 82 minutes as
Page gave Smith no chance with a sweetly struck effort from just
outside the box after being set up by Palmer.
Confident Woods
threatened more goals against their demoralised opponents, Francis
trying his luck with an overhead kick which Smith gathered
comfortably.
There were to
be no additions to the score-line, although Fleet spurned the
opportunity of a consolation goal in stoppage-time when James Field
scooped his shot over from close-range, Northwood deservedly
progressing to the next round.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos courtesy of Andy Nunn
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