Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood were cruelly denied a famous win over champions-elect Bath
City after they conceded a 78th minute penalty in
controversial circumstances.
The referee chose to ignore a debatable challenge on Wayne Carter
and with the Woods’ skipper lying prostrate in the centre-circle, a
frustrated Peter Dean conceded a free-kick which led to a shot
rebounding off the striker’s arm and the referee pointing to the
spot.
There were a number of changes from the side that won the Middlesex
Cup on Monday. Ryan Tackley was available to return at left-back,
whilst a fit again Bradley Hewitt returned to partner Perry Norman
in central defence, Lee Holland missing out through injury. There
was also a change in attack with Jerome Hall moving inside to
partner Dean, Harry Hunt making way.
The signs were good for Northwood from the very start as Dwane
Williams went close with a shot from 25-yards.
Bath responded to Northwood’s confident start by creating
opportunities of their own, Adie Harris hooking a ball wide of the
upright after Woods failed to clear their lines whilst the
impressive Bill Fishenden collected a fierce drive from Martin Paul.
Northwood were the next to go close as Danny Murphy combined well
with Dean before firing a shot in on the visitors’ goal which was
well held by ‘keeper Paul Evans.
Woods were enjoying a good passage of play, Dean latching onto a
ball over the top but hurrying his shot when well placed before
Carter saw his free-kick dealt with by Evans.
However, Northwood were indebted to Fishenden as he pulled off two
smart saves in stoppage time at the end of the half. He was on hand
to turn Chris Holland’s header round the post before he saved Mike
Green’s shot from the edge of the box.
Woods forced a succession of corners at the start of the second
period and it was from this that they opened the scoring. Tackley
had already gone close but Carter made no mistake as Murphy’s deep
corner found him unmarked, the Northwood stalwart unleashing an
unstoppable shot through a sea of players to give the hosts a 48th
minute lead.
The league leaders looked for a swift response, Green crashing a
shot wide from close-range before Fishenden produced another
outstanding save as he got down well to deal with Martin Paul’s long
range effort.
Bath had introduced leading scorer Darren Edwards in an effort to
get back into the game, whilst Matt Prosser replaced Paul in attack.
Northwood’s defence unit was once again displaying maturity beyond
their years as they comfortably soaked up the pressure. But the
Northwood rearguard was powerless to prevent Lewis Hogg from
restoring parity from the penalty spot.
Joe Sparrowhawk was introduced for Carter for the closing minutes as
Woods looked to deny a resurgent Bath, who were looking to
capitalise on their good fortune by seeking out a winning goal.
However, Northwood had a chance to grab the winner as Hall created
an opening for Dean, who was unable to direct his bicycle-kick
towards the goal.
But the best chance of the evening fell to Bath’s Edwards in
stoppage time but he was off-target with a free-header with the goal
at his mercy.
And so Northwood had to settle for a point, a feeling of
disappointment at only gaining a draw against the league leaders
being an indication of how far this young Northwood team has
progressed in recent weeks. |
