MATCH REPORTS 2008-09
 

BOREHAM WOOD RES. 0  NORTHWOOD RES. 3
 

Woods travelled to nearby Boreham Wood for a Suburban League fixture, with hope of maintaining their winning run.

On arriving at the ground we were told that the game would be played on the club's Astro Turf as the main pitch was being saved for Sunday's Arsenal Ladies game. On inspecting the pitch, I immediately went to the referee, and asked his opinion on various concerns that we had. The ref replied that he had been here before, and flexibility had to be agreed.

The Woods were on the attack straight away as the game started, and created an early chance. As the game progressed the Woods' back four was looking very solid, with Richard Vercesi and Elliott Gibbs were in fine form.

With Dwain Williams playing up front, and Hudson and Daily in control in midfield, it seemed that the opening goal could not be far away. The high bounce was difficult for both teams, but the Woods made the best of the playing conditions. Several chances went begging, but after yet another goalmouth melee, Lawrie Walters - back from injury - found the net.

Almost immediately Northwood went two up when a blatant handball was penalised, and Dwain Williams converted from the spot. Woods continued to create openings, and suffice to say that Mark Britt was redundant in the visitors' goal.

A flowing move ended with a cross into the box, but somehow Jerome Cole managed to hit the bar. That sums up his game at present, but a goal will restore his confidence, though his work rate continues to be very good.

At half time it was stated that concentration was the name of the game and we would be fine. For a brief period after the break, Boreham Wood were in control, but Northwood's midfield and back four gradually regained control. We had one flowing move of seven or eight passes, but the ball was scrambled away somehow to everyone's amazement and the score remained unchanged.

However, the Woods remained in command, and three subs were introduced - Max Duffy, Sam Holland and Paul Element carried on the good work. Finally Paul Element netted to put the result beyond doubt.

Unfortunately with just a couple of minutes left on the clock, the Woods left-back Eric Gbio, after extreme provocation, raised his hands to push the Boreham Wood player away. The Boreham man was booked whereas Eric was shown a straight red, and the final whistle went straight after the home team's free-kick.

Following this good 3-0 win, the Woods find themselves in third place in the league on goal difference. An interesting run-in to the end of the season beckons!

Report: GEOFF FOSTER