ALLIEDS MATCH REPORTS 2008-09
 

NORTHWOOD YOUTH 2   OXFORD CITY YOUTH 2
 

Northwood produced a much improved performance  to earn a share of the spoils against an Oxford City side languishing at the bottom of the table.

The Woods’ domination of the first half did not reflect in the scoreline as Oxford had only one serious threat in the entire first half.

The home side were playing with much confidence with Will Hudson and Olly Wright commanding the midfield area, with Wright just missing the target from a good position.

That domination on the right side caused Oxford many problems, with Edward Hatcher and Tom Jansons combining well together creating a number of chances with quality crosses raining in on the Oxford goal but the half ended scoreless.

Northwood started slowly after the break, with Oxford unlucky not to score from a corner when a good header from a Oxford defender beat Ross Thompson, and Jamie Tompkins cleared off the line.

Minutes later the Woods gave away another needless free-kick, and this time Oxford made it count when a very good header from the defender looped over Thompson into the net.

The response from Northwood was evident, and not before time Jake O'Meara was found in a good position and he slotted with a neat finish.

The side maintained a good tempo as they continued to search for the lead. Woods’ endeavours were finally rewarded when Ryan Lee was put through, and with the goalkeeper hesitating Lee made no mistake.

However, there was another twist with ten minutes left on the clock a speculative shot from a City player was pushed onto the bar by Thompson, the rebound found an Oxford player, who then equalised with Woods appealing for offside in vain.

But for all Northwood’s pressure the elusive winning goal wouldn't come, so Woods had to settle for the point, but can take heart from a much better showing after the recent disappointing results.