MATCH REPORTS 2008-09
 

NORTHWOOD RES. 2  SANDHURST TOWN RES. 1
 

This was another close encounter for our promotion-chasing Suburban League side. Northwood eventually ran out winners by a 2-1 margin, but only after giving those with weak hearts a hard time.

The Woods started off like the team going for the title, but after the first 30 minutes during which they had taken a two-goal lead, they somehow felt the game was won and let Sandhurst dictate play for the remainder of the match.

The first goal came on 12 minutes after some excellent passing: Courtney Francis jinked down the right wing before sending in a low cross to Carl Hunt, who played the ball wide for Lawrie Walters to fire home from the edge of the box.

Thirteen minutes later a corner on the left by Lawrie Walters was headed home by Will Hudson. But Sandhurst then started to get back into the game as the half drew to a close, and they had a couple of warning shots at Mark Britt.

The second half was nearly all Sandhurst as Woods failed to get their rhythm going again, and it was only bad finishing by the visitors that kept the Woods ahead.

Sandhurst hit the post and then Max Moore made a last-ditch tackle before they eventually scored in the 89th minute, after carving out an opening which allowed Greg Sykes to tap in – but Woods then managed to hang on until the final whistle.

Man of the match: Richard Vercesi

Report: ALLAN GREEN