versus CAMBRIDGE CITY - Northwood FC

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Apr 18, 2018 - but the bank-rolled Essex side do still lead the table by one point with a game in ... just ahead of bott
THE OFFICIAL NORTHWOOD MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 2017-18

Woods

versus CAMBRIDGE CITY EVO-STIKLEAGUE LEAGUESOUTH, SOUTH,EAST EAST EVO-STIK

Wednesday 18th April 2018 Kick-off 7.45 pm

Northwood FC

UP FRONT

Founded: 1926 Northwood Park, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood HA6 1HR Tel. 01923 617081

VICE-CHAIRMAN & EDITOR

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KEN GREEN

elcome back to Northwood Park this evening for the first of three home fixtures within seven days. We are pleased to see all our supporters new and old, and also extend our welcome all connected with Cambridge City; we trust they enjoy their stay with us and have a safe journey home later.

This is the first-ever visit by Cambridge City to Northwood, and they are currently ground-sharing after the loss of the historic Milton Road ground, which at one time was amongst the largest outside the Football League. They do plan a new stadium, but in the meantime they are ground-sharing, currently at St Ives Town, but they have agreed to move to Histon next season. Back in September, the Woods suffered a single goal defeat to Cambridge City, when the home side started strongly, before that early pressure told and they made a tenth minute breakthrough. Although Northwood hit back well and enjoyed plenty of attacking play, we were unable to level in a close-fought game – which pretty much sums up many of our games throughout this season! A controversial early penalty goal cost us dearly in Saturday’s game at Fleet Town, the Hampshire side winning by that solitary goal. The penalty award arrived on nine minutes when Isaac Olorunfemi was penalised for a foul on Bunyan when it appeared that the Woods defender was actually the victim not the instigator. But Bradley Wilson made no mistake with the spot-kick which would ultimately decide the destination of the points. Thereafter, home keeper Liam Beach kept the Northwood attack at bay with a series of fine saves; one bright spot for the Woods was the seven teenagers named by Gordon Boateng for the game, and this experience should be invaluable for them. Thanks for your support here this evening; this really is appreciated by us all. As indicated above, the Woods are quickly back in action with a visit from Thame United to Chestnut Avenue on Saturday – this match is part of the club’s Annual Community Day, with admission being “Pay What You Can”. The event starts in the morning with our Under 6s Respect Festival; there will be our usual Whole Club group photo being taken before kick-off against Thame – which is at 3.00 p.m. as usual; we hope to see you then!

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Ken

Northwood v Cambridge City

Life President: Pat Byrne Chairman: Ian Barry  Vice-Chairman: Ken Green Club Secretary & Treasurer: Alan Evans (Tel. 07960 744349) 46 Webster Gardens, Ealing W5 5ND Commercial Manager: David Mosely Youth Officials: Lisa Bennett & Richard Elderfield Additional committee members: David Blincko, Shamira Hamirani, Marc Harding, Sarah Wheeler Acting Manager: Gordon Boateng Physio: Dan Daggett Northwood Football Club is a members’ club Matchday Programme: Ken Green Photographs: James Brown

CLUB HONOURS Isthmian League Division One North champions: 2003 Isthmian League Division Two runners-up: 2000 Isthmian League Division Three promotion: 1997 Isthmian League Cup winners: 2002 Isthmian Charity Shield winners: 2002 Isthmian Associate Members Trophy winners: 1993, 2000 Middlesex Senior Cup winners: 2007, 2016 Middlesex Senior Cup finalists: 2000, 2002, Middlesex Senior Cup semi-finalists: 1992, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2010 Middlesex Senior Charity Cup finalists: 1994, 2003, 2005, 2012 Middlesex Intermediate Cup winners: 1979 Middlesex Junior Cup winners: 1938 Middlesex Junior Cup finalists: 1935, 1936 London Spartan League Premier Division champions: 1992 London Spartan League Premier Division runners-up: 1990 London Spartan League Cup winners: 1990, 1992 Hellenic League Division One champions: 1979 Hellenic League Premier Division Cup finalists: 1982 Hellenic League Division One Cup winners: 1979 Middlesex League Premier Division champions: 1978 Middlesex League Premier Division runners-up: 1972, 1977 Middlesex League Challenge Cup winners: 1975, 1977, 1978 Harrow, Wembley & District League champions: 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1948, 1949

CHAIRMAN

IAN BARRY

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ood evening and welcome to Chestnut Avenue for this Evo-Stik League fixture. We extend our welcome to our visitors from Cambridge City FC and trust you enjoy your short stay here.

I am writing this column shortly after another ‘pointless’ visit away from home; this time at Fleet. To be honest, in the car park after the game, I just made some quick notes and I’ll show them below. •

Yet another inept referee



Feel cheated again



Why always us?



Most expensive burger in the league apart from Hartley Wintney – must be more expensive cows in Hampshire



Same NFC performance I’ve seen all season



What can I do to change things?



Feel sorry for our supporters

“ Another ‘pointless’ visit away from home “

So there you go, that’s all I have to say today. Up the Woods!

Ian www.northwoodfc.com 

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PYRAMID PANORAMA

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ALAN EVANS

efore our usual browse around the nonLeague Pyramid that surrounds us, I thought it might be a good idea to remind you all of the restructure that is planned for the end of this season and how that affects promotion and relegation in this campaign as quite a few people I’ve spoken to lately seem to have no idea!

As I’m sure most of you are aware, currently at step three of non-League there are three Leagues (Evo-Stik Northern Premier, Evo-Stik Southern, and Bostik Isthmian). All three Leagues have two feeder Divisions within their control at step four where we also currently sit. From 2018/19, a fourth League at level three will be introduced, covering the central area of England (which will also be run by the Southern League), thus reducing travel time for some clubs. However, this fourth League will have just one further Division below at step four (which is going to be run by the Isthmian League) and it looks as if we will be in a division run by the Isthmians. So, in total, step three will then have four Leagues, and step four will have seven feeder divisions. To fully enable the new set-up to integrate additional teams, for the coming season only, just one club will be relegated from each of the three current step three Leagues. At our level; from the current six step four Divisions, 19 clubs will be promoted – 6 as champions, 6 as runners-up, the highest ranked third placed team from any of the three Leagues/six Divisions with the highest points per game ratio – currently Hyde United from

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the Evo-Stik North Division 1 North but Hartley Wintney are second if they win their games in hand to Hayes & Yeading - (with the seventh placed team within that League competing in their play-off games), and 6 play-off winners. As at step 3, at step 4, only one team from each of the six Divisions will be relegated. From below our level, promotion from the 14 feeder Leagues at step 5, will see 26 clubs moving up to step 4, 14 being the Champions, and the other 12 being the highest ranked based on points per game from whatever division (not necessarily the runners-up). This may be compromised by the fact that at least three teams have announced that they will be withdrawing from football next season – Thurrock at Step 3 plus Shortwood United at Step 4 and the merger of two Ossett clubs at our level. For next season all Step 3 Divisions will have 22 teams (rather than the 24 they currently have while Step 4 Division will only have 20 clubs in each (as opposed to 22 in ours and 24 in the Bostik League). Anyway, let’s now have a quick look around what’s happening in the non-League Pyramid but also with a view to the local area and a slant towards all things Northwood. The Buildbase FA Trophy & FA Vase Just an advert really to make sure you all make a date to watch the two big non-League Finals at Wembley Stadium this season. The date is the day after the FA Cup Final on Sunday 20th May 2018 with the Buildbase FA Vase Final between Northern League Stockton Town and Hellenic League Thatcham Town will kick-off at

12.15pm followed by the Buildbase FA Trophy Final at 4.15pm which sees National League side Bromley take on Brackley Town of the National League North. Tickets for both games are just £25.00 each and it’s a great day out so make sure you get along to it.

