Saturday 8th April 1972
HARVEY HITS A FIRST-HALF HAT-TRICK
WEMBLEY RESERVES 0 NORTHWOOD 3
Despite the handicap of playing against a side that fielded several players with 1st XI experience, Northwood were convincing winners of this premier division Middlesex League fixture on Saturday.
When the skipper John Myers failed a late fitness test, the Northwood team was quickly reorganised.
Ian Harvey took over the captaincy and Barry Gould marshalled the defence. Both gave inspired performances as Northwood edged a little closer to the competition leaders Yeading.
In fact, Harvey scored a first-half hat-trick and Gould gave such a polished display that the Wembley attack hardly had any opportunities.
The only danger came early when the Northwood offside trap was eluded, but keeper Ray Byrne was equal to the occasion, making a good save.
Northwood soon asserted their superiority and posed all sorts of problems for the Wembley defence.
Harvey opened his account in the 15th minute. He broke on the left, dummied his way upfield before rounding the keeper for the easiest of goals. A real gem.
Five minutes later he scored an almost identical goal, again rounding the luckless keeper.
Northwood were now back to their best and they confidently pushed the ball around as Wembley chased shadows.
In the 38th minute Harvey completed his hat-trick with a fine goal. Seizing a cross from Brian Taylor, Harvey hit a vicious shot into the net from 12 yards.
The second half was just a formality, with Northwood pushing the ball around in midfield for long periods.
Northwood: R. Byrne, G. Harding, D. Dibbens, B. Gould, B Taylor, C. Costard, I. Harvey, S. Pearce, S. Senior (P. Byrne, 70 min.), B. Wanless, P. Coburn.
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