Friendly match

WORDS:
Robin Piper   
PICTURE:
James Brown

Beaconsfield Town provided the opposition for a much-needed practice match as Woods' new manager Jamie Leacock continued the preparations for his first competitive game in charge at Ware this coming Saturday.

The artificial surface at the Middlesex FA headquarters at Rectory Park offers a close match to the pitch at Ware's Wodson Park, so this was considered a useful workout for Northwood.

There was a familiar look to the Woods' starting eleven, although there was a triallist at left-back as Leacock looks to fill the void created by the departure of Matt Cooper to Berkhamsted. There was also a welcome return for Ethan Flanagan following his hernia op as he partnered Liam McCrohan in central defence, while Luke Nugent was given an opportunity at right-back.

Woods created a number of openings in the early stages, with Tyrone Pink hitting the woodwork before he was denied by the legs of the Rams goalkeeper.

Pink was involved again as his cross almost found the arriving Dan Pett in the six-yard box but the latter was crowded out by the Beaconsfield defence.

But the Rams defence was helpless to prevent Northwood taking the lead on 33 minutes as former Woods keeper Borja Loeches-Teixeira gifted the ball to Louis Bircham, who rolled the ball home.

Beaconsfield went close on a couple of occasions, Pett clearing off the line following a corner, before Alfie Bonfield was called upon to keep out a header.

However, Northwood increased their lead on half-time following a short corner as Charlie Hayford's cross to the far post was headed back by Flanagan, Loeches-Teixeira only able to push the ball out to Harry Lodovica who converted.

The second period saw the introduction of a number of trialists, one of whom increased the Northwood lead after being set up by Kiye Martin.

But Woods didn't have it all their own way as Beaconsfield pulled a goal back before the end of a useful workout for Northwood.