Three games to go in the National League South and Dartford lead Havant & Waterlooville by just one extra goal on goal difference – both have 77 points from 39 matches – so it’s going to be very close. The other will again have pole position in the play-offs which have changed this year with the first two play-off clubs playing the winners of two other games. Local sides Hampton & Richmond Borough, Hemel Hempstead Town and St. Albans City could all play a part in those play-offs but it looks like Wealdstone may fall just short after losing 2-1 at relegation-threatened Poole Town at the weekend. Bognor Regis Town have been relegated, Whitehawk are ten points adrift with four games to play and Poole Town still have five points to make up on Hungerford Town and Concord Rangers who sit just outside those relegation spots. Step Three

Around the non-League Pyramid – National League Macclesfield Town just need one more win from their final two games to be certain of an immediate return to the Football League having pulled ten points clear of Tranmere Rovers who look likely to go into the new play-off system in pole position. Sutton United have declared that they will rip up their 4G pitch if they get promoted through the play-offs while Boreham Wood and Aldershot Town are both still hopeful of play-off places. Dover Athletic are also still in with a chance. Guiseley and Chester are both relegated and Torquay United are likely to go with them but Barrow are rallying and Woking are their main targets after a run of poor form for the Surrey side who parted company with Manager Anthony Limbrick (left), who used to play here at Northwood.

As mentioned earlier, it’s only one team to be relegated from each of the Premier Divisions this season and at the moment that position belongs to Burgess Hill Town in the Isthmian League though they are just one point behind Tooting & Mitcham United with two games to play (and they have a much better goal difference) so the Sussex side could still survive. The title-race is closer that Billericay Town would have imagined earlier in the season but the bank-rolled Essex side do still lead the table by one point with a game in hand to only serious rivals Dulwich Hamlet. Billericay Town also claimed the League Cup last week with victory over the Metropolitan Police. It’s normal play-offs at Step 3 so either of those top two sides will be competing alongside Folkestone Invicta and two from Hendon, Margate, Leiston or possibly Leatherhead who have a couple of games in hand. Staines Town have a lesser chance of making it while Wingate & Finchley have fallen away. Harrow Borough and Enfield Town are both safe in mid-table. In our own Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, Hereford are close to taking another promotion back towards their former Football League status as their huge crowds have helped to get them five points clear of Kings Lynn with two games in hand and they need just three points from their final four matches to secure the title. Former non-League giants Weymouth, Kettering Town and Slough Town will all join Kings Lynn in the play-offs where you can expect some huge crowds as all the top supported clubs are right up the top. The relegation spot is still going to the wire with Dunstable Town remaining two points ahead of Gosport Borough with four  www.northwoodfc.com 

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PYRAMID PANORAMA games to play for both sides. Both have let in over 130 goals and would be certain for relegation in normal seasons but one will survive! Step Four AFC Hornchurch have had promotion confirmed from the Isthmian Division One North and can secure the title with just one more point from their final four matches. Potters Bar Town are still in with a chance of the second automatic promotion place but could be overcome by Bowers & Pitsea while Haringey Borough also have an outside chance of that coveted place. The other two will go into the play-offs probably along with Canvey Island and Heybridge Swifts though Maldon & Tiptree could still get into that top six with a good run over the final eleven days. Cheshunt, Ware and Brentwood Town all look to have managed to steer clear of bottom place in the last couple of weeks and it is between Norwich United and Romford as to who is relegated. The Norfolk side are one point behind with four games to go but they also have a better goal-difference than the Essex club. In the South Division, Sussex club Shoreham have been relegated after an awful season which also saw they have six points deducted; they have still only won three games. At the top both Lewes and Carshalton Athletic are returning to Step 3 but are still battling it out for the title. Lewes lead by two points with two games to go but Carshalton have three matches left. Into the play-offs are Cray Wanderers, Greenwich Borough and probably CorinthianCasuals plus either Hythe Town or Walton Casuals. Feeder Leagues Probably two up from all of the feeder leagues as previously explained and Welwyn Garden City have already secured the Spartan South Midlands League title as they pulled away from Berkhamsted. Berko remain second but are under pressure from Leighton Town who are six points adrift of them but with two games in hand. Our own groundsharers London Tigers eased their relegation fears on Saturday when they defeated Cockfosters 4-2 and they climbed above Oxhey Jets and Crawley Green (who they still need to play twice). Both of those sides are just ahead of bottom cub Stotfold. Other local sides Edgware Town and Wembley are 9th and 12th respectively.

Counties League having lost just twice all season. Bedfont Sports are most likely to be runners-up having enjoyed a good year on their new artificial pitch as they are four points clear of Sutton Common Rovers (who share the artificial pitch at Sutton United FC) with four games to play. CB Hounslow are mid-table in their first season at Step 5 but other local sides, North Greenford United and AFC Hayes are both in the bottom eight. Former Woods manager Dave Anderson (right) was recently appointed as manager of Chertsey Town who are also in the bottom five of the table. Coggeshall Town have overhauled long-time leaders Felixstowe & Walton United in the Eastern Counties League. Both will be promoted but there is a one point lead for Coggeshall now who also have a game in hand so are likely to take the title. Histon are down in sixth after relegation last season. Four games to go in the Essex Senior League and Great Wakering Roves are five points clear of Redbridge who are three points ahead of FC Romania while Basildon United are two points further back but have two games in hand. Finally, Thatcham Town, who have the FA Vase Final to look forward to in May, have also made it to the top of the Hellenic League table but it is very close and Highworth Town, Wantage Town and Bracknell Town could all still challenge for both promotion (top two) and the title. To clarify, for the first-ever time, there is no Ground Grading qualification to pass for clubs being promoted from Step 5 to Step 4 at this stage, though they will need to bring grounds up to scratch by March 31st 2019.

Alan

Westfield are Champions of the Combined www.northwoodfc.com 

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FLEET TOWN NORTHWOOD

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SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2018 EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH CALTHORPE PARK

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orthwood were unable to build on the creditable draw against the league leaders the previous week as they succumbed to a controversial solitary goal defeat in the spring sunshine at Fleet, writes Robin Piper. Woods were forced to make a number of changes due to injury and unavailability. Borja Loeches-Teixeira made a return between the sticks as Xavi Comas continues his recovery from the knock he received against Rushden while Sam Tring had failed to recover from the ankle injury he suffered in the same game. Lewis Hobbs moved back to central defence to partner Tom Gilbey with 17-year old Jamie Fulton, a product of the Woods youth set-up, making his senior debut in midfield while there was a change at left-back with Temiloluwa Oledejo replacing Kier Dickson for his first Woods start.

