Northwood had to do it the hard way as they came from behind with two second-half goals to overcome a spirited Cheshunt. There was one change to the Woods’ line-up from the weekend win at Tilbury, Chris Seeby replacing the suspended Gilbert Nuako with Danny Power switching to left-back. There was also a change in the dugout ,with Mark Barnham standing in for manager Dave Anderson, who was absent through illness.

Woods were quickly on the offensive with the lively Aaron Cato delivering a deep cross for Eugene Ofori but the striker was unable to capitalise on the opportunity. But it was the visitors who opened the scoring as they took a 6th minute lead through Chris Meikle when he completed a swift counter-attack with a neat finish after Northwood had squandered possession in midfield.

Woods almost delivered the perfect riposte as Seeby got on the end of Cato’s far post corner but his close-range shot was cleared off the Cheshunt goal-line.

Cheshunt continued to look dangerous on the break as they threatened through Angus McLachlan and Bradley Harrison, whilst another Cato corner presented a chance for Michael Peacock, but his header was off-target.

Northwood’s best opportunities were coming from set pieces as a Seeby free-kick found Ofori, who combined with Cato to create an opening for Leon Osei, but his shot was charged down in the box.
Both sides were restricted to speculative efforts before the half-time break, McLachlan volleying over for the visitors before Seeby’s long-range shot flew wide of the Cheshunt goal.

Woods were forced to make a change at the break after Scott Orphanou departed with a facial injury, Hugo Figueiredo his replacement. But Northwood had some defending to do as ‘keeper Bobby Smith dealt comfortably with a Meikle shot, before Bradley Hewitt made a last ditch tackle to deny McLachlan.

John Christian replaced Sam Sharples on the hour-mark as Northwood continued to search for a way back into the match, and they almost succeeded as Figueiredo’s free-kick from the edge of the box rattled the Cheshunt crossbar. And Figueiredo was involved again as headed Danny Power’s far post ball back across the face of goal but Cato was unable to keep his shot down.

Woods were given boost as the visitors were reduced to ten men after McLachlan, who had already been booked, received a second yellow card for a challenge on Power. And Northwood were finally rewarded for their persistence with an equaliser on 68 minutes, Cato weaving his way through the Cheshunt defence before sending a low shot beyond ‘keeper Luke Dodd.

Woods went looking for the decisive goal, and Anthony Page was almost in on goal, whilst Osei was denied by Dodd. But Cheshunt’s resistance was broken six minutes from time, Seeby giving Dodd no chance with a sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box after good work from Figueiredo, to put Northwood’s noses in front.

Northwood weren’t going to let the lead slip as they saw the clock down without any drama to record their fifth win in seven league games and keep them in play-off contention.

Report by ROBIN PIPER