Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s faint hopes of reaching the play-offs were finally extinguished as they came out second best in the Bank Holiday local derby. There was one change to the Woods’ team from the emphatic win over Brentwood, Dwane Williams replacing Rodney Hicks in the midfield.
Edgware began with purpose, Denis Maharjan aiming his shot at goalkeeper Mitch Swain before Kevin Chakaodza’s effort found the side-netting. The Wares were rewarded for their bright start as they scored the decisive goal on 13 minutes, Maharjan sending an inviting cross over for Adam Wallace to head home unchallenged.
Northwood knew they had their work cut out if they were going to break down the meanest defence in the league and for the remainder of the opening period they never looked like doing so. In fact it was Edgware who came close to adding to their lead, Chakaodza testing Swain with a near-post header after being set up by Wallace.
Woods made a change at the break, Hicks replacing striker Matt Baxter as Northwood looked to gain some control in the second-half. And Woods had an early chance as Sean Sonner latched onto a loose ball but his shot flew narrowly over.
Clear-cut chances continued to be at a premium, although Swain was called upon to deny Wallace after a neat interchange of passes on the edge of the Northwood box.
Woods had so far failed to force Edgware goalkeeper Rob Blackburne into a meaningful save and Abdul Yoki made way for Prince Toku as Northwood looked for the elusive goal.
Woods approach play continued to disappoint although they went close as Hicks’ shot from Danny Murphy’s free-kick flew narrowly wide and Blackburne dealt comfortably with Bradley Hewitt’s stoppage-time effort. But it wasn’t to be for under-par Northwood leaving them to reflect on only their third league defeat of the year.
Photos: James Brown |