The young Northwood side, with seven teenagers in the starting line-up, started brightly with Declan Nche combining with Femi Azeez who found Jermaine Osei but his close-range shot was blocked. The hosts also threatened with an early chance as Bradley Wilson dragged his shot wide after he broke clear as he latched onto a long goal-kick from Liam Beach. Woods positive start continued as Isaac Olorunfemi found himself in an advanced position and he tried his luck from the edge of the box but his effort flew wide of the target. But the Northwood right-back immediately had some defending to do and after winning the ball on the by-line he appeared to be clipped by Matt Bunyan but to the amazement of most in the ground, the referee awarded a penalty to Fleet which Wilson duly despatched to give the hosts a ninth minute lead. Northwood were ruffled by the penalty controversy and Fleet went close to adding a second as Wilson’s shot deflected wide for a corner before a testing cross from Ross Ewen was scrambled away to safety by Loaches-Teixeira. However, Woods slowly regained their composure and proceeded to put a number of useful moves together. Wilson Chingoka saw a shot on the turn fly the wrong side of the upright after good work from Evans Kouassi and Azeez before another strong run from Kouassi saw him pick out Chingoka but the chance went begging. Northwood continued to ask questions of the fleet defence as Beach was forced to produce two fulllength saves to deny both Osei and Kouassi as the visitors enjoyed a strong finish to the first half. Woods struggled to maintain the momentum after the restart and Sam Oyeniran replaced Osei in attack on 52 minutes. Northwood were seeing plenty of the ball but as so often this season, were making little impression in the final third. The hosts made a couple of substitutions as they looked to freshen things up but it was Northwood who finally began to threaten again as Azeez went close with a shot from outside the box while Oyeniran’s first time strike was turned round the post by Beach. And Oyeniran went close again with a shot on the turn that flew wide of the target. Fleet had barely threatened the Northwood goal with the impressive central defensive duo of Gilbey and Hobbs comfortably averting any danger. However, Fleet finally managed to breach the backline but Loeches-Teixeira was hand to gather substitute Graeme Purdy’s header. Northwood had so far failed to find the equaliser which their share of the play warranted. And they had one last chance deep into stoppage time, Chingoka’s free-kick being cleared out to Fulton, whose ball back in skimmed the head of Azeez and flew agonisingly wide to condemn Woods to another undeserved defeat.

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Northwood v Cambridge City

PHOTO by JAMES BROWN

MATCH REVIEW

www.northwoodfc.com 

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NORTHWOOD

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SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 2018 EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH NORTHWOOD PARK

orthwood finally stopped the rot as they ended their six game losing run with a well deserved N draw against the league leaders, writes Robin Piper. Woods’ performance was all the more admirable as they had to play almost the whole of the second period with an emergency

goalkeeper after Xavi Comas suffered a nasty blow to the head while bravely attempting to keep out the Rushden equaliser.

There was a cagey start to proceedings from both sides before Jermaine Osei rippled the Diamond’s net after an incisive move but was denied by an offside flag after being played in by Evans Kouassi. At the other end, Spencer Weir-Daly had a volley charged down before another smart strike from the edge of box was comfortably gathered by Comas. Comas was almost left red-faced as Liam Dolman launched an audacious attempt from inside his own half but the ferociously back-pedalling Northwood stopper just managed to claw the ball to safety. And Diamonds continued to threaten as they went close through Sam Brown whose header from a corner flashed wide of the far post. But it was Northwood who opened the scoring against the run of play on the half-hour mark. A swift counter-attack saw Osei combine with Kouassi who jinked his way through the Diamonds defence before rounding goalkeeper Ben Heath and rolling the ball into the unguarded net. Rushden responded positively to the setback as Joel Gyasi was denied by Comas, Jack Westbrook fired over from close range and Gilbey cleared off the line as Lorraine lifted the ball over Comas. Having soaked up the Rushden pressure, Woods countered again through Kouassi but he decided to go it alone to no avail when a ball to Azeez might have been the better option. And not for the first time this season, Northwood were indebted to Comas who pulled off a point-blank save to deny Weir-Daly on the stroke of half-time as the hosts’ rearguard was caught out by a ball over the top. The second period was only five minutes old when the main talking point of the match arrived as Weir-Daly squared the ball to Gyasi who bundled the ball home for the equalising goal despite the brave efforts of Comas. After a lengthy delay the Northwood keeper was stretchered from the field to generous applause from both sets of supporters; the Rushden fans behind the goal no doubt regretting their earlier chants of ‘let him die’ when Comas received treatment for a head injury sustained in an earlier incident. With no reserve keeper on the bench, substitute Paolo Montella donned the gloves for Northwood. After Woods worked a good opening which saw Kouassi drag his shot wide of the target, the hosts inevitably had some defending to do as the visitors looked to test Northwood’s rookie goal-keeper. But Montella was up to the task as he produced a full-length save to turn Gyasi’s free-kick round the post before confidently collecting another ball into the box with one hand! Despite enjoying the better of the possession, Diamonds were struggling to create any real openings with the impressive rearguard of Gilbey, Tring and Hobbs shielding the Northwood goal to great effect and restricting the visitors to long-range efforts. Sam Oyeniran and Haile were introduced for Kouassi and Osei and the hard-working Woods reminded Rushden of their defensive responsibilities as Azeez saw his shot deflected wide before another shot from the Northwood youngster was gathered by keeper Heath. Diamonds made a double substitution as they sought the elusive winning goal in the extended period of stoppage-time, but it was Northwood who went closest to snatching the win as Haile’s floated pass picked out an unmarked Azeez but he blasted over from a good position.

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Northwood v Cambridge City

PHOTO by JAMES BROWN

MATCH REVIEW

www.northwoodfc.com 

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WELCOME TO

CAMBRIDGE CITY he club was formed in 1908 as Cambridge T Town, the direct descendant of the earlier Cambridge St Mary’s club which had folded

at the end of the 1907-1908 season following a dispute with the local Cambs FA. Trophy success came early, with a notable victory being achieved in the International Du Nord Trophy in 1912 after beating host club Tourquennois in Northern France. Cambridge Town amalgamated with an earlier Cambridge United club in May 1914, joined the Cambs FA for the first time and in turn gained entry into the FA Cup and the FA Amateur Cup for the first time, whilst retaining their AFA links. The club’s best ever run in the Amateur Cup came in 1928 when they reached the semi-final only to lose to Leyton at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground.

A rivalry developed with Ipswich Town during the late 1920’s and mid 1930. Huge crowds attended these games at Milton Road, peaking at 11,916 in 1929. Both clubs’ success in the Southern Amateur League prompted invitations to join the newly formed semi-professional Eastern Counties League in 1935. Ipswich accepted, but the Cambridge Committee declined on account of their commitment to amateur football, so the two Towns went their separate ways. Within three years Ipswich had been elected to the Football League

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leaving Cambridge fans wondering what might have been! Cambridge Town moved on to the Spartan League, winning three league titles between 1945 and 1950. Shortly after progression to the Athenian League, Cambridge was granted City status in 1951 and with it he club’s name change to Cambridge City. City left the amateur game in 1958 and joined the Southern League, gaining a place in the Premier Division in their first season. City won the Premier Division in 1962/63, but the absence of automatic promotion to the Football League put a lid on City’s ambitions. Nevertheless, City were regular challengers for the title and had the highest attendances in non-league football up until the mid-1960s. But City lost their way and were relegated to Southern League Division 1 in 1967/68; promotion back to the Premier Division came in 1969/70. City finished Southern League runners up in 1970/71, but the latter years of the decade were dreadful. Relegation in 1975/76 saw crowds dwindle and the Club fall into decline. After the redevelopment of the ground in the mid 1980’s, City gradually improved and the 1985/86 Southern League Southern Division championship was won on the last day of the

season. Since 1993, City have reached the 1st round proper of the FA Cup five times and the 2nd round once, which is a far better record than achieved by the more illustrious City sides of the 1960s.

spotted by AFC Sudbury, gaining manager’s player of the year 2015/16. He transferred to City in October 2016.

