Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood left it
late before finally overcoming their Essex rivals after a closely
fought affair in spring-like conditions at Chestnut Avenue.
Woods were
unchanged from the midweek win over Enfield Town, and hopes were high
that the unbeaten run could be extended against a Maldon side, managed
by former Spurs and Millwall man Stuart Nethercott, which had been on
a poor run of late.
However, Woods
struggled to make an impact in a scrappy opening to the game and it
was the visitors who enjoyed the better of the chances. Jerome Ingram
and Danny Johnson had chances to open the scoring for Maldon but
their efforts failed to trouble Mitch Swain in the home goal.
Swain was later
called into action, when he saved well from Johnson before dealing
with a long range shot from Ingram.
Woods’ poor
first-half display continued to frustrate the home supporters but they
finally tested Maldon ‘keeper David McCartney as Anthony Page found
space to fire in a low drive.
There was little
else to mention in a forgettable opening half, and Northwood looked
forward to an improved performance after the break as Manager Dave
Anderson rang the changes, Ryan Tackley replacing Lee Holland in
defence, whilst debutant Gary Burrell was introduced for Hugo
Figueiredo on the left flank.
Northwood
gradually began to carry a greater threat, and Kyle Matthews ran into
the box but his ball eluded the waiting Solomon Henry and Burrell.
Matthews was
involved again as he sent in a low shot, which was comfortably
gathered by McCartney
Maldon served
Woods a reminder of their threat, but Swain displayed good handling to
deal with Andrew Edmonds cross-shot.
The visitors were
indebted to McCartney as he produced a finger-tip save to divert
Page’s goal-bound header following a Mark Burgess ball into the box.
Danny Brown
replaced Matthews on 67 minutes with defender Michael Peacock being
pushed into attack, as Woods looked to break the stalemate.
Brown was
immediately involved as he played in Henry, whose shot was parried by
McCartney.
At the other end,
the lively Reddaway turned the Northwood defence but dragged his shot
wide of the far post.
However, the
elusive goal finally arrived three minutes from time when Henry
latched onto Peacock’s flick-on to break clear of the Maldon defence,
before calmly stroking the ball beyond McCartney for his first
Northwood goal.
And the icing was
put on the cake for Woods when Henry completed his brace in the second
minute of stoppage-time, as he provided the finishing touch to
Burrell’s run and cross to keep Northwood’s impressive run to the
play-offs firmly on track.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Mark Burgess pays close attention to the Maldon striker
John Christian closes in on his man
Michael Peacock strides out of his defensive position
Solomon Henry goes in for a challenge
Lee Holland overlaps down the ring wing
Bradley Hewitt brings the ball out of defence
Mitch Swain demonstrates his kicking technique
A tussle for the ball for Solomon Henry
Taking control: Lee Holland
Solomon Henry gets up for a header
Anthony Page climbs highest for this one
Gary Burrell breaks on the left flank
Mitch Swain prepares to set up an attack from a goal-kick in the closing stages...
Gary Burrell tries to wriggle through the defence
Solomon Henry wraps the game up as he slots home Woods' second goal
Mark Burgess pays close attention to the Maldon striker
Photos: James Brown |
