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, writes Robin Piper.
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.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Michael Gordon goes on a trademark run Abdul Yoki shapes to put a cross over Matt Baxter gets up highest here John Christian gets in front of the defender to put in a low cross Dwane Williams puts the Edgware keeper under pressure Edgware's keeper collects at Abdul Yoki's feet Abdul is the man in possession Sean Sonner is being closely marked Dwane Williams gets up well for this header Matt Baxter attacks the defender Classic step-over from Michael Gordon... ...but the three's still there! It's a chase for Ryan Tackley Lee Holland looks determined Michael Gordon takes the play to Edgware Midfield dynamo John Christian
Michael Gordon goes on a trademark run
Photos: James Brown |
