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. |