A game started well by Northwood who really got at Congleton from the off, Nick McGraw going close with a header after a superb cross from Matthew Cockfield. After around 20 minutes a contentious penalty decision was awarded to Congleton who took advantage of this with a well finished spot kick. Not deflated by this Northwood went straight back at Congleton and after a sharp passage of football captain Tony Davies finished well from 16 yards out.
Northwood continued to have the better of the half but Congleton proved to be very fit and strong at the back and with stood the pressure very well. Northwood went into the break a little disappointed with the 1 - 1 score line.
The second half started and Congleton Made by far the better start, it seemed Northwood were still in the changing rooms. After around 55 minutes some sharp thing from Congleton worked a quick free kick before a well placed cross was well finished with a well executed finish. Northwood were slightly rocked by got straight back at Congleton and managed to find an equalizer thanks to yet more great work by Matthew Cockfield on the left and finished by Paul Heath at the back post.
Just after the restart Congleton had the chance to score a third but thanks to a great save from goalkeeper Mark Heath the score remained 2-2. Minutes later a well worked move on the left led to a ball being played into the penalty spot area and was well finished by P Heath.
After the 3rd goal Northwood took a grip of the game and after a clearance was charged down the ball fell kindly to Mick Nixon who finished well from a tight angle. At 4-2 the game was as good as over. Congleton had a chance saved well by Mark Heath from around 20 yards. However this was the last real chance that Congleton had. Substitute Jimmy Gartside added a 5th with a superbly struck free kick which was worthy of winning any game.
Overall the game had been played in great spirit with a couple of bookings for late tackles but nothing malicious by two teams who had nothing but winning on there minds, credit must go to Congleton for there excellent work rate and effort who on the day were probably beaten by the better team but on another day could have seen the victory go there way.
A special thank you must go to Northwood for the excellent quality of the pitch.
Man of the Match - Matthew Cockfield
Team
Heath (M) , Wild (L), Tams, Sherwin, Cockfield, Davies, Powner, Pickford, Nixon, Heath (P), McGraw
Subs - Gartside, Ottley, Fox
Subs not used - Leach, Wild (M)