Barton Rovers Res. 3  Northwood Res. 1

Monday 15th August 2011

The Woods second string must be gluttons for punishment for after the debacle on Saturday the management team decided to take up the offer of visiting Barton Rovers at their place for a friendly on Monday evening.

It was mostly the squad from Saturday with just a few new faces, but the visit turned out to be very worthwhile. The pitch looked good but turned to be very bumpy but it was the same for both sides.

The game started as usual with the Woods on the back foot, but some very good passing involving at least five players resulted in the Woods taking an early lead. However, Barton struck back and loose defending allowed them back into the game and at half-time it was 2-1 to the home side.

After the interval the game was swinging from end to end and the young Woods side had numerous chances to equalize, if not take the lead. The personnel changes during the second half did not really alter things much, but further chances were created and squandered, until eventually Barton put the game to bed with a third goal.

After Saturday the attitude and performance was vastly improved, but there is still a way to go before the management team will be satisfied. Anyway, next Saturday is the first league game, at Chipstead, and a good result would be most welcome for the whole club, as things are difficult at present.

I have not mentioned the squad by name at present as various things still have to be ironed out. However, the goal against Barton was scored by Julian Smith, who well deserved it.

Report: GEOFF FOSTER - Manager