Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood
extended their unbeaten league run to six games after a hard-fought
win over lowly Waltham Forest.
The visitors made
a mockery of their position near the foot of the table as they
produced a spirited performance, but were denied by a solitary John
Christian strike fifteen minutes from time.
There was one
change to the Northwood line-up from the team which overcame Potters
Bar, former Wood Gary Meakin being drafted in to replace the
unavailable Ryan Tackley at left-back.
Chances were at a
premium in a scrappy opening twenty minutes, and smart crosses from
full-backs Meakin and Danny Power which Otis Williams was unable to
capitalise upon offered Northwood their best opportunities to open the
scoring.
Hugo Figueiredo
and Michael Gordon swapped flanks in an attempt to find a way through
a resolute Waltham Forest but the Woods’ wide men continued to make
little headway with the next chance coming from a set piece but
Anthony Page’s header from Meakin’s free-kick was easy for ‘keeper
Elliot Justham.
Gordon might have
done better in the penultimate minute of the half as he latched onto
Figueiredo’s through-ball but the former dallied as he looked to beat
the last defender, whilst the latter threatened in the final minute as
his shot was cleared for a corner.
Manager Dave
Anderson made a change at the break with Dean Mason replacing Otis
Williams in attack.
Northwood looked
keen to put a poor first-half showing behind them as they attacked
from the off through Gordon, and Waltham Forest were lucky to survive
as Page and Christian had a succession of shots cleared off the line
in a goalmouth melee.
Mason was
beginning to make an impression and he sent in a dangerous cross which
Justham claimed under pressure from Figueiredo.
Waltham Forest
were beginning to show at the other end, Mitch Swain saving
comfortably from the lively Luke Stanley, whilst the impressive
central defensive duo of Mark Burgess and Michael Peacock continued to
thwart the visitors’ attacking intentions.
Northwood were
looking increasingly threatening with Gordon, Mason and Figueiredo
running at the visitors’ defence.
Woods thought
they might have had a penalty as Page was challenged by Mike Ramkin
but the referee waved away the vociferous appeals.
Danny Brown
provided fresh legs in midfield as he replaced Dwane Williams on 68
minutes.
Chances were
being created at both ends, Christian’s header past the stranded
Justham sailing narrowly wide, whilst Ramkin went close for Waltham
Forest.
However, the
elusive goal finally arrived on 75 minutes as Mason displayed great
skill to get behind the Waltham Forest defence and whip in a low cross
which was swept home by Christian.
The visitors
looked for a reply as Stanley threatened once again when he cut in
from the right flank, his shot being deflected for a corner.
At the other end,
Gordon had a great chance to make the points safe but he was unable to
direct his close-range shot past Justham.
However, the
solitary goal proved to be enough after Woods weathered some
stoppage-time pressure from Waltham Forest to register their fourth
league win out of five and continue their drive to the play-offs.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Gary Meakin - making his third Woods debut - goes up for an aerial challenge
Skipper Mark Burgess brings the ball out of defence
John Christian and Dwane Williams in the heart of a midfield skirmish
Anthony Page goes full stretch
Gary Meakin clears his lines
Sizing up his options..Dwane Williams
Michael Gordon fires in a cross
Defensive battle for Mark Burgess
Dean Mason shows the trickery that produced Northwood's winning goal
Hugo Figueiredo takes on his man...
Gary Meakin ensures he gets the ball away
John Christian peels away after netting Woods' 75th minute winning goal
Gary Meakin - making his third Woods debut - goes up for an aerial challenge
Photos: James Brown |
