Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
exited the competition following a keenly contested tie at the
Beveree Stadium in Dave Anderson’s first game in charge.
Woods put in a
solid performance against the Conference South high-flyers but
succumbed to a goal eight minutes from time.
There was one
change to the Northwood team which drew at Great Wakering, Mark
Burgess replacing Bradley Hewitt, who continues to struggle with his
ankle problem.
Woods were on
the back foot in the early stages, Nana Badu being denied by Mitch
Swain before the Hampton striker blazed over from a good position.
Northwood
looked a more dangerous prospect after Dean Mason was moved into a
more central attacking role and he played his part in creating a
chance for Otis Williams, but the latter was unable to get his shot
in on goal after a run into the box.
Woods had to
make a change on 34 minutes after they lost Swain to a nasty looking
leg injury which he suffered as Badu challenged for the ball,
understudy ‘keeper Rob Pearce entering the fray.
Both sides had
chances before the break, Shaun McAuley shooting wide for the hosts
whilst Anthony Page was off target with a header from Ryan Tackley’s
cross.
Northwood made
a positive start to the second-half. Mason was unable to apply the
finishing touch to Figueiredo’s cross, Otis Williams hooked a shot
wide from a throw into the danger area before the latter shot weakly
at ‘keeper Matt Lovett when clean through on goal.
Hampton began
to threaten at the other end with James Blackshaw and Badu going
close.
Michael Gordon
was introduced for Mason on 73 minutes, with Figueiredo moving
alongside Otis Williams in attack.
However, the
drama was at the other end as Hampton made the crucial strike after
82 minutes, substitute Ben Wright scoring with his very first touch
as he sent a free-kick from the edge of the box inside the far post.
Danny Brown
replaced John Christian for the closing stages but Woods never
really looked like breaking through the Hampton rearguard, the
Beavers taking their place in the next round. |
