Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
rediscovered their goal scoring touch as they put three goals past
Leyton without reply.
There were a
number of changes to the Woods’ starting eleven. Mitch Swain had
recovered sufficiently to reclaim the ‘keeper’s jersey from Rob Pearce
whilst Dwain Williams returned to the midfield in place of the injured
John Christian. There was also a return for Rob Ursell in a free
attacking role, whilst Danny Power made his first start at right-back
after Ryan Tackley was injured in the pre-match warm up.
The game got off
to a bright start with both sides enjoying their share of possession.
But it was Northwood who created the better openings. Ursell sent a
low drive narrowly wide after making space for himself on the edge of
the box whilst Dwane Williams tested ‘keeper Rob Blackburne after a
sweeping move involving Abdul Yoki and Michael Gordon.
After a lively
start the pace slackened, allowing both sides to catch breath.
However, it was
during the quiet spell that Woods took the lead as Bradley Hewitt
headed home Ursell’s 31st minute free-kick to claim his
third goal of the season.
Leyton set about
trying to restore parity but Paul Killick was unable to make the most
of a good position as he blazed his shot wide of the target.
Ursell was
becoming a growing influence for Northwood and his clever ball created
a chance for Sean Sonner but his shot found the side-netting as
Blackburne quickly narrowed the angle.
And the action
switched to the other end in the final minute of the half with the
ball ending up in the Woods’ net but not before the linesman had
signalled for a corner after Swain had diverted a fiercely driven
free-kick.
Northwood made a
change at half-time with Lee Holland making his first competitive
appearance of the season following his injury lay-off as he replaced
Power at right-back.
Holland and his
fellow defenders had some defending to do as the Lilywhites threatened
to equalise with Andy Jones sending a speculative effort over the bar
before Northwood survived a goalmouth melee.
However, Leyton’s
hopes were dashed as the hosts extended their lead on 57 minutes, Yoki
giving Blackburne no chance with unstoppable 20-yard shot into the top
corner after Ursell had worked the opening.
Ursell was
pulling the strings for Northwood and he created another chance for
Sonner whose shot was blocked with Gbenga Sonuga closing down Yoki’s
follow-up.
But Woods weren’t
going to be denied for long and they put the game beyond the
Lilywhites’ reach with the third goal on 71 minutes, Gordon sweeping
home after Sonner unselfishly squared the ball following Yoki’s
through ball.
Unfortunately the
impressive Ursell succumbed to a back injury and was replaced by Otis
Williams with fifteen minutes left on the clock.
Leyton were
growing increasingly frustrated as Woods continued to thwart their
efforts, Swain coming out on top with a one on one with substitute
Stuart Blackburne before the visitors rattled the Northwood woodwork.
But there was to
be no consolation for Leyton as the Northwood successfully protected
their clean sheet to register their fifth league win of the season.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Sean Sonner leaves the Leyton defender trailing in his wake
Bradley Hewitt goes in where it hurts to put Northwood ahead
Michael Gordon on one of his trademark runs
Rob Ursell fires in a powerful effort on goal
Abdul Yoki fires home a spectacular drive to put the Woods 2-0 up
Michael Gordon and Sean Sonner celebrate Woods' third goal - after the former had set it up for the latter
Michael Gordon torments the Leyton defence once again
Sean Sonner leaves the Leyton defender trailing in his wake
Photos: Pat McGuigan |
