Saturday 25th September 1971
PLAYER SENT OFF BUT YEADING CRUSH WOODS
YEADING 4 NORTHWOOD 0
Northwood suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down to a powerful Yeading in the Middlesex League on Saturday, and the home side were three goals up at half-time. Yeading were deserved winners in spite of having a man sent off in the second half.
Charlie Davies received his marching orders for striking Barry Wanless, who was the only Northwood player who was a real threat to Yeading.
The opening goal came when Dave Burt latched onto a loose clearance and the drove the ball low into the net past Ray Byrne. A few minutes later Yeading increased their lead when a long clearance found Norman Frape, and the Yeading winger raced away to net number two.
Despite fielding the talent of Senior, Wordsworth and Wanless, little was seen of Northwood in attack, as Yeading dominated the play.
Shortly before the interval a bad mistake by Northwood keeper Byrne allowed Hatt to force a cross from Wood over the line for the third goal.
Yeading continued to look the better side after the break and Frape was unlucky to see his tremendous drive from 25 yards hit the crossbar and rebound to safety.
Just after this, Yeading were reduced to ten men when Charlie Davies was sent off for striking Barry Wanless.
In the incident just outside the Yeading penalty area Wanless appeared to spit in Davies' face and Davies reacted immediately.
Reduced to ten men, Yeading had little difficulty in containing the visitors, although some of the sparkle went from their play.
Mid-way through the half, Yeading substitute Day went on in place of Wood and Day's hard running soon paid dividends, and Yeading were once again well in control.
Ten minutes from time a superb pass from Day put Frape clear, and he hammered a scorching drive low into the far corner for his second goal.
In midfield Ian Harvey and Steve Pearce played well for Northwood, while Johnny Myers excelled at the back.
Nevertheless these players couldn't inspire the Woods and Yeading were able to maintain their 100 per cent record.
It may have been different if Steve Pearce had netted an easy chance when the Woods trailed 2-0 just before half time, but Spurden smothered his effort and in the counter-attack Yeading went three goals up.
Northwood now have only four points from four outings and must hit the winning trail soon if they are to keep with the leading bunch.
Northwood: Byrne; Harding, Madigan; Myers, Bailey, Harvey; Senior, Hickmott, Pearce, Wanless, Wordsworth. Sub: Roche.
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