Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
registered their first league win since the end of September with a
hard fought win at a wintry Mill Field, the fixture having been to
switched to Aveley F.C. due to the floodlight problems at Redbridge’s
Barkingside ground.
Traffic problems
caused by the poor weather conditions meant a late arrival for Otis
Williams, so he was unable to continue his strike partnership with
Sean Sonner, but there was a return for both Michael Gordon and Dwane
Williams with Rob Ursell unavailable.
And Northwood
enjoyed the perfect start as a they took a 3rd minute lead, John
Christian surging forward and finding Michael Gordon who cut in from
the right flank before sending a delightful chip over the helpless
Jake Whincup.
The Motormen
almost posted an immediate reply as Mitch Swain in the Northwood goal
misjudged a speculative ball into the box which rebounded off the
crossbar but the Woods ‘keeper recovered to claim the loose ball.
Chances were at a
premium for the remainder of a largely low key first period although
Swain was forced into a near post save to deny Jacob Erskine whilst
Sonner and Abdul Yoki tried their luck from distance but failed to
seriously threaten the Redbridge goal.
Woods looked keen
to build on their advantage as they started the second-half in a
positive fashion, Sonner’s header forcing Whincup into a smart
one-handed save after good work from Yoki.
However,
Northwood’s ambitions were thwarted as the Motormen drew level on 59
minutes after a bizarre own goal from Danny Murphy as he attempted to
clear former Woods reserve player Anton Adgdomar’s far post cross.
Otis Williams was
introduced to the fray on 67 minutes as a replacement for Michael
Gordon as Northwood looked to regain the advantage and they went close
as Sonner was denied by the legs of Whincup, the loose ball being
headed narrowly over the bar by Williams.
The game was
becoming increasingly ill-tempered and Redbridge were reduced to ten
men on 82 minutes after Harlee Dean received a second yellow card for
a challenge on Swain.
Woods set about
pressing home their numerical advantage and Otis Williams went close
once more as he latched onto Sonner’s cross.
But the winning
goal finally arrived in the 90th minute, Sonner heading home
unchallenged from Yoki’s pin-point corner.
Northwood had six
minutes of added time to negotiate and Bradley Hewitt made a welcome
return from injury as he replaced Yoki to shore up the Woods defence.
But there were no
scares for Northwood as they managed to secure their first ever away
league win against the Motormen. |
