Match Report
by
Robin Piper
Northwood’s
unbeaten start to the season came to a shuddering halt as they
conceded five goals to Ware in the Bank Holiday clash at Wodson
Park.
Woods’ cause
wasn’t helped by the unavailability of a number of players, although
the scoreline doesn’t reflect the improved second-half performance
by Colin Payne’s team.
Joe Cowen
returned to the right-back slot in place of Matt Plaskett whilst
Dwane Williams made his first start of the season after recovering
from the injury he picked up in pre-season. Danny Murphy moved back
to left-back to cover the absence of Ryan Tackley, with Dwain
Williams playing a less familiar role on the left flank.
The play was
very patchy in the early stages and not helped by the five minute
stoppage after Ware’s Joe Steven suffered a nasty looking ankle
injury.
It was the
hosts who settled first, with Louis Bristow testing Mitch Swain in
the Northwood goal whilst the dangerous John Frendo shot narrowly
wide and saw another effort blocked by Bradley Hewitt.
Substitute
Steve Horsey almost capped a jinking run with a goal but Hewitt was
on hand once more to avert the danger.
Ware were
rewarded for their bright start by scoring the opening goal on 23
minutes, Paul Burton sending a low drive from outside the box beyond
Swain’s reach.
Northwood were
failing to make any sort of impression, a stooping header from Dwane
Williams their only effort of note in a disappointing opening
half-hour.
However, Woods
should have gone into the half-time break on level terms, but Leon
Nelson snatched at his shot with only ‘keeper Richard Hayward to
beat after good work from Richard Orlu.
Northwood had
another good chance immediately after the restart, but Terry Davies
attempted to set up Nelson when a shot on goal might have been the
better option.
Aryan Taj was
introduced for the tiring Dwane Williams on 62 minutes, Dwain
Williams moving inside to allow the young substitute to take up his
position on the left flank, whilst new signing Otis Wiliams replaced
the injured Davies in attack.
However, the
substitutions failed to make an immediate impression and Ware
capitalised on slack marking to extend their lead on 66 minutes
through John Frendo.
But Woods threw
themselves a lifeline as Williams scored a debut goal on 75
minutes, after Danny Murphy’s corner found its way to the former
Rochdale man via a miss-hit from Taj.
Northwood were
now enjoying their best spell of the match, although Hewitt was
almost left red-faced as his back header was clawed out by Swain at
full stretch with Murphy clearing the loose ball.
Despite their
improved showing, Woods fell further behind to a peach of a goal
from Michael Bardle as the left-back launched a screamer from
outside which flew into the top corner of the net.
Any hopes
Northwood may have harboured of getting back into the match were
finally ended a minute from time as Sam Berry latched onto the loose
ball after Woods failed to clear their lines to make it 4-1.
And Northwood’s
miserable afternoon was made complete as they conceded another well
executed goal in added time, Paul Burton unleashing a spectacular
volley to complete the rout.
PHOTO GALLERY (Click thumbnail to enlarge)
Leon Nelson gets up for a challenge Woods put pressure on the Ware goal John Christian battles away in midfield Northwood are defending in depth Dwain Williams makes a surging run fowards The Ware keeper just beats Danny Murphy to the ball Michael Gordon goes on the attack Heads up (down?) from Leon Nelson Bradley Hewitt challenges the Ware goalkeeper Richard Orlu gets up high to head clear The chase is on for Leon Nelson Terry Davies tries to force the ball home Bradley goes up for another aerial battle Otis Williams nets for Woods whilst the visiting Kop (right) look on Leon Nelson battles it out for possession More pressure on the Ware goal
Leon Nelson gets up for a challenge
Photos: James Brown
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