City’s best season for 30 years saw them finish runners up in the inaugural Conference South season in 2004/05, going on to lose in the play-offs. Off the field the ground had been sold to pay off mounting debts and matters took a turn for the worse in 2006 when the then Board announced an agreement to allow City to be absorbed into Cambridge United. With City on the brink of extinction, supporters were galvanised into a campaign which eventually forced Directors to resign, to be replaced by members of the Cambridge City Supporters’ Trust. City celebrated their centenary in 2008, but were demoted at the end the 2007/08 season due to ground regulations; this decision ended 22 consecutive seasons in the second tier of non-league football. City lost out to Gloucester City in the 2008/09 play-offs and in the 2009/10 season, City won the Southern League Cup for the first time and finished one point shy of a playoff place. The play-offs were reached twice, only for semi-final defeat, this disappointment was tempered by the news that the club has secured a site on which to build a new stadium and training complex.

James is a product of City’s youth setup and plays at left-back. City boss Robbie Nightingale believes James has a great future ahead of him.

A new era for the club commenced in August 2013 with a temporary base at Histon FC. City once again reached the play-offs but again tasted semi final defeat. After two seasons at Histon, City are now based at St Ives Town FC. Just before the start of the 2016-17 season the club’s longest serving manager in its history, Gary Roberts, departed after 13 years in charge. Former Cambridge United player Dan Gleeson was appointed as manager. With little time to prepare Dan did his best but was dismissed in November with City mired in the relegation battle. Robbie Nightingale took over in December and won his first game in charge to boost City’s hopes of avoiding the drop. City’s playing record improved culminating in five wins and a draw in their last six games but ultimately it was not enough and the club were relegated to step four for the first time in their history.

The Players BEN ROBINSON

Ben is a fullback who likes to get forward. A former City youth and reserve team player he moved on to Haverhill Rovers where he was

JAMES TEE

JORDAN WILLIAMS

Jordan is a commanding centre-half. He is a product of Cambridge United’s academy and spent the whole of last season on loan with City and ended up winning the club’s players player of the year award. On release from United last summer he earned himself a contract at Brackley Town, from where he is on loan to City.

JORDAN GENT

Jordan is a product of St Neots Town’s youth setup from where he progressed to the first team and played his part in their back to back promotions into the Southern League Premier Division. In 2013 he switched to Soham Town Rangers after a short loan spell; a commanding centre-half, he joined City in December 2016.

ADAM CAPEL

Adam learned his centre-half trade in Cambridge United’s Academy. He had a brief spell at Histon last season, and is expected to have a bright future at City.

RYAN SHARMAN

Ryan was captain of St Neots Town under 18s before breaking in to their first team. He joined Soham Town Rangers in 2013 and established himself as a goalscoring midfielder, switching to City in December 2016.

ROSS PATERSON

Ross played for Fulbourn Institute a few years ago before moving on to Newmarket Town and making a name for himself as an all action midfielder. He moved from Soham Town Rangers to City in December 2016 and was soon made captain of the team.

HARRY FARROW

Harry is a product of City’s youth setup and plays centre midfield. He first tasted 1st team football last season when he came on as sub in the Cambs Invitation Cup semi-final and scored.

RYAN TOWNER

Ryan plays centre midfield, and made



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over a hundred appearances for Royston Town in the last two seasons and 25 for Chesham United in the season before, having previously been with Stevenage Borough.

LEWIS WILSON

Lewis is a striker, being spotted by Rushden & Diamonds whilst playing for Newport Pagnell and awarded a scholarship. He then found himself back at Newport Pagnell and impressed Northampton Town enough for them to award him a contract. Last season he played for St Neots Town.

JAMES HALL

James joined City in 2015/16 having been scoring regularly for Godmanchester Rovers. He played for St Neots Town and Kettering Town last season before joining St Ives Town in the summer, transferring to City in November 2017.

BEN SEYMORE-SHOVE

Ben is an industrious winger with a great turn of speed and a happy knack of scoring goals. He moved to City in December from St Ives, where he scored the goal that secured promotion to the SL Premier Division in 2016.

EBBY NELSON-ADDY

Ebby joined City in March from Barton Rovers, although dual registered with Hemel Hempstead. He was in Aston Villa’s academy for ten years, and is a right sided midfielder who has a wealth of experience at higher levels, having played for Worcester City, Brackley Town and Hartlepool United.

ROBBIE NIGHTINGALE - MANAGER

JOSH LOWE

Josh is a promising product of City’s youth set up and the striker broke in to the first team squad last season.

SALIM RELIZANI

Salim is a goalscoring wide midfield player, and is a product of Histon’s youth setup. His father was an Algerian international. Salim joined City in December 2016 .

ALEX LYRATZOPOULOS

Midfielder Alex is a product of City’s youth setup and has a very bright future ahead of him.

NATHAN OLUKANMI

Nathan enjoyed his early teens with Aston Villa and Wycombe Wanders before going to college in the US. Since his return he has had spells with Nuneaton, Worcester City and Leamington, and more recently played for Barton Rovers. Nathan can play on either wing.

JACK VASEY

Jack joined City on November from Royston Town, where he had scored five times in ten games. He can play down the middle or out wide and had previously played for Arlesey.

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Cambridge born and a member of City’s youth setup in his early teens, Robbie progressed into the first team and made over 350 appearances in two spells at the club , sandwiching a few years at Histon during their climb through the leagues. He left City for Royston Town in summer 2013 before becoming manager at Soham Town Rangers in 2015 .Robbie took the helm at City in December last season and nearly pulled off a miracle escape from relegation.

NEIL MIDGLEY – ASSISTANT MANAGER

Neil was appointed as first team coach in summer 2013, and is a product of Ipswich Town’s Academy but he made his name at Barnet where he scored freely. He moved on to Kettering Town via Canvey Island. Neil had a three month loan spell with City in 2006 before returning to Kettering for three weeks when he made the move to City permanent. Neil has made over 200 appearances for City and is now Assistant Manager.

DAVE THEOBALD – HEAD COACH

Cambridge born and bred, Dave is one of the finest centre halves ever to play for City. In six seasons he made 261 appearances and scored 39 goals. He cut his teeth in management with Robbie Nightingale at Soham Town Rangers and joined City with Nightingale in 2016 as Head Coach.

FIRST MEETING Saturday 9th September 2017 Cambridge City 1 Northwood 0

T

he first-ever meeting of these two sides at senior level went narrowly the way of the home side after they nosed ahead in the early stages and the Woods were just unable to peg them back in a close-fought contest.

