Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood had to settle for a share of the spoils in the Boxing Day clash with league leaders and local rivals Edgware who featured a number of former Woods players.
There was one change from the encouraging display at Canvey Island, James Fisher replacing the injured Adam Theo in defence.
The Wares had the better of the opening exchanges, creating a number of openings whilst Woods were looking decidedly off the pace. Former Northwood man Johnny Moore was twice denied by last ditch tackles from Bradley Hewitt and Danny Murphy, Adam Wallace should have done better with a free-header, whilst Dave Taylor rattled the crossbar with a 30-yard screamer.
Northwood gradually began to settle and ask questions of the Edgware defence. Murphy saw his shot dealt comfortably with by ‘keeper Rob Blackburne before the latter was alert to Elliott Buchanan’s low shot.
Both sides continued to create chances. Bradley Hewitt provided a far post knockdown from Buchanan’s corner but the ball was cleared to safety by the Wares defence, while at the other end Wallace sent his header narrowly wide of the upright.
Woods lost striker Adrian Abramian to injury on the stroke of half-time, Jerome Hall replacing him in the Northwood attack.
Woods came out strongly after the break as they looked to break the deadlock. Buchanan tested Blackburne with a crisp shot while Abdul Yoki embarked on a strong run into the box, his shot being deflected wide.
Home ‘keeper Mitch Swain was called into action as he collected ex-Wood Kevin Chakaodza’s long range effort.
But Northwood were enjoying the majority of the possession and continued to test the Edgware rearguard. Murphy headed narrowly wide from Buchanan’s cross before the latter had a shot blocked after a strong run from the middle of the park.
Buchanan was looking particularly dangerous and he threatened again after latching onto John Christian’s through ball, the Wares defence clearing the ball to Hall whose shot didn’t have enough on it to beat Blackburne.
Ryan Tackley was the next to go close for the hosts as his speculative shot flew narrowly wide of the far post.
However, Edgware made a couple of substitutions and they began to look dangerous on the break, Swain being called upon to deny Moore and former Northwood man Richard Morton.
Both sides had chances to win the game in the closing stages, Buchanan and Hall going close for Woods whilst Chakaodza was unable to apply the finishing touch to Densil Davidson’s dangerous cross.
However, the stalemate was unable to be resolved with both sides having to settle for the point, improving Northwood now unbeaten in their last three league games.
Photos: James Brown
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