A match that Northwood were disappointed to lose. They would argue that they were the better team, however Longton took there chances and left with a place in the next round of the cup.
The game started off with Longton scoring in the first 5 minutes, with the Longton striker putting the ball into an empty net after confusion in the middle of the Northwood penalty area. From then on it was all one way traffic with Northwood captain Tony Davies pushing the team hard, Northwood went close after good work from Paul Heath coming in from the left, however his strike slid agonisingly passed the post. Another chance went begging for northwood after good work on the right Martin Wilds cross was struck over the bar by Heath. Northwoods attack continued to press with there defense only being called on a hand full of times.
A good cross from the right by Lee Wild wentclose to being connected with by a Northwood striker. Northwood went off being frustrated after the first half and felt hard done by to be behind. A few chosen words from manager Kevin Ellis and Northwood went back out.
Not long after the break saw Northwood equalize, the ball may have been going wide however like all strikers Paul Heath claimed and was credited with the goal, Northwood were now back in the game ! Northwood still continued to drive forward however Longton defense was excellent and there midfield started to get more and more into the match.
About ten minutes after Northwood scored, a good diagonal ball put Longton's striker through who finished well to put Longton 2-1 up, Northwood continued to press as did Longton, the game was now very open as Northwood pushed for the equalizer and with the game open a Lee Wild backpass took an awkward bobble and went over goalkeeper Mark Heaths foot and in for an own goal. Northwood were dejected.
Northwood made some changes and went straight at Longton, Nick McGraw managed to get one back after about 75 minutes with a great finish under pressure. It was game on, Northwood threw everything at Longton and there defence stood strong with there pacey forwards looking to catch Northwood on the break, Longtons left winger went close and hit the bar with a good strike.
The game however came to a close and Northwood were out of the cup, a game they felt they deserved to win but credit must go to Longton for taking there chances and there Excellent strong defending under pressure. Northwoods man of the match was the returning captain Tony Davies who gave his usual drive to Town.
Good Luck to Longton in the next round and we look forward to our visit in the future when you facilities are all up and running as were sure you'll have a great set up.
Good luck to Longton in the next round, we look forward to visiting you in the future when your facilities are finished as were sure you'll have a great set up.
Man of the Match
Tony Davies
Team
Heath (M), Wild (L), Pickford, Sherwin, Powner, Wild (M), Brown, Davies, Powner, Heath, McGraw, Nixon
Subs
Snape, Ottley, Cockfield
Subs Not Used
Reynolds