ALLIEDS MATCH REPORTS 2006-07
 

HAREFIELD UNITED YOUTH 2  NORTHWOOD YOUTH 0

Northwood came back down to earth with a bang losing 2-0 to Harefield after dominating large amounts of possession but failing to test the opposition goal keeper adequately.

In truth the lads have to look at themselves because the preparation was poor (late arrivals, sub standard warm up), the tempo at the start of the match was too slow, and there was a lack of true team play when the pressure was on.

The first 20 minutes were fairly even although Northwood almost took the lead in the 8^th minute when a good volley from the edge of the box, by Tajbak, was held by the opposition keeper.

On 20 minutes Harefield almost took the lead themselves when a simple ball over the top released their striker in space but his lob was held by Anthony Ladyman.

This was a clear warning for Woods, but once again the boys lost possession cheaply in midfield in the 28^th minute. The Hares moved the ball swiftly from one side of the pitch to another before scoring an easy tap in when the final cross came in.

After that Northwood pushed forward and had a number of close chances but either the finishing or final pass lacked the required quality that was needed. Half time was reached with Woods still behind.The half time talk was about starting fast and keeping the tempo high throughout the second half.

Northwood certainly dominated possession in the second half and had a reasonable number of chances to score. The teamwork though was not good enough, and too often the wrong option was chosen when a team mate was in a better position. 

Ben Trout replaced Kyle Findlater and Jack Bennett came on for Chris White on 60 minutes, and this was followed by Toby Bryan replacing Aryan Tajbak on 68 minutes.  Chances came and went with the Harefield keeper denying Onlow, Thomas, Trout, and finally a great shot from Nicky Pearce. 

The game was up on 85 minutes when a rare break away ended with a Woods defender committing handball in the area. The penalty was cleanly struck and Woods were down and out at 2-0.

A tough series of lessons for the lads to learn from this game: they must prepare properly, get off to the right start, play as a team and above all else take their chances.  A chance for revenge comes next Monday when we play hosts in the return fixture.

NIGEL TROUT