Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
stretched their unbeaten League run to ten games as they overcame
their old Spartan League rivals at a chilly Chestnut Avenue.
There were a
number of changes to the team who forced extra-time in the midweek
League Cup game at Staines. Gary Meakin replaced the unfit Ryan
Tackley at left-back whilst Danny Power reclaimed the right full-back
berth from Lee Holland. There was also a change in attack as Gambian
international Pa “Daddy” Gai made his debut in attack, with Kyle
Matthews missing out through injury.
The Mead were
quickly into their stride, with Woods ‘keeper Mitch Swain called into
action to deal with shots from Curtis Williams and Rikki Cable.
However, it was
Northwood who opened the scoring on seven minutes as Anthony Page
ghosted in at the far post to execute a smart finish after latching
onto Gai’s headed flick-on from Hugo Figueiredo’s corner.
The goal settled
Woods, and they maintained the pressure on Thamesmead with a series of
attacks. Rob Ursell and Gai went close with shots from outside the box
before Figueiredo spurned a glorious chance as he lifted the ball over
with the goal at his mercy following a sweeping move involving Michael
Peacock and Michael Gordon.
Northwood
continued to keep the visitors pinned back in their own half, Gai
having a shot on the turn deflected for a corner whilst Page was
inches from netting his second goal of the afternoon when he attempted
to reach Ursell’s low cross following a short corner.
Thamesmead were
indebted to their ‘keeper Tony Kessell, who produced smart saves to
deny Gordon and Ursell to keep his side in the contest at the
half-time break.
Northwood were
forced to make a defensive change for the second-half with Meakin,
struggling with a tight hamstring, being replaced by Holland.
Woods’ profligacy
in front of goal continued with Gai spurning a couple of opportunities
to grab a debut goal.
Northwood
continued to search for the elusive second goal to put the game beyond
stubborn Thamesmead, Mark Burgess and Figueiredo miscuing following a
neat interchange between Ursell and Gordon before Gai was denied by a
last ditch tackle from Mead substitute Danny Moore.
John Christian
was sent on to freshen up the Woods’ midfield as he replaced Page on
67 minutes.
Having survived
the Northwood pressure, Thamesmead were began to make an impression on
the home defence as substitute Peter Smith shot narrowly wide.
Gai made way for
Danny Brown with seven minutes left on the clock, Gordon moving into a
central attacking role for the closing minutes.
But the action
was at the other end as Thamesmead wasted a couple of gilt-edged
chances to draw level, substitute Lew Woods and Smith both missing the
target when well placed.
Woods were able to
breathe a sigh of relief as the game was finally made safe in the
third minute of stoppage time, Figueiredo curling the ball beyond
Kessell after being set up by Gordon to move Northwood up to fifth
spot and into the play-off places.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Photos: Alan Evans |
