Match Report
by Robin Piper
History repeated
itself for Colin Payne’s young charges as Northwood came away from the
Spencer Stadium with three points for the second successive season.
It was a superb
effort from the young Woods’ team which, included two debutants.
Venezuelan ‘keeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz produced an assured debut,
whilst Damon Ming, on loan from Hayes, worked hard on the left flank.
The Northwood
performance was built on a solid defensive foundation, the outstanding
Bradley Hewitt showing maturity beyond his tender years as he kept
ex-Football League striker Howard Forinton in check throughout the
afternoon.
Both sides
struggled to find their feet early on, although Woods suffered a scare
in the opening minute, Jaimez-Ruiz producing a fine save to divert
Darren Pond’s shot onto the post.
Northwood’s first
chance came on 16 minutes as Jerome Hall’s ball found the unmarked
Ming in the inside-left position, his attempted curling shot being
held comfortably by ‘keeper Dean Thornton.
Banbury were
almost gifted an opening goal moments later but failed to capitalise
on a poor clearance from Jaimez-Ruiz, Wayne Blossom shooting wide with
the goal at his mercy.
Northwood were
forced to make a change on after 25 minutes, Lee Holland replacing
Dave Nolan at right back after the veteran suffered an ankle injury.
Woods were
presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring on the
half-hour mark when they were awarded a penalty after Blossom handled
under pressure from Hewitt following Danny Murphy’s corner, but Peter
Dean’s spot-kick cannoned of the crossbar and away to safety.
However, the
Northwood striker made amends in first-half stoppage time as he rose
at the far post to head home Murphy’s corner to give his side a
half-time lead.
Banbury made a
couple of changes at the break, Tommy Kinch and Tom Foley entering the
fray, as the hosts looked to get back on level terms
And the Woods
defence was put under a spell of early pressure, Danny Julienne making
a last ditch clearance as Banbury threatened.
Northwood were
doggedly protecting their advantage, and Julienne and Wayne Carter
were booked whilst showing their determination.
And Woods stunned
the home crowd when they extended their lead on 55 minutes, Hewitt
heading powerfully home after Banbury had failed to deal with another
Murphy corner.
The hosts
desperately went looking for a way back into the match but the Woods’
defence remained firm and inevitably gaps were being left at the other
end.
Peter Dean had a
couple of chances to add to his tally, firstly being denied by
Thornton before lifting a shot over ‘keeper and crossbar.
Chances continued
to be created at either end, Jaimez-Ruiz denying Ollie Stanbridge,
whilst Joe Sparrowhawk headed narrowly over for Northwood.
Banbury were
rapidly running out of ideas as to how to break down the Woods’
defence and the visitors looked the more likely to score, Hall and
Hewitt going close.
Dave Sexton and
Elliott Buchanan were introduced for Sparrowhawk and Carter
respectively as the clock ticked down, but there was to be no further
scoring and Woods were able to celebrate a superb, deserved and much
needed win.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
New signing Damon Ming on the ball Peter Dean under pressure Peter Dean and Jerome Hall study the match ball Peter Dean's penalty strikes the crossbar... ...but Deano soon put the Woods ahead Jerome Hall in a challenge Bradley Hewitt powers a header towards goal
New signing Damon Ming on the ball
Photos: James
Brown |
