Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood’s hopes
of avoiding relegation took a major knock after they fell at home to
in-form Maidenhead United.
Youngster Bill
Fishenden returned to goalkeeping duties with Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz
beginning his three match ban, Danny Murphy started on the left flank
following his injury lay-off, whilst Danny Julienne moved into central
midfield in the absence of the unavailable Dwane Williams.
Both sides were
slow to get into their strides on a bouncy surface. However, the
visitors created a couple of openings, Lee Newman blazing wide from a
good position after dispossessing Perry Norman whilst Fishenden saved
bravely at the feet of the United striker after being set up by Errol
Telemaque’s far post header.
Northwood
gradually began to find their rhythm with Jerome Hall at the heart of
their best moves. Hall combined well with Peter Dean, before the
former miscued his shot from the edge of the box. And Hall turned
provider moments later as he played in Harry Hunt, who was off target
with his shot.
But the Magpies
were looking increasingly threatening. Bradley Hewitt was on hand to
block Newman’s shot before the latter was denied by Fishenden after
the Woods’ ‘keeper saved Neville Roach’s initial effort.
However,
Fishenden was unable to prevent Maidenhead from taking the lead in the
31st minute. Ashley Smith was afforded too much space
before he shot through a sea of players, Fishenden being deceived by
the bounce as the ball bobbled into the far corner of the goal.
And the visitors
immediately threatened to add a second, Bobby Behzadi too near to
Fishenden with his header.
However,
Northwood had a great opportunity to restore parity on the stroke of
half-time, but Hunt was unable to get on top of a bouncing ball into
the box from Dean, his shot clearing the crossbar.
Northwood had to
make a change five minutes into the second period with Hewitt
suffering from a tight hamstring, Elliot Buchanan joining the fray on
the left flank, Murphy moving to left-back, and Ryan Tackley
partnering Norman in central defence.
Woods were
showing renewed vigour and should have been awarded a penalty for
handball on 58 minutes after Hunt’s shot was charged down by Grant
Cooper following good work from Hall.
At the other end,
the impressive Terry Hogan averted the danger with a timely tackle on
Newman before Telemaque hit the upright following a quick break.
Manager Colin
Payne made a switch after 68 minutes as Northwood continued to look
for a way back into game, Hunt making way for Karl Lewis, Hall moving
inside to partner Dean in attack.
And Lewis almost
had a chance with his first touch after Dean’s through-ball had opened
up the Magpie’s defence but ‘keeper Chico Ramos was alert to the
situation.
But the wind was
knocked out of Northwood’s sails as they conceded a second goal on 77
minutes, substitute Yashwa Romeo playing in the experienced Telemaque,
who gave Fishenden no chance with an emphatic finish.
Romeo had a great
chance to put the icing on the cake for Maidenhead with a third goal,
but his shot was well held by Fishenden.
Sean O’Keefe was
introduced to the Woods midfield in place of skipper Wayne Carter,
with four minutes left on the clock, but the debutant was unable to
spark a change of fortune.
Julienne did test
Ramos with a stinging half-volley from the edge of the box but
Northwood were resigned to their fate, a defeat which sees them slip
to the bottom of the table following Corby’s win over Cheshunt.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Photos: James Brown |