The home side had enjoyed an excellent victory over near-neighbours St. Neots in the FA Cup a week earlier and they started like a train. In the very first minute Tom Knowles did well on the left and cut the ball back for Mason Spence to strike for goal and Joseph was straight into the action to dive and palm the ball over the bar. It was the full-back Spence who bombed forward again a few minutes later bit this time shot wide and then more action down that left flank saw Knowles exchange passes with Ross Paterson and force Joseph into a good stop at his near-post. And there was still only ten minutes on the clock when the pressure finally told. Joseph saved again from Ryan Sharman but the defence failed to clear and when Paterson latched onto it just outside the box the ball skidded off the wet surface and this time bounced through the hands of the diving ‘keeper. After that onslaught the Woods gradually began to get more of a grip on the game and began to threaten in attack with about half an hour on the clock. Evans Kouassi led the way with a pacy run that saw him find Meshach Williams who flicked the ball on to put Kouassi into the box. It was a great chance but he placed the ball wide of the near-post rather than shooting across goalkeeper Niall Conroy. Two minutes later the Woods won a free-kick in dangerous position but Kouassi was wide again with his effort and then there looked a certain equaliser on 36 minutes as Kouassi flew down the right, knocked in a centre that appeared to only need a touch from Martin at the far post. But he took an extra touch and was then quickly crowded out as he tried to find an angle to force the ball home when a cut back looked more favourable. Pat Adamson then got forward down the left well to feed Williams whose strike was gathered high by Conroy before Pat Kelly put

in a cross which was too near the ‘keeper and then Adamson again attacked well but shot over the bar. Still the Woods swept forward and just before the break Kouassi knocked in an excellent cross which was met by Williams with a fine downward header which Conroy pushed up and onto the crossbar to keep City in the lead at half-time. The Woods were hoping for much of the same after the break but it was Cambridge who started the half better again. Joseph had to push out an accurate free-kick from Knowles and then another marauding run from Spence saw him combine with Lewis Wilson to fire for goal but again the Trinidad & Tobago Under-20s ‘keeper Joseph was equal to it. On 55 minutes Kouassi tried to go it alone, cutting in from the left and working to find some space before shooting but it was straight at the ‘keeper who saved comfortably while at the other end Joseph saved similarly from Ryan Towner’s effort. Northwood were still playing the better football but the final pass or shot seemed to be lacking. Some good work got the ball into the box and when McDonnell’s touch fell to Williams his effort was well over the bar. Then Kouassi burst down the right again and knocked in a tempting cross which eluded everyone, was scrambled out as far as Adamson but his strike was again saved by Conroy in goal. Salim Relizani had a couple of efforts on goal which sailed wide while home substitute Oliver Snaith wasn’t far away with a low drive. Kouassi had the last chance for Northwood but he frustratingly shot wide two minutes from time and Towner went closer for City at least forcing Joseph into one last save, pushing the ball wide of the post to complete a good game for the Woods ‘keeper. www.northwoodfc.com 

15

Meet The 2018 PAT ADAMSON

Pat joined the Woods this season following his release from Leyton Orient where he was a regular on the left flank for their Under 18 side. Only 18, he had a loan spell with Soham Town Rangers last season and was establishing himself well in senior football before suffering a broken leg in November.

XAVI COMAS

Experienced Spanish-born goalkeeper, now 29 who joined the Woods in December 2017 following a brief spell with Hayes & Yeading. Started the season at Hanwell Town having previously played at Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead and a series of Spanish clubs; CD Canillas, Gramanet, Masnou, and Cornell.

FEMI AZEEZ

A young forward, just 16, Femi has impressed in the Under 18s during this season, and has been rewarded by a number of senior appearances.

CHRIS BENJAMIN

Experienced striker who joined the Woods on registration deadline day from Haringey Borough. The 25-year-old has also played for St. Albans City, Redbridge, Sutton United, Harrow Borough, Grays Athletic and Bury Town.

JOE BENJAMIN

Joe is a former Northampton Town striker who is now 27 and joined the Woods on registration deadline day from Haringey Borough. In recent years he has also played for Billericay Town, Lowestoft Town, St. Neots Town, Grays Athletic, Bury Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Harlow Town and Bishop’s Stortford.

MICHAEL BUCKLEY

Long-serving Hanwell Town midfielder who signed for Northwood in September 2017 having previously played for Simon Lane at Wingate & Finchley. Now 26, he also played for AFC Hayes.

HAMILTON BUNGA

Tall defender, recruited in February 2018 from Royston Town where he had a short spell. The 22-year-old has been well travelled having also had short spells with Arlesey Town, Kingstonian, Thurrock, East Grinstead, Ware and Barkingside amongst others.

WILSON CHINGOKA

A former Wingate & Finchley youngster, Wilson has just turned 19 and played last season for the successful Herts County side AFC Oaklands where he starred in a midfield role.

16 

Northwood v Cambridge City

BEN DUFAUX

Under 18 player Ben has been added to the squad for the final month of the season and will be hoping to get some involvement.

KEIR DICKSON

Left-sided defender, 21, who joined Northwood in March 2018 on dual-registration from Wingate & Finchley. Keir was with Barnet and Fleetwood Town as a youngster before short spells at Hayes

Woods Squad & Yeading, Enfield Town and Kingstonian.

JAMIE DOOLAN

Jamie is a product of the club’s youth structure having progressed through the Under-18s and reserves to earn a place in the first-team squad last season. A versatile player who usually operates in midfield, Jamie is now 20 and will be looking to establish himself in the squad for the new campaign. He is currently on dual-

United as a youngster and then for clubs in the North of England while at University in Durham.

KOJO GYIMAH

Kojo is a 19-year-old former Stevenage Borough and Wycombe Wanderers academy forward who joined in the summer and is dual registered with Cockfosters.

NEBAY HAILE

Young attacking player who has joined the Woods in November 2017 on dual-registration from Staines Town to gain some senior experience. He was part of the Middlesex County side that won the FA County Youth Cup in 2017.

BRAD HEWITT

Now 30, central defender Brad returned last summer to Chestnut Avenue for his third spell at the club which he originally joined from Boreham Wood back in October 2006. He has now topped 210 appearances for the Woods, and has also played for Hemel Hempstead, Beaconsfield, Burnham, Slough Town, Hendon, Biggleswade Town and Dunstable Town.

LEWIS HOBBS

Young defender who joined the Woods on a season-long youth loan from Barnet and after impressing for several months had his contract cancelled with the Bees and subsequently moved to Southern Premier side Royston Town. Still only 18 he returned to Northwood to get more game time and continue his football education in February 2018.

EVANS KOUASSI

registration loan at Rayners Lane.

JAMIE FULTON

Under 18 player Jamie has been added to the squad for the final month of the season and will be hoping to get some involvement.

TOM GILBEY

Young left-sided defender who joined the club on dual-registration from Staines Town, where he moved in the summer. Played for Maidenhead

Experienced 28-year-old attacking wide player who joined the Woods last summer having played at Bishop’s Stortford last season. Has also had spells with Billericay Town, Chelmsford City, Concord Rangers and Hayes & Yeading amongst others. Signed for Wealdstone in November 2017 but is now regaining fitness with a spell back at Northwood.

BORJA LOECHES-TEIXEIRA

Spanish-born goalkeeper, now 28, who joined www.northwoodfc.com 

17



2018 Woods Squad the Woods in December 2016 after a spell with Edgware Town having previously played for Walton & Hersham.

MARK MCLEOD

Experienced midfielder who joined the Woods in January 2018 on dual-registration from Harrow Borough. The 31-year-old was born in Sunderland and played in the Football League for Darlington as well as loan spells with Harrogate Town, Durham City and Workington. He played for Newcastle Blue Star and Sunderland RCA before moving south and playing for Walton & Hersham and Chipstead before joining Harrow last summer.

PAOLO MONTELLA

Young midfield player who joined the Woods in December 2017 from London Colney having previously played at Ware. The 19-year-old will be hoping to gain more experience in the second half of the season.

DECLAN NCHE

18-year-old bustling midfielder who joined the Woods in October 2017 from Brentwood Town, where he had been a regular in their Development side.

