Northwood recorded a historic first win against Chelsea as they lifted the Pete Barry Memorial Trophy at a sun-drenched Chestnut Avenue.

Chelsea fielded a development team which featured a number of youth internationals and would provide a stern test for a Northwood squad in the early stages of their pre-season preparations under new manager Dean Barker.

Woods warmed to their task and opened the scoring on 11 minutes as Miguel Matos sent over a hanging cross which was headed home by James Ewington for his second goal in five days following his strike against Burnham in midweek.

Chelsea looked to respond and threatened through Charlie Brown and George McEachan but Northwood goalkeeper Luke Sheldrick was on hand to deny both and protect his side’s lead.

Northwood continued to ask questions in an impressive first-half display and Ewington went close to increasing the lead but was unable to lift the ball over the advancing Karlo Ziger in the Chelsea goal. And Ben Pattie was the next to go close as his low shot flew narrowly wide of the target.

Woods’ rearguard, well marshalled by captain for the day Carl Pearce, was coping comfortably with what the visitors had to offer and Sheldrick continued to enjoy a fine afternoon on his Northwood debut as he saved bravely at the feet of Brown.

Chelsea made a number of changes during the half-time break and they were soon on the offensive after the resumption as Sheldrick turned Jacob Maddox’s shot round the post before the Australian stopper produced another fine save to deny Daishawn Redan.

Northwood proceeded to make a number of substitutions as  Barker sought to give his whole squad a run out and the changes coupled with the stifling heat slightly interrupted the flow of their play. However, Woods continued to look comfortable with Sheldrick on hand once again in a rare moment of danger as he tipped Redan’s headed effort over the crossbar.

Chelsea never really looked like getting back into the game with a couple of half chances going astray and Northwood were able to navigate the remainder of the match to run out deserved winners on a highly satisfactory afternoon for Barker and his evolving squad.