Northwood got back to winning ways in the league by coming from behind to record their first win at the Wallace Binder ground. Manager Dave Anderson gave a debut to midweek signing Ashley Harewood, as he partnered Scott Orphanou in a new-look attack.

Woods suffered the worst possible start as they fell behind as early as the 3rd minute after they lost possession in the middle of the park, Lee Underwood sending Jack Jeffries clear of the Northwood defence, and the Maldon debutant finished with aplomb. Northwood looked to recover from the early setback and John Christian tried his luck with a couple of speculative efforts, whilst Orphanou was denied by a last ditch block by Nathan Fletcher after good work from Harewood.

Woods were enjoying the majority of the play as they sought the equaliser and Maldon were indebted to goalkeeper Glen Knight as he produced a double save to deny Kyle Matthews and Orphanou. But the play switched immediately to the other end and ‘keeper Mitch Swain did well to foil Darren Skudder as he latched onto Jeffries’ cross.

Gary Burrell was the next to go close for Northwood as the first-half drew to a close as his header from Michael Peacock’s free-kick sailed past the upright.

Hugo Figueiredo replaced skipper Mark Burgess as Woods looked for more attacking options in the second period. And Northwood didn’t have to wait too long for the equalising goal, Brad Hewitt powering home a header from a Matthews corner to restore parity on 56 minutes.

Northwood were playing with a renewed confidence and Figueiredo combined well with Burrell who capped a strong run with a low shot which flew narrowly wide of the target. Eugene Ofori replaced Harewood in attack just after the hour-mark and the substitute soon made his physical presence felt as he headed onto the crossbar after the ball enjoyed a game of ping-pong in the Maldon box.

Whilst Northwood looked the more likely to add to the score-line, the hosts remained a threat as Clarke’s low drive was awkward for Swain who eventually managed to claim the ball as Underwood followed up.
Aaron Cato was given his league debut when he replaced Matthews with eight minutes, remaining and the substitute was quickly into his stride with a couple of dangerous crosses into the Maldon box.

Northwood continued to push for the winning goal and it duly arrived in the 84th minute, Orphanou showing a striker’s instinct to crash the ball home as he latched onto the loose ball after Chris Seeby’s shot looped off a Maldon defender.

And Orphanou nearly added to his tally in stoppage time as he saw a close-range shot blocked whilst another effort flew across the face of goal but Northwood had done more than enough to secure only the second win in seven league games.

Report by ROBIN PIPER

Photos by James Brown