Match Report
by Robin Piper
Blue Square Premier opposition in the
form of Stevenage Borough was the next challenge for Northwood in
their busy pre-season programme.
The game had added significance as it was
arranged as part of the deal which saw Elliott Buchanan leave Chestnut
Avenue for Broadhall Way last season, so it was rather disappointing
to see Buchanan confined to the substitutes bench for the duration of
the evening.
Stevenage created a number of openings in
the early stages. with Lee Boylan spurning a number of chances.
But Northwood were seeing their fair
share of the ball, and they almost forced the opening goal as Richard
Orlu had his shot charged down in a goalmouth melee.
The play continued to flow freely from
end to end and Stevenage’s Laurie Wilson saw his low drive rattle an
upright after a surging run from deep.
At the other end, John Christian’s long
range effort was comfortably dealt with by keeper Michael Jordan.
The visitors produced a strong finish to
the opening period, with Mitch Swain being tested by Craig Westcarr
and Anthony Thomas, Westcarr also being denied by an offside flag.
But it was Woods who opened the scoring
four minutes into the second half when Adrian Abramian converted the
loose ball after Jordan could only parry Nick White’s close range
effort following Sean Sonner’s fine run and cross.
Northwood made a triple substitution on
55 minutes with Bradley Hewitt, Andre Delisser and Sonner making way
for Lee Holland, Michael Gordon and Terry Davies respectively.
Stevenage pushed for the equaliser and
they were rewarded with a goal on 58 minutes as Westcarr’s deflected
shot found its way past Swain.
The visitors made a number of
substitutions, whilst Joe Cowen was introduced for Christian in the
Northwood midfield.
Stevenage visibly upped the tempo and
they took the lead on 71 minutes, although there was a touch of
fortune as Jerome Anderson’s intended cross flew over Swain to nestle
in the far corner.
Woods were being increasingly stretched
by a revitalised Borough and Callum Willock was denied by Swain,
whilst Boylan’s radar was off target once more as he headed wide.
Gary Edwards and Jack Bennett replaced
Danny Murphy and Abramian as Northwood looked to get back in the game
but they fell further behind as Wilson fired a low shot across Swain
for Stevenage’s third goal on 79 minutes.
Danny Brown, Nick Pearce and Anthony Page
were all given a run out for Woods with Plaskett, White and Dwain
Williams making way, but there was no way back for Northwood, who had
Swain to thank for restricting Stevenage as he produced a point blank
save from Anderson. |
