MATCH REPORTS 2007-08
 

NORTHWOOD RES. 2  STAINES TOWN RES. 1
 

Northwood’s young reserve side – now under the new management of Mark Barnham, assisted by Alan Groves – got their Capital League season off to a flying start last night with an excellent 2-1 home victory over last term’s runners-up Staines Town, who are always formidable at second team level.

The Northwood players have worked very hard during pre-season, as well as playing a string of friendlies, which have produced several encouraging results, but the start of the league campaign was a step up for them.

And Barnham’s side had to come from behind to gain their win, the visitors taking the lead in the 26th minute when a cross from the right was converted by Chima Eberendu.

The Woods were level within seven minutes, though. After the ball had found the net, former Premiership referee Dermot Gallagher brought Northwood back for a free-kick for an earlier foul, so fit-again Elliott Buchanan neatly struck the kick over the wall into the corner of the goal, giving the Staines keeper no chance.

Northwood’s youngsters produced some fine flowing play in the second half, and they were rewarded with what proved to be the winning goal on 74 minutes. A good passing move ended with Buchanan hitting a low shot under the keeper to put his side 2-1 ahead, and that was how it stayed.