Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood made it three league wins in four after a hard fought
victory over Witham Town.
An injury to
Bradley Hewitt meant a return to central defence for Jazz Rose, whilst
John Christian reclaimed his midfield berth from Dwane Williams after
being cup-tied in midweek. There was also a change on the right flank
as Michael Gordon returned at the expense of Lee Holland.
Woods began in a
positive manner, forcing a succession of early corners. Elliott
Buchanan drew a good save from goalkeeper Stuart Crumpen before the
Northwood marksman went close with a shot from the edge of the box.
The home side
continued to maintain the upper hand, Crumpen saving well from James
Fisher after the defender combined well with Gordon before the Witham
custodian turned Yoki’s low drive around the post.
Witham were
struggling to break out of their own half in a one-sided opening
period but Woods were unable to turn dominance into goals. Buchanan
looked likely to break the deadlock when he rounded Crumpen but he was
forced into a weak shot by the recovering defence, whilst Yoki dragged
a shot wide of the far post after a neat turn in the box.
It was a
different story after the half-time break as Witham immediately
threatened the Northwood goal, Mitch Swain being forced into his first
save of the afternoon as he dealt with Cody McDonald’s effort.
Woods appeared to
be losing their way as the visitors grew more ambitious, Nathan Sharp
sending a free header wide of the target whilst Rob King had a
deflected shot saved by Swain.
Northwood made a
defensive change on the hour, Holland replacing the tiring Rose, with
Fisher moving across to partner Ryan Tackley in the centre.
Woods gradually
began to regain the initiative but Crumpen continued to frustrate the
hosts as he produced a fine save to deny Buchanan after the latter
latched onto Tackley’s ball over the top.
Dwane Williams
replaced namesake Dwain in midfield as Woods continued to look for the
elusive goal. But Northwood’s profligacy persisted, Christian being
foiled by a point-blank Crumpen save, Jerome Hall shooting into the
side-netting and Buchanan seeing his cross-shot rebound of the
upright.
However, the
hitherto impressive Crumpen blotted his copybook as he let Danny
Murphy’s 25-yard shot slip through his grasp to give Northwood the
lead on 73 minutes.
Woods were buoyed
by the goal and they went close to making the game safe with a
sweeping move which culminated in Gordon’s shot whistling past the far
post.
However, Witham
were offered a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty after Tackley
upended substitute David Hawes, but Jamie Ricks was unable to convert
the spot-kick as Swain saved his third spot-kick of the season.
And the visitors
were made to pay when Hall made the points safe on 78 minutes as he
neatly lifted the ball over the advancing Crumpen following
Christian’s through-ball.
Swain was on hand
to deal with McDonald’s shot whilst Adrian Abramian replaced Buchanan
as the clock ticked down, and Woods were good value for a win which
moved them into the top half of the table.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Elliott Buchanan shows some close control Dwain Williams holds off the Witham challenge Jerome Hall puts pressure on the Witham keeper in a crowded area Michael Gordon goes on a run Jerome Hall and Andul Yoki take on the Witham giant! Elliott Buchanan evades a Witham tackle Skipper for the day Danny Murphy setting up an attack Eyes on the ball...Abdul Yoki More pressure on the Witham goal Danny Murphy fires over a left-wing cross The Witham keeper gets to the ball before Michael Gordon Abdul Yoki battles it out Michael Gordon shows his skill on the flank James Fisher in a duel with Witham's keeper One foot in...Jerome Hall tries to get there first
Elliott Buchanan shows some close control
Photos: James Brown |
