Harrison found him self unlucky to be dropped and with skipper Tony Davies back it meant that Nick McGraw could move back up front dropping off the front two and supporting the midfield where required. Northwood also welcomed back Simon Barker from the football wilderness! Simon who had left Northwood the season before due to lack of chances came back and had a point to prove, this did leave manager
Northwood started off well and were surprised at Holt’s decision to play one up top and five across midfield. Northwood got the ball down and looked a completely different team to the one at Barton. Passing it well between the back three of Tams, Sherwin and Pickford which was made all the easier due to the Holt only having one up front. Barker was looking dangerous up front and with Skipper Tony Davies back controlling the midfield Northwood were looking good.
Nicky McGraw went close with a header after a superb cross from Davies, Northwood again went close after another superb cross this time from Barker, however this time Snape was unable to adjust his body and saw the ball come off his shoulder. Northwood continued to press without really testing the Holt Keeper, Holt did have one shot in the half but a tame half volley was easily saved by Heath.
The half time whistle came and Northwood went in happy but knowing that they hadn’t quite done enough. Holt had been limited well but Northwood needed to be sharper at the top end of the field.
Holt came flying out of the traps at the start of the second half and had there best spell of the match, Chris Mason holding the ball up well and bringing the Holt Midfield into play. It was during this spell that Holts only real chance came, however Holts centre midfield fired over from 10 yards out.
Northwood then got back into the groove with Barker continuing to put pressure on the Holt defense, Snape who had not had much service but had worked tirelessly up and down the right was replaced after 60 minutes for the fresh legs of Cockfield.
Northwood continued to push and were the dominant team, a couple of mistakes at the back by Tams and Pickford were dealt with by the team and other this mistakes Holt failed to really put any pressure on the Northwood defense.
After around 70 minutes Barkers pace took him clear and he checked well inside the Holt centre back only to fire his shot against the bar. Northwood continued to press and in the 85th minute a rash challenge by a Holt defender gave Northwood a penalty. There was no doubt about the penalty decision, however the Holt defenders reaction to the decision from the referees assistant saw the official and the play square up in the most bizarre of incidents! It was this reaction that led to the player being sent off.
Tony Davies Superbly converted the penalty kick and gave Northwood the lead they deserved, Holt pushed for the last 5 minutes but it was to no avail and Northwood got the win they needed and more importantly deserved. Man of the match is a difficult one again as it was great team effort with no one really standing out, however I think Tony Davies’s influence in midfield help keep Northwood ticking over.
Man of the Match
Tony Davies
Team
Heath (M), Pickford, Tams, Sherwin, Wild (M), Davies, Brown, Snape, McGraw, Ottley, Barker.
Subs
Cockfield, Fox, Nixon
Subs not used
Heath (P), Powner