Northwood ended their recent poor run with a much needed win after they scored two goals in the last ten minutes to overcome Brentwood at the Arena. With a number of injury concerns continuing to affect the squad, manager Dave Anderson opted for an unchanged starting eleven.

Woods made the perfect start as Gary Burrell set off on a purposeful run before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 30-yards to give his side the lead as early as the 3rd minute. The hosts responded well to the setback with the lively Idemudia Okoje making a series of jinking runs, creating an opening for Gary Henty who shot wide before having a shot himself which ‘keeper Mitch Swain saved at the near post.

Swain was called into action again as he saved well from Joe Sweeney whilst at the other end, Eugene Ofori failed to capitalise after being sent clear by Rob Ursell’s deft through-ball and Chris Seeby saw his shot on the half-volley collected by ‘keeper Ronnie Worster. Northwood went close to extending their lead after good wing-play from Leon Osei, his cross finding Burrell whose shot was deflected for a corner.

However, Brentwood thought they had scored an equaliser when Steve Good latched onto Okoje’s free-kick to send a flicked header beyond Swain, but the hosts were denied by an offside flag. Brentwood finished the half strongly with Sweeney unable to apply a close-range finish from Okoje’s low cross, before the former found himself through on goal once more, but Swain was quickly off his line to produce a smart save.

Brentwood continued in a similar vein after the half-time break and Swain was required to turn Okoje’s near-post shot around the post after a quick break. The hosts were finally rewarded for their endeavours when they were awarded a penalty after Ofori handled Sweeney’s shot, Danny Glozier sending Swain the wrong way to restore parity on 49 minutes.

Woods were looking increasingly bereft of inspiration, Anthony Page and Hugo Figueiredo being introduced for Harry Smart and Osei respectively as Northwood looked to freshen things up.
And Figueiredo went close as his header flew narrowly over the crossbar after Ursell’s corner was helped on by Michael Peacock.

But it was Brentwood who put their noses in front on 73 minutes, Swain deflecting substitute Anton Innocent’s long range shot onto the crossbar but the rebound fell kindly for Sweeney who headed the ball home.

Garry Senior was introduced for Ursell and the substitute was instrumental in Northwood’s equalising goal on 80 minutes, as he latched onto Ofori’s through-ball ball before squaring to Figueiredo, who applied the finishing touch.

Woods were given renewed hope and they visibly raised their game as they went looking for the winning goal and they were not to be disappointed. Innocent was the guilty party as he conceded a penalty after he impeded Bradley Hewitt following Gary Meakin’s free-kick into the box, Burrell making no mistake from the spot to restore Northwood’s lead on 82 minutes.

Woods went close to increasing the lead after further good work from Senior, his dinked shot narrowly clearing the crossbar after a strong run into the box. However, Northwood were ultimately indebted to Swain, who produced a flying save in the 90th minute to deny substitute Bradley Biggins, Woods safely negotiating the seven minutes of added time to halt the run of three successive league defeats and hopefully get their season back on track.

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos by James Brown