Northwood made it two wins on the spin with a narrow victory over Ilford at a sun-drenched Chestnut Avenue.

Woods’ manager Mark Barnham was able to name an unchanged side as his team looked to build on the previous week’s win over Ware, and there was a place on the substitutes bench for Leon Osei, who had missed the last month through injury.

Both sides settled well and it was Ilford who threatened first as Derek Hawtin got beyond the Northwood defence before firing in a half-volley which was comfortably gathered by ‘keeper Mitch Swain. But it was Woods who took the lead on 23 minutes as Anthony Page latched onto Michael Peacock’s free-kick to send a looping header over Ilford ‘keeper Rob Budd.

Chances quickly followed for Northwood to extend their lead but Will Hudson’s control let him down when well-placed before Kyle Matthews sent a shot over the Ilford crossbar.

At the other end, Victor Omogbehin shot wide of the Woods’ goal whilst Swain turned a fierce strike from Samuel Sunday onto the post and behind for a corner.

The match was enjoying a free-flowing momentum and there were further chances for both sides before the half-time break, Matthews being denied by a full-length save from Budd, the latter also on hand to gather a Hudson header, whilst Swain dealt with a shot from Ilford’s Troy Hewitt.

Following an entertaining opening half, spectators were looking forward to more of the same but the second-half was slow to ignite with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. However, Northwood managed to fashion an opening as Scott Purdue took a return ball from Scott Orphanou before unleashing a first time shot which was saved by Budd at his near post.

Woods made a double substitution on the hour, with Ryan Tackley and Purdue making way for Hugo Figueiredo and Aaron Cato in an attempt to add some fresh impetus down the flanks but both defences continued to hold the upper-hand.

Northwood utilised all their substitutions, as Osei was added to the attack with Hudson making way, and Woods had a couple of chances as Page sent a shot into Budd’s midriff before Matthews fed the ball through to John Christian but his shot flew wide of the target.

Ilford rarely threatened an equaliser as they were restricted to long-range efforts, substitute Jarreau McCarthy sending a shot over the Woods’ crossbar, and the game slowly fizzled out in the spring sunshine with Northwood comfortably claiming the three points.

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos by James Brown