HARRY NEWMAN

A left-sided midfield player, 28-year-old Harry was a regular for Harrow Borough in the Isthmian Premier for the past two seasons having joined them in 2015 following spells with Harefield United, Hanwell Town and Australian side Clifton Hill.

HAKIM NYARIKI

18-year-old Hakim is a former member of the successful Wingate & Finchley Under-18 side who joined the Woods last summer after a spell with Barnet.

ISAAC OLORUNFEMI

19-year-old defender who joined the Woods in October 2017 having previously played for Maidenhead United youth as well as having short loan spells with Aylesbury and Chalfont St Peter.

JERMAINE OSEI

Young striker who joined the Woods in October 2017 on dual-registration with Wealdstone and

18 

Northwood v Cambridge City

was an instant hit with two goals on his debut. The 22-year-old previously played at Enfield Town and Bishop’s Stortford as well as briefly at Hampton & Richmond Borough and Margate. He is the Woods’ top scorer.

SAM OYENIRAN

Signed from Barton Rovers in March 2018, am is 19 years old and came up through the junior ranks with Ebbsfleet United before playing at Tilbury Under 23s, Herne Bay, BIllericay Under 23s, and Norwich United.

JOE RUSSELL

Youngster recently recruited to the Northwood squad having had previous experience at Ware. The 19-year-old had also represented Hertfordshire at Under 18 level.

SAM TRING

Young 20-year-old central defender who joined the Woods on a month’s loan from Kings Langley in February 2018 having made around 20 Premier Division appearances for the Kings. Following some solid performances, that loan was then extended until the end of the season. He joined them last summer from Luton Town Cedars.

MESHACH WILLIAMS

Pacy, 26-year-old forward who has been amongst the goals in pre-season having joined the Woods in the summer from Cockfosters. He has also played for Hatfield, Hoddesdon, Hanwell and Broxbourne as well as a spell with Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian Premier.

KYRAN WORRELL

Under 18 player Kyran has been added to the squad for the final month of the season and will be hoping to get some involvement.

GORDON BOATENG - ACTING MANAGER

Gordon, who took charge of the squad following the departure of Jake Heracleous, has previously been in charge at Bishop’s Stortford, amongst others.

Northwood F.C. Six-a-side tournaments 2018 Saturday 12th May - Under 10’s, 11’s, 12’s Sunday 13th May - Under 7’s, 8’s, 9’s, 13’s

We are pleased to announce that we will again be holding our 6-a-side tournament at Northwood FC in our stadium at Chestnut Avenue, Northwood HA6 1HR. U7’s, U8’s and U9’s will be competitive with trophies for the winners and runners up only. All players involved will receive a medal. U10’s to U13’s will be competitive with cup and plate finalists receiving trophies. The cost to enter will be £35 per team before March 31st, any entries after this date will be £40. There is free parking on the field outside the stadium which we would like you to use as parking is very restricted on the road, with a £2 entry fee for all adults entering the stadium. You are advised to book early as there are only 10 spaces for each group, with a maximum of 8 players per team. Full registration details and match schedules will be provided upon sign up. In addition to enjoying lots of good football in our stadium, there will be a BBQ and a licensed bar. Our tournament is always over-subscribed so please respond quickly to avoid disappointment. For more information including the entry form, contact: Andrew Baynes on 07958 770 510 or email [email protected]

www.northwoodfc.com 

19

NORTHWOOD FC COMMUNITY DAY!

U6 RESPECT FESTIVAL @ SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2018 AS PART OF DEVELOPING YOUNG PLAYERS WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HOST OUR ANNUAL U6 RESPECT FOOTBALL FESTIVAL AT NORTHWOOD FC!

- 9.30AM REGISTRATION - 5-A-SIDE (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY) - £30 ENTRY FEE PER TEAM - ALL GAMES ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING GAME AND POSITIONAL UNDERSTANDING IN A FUN, RELAXED AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. TO ENTER, PLEASE E-MAIL [email protected] - CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO NORTHWOOD FC - PLEASE CALL 07585024329 FOR MORE INFORMATION - DEADLINE FOR BOOKINGS MONDAY 16TH APRIL 2018 20 

Northwood v Cambridge City

ON THIS DAY 2009

maintained their place in the last Ryman North play-off spot with a narrow win over their Northwood Essex visitors, as they took the lead as early as the fifth minute. Danny Power’s deep cross picked out Eugene Ofori (pictured during the match), who sent a sweetly struck half-volley beyond goalkeeper Louis Green. Despite chances at both ends through the game, there was no addition to the scoreline. Northwood: Mitch Swain, Danny Power (Anthony Page), Ryan Tackley, Mark Burgess, Chris Seeby, Brad Hewitt, Rob Ursell (Kyle Matthews), Gary Burrell, Eugene Ofori (Danny Brown), Garry Senior, John Christian. www.northwoodfc.com 

21

TALKING POINT

From THE NON LEAGUE PAPER’s

ADAM ELLIS

y mum is annoyed. Not, this time, at one of my life decisions. This time, it’s a former England Mcricketer who has got her goat. Phil Tufnell. You have a lot to answer for. A few weeks back on Question of Sport, it came to the questionable miming/description round. For those who don’t watch the BBC quiz, a word is flashed up on the screen. A sport, personality, action – you get the picture. The team captains have to act out the word for their team to guess correctly and much hilarity ensues. So, a few weeks ago, up came the phrase: Non-League football. Tuffers – as we are obliged to call him with this a programme high on ‘banter’ – mimed passing a football and said, ‘When you’re not very good at doing that’. Well, let me tell you reader, I was watching that day too and, like Mrs B, the red mist descended. Not very good!? NOT VERY GOOD!? Look, of course Question of Sport is not a thing to be getting riled up about. There are far more important issues going on in the world (like, why do self-service tills give 20p of change in coppers?) but it was a little window into how Non-League is perceived at times. Yes, players are at this level for a reason but we all know about the talent pool outside the Football League. Many have had long successful professional careers and are winding down their days for enjoyment, others have cottoned onto the fact they can earn their best money by combining a decent job with a part-time football gig in the Evo-Stik South. Clearly the players at the elite level are operating on a different planet but you get an equally, if not more so, entertaining 90 minutes in Non-League football. I think first-timers are often surprised at how good the quality of play is at these levels. Throw in the rest of the package – cheaper entry, better food, drink in the bar before and after – and it makes for an enjoyable day out. Maybe it’s a chip on the shoulder effect, but do you often feel like you have to defend Non-League football? Like when the FA Cup rolls around and all the Butcher, Baker and Candlestick maker stories appear in the national papers. ‘He works on a building site and can pass the ball to a team-mate – it’s incredible!’ Last season during Lincoln City’s FA Cup run, a press box colleague asked me if the Imps were fulltime and did I know what jobs some of the players had before. Less than 20 minutes later, they’d knocked out Premier League Burnley to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. More and more players are getting their chance in the Football League and beyond – even the managers are being given a chance now as League chairmen realise the game is played on the same size pitch with goals at both ends. So, let’s keep fighting Non-League’s corner. Even my mum is!

22 

Northwood v Cambridge City

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB!!

Northwood FC

COMMUNITY DAY PAY W HA Y O UT CAN !!

SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2018 - K.O. 3.00 pm

NORTHWOOD v THAME UTD.

