Depleted Northwood’s woes continued as they suffered a third defeat in a row, this time at the hands of Brentwood Town. Injuries and suspensions continue to cause havoc to the Woods, with Leon Osei being the latest addition to a growing injury list. However, the hosts were able to welcome back Anthony Page and give a first start to wide man Daryl Campbell- Grimshaw, whilst Scott Purdue came in for the suspended Danny Power at right-back.

Northwood looked the better side in the early stages  as John Christian’s 25-yard shot skimmed the Brentwood crossbar, before Michael Peacock tried his luck from the edge of the box. Woods continued to produce some useful moves and Campbell-Grimshaw’s deep cross was met by stand-in striker Page, whose header was gathered by ‘keeper Nick Pyne.

But Northwood were delivered a cruel blow as they fell behind against the run of play, Ben Boyce being allowed a free-header as he converted Kris Lee’s cross to give Brentwood a 19th minute lead.

Woods were rocked back by the goal and they almost conceded a second, but Mitch Swain was quickly off his line to deny Dean Pennant. However, Swain was unable to prevent Brentwood extending their lead on 36 minutes when Dee Okojie scored with a long-range shot.

Northwood regrouped at the break and they began the second period in a positive manner, producing a number of incisive moves, but the end product was missing as Page and Kyle Matthews went close.

And it was a familiar story as Brentwood delivered a sucker-punch once more as Lee received the ball through a flat Woods defence, and the striker had time to pick his spot beyond Swain to make it 3-0 on 50 minutes.

To their credit Northwood  continued to move the ball around well, Ryan Tackley’s whipped in cross just evading Christian and Page. whilst Peacock tested Pyne with a firm shot. Anton Lewis was added to the Woods’ attack on 65 minutes with Hugo Figueiredo making way, and the hosts continued to probe for the goals that their approach play deserved. Matthews saw his long range shot fly wide before Lewis tried his luck from distance.

Woods utilised their remaining substitutions with Will Hudson and debutant Max Moore replacing Page and Sam Sharples. Northwood continued to make all the running but they were unable to find a way past a stubborn Brentwood, the final score-line suggesting a comfortable win for the visitors but Woods can take heart from the promising football they produced in difficult circumstances.

Report by ROBIN PIPER