Match Report
by Robin Piper

Holders Northwood retained a firm grip on the cup after they overcame their local league rivals in a competitive quarter-final tie at the White Lion Ground.

Woods had to make a number of changes to the side that won at Tilbury on Saturday. Keeper Mitch Swain returned from injury to replace the cup-tied Ben Harris, whilst a previous cup appearance cost John Christian his place in midfield, Dwane Williams being his replacement. Lee Holland and Danny Murphy returned to the starting line-up, Michael Gordon and Jazz Rose missing through illness and injury respectively.

Edgware threatened early on as Greg Ngoyi and Stuart Blackburne both went close.

But it was Northwood who opened the scoring on 6 minutes in controversial circumstances, Abdul Yoki sending a 25-yard screamer into the top corner with Elliott Buchanan lying prostrate in the six-yard box after colliding with keeper Rob Blackburne.

Woods maintained the pressure on the home side with the lively Jerome Hall twice going close.

And it was no surprise when Northwood extended their lead through Buchanan on the half-hour mark, the Woods’ marksman beating Rob Blackburne at the near post with a fierce shot from the edge of the box.

Edgware needed a quick reply if they were to get back in the tie and they pushed Northwood onto the back foot before the break. Swain had to dive full length to keep out Stuart Blackburne’s  header before he dealt with Steve Brady’s shot, whilst Chris Ingham saw his free-kick narrowly clear the crossbar.

There were chances at both ends early in the second-half. Adam Wallace and Ngoyi spurned good chances for the hosts whilst Buchanan and Dwain Williams went close for Woods.

Northwood made a change on 68 minutes as Adrian Abramian replaced Hall in attack.

And  Woods were looking more likely to add to their lead, Yoki forcing Rob Blackburne into a good save following a slick move, before Buchanan shot into the side-netting after good work from Abramian.

Edgware were grateful to Blackburne once again as he was quickly off his line to deny Buchanan after Ryan Tackley’s shot was charged down.

But the hosts gave themselves a lifeline with seven minutes left on the clock, substitute and former Wood Ross Christie giving Swain no chance with his long-range strike.

However, any thoughts Edgware had of forcing extra-time were quickly extinguished by another moment of magic from Buchanan a minute from time, the Northwood number 10 sending a curling shot beyond Blackburne to confirm Woods semi-final berth where they will play host to Hendon.