Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
exited the Isthmian League Cup at the hands of Premier Division high
flyers Staines Town despite a brave effort which saw them come from
two goals behind to force extra-time.
There were
chances at either end early on, Staines ‘keeper Louis Wells claiming
Anthony Pages’ header before Woods’ stopper Mitch Swain clawed away
Lewis Cook’s low shot.
However,
Staines took control as they opened up a two-goal lead through Scott
Taylor. Cook provided the cross for Taylor to head home on 19
minutes before the latter capitalised on a slip from Hewitt to slot
the ball past Swain for the second goal in the 32nd minute.
Northwood
gradually regained their composure and began to pose a threat, Kyle
Matthews being inches away from converting Michael Gordon’s ball
across the face of goal.
Gordon
continued to ask questions of the Staines’ defence and he was
instrumental in Woods pulling a goal back on 40 minutes as he broke
quickly before setting up Figueiredo, who finished well with a low
shot inside the far post.
Northwood began
the second half in a lively fashion and they were rewarded with the
equaliser on 58 minutes when Wells could only Parry Gordon’s fierce
shot, and Matthews on hand to convert the rebound.
Play was
flowing freely from end to end as both sides looked to finish the
tie off before extra-time, Rob Ursell being crowded out as he shaped
to shoot home after good work from Matthews whilst Swain claimed
Cook’s cross-shot.
John Christian
replaced Page in the Woods midfield, Danny Power replaced the
injured Lee Holland and Danny Brown was introduced for Figueiredo as
extra-time loomed.
There was
frantic action at both ends in the closing minutes of normal time,
Swain denying Andre Scarlett, whilst Ursell could have won it for
Northwood after he was neatly set up by Matthews but was unable to
get his shot in on goal.
Staines
substitute Richard Butler spurned a couple of opportunities in the
opening minutes of extra-time before Ursell and Matthews had shots
blocked at the other end.
However,
Staines regained the lead in the 14th minute of extra-time as Howard
Newton’s shot swerved past Swain.
Four minutes
later the tie was effectively over as Swain’s attempted punt up
field rebounded off Staines’ Leroy Griffiths and into the net.
Ursell, Michael
Peacock and Matthews all went close with shots from distance as
Woods bravely soldiered on in the second period of extra-time..
However, the
game ended on a sour note as the referee stuck rigidly to the letter
of the law to send Bradley Hewitt off in the last seconds after he
handled Newton’s goal-bound shot on the line, former Northwood
favourite Dave Sargent stepping up to convert the penalty a minute
into stoppage time.
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