Please come along - and pay what you can to watch!! www.northwoodfc.com  23 Chestnut Avenue, Northwood northwoodfc.com

Player Sponsors 2017-18

GORDON DAN BOATENG DAGGETT

Sponsored by

Trims for Men Northwood Hills

TOM GILBEY

XAVI COMAS Sponsored by

John Robertson

Available for sponsorship

KOJO MESHACH BRAD GYIMAH WILLIAMS HEWITT

LEWIS HOBBS

KEIR PAOLO EVANS KOUASSI DICKSON MONTELLA

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Available for sponsorship

HAKIM NYARIKI

Available for sponsorship

Lee Whittaker

Available for sponsorship

SAM OYENIRAN

FEMI AZEEZ

HAMILTON BUNGA

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Southern Territory (UK) Ltd

24 

ISAAC WILSON PAT ADAMSON OLORUNFEMI CHINGOKA Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Sponsored by

SAM TRING

Ken Green

Northwood v Cambridge City

Sponsored by

Robin Piper

Southern Territory (UK) Ltd

NEBAY HARRY HAILE NEWMAN Available for sponsorship

Sponsored by

Tino Nannavecchia

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

Available for sponsorship

DECLAN JERMAINE MARCUS NCHE OSEI ROSE Available for sponsorship

Sponsored by

Pete Reynolds

Sponsored by

Mark Bunting

Woods Roll Call 2017-18 including 17.4.18 Arash Abdullahi Pat Adamson Romelle Alomenu Jean-Paul Antwi Mohammed Ayoub Femi Azeez Charley Barker Tommy Boxer Michael Buckley Hamilton Bunga Andrew Camilo Tajeco Wilson Chingoka Ned Clarke Xavi Comas Brandon Daly Tayo Davies-Coker Keir Dickson Jamie Doolan Jamie Fulton Tom Gilbey James Gurteen Kojo Gyimah Nebay Haile Louis Hall Matt Hall Ashley Harris Tyler Hatherly Tayshan Hayden-Smith Brendan Hazlett Brad Hewitt Lewis Hobbs Montel Joseph Pat Kelly Evans Kouassi Borja Loeches-Teixeira George Lutaaya Mahlondo Martin Andrew McCorkell Jack McDonnell Tom McDonnell Mark McLeod Paulo Montella Declan Nche Harry Newman Matt Nolan Hakim Nyariki Lewis Ochoa Issac Olorunfemi Jermaine Osei Michael Osei Sam Oyeniran Temiloluwa Oladejo Leonardo Pedro George Robinson Marcus Rose Joe Russell David Taylor Jay Thorne Sam Tring Harry Voss Antonio Walker Matt Walsh Meshach Williams Dernell Wynter

League League apps sub

2 8 3 1 0 3 4 4 11 2 5 26 2 15 1 1 5 0 1 16 0 0 3 0 3 1 5 21 12 18 30 1 8 27 1 2 13 2 4 3 1 0 3 27 1 2 15 19 21 2 3 1 1 6 5 4 6 0 11 4 0 1 19 2

1 1 2 1 0 5 0 0 0 2 1 8 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 11 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 3 0 0 13 5 1 0 6 0 5 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0

Cups apps

Cups sub

Total apps

League goals

Cup goals

Total goals

1 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 3 3 0 2 4 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

5 11 5 2 1 8 4 6 11 4 6 38 3 15 1 2 5 2 1 16 2 6 14 1 3 1 6 26 14 21 33 1 12 32 2 2 22 2 8 4 1 13 10 29 1 10 17 25 22 2 5 2 2 9 7 5 6 1 11 4 3 1 23 2

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

Northwood career apps goals

5 11 5 2 1 8 4 6 11 4 6 38 3 15 1 2 5 2 1 16 2 6 14 1 3 4 6 26 14 211 33 25 12 32 18 2 22 2 8 4 1 13 10 29 1 10 17 25 22 2 5 2 2 9 7 5 6 4 11 4 3 1 23 2

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 22 0 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0

Cards Y

R

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

www.northwoodfc.com 

25

Alan Evans looks back at Northwood events of a decade ago PHOTOS by JAMES BROWN

T

oday we continue with our popular feature where we look back to events here at Northwood Park from exactly a decade ago. This has meant a review of our first season back at Step 4 of non-League following the first-ever relegation in the senior club’s history as we succumbed to the drop in our second season of Southern Premier Division football having been transferred across following two years of Isthmian Premier competition.

After a slow start to the season, there had been an upsurge in fortunes as we passed halfway. Firstly a series of solid home wins was followed by a brilliant FA Trophy replay win over Isthmian Premier side AFC Hornchurch and then the first away league win of the season, a 3-1 success at league leaders AFC Sudbury with 18-year-old Elliott Buchanan netting his first Northwood hat-trick, taking his tally to six goals in three

just nine goals so the White Lion Ground had been a bit of a fortress for our Middlesex rivals. By the end of the game those faint play-off hopes had been vanquished with the Woods putting in an under-par performance and never looking like breaching the home defence. Edgware weren’t that impressive in attack themselves but they notched an early goal to win the match as Adam Wallace rose to head home Dennis Maharjan’s neat cross after just 13 minutes. The Wares held on comfortably to win 1-0 in a disappointing encounter. It meant there was six more games to play to complete the season and attempt to finish as high as possible and that started the following Saturday with a home game against fourthplaced Ware who were making their first-ever visit to Northwood Park. Spring still looked far away at this stage of the year. The Easter weekend had been cold and that was followed by heavy rain during the week so the conditions for the Ware game were pretty heavy. There was a controversial start to the game. After just 18 minutes Ware goalkeeper James Hoad blocked Sean Sonner’s attempted lob but with his hands and just

games and into double figures for the season; the boy was getting noticed and he then signed for Conference side Stevenage Borough in January! When we left the story last, distant play-off hopes had been boosted by a 5-0 thrashing of Brentwood Town on Easter Saturday 22nd March 2008 but were still in eleventh place and still eleven points adrift of the play-off places with seven games to play. On the following Easter Monday afternoon there was a tough away game at Edgware Town to play. The Wares had lost just one of nineteen home games played so far having conceded

26 

Northwood v Cambridge City

outside the box but was surprisingly spared the expected red card. Just a yellow and a free-kick was deemed sufficient. The Woods started well but Ware gradually found their feet and shaded

TEN YEARS AFTER the half with Mitch Swain making several top saves to deny the main threat of John Frendo. Northwood went closest when Ryan Tackley poked his shot wide after a Bradley Hewitt knockdown. Sonner went close soon after the restart but it was Ware who took the lead on 54 minutes. Swain made a good stop from Jimmie Berry but poacher-extraordinaire Frendo pounced to knock home the loose ball. The Woods had to rally well and brought on Danny Brown and then Jerome Hall in an effort to change things around. And it was Hall that was instrumental in bringing about a 74th minute equaliser as he latched onto Michael Gordon’s through-ball before squaring for Sonner to apply the finish to a slick move. Northwood now had the impetus behind them and Hoad made a great pointblank range save to deny Hall and then dived

their challenge for the League title had all but ended. They were still top of the table but only just and with a few clubs breathing down their necks, all with games in hand. However, the impressive Under-18s had got through to the semi-finals of the Allied Counties League Cup with a narrow 1-0 success at Kidlington with a goal from Jake O’Meara. The programme also included an article from myself commenting that Wealdstone’s impending move from groundsharing with Northwood to take over the Ruislip Manor Football Club ground would create even more difficulty in competing for

crowds in the area. At that time there were no less than nineteen Senior clubs (down to Step 5 but including Watford) within a ten-mile circumference range. It certainly hasn’t got any easier in the ten years since then. full length to divert Sonner’s fiercely struck shot. But the Woods would not be denied and the recovery was completed in the third minute of added-time when Gordon ran from deep and got to the by-line before sending over a delicious cross for Sonner who headed beyond Hoad to send the Northwood faithful into raptures and the visitors into deep despair. Another three days later and it was another home game, this time against lowly Wingate & Finchley who were just about safe from the relegation zone. Browsing through the programme for the match, it reported that Mark Barnham’s Capital League side had gone down 4-2 at Croydon Athletic and it meant that

