Northwood Under 18 0  Hampton & R.B. Under 18 0

Thursday 26th January 2011

Northwood U18		Ryman Youth League Chestnut Avenue, Northwood
Chezney Cassell	1	Kick Off
Reece Fallon	2	7.45 p.m.
Gbenga Adelana	3	H/T
Jonas Charles	4	0-0
Sean Hollowed	5	Scorers
Dwaine Cole-Parkes	6	Northwood
Liam McGrath	7	n/a
Jack Hutchinson	8
Jordan Douglas	9
Julian Smith	10
Julian Cole	11
Tommy Day (10)	12
Callum Wright (9)	14
Damilola Thomas (11)	15
-	17
-	18

Having resumed their league matches after a long absence of seven weeks, the Woods were keen to continue the momentum built up from their victory against the league leaders the previous week. The last confrontation with Hampton was a 1-1 draw at the Beveree, and this game was always going to be a tight affair. The Woods made changes to the starting line up from the previous game, with Jack Hutchinson having his first game back from holiday and captain Jonas Charles returning after injury to start his first game.

As expected the game started with both teams cautious and respectful, but with Hampton playing with more composure on the ball. The Woods were edgy and played too many long wasteful balls when in possession. This gave Hampton the edge in the first thirty minutes, but they could not create any significant pressure on the Woods defence, which defended stoutly. Northwood could not find their stride and almost looked lethargic in their movement and approach, giving Hampton the upper hand in a first half that lacked any real goal attempts from either side.

Woods started the second half the with more energy and purpose, getting the ball forward early and causing Hampton to defend on the back foot. This brought a flurry of shots and half chances from Northwood, which showed effort but was short of quality. The side continued to drive forward, pressing and probing to find a way through, but the Hampton defence were resilient and did not waver under the pressure, and they also threatened with counter attacks but could not penetrate.

The second half saw Northwood on top but they could not find that vital winner to seal the three points. A well earned draw for both sides who are closely matched.

Report: TREVOR CHARLES