Jack Smith and Jon Jo Bates have stepped up to take over the helm at The Skyline Roofing Stadium, and they have already made a positive impact, with a fine 5-2 win at Kidlington following a midweek draw with Barton Rovers.

“Both myself and Jon Jo were asked to take the team and we took the role with open arms,” Smith told the Southern League website. “There was no hesitation whatsoever; we both care passionately about the club and we both agree that we shouldn’t be struggling in the lower reaches of the table.

“We’ve got a strong squad here with plenty of ability and we’ve been able to keep them together whilst adding a few new faces here and there and it’s been reflected with two great performances in our first couple of games.”

The League also spoke to Troy Perez-Duah, who netted his first-ever hat-trick at the weekend. “It was great to be able to help the team get an important win by contributing with a hat-trick,” he said.
“It’s the first time in my career that I’ve done it, but as the game went on, I thought it wouldn’t happen as after getting my second goal, I started seeing my efforts hit the post or being saved or blocked. Thankfully the third came right at the end and it also took me into double figures for the season, which is great.”

The full interviews can be read here.

31 March 2025

Skipper Troy Perez-Duah hit a hat-trick as Northwood won 5-2 away to Kidlington this afternoon in the crucial "six-pointer" as they battle to avoid relegation from Pitching-In Southern League Central Division.

It was a great performance from the Woods, with the squad again being guided by senior players Jon-Jo Bates and Jack Smith. Northwood led 2-1 at the break, Sam Folarin and Perez-Duah netting, and in the second half Hassan Jalloh scored in addition to the captain completing his trio before the home side scored a consolation in stoppage time.

The victory lifted Northwood out of the bottom three, and they must now focus on Tuesday's game at Leverstock Green. The match report and photos are here.

29 March 2025

Northwood gave a battling Pitching-In Southern League performance at The Skyline Roofing Stadium tonight, and were almost over the line with a win against play-offs hopefuls Barton Rovers - who equalised in stoppage time.

Senior players Jon-Jo Bates and Jack Smith took the squad for the game, and were rewarded with a positive performance, which was boosted by skipper Troy Perez-Duah's 17th minute goal. But Woods had to settle for a point, ahead of Saturday's trip to fellow strugglers Kidlington.

The match report and photos are here.

25 March 2025

Following today’s game, the Woods manager Gary Meakin has resigned his position for personal reasons which the club have had to accept.

Anyone interested in the role, should message Chairman Ian Barry on 07956 121300 as soon as possible as a swift decision needs to be made.

22 March 2025

As they continued their battle to escape the foot of the Pitching-In Southern League Central Division table, the Woods' luck was out at The Skyline Roofing Stadium this afternoon when they gave a battling, determined performance against Flackwell Heath, but still took nothing from the encounter.

Northwood might have snatched the lead in a hard-fought encounter versus the play-offs chasers, but were shocked at the death when Flackwell grabbed an 89th minute lead, then scored again in stoppage time. The match report and photos are here.

With Leverstock Green winning today, Northwood slipped into the relegation zone - and must target points from Barton Rovers' visit on Tuesday followed by successive away games at fellow strugglers Kidlington and Leverstock Green.

22 March 2025

The threat of the relegation zone remains in focus for the Woods after yet another of their Pitching-In Southern League Central Division games in hand was lost yesterday evening when Ware won 3-1 at The Skyline Roofing Stadium.

Although Samuel Folarin equalised Ware's opening goal, Northwood found themselves unable to build upon that booster, conceding a second strike on the half-hour before the visitors wrapped up their victory with a third goal in the final minute. The match report is here.

Tonight Northwood's Under 18s take on Camberley Town at The Skyline Roofing Stadium in the semi-final of the Allied Counties Youth League Cup - the Woods youngsters would welcome your support; kick-off is at 7.45 p.m.

19 March 2025

Not surprisingly, Northwood were defeated by leaders and title favourites Real Bedford in this afternoon's Pitching-In Southern League Division One Central fixture.

The well-financed Real Bedford outfit led 4-0 at the break, adding one more in the second half; the 5-0 result was the Woods' worst defeat since September 2021. The match report and photos are here.

With other sides towards the foot of the table picking up points recently, there is an important game coming up for Northwood on Tuesday evening, when Ware visit the Skyline Roofing Stadium!

15 March 2025