BetVictor
Isthmian League
South Central

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WORDS:
Robin Piper   
PICTURES:
James Brown

Northwood’s year ended in disappointment as they slipped to a second loss in three days with a defeat at the hands of Bracknell Town at Larges Lane.

There was a new look to the Northwood line-up as manager Jamie Leacock rang the changes following the Boxing Day defeat to Chalfont St. Peter, with a new central defensive pairing in Ethan Flanagan and Dominic Rhone, while debutant Bradley Kauzeni came in at right-back. There was also a first start for new signing Ronny Mfinda in an attacking role in support of the recalled Luke Holness.

Woods had some defending to do in the early stages as the Bracknell tested the visitors with a series of pacy attacks with Max Herbert shooting narrowly wide after a surging run. But Northwood stood up to the test and they began to ask questions of their own as Holness dragged a shot across the face of goal before Gabriel Piorkowski tried his luck with a long range half-volley.

Woods continued to enjoy their fair share of possession with Yiannis Constantinou firing a free-kick wide of the far post before Eric Lopes saw his shot comfortably gathered by veteran goalkeeper Jason Matthews. At the other end, Woods keeper Joe Ringer was on hand to deny Sebastian Bowerman as his shot took a deflection.

Bowerman was instrumental in The Robins taking the lead on the half-hour mark as Joy Mukena rose the highest to head home Bowerman’s pin-point corner via the underside of the crossbar. And Bowerman was close to adding a second when he was played in by Alan Musoke.

The Robins finished the first period on the front foot with Max Herbert and Bowerman threatening the Northwood goal although Holness was denied by the fingertips of Matthews after he latched onto Mfinda’s through-ball.

Woods were immediately on the attack at the start of the second period as Mfinda shot across the face of goal while Lopes had a couple of shots which failed to hit the target. However, The Robins managed to keep their lead intact and they began to push Northwood back with former Wood Nebay Haile being denied by a perfectly timed tackle from Rhone.

Joakim Ehui was introduced for Constantinou with just over 20 minutes left on the clock, and Woods had a wonderful opportunity to draw level as Piorkowski and Holness combined to set up Lopes but he blazed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

Play was now flowing from end to end and Ringer had to be alert as he saved with his legs to deny substitute Nathan Minhas. But the hosts were not to be denied as poor defending of a set-piece cost Northwood dearly once again as Robb Sheridan lost his marker before powering in a header from another corner on 73 minutes.

Bracknell threatened further goals with Sheridan and Dan Carr going close. But  Woods had their chances before the end, Holness drawing a save from Matthews after a smart turn and shot on the volley while Ehui latched onto the loose ball after Matthews could only parry Piorkowski’s low shot, but a defender was on hand to block the follow up before Matthews clawed the ball to safety.

However, Northwood were unable to reap the reward that their performance deserved as the curtain came down on proceedings signalling the end of their 2019.

Hopefully 2020 will herald a change in fortunes for Northwood with a more settled side leading to greater consistency as they look to secure their step four status. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!!