MATCH REPORTS 2008-09
 

NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN RES. 0  NORTHWOOD RES. 2
 

Woods' second string made their way to Newport Pagnell, otherwise known as M1 Junction 14, for their final game of the season – and if they won, the side would clinch promotion.

Considering it was a Bank Holiday and some players were unavailable, it was a good squad that made the journey, the Woods welcoming back from first team duty Danny Brown and Danny Power, which gave the Woods some solidarity.

The game was played on a very nice pitch considering the time of year, and the Woods took the play to their opponents from the start. The final pass was missing initially, but the display was good, with John Carter (JC) outstanding in the centre of midfield. The defence, well marshalled by Richard Vercesi and skipper Max Moore, were rarely troubled.

Chances started to arrive and Carl Hunt was really enjoying himself and terrorising the Newport defence. When from a long throw by Danny Power was flicked on by Richard Vercesi for Carl Hunt to tap home (practised in the bar before the game!), Woods were in command but Newport did not lay down.

As Woods continued to attack, a smart shot on the turn from Carl Hunt hit the post and Jerome Cole was beaten to the tap-in from the rebound. This would have put the game to bed but Newport still believed that there was something for them and following loose marking from a corner, they hit the top of the crossbar, which really was the first time Mark Britt’s goal had been threatened.

With the score 1-0 at half time a game is never over, but straight after the break Woods were again on the ascendancy, until a miskick from the Northwood defence caused alarms - but Mark (The Cat) Britt seemed very alert.

Then a good move involving various Woods players found Carl Hunt on his own, and his pinpoint cross was headed home by Danny Brown, and the game was more a less over. Jon Daily, who had worked hard, came off to be replaced by Alex Sage, who immediately had a half-chance but was just beaten to the final ball.

The reliable James Crockford then had a rest for Danny Briggs, and John Carter, who had received a knock, came off for a well earned rest. Peter Greczi, who replaced him, then played the through ball of the match, but Jerome Cole just failed to convert.

In the end, this was a comfortable win and a very satisfying end to a good season for the Woods Reserves, who for the second time have given Geoff Foster and Alan Carter promotion to the Suburban League Premier Division – albeit several years apart. Geoff and Alan along with Gez Riley and Terry Hall have gelled well to get the right results for the Northwood second string. But there is now a big challenge ahead next season!

As a matter of interest, the player responsible for soaking Geoff after the game has been put forward for an award at the Presentation Night, and Geoff will present it…