ALLIEDS MATCH REPORTS 2006-07
 

NORTHWOOD YOUTH 0  HAYES YOUTH 2

Northwood Under18’s went down to Hayes 2-0 on the back of a “disappointing” refereeing performance. Officials can influence matches and spoil games, and anybody who was at this match would draw their own conclusion.

Manager Gary Gray tinkered with the side, and made a couple of slight adjustments following the Wealdstone game, but Hayes got in to their stride early, and goalkeeper Anthony Ladyman had to make smart saves in both the 8^th and 13^th minutes. However, Northwood soon got back in to the match and on 20 minutes an Elliott Buchanan free kick sailed agonisingly over the bar. Shortly after that the same player squandered a one on one chance. This was immediately followed by the Hayes goalkeeper pulling off a stunning save from a close range Shane O’Neill volley, and then immediately clawing away David Sexton’s follow up.

On 30 minutes David Sexton was booked for a late tackle and we should probably have realised at that stage that we had a trigger-happy referee in charge of the match. Hayes then took the lead in the 35^th minute when the Northwood defence were caught sleeping at a quick throw and a clever one-two saw the Hayes full back stride in to the box to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Shortly after that, one of the Hayes full-backs followed through on keeper Anthony Ladyman, which left him with deep abrasions to his chest. The referee awarded a yellow card against the Hayes player: this was to look an interesting decision in light of the second half events.

Worse was to follow on the stroke of half time when Hayes were awarded a penalty for an offence at a corner which no one could fathom. No Hayes players appealed, and justice was done when Anthony Ladyman pulled off a magnificent save low down to his right.

Hayes had played well in the first half and their forwards were particularly lively: on balance they had probably just shaded proceedings, but the game was far from over. The half time team talk for Northwood centred around moving the ball quicker and making better decisions.

The Woods started the second half on top, and were only denied an equaliser in the 55^th  minute when the Hayes keeper pulled off a stunning save after Shane O’Neill met a David Sexton cross with a great header.

Unfortunately the game was over as a contest two minutes later when first Terry Hogan was sent off for allegedly tripping up the Hayes forward…scandalous I’m afraid is the only word that sufficiently describes this decision. This was followed by a further sending off as Luke Lynam lost his cool and swore at an official, and although his reaction can’t be defended, you can appreciate the frustration of the Northwood players. Just to cap it all, the referee also awarded another penalty but once again Anthony Ladyman pulled off a stunning save low down to his right (pictured here).

After that Northwood battled incredibly, played great football, should probably have scored twice and whilst restricting Hayes to a handful of chances. Mikkel Thomas (pictured left) came on for Ben Trout, Ryan Duffy replaced Elliott Buchanan, and Scott Purdue took the place of Daniel Brown. Hayes did get a second goal in the 67^th minute but they never dominated as they should have done with eleven against nine.  

The positive to come out of this night is that Northwood have heart in abundance and no little ability. If the lads start future games quicker, brighter and more assertively they can have a fine season.

A special mention for Anthony Ladyman …some display in the face of adversity.

As for the referee, well I hope he slept well.  I wouldn’t wish him to have any more nightmares!

NIGEL TROUT