Match Report
by Robin Piper
Northwood had to settle for a share of the spoils in a low-key encounter at Chestnut Avenue. Woods’ line-up showed a number of changes to the side that won at Wingate the previous Saturday. Midweek signing from Harefield, Sean Sonner made his debut in place of loan striker Matt Baxter, whilst Danny Murphy and Ryan Tackley returned to the defence in place of Lee Holland and Adam Theo.
Potters Bar had the first chance of the afternoon as Dane Springer was denied by the legs of goalkeeper Mitch Swain before Junior Dadson miscued the rebound.
Northwood were struggling to make any real impression in the opening quarter as they looked to break down a stubborn Potters Bar rearguard.
However, they gradually began to ask questions of the visitors, Jerome Hall shooting past the far post from a tight angle whilst Murphy’s low shot was parried by goalkeeper Tope Okeowo.
Woods continued to press for the opening goal and Sonner went close to netting his first Northwood score, but his header was cleared off the line following Murphy’s throw into the box.
But Woods managed to break the deadlock four minutes before the half-time break when John Christian recorded his first goal in Northwood colours, heading home at the far post following Michael Gordon’s jinking run and cross.
However, parity was restored early in the second-half as the unmarked Dadson converted Nathan Smith’s far post cross on 56 minutes.
Northwood made a double substitution with Murphy and Dwain Williams making way for Holland and Dwane Williams.
Chances continued to be created at both ends, Okeowo dealing comfortably with Hall’s header before Dadson shot over from a good position for the visitors.
Prince Toku made his first Northwood appearance hen he replaced Abdul Yoki on 79 minutes as the hosts continued to look for the winning goal.
And Woods went close in the latter stages, Christian almost getting on the end of Sonner’s low cross, whilst the latter volleyed narrowly over following Bradley Hewitt’s flick-on in the box. However, it wasn’t to be for Northwood, and the draw was a fair reflection on the afternoon.
Photos: James Brown
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