Saturday 19th September 1970
PAUL BYRNE HITS TWO IN NORTHWOOD’S FIRST WIN
NORTHWOOD 4 RUISLIP TOWN 2
Strong running by centre forward, Pool Byrne and good midfield work by former Ruislip Manor player Ian Harvey steered Northwood to their first win in the Middlesex League on Saturday at the expense of Ruislip Town. who can attribute their defeat to a poor defence, writes Neil Daley.
Byrne and Harvey were allowed to control the game in midfield and up front, and it was the combination of these two which produced the home side's first goal after 12 minutes.
Harvey battled well for possession and crossed to Byrne, who headed past Town’s goalkeeper.
Northwood’s lead was short-lived, as Terry Brown walked through the home defence to slot past outcoming 'keeper Ray Byrne.
Five minutes after the break Harvey sent a beautiful lobbed ball to Byrne, who bounced off defender Paul Lewis before hitting home with the outside of his right foot from 20 yards.
Northwood were in top gear and were unfortunate not to go further ahead when a Byrne headed goal was disallowed.
Byrne was robbed off a hit-trick when a powerful shot bounced off the keeper’s feet.
Pearce increased Northwood's lead after a strong run when he pushed the ball neatly past the outcoming goalkeeper. Two minutes later Pearce curved the ball in from a corner, and the shot went in off a defender to make it 4-1, before Town scored a second.
Town's defence was wide open, but the home side had nothing to boast about at the back. Northwood are getting the goals – seven in three matches – but have had nine scored against them.
On Saturday's performance Town need a complete face lift. The defence was a shambles, they lost the midfield and need someone who can get goals.
|