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Northwood booked a semi-final berth after they regained revenge for last season’s defeat against the Met Police. Elroy Richardson led the way with two goals, scoring the winner seven minutes from time after the Police twice drew level.
Woods dominated the early stages, with Richardson, Martin Randall and Paul Ripley going close. Northwood were rewarded for their bright start as they took the lead on 22 minutes as Richardson headed home from Ripley’s cross.
Richardson was hungry for more goals and he went close to adding a second goal as his shot flew narrowly wide. Woods continued to dominate proceedings and Steve Newing’s dipping free-kick was inches over the Met Police crossbar.
The Police went close to restoring parity early in the second-half but Graham Taylor’s shot rebounded off the crossbar. However, the visitors managed an equaliser on the hour-mark as Rene Grant gave goalkeeper Ken Lavender no chance with a shot from the edge of the box.
Woods managed to restore the lead a minute later after Ripley was upended in the box, Randall stepping up to convert from the penalty spot. Randall went close to extending the lead but his close-range shot was blocked.
Met Police looked to get back in the tie and the equaliser duly arrived on 77 minutes as Grant scored his second of the evening when he capitalised on a lucky deflection off Woods’ defender Gary Williams.
But Richardson was on hand to book Northwood’s passage to the semi-final on 83 minutes as he finished with aplomb following Dave Nolan’s neat through-ball.
Woods had to survive a couple of scares as the Police twice hit the woodwork but they hung on and now look forward to hosting Redbridge in the last four. |
