Saturday 2 February 1974
LAUGHING LEGION BANG IN SIX
NORTHWOOD 2 HILLINGDON B.L. 6
Northwood didn’t so much lose this Middlesex League game as present it to the Legion side with a hatful of simple goals resulting from defensive blunders.
The scoreline flattered Legion as Northwood more than held their own in midfield, with Roberts, Pearce and Clarke working for each other, and wingers Coulter and Metcalfe often troubling a square visitors’ defence.
But the antics of the Woods defence gave Legion the last laugh — and half dozen goals.
The first of them came early on when Peter Clarke controlled the ball well in his own box but instead of clearing he chose to stroke the ball past a bewildered Kessell to give Legion the lead.
Only two minutes later Harlock unleashed a harmless-looking shot from 25 yards, but Kessell let it go through his arms and over the line. Despite this double blow, Northwood were determined to fight back and a Harry Coulter shot was headed off the line.
They raised their game sufficiently to pull one back just before the interval when Harland's well-flighted free-kick was headed on to Pearce, who netted at the second attempt
Byrne made a goal line clearance early in the second half to deny Legion a further lead, then the game was thrown wide open with the Woods’ equaliser. From an inch-perfect Metcalfe cross, Roberts rose to head a magnificent goal.
A draw seemed on at that stage, but the Woods’ defence had different ideas and proceeded to give away four more goals, one resulting from a dreadful mix-up and collision between Byrne and Kessell.
Burton (2), Frost and Salathiel gratefully netted those chances for the Legion.
Northwood: R. Kessell, K. Harland, I. McDonald, J. Byrne, D. Atherden, P. Clarke, S. Pearce, G. Roberts, H. Coulter, J. Vincent, D. Metcalfe, sub. G. Cooper.
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