As to the game, Wingate came for a point and defended in numbers and the Woods needed a patient performance. It was an uninspiring game but the patience paid off and midway through the second-half, Danny Murphy knocked in a corner and in-form Sean Sonner knocked the ball home for what proved to be the only goal of the game. The 1-0 win was the fourth victory on five games and with just three losses in the last twenty-two league matches, it was form that Manager Colin Payne was hoping would be carried on, not only for the final contests of the season but also for the following campaign – play-off challenging form without a doubt. We will have more from everything Ten Years After in our next programme on Saturday. www.northwoodfc.com 

27

28 

Northwood v Cambridge City

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH, EAST

ROUND-UP

The Evo-Stik League South East title race is still wide open after the top four all won on Saturday, leaving just four points separating them. Beaconsfield Town won 4-2 at Moneyfields, Jerome Eccleston and Tony Mendy giving them a two-goal lead by the 16th minute, with Joe Briggs reducing the arrears in the 23rd minute. Kezie Ibe made it 3-1 in the 34th minute, only for Sam Pearce to pull Moneys back into the game 10 minutes after the break. But a Lee Barney goal in stoppage time settled the game in Beaconsfield’s favour.

MIDWEEK FIXTURES Tonight Northwood v Cambridge City Thursday 19th April AFC Dunstable v Barton Rovers Aylesbury v Egham Town Hanwell Town v Bedford Town Hartley Wintney v Fleet Town Thame United v Arlesey Town

Second-placed AFC Rushden & Diamonds were looking to get back on track after four successive draws. A terrific crowd of 626 on a ‘pay what you want’ day saw them ease to a 4-1 win against Aylesbury United, leading 2-0 at the break through Ryan Robbins and Spencer Weir-Daley. A Liam Dolman own goal gave the Ducks hope in the 63rd minute, but Joe Curtis on 75 minutes and Tom Lorraine 2 minutes from time sealed a comfortable win for the hosts.

League table Including 16.4.18

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Beaconsfield Town

37

25

5

7

86

43

80

AFC Rushden

38

23 10

5

82 24

79

Hayes & Yeading

40

24

5

11

97 49

77

Hartley Wintney

38

24

4

10

90

48

76

Cambridge City

37 22

6

9

95 48

72

AFC Dunstable

37 20

10

7

71

31

70

Chalfont St Peter

38 18

10

10

50

37

64

Bedford Town

38 19

6

13

59

46

63

9

11

67

64 60

Kempston Rovers 37

17

Thame United

38 18

3

17

72

72 57

Moneyfields

36 15

10

11

71

60

55

Ashford Town

37 16

6

15

79

62

54

Aylesbury

39

15

4

20

44

67

49

Uxbridge

39 13

6

20

55

85

45

Egham Town

36 12

8

16

48

76

44

Marlow

37 12

7

18

50

71

43

Northwood

38

8

11 19

46

63

35

Fleet Town

39

8

10

21

38

79

34

Hanwell Town

36

9

6

21

45

70

33

Aylesbury

35

8

5

22

33

68 29

Barton Rovers

36

6

8

22

32

75

Arlesey Town

36

2

5

29

33

26 11

Hayes & Yeading United have only two games left so need a massive shift of form to see them take an automatic spot, although a 6-1 home win over Egham Town might help. Manny Duku bagged a brace, Tommy Smith, Sahr Kabba, Spyros Mentis and Duncan Culley singles, with Mitch Wiseman having equalised for the Sarnies in the 31st minute. Hartley Wintney are still in with an outside chance after a 4-0 home win over Uxbridge, courtesy of a Nic Ciardini hat-trick and one from Dean Stow from the spot. AFC Dunstable and Cambridge City occupy the other play-off spots but shared a 2-2 draw at Creasey Park in which the home side led 2-0 through BJ Christie and Leon Cashman by the 16th minute. Ryan Sharman reduced the deficit on 71 minutes and then eight minutes into time added on at the end of the game James Hall hauled City level. Chalfont St Peter still have a chance of catching the top six, but a 1-1 draw at home to Kempston Rovers didn’t help their hopes as they are five points behind City with four games to go. They almost got nothing from the game though as Josh Crawley gave the Walnut Boys the lead with only nine minutes to go before George Fenton rescued the Saints in stoppage time. Arlesey Town’s 3-2 defeat at home to Hanwell Town left them 15 points behind Barton Rovers with 18 points left to play for. Arlesey led 2-0 as well, thanks to Keanu Williams and Ashley Farooqui by the 32nd minute, but crumbled after Calum Duffy pulled one back 18 minutes from time, conceding two more from Dan Fleming and Goldy Capela. www.northwoodfc.com 

29

Fixtures/Results 2017 Date AUGUST Sat 12 Tue 15 Sat 19 Sat 26 Mon 28 SEPTEMBER Sat 9 Tue 12 Sat 16 Sat 23 Tue 26 Sat 30 OCTOBER Sat 7 Sat 14 Tue 17 Sat 21 Tue 24 Sat 28 NOVEMBER Sat 4 Sat 11 Sat 18 Sat 25 Tue 28 DECEMBER Sat 2 Sat 16 Sat 23 Tue 26 JANUARY Sat 6 Tue 9 Sat 13 Sat 27 FEBRUARY Sat 3 Tue 6 Sat 17 Tue 20 Sat 24 MARCH Tue 6 Sat 17 Wed 21 Sat 24 APRIL Mon 2 Sat 7 Sat 14 Wed 18 Sat 21 Tue 24 Sat 28

30 

Venue

Hartley Wintney MONEYFIELDS Swindon Supermarine (FAC) Arlesey Town HAYES & YEADING UNITED

Away HOME Away Away HOME

L 0-2 D 1-1 L 0-1 W 3-1 W 2-0

135 103 132 87 243

19 18 12 9

Cambridge City EGHAM TOWN (BFBC) EGHAM TOWN Uxbridge ASHFORD TOWN MARLOW

Away HOME HOME Away HOME HOME

L 0-1 L 1-3 L 0-1 L 1-2 L 1-7 L 1-2

145 52 96 90 89 106

13 14 16 17 18

MALDON & TIPTREE (FAT) Bedford Town AFC Hayes (MSC1) AYLESBURY UNITED Hanwell Town FLEET TOWN

HOME Away Away HOME Away HOME

L 2-5 D 0-0 L 0-3 W 3-0 W 3-1 W 2-1

97 174 39 194 121 74

18 16 15 12

Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett

KEMPSTON ROVERS Barton Rovers AFC Rushden & Diamonds AYLESBURY Thame United

HOME Away Away HOME Away

W 3-0 D 1-1 L 0-4 L 0-1 D 3-3

131 101 451 85 68

11 12 13 13 13

Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett Hazlett

Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Ochoa Olorunfemi

Adamson Adamson Adamson Gilbey Haile

Beaconsfield Town Moneyfields HARTLEY WINTNEY Hayes & Yeading United

Away Away HOME Away

D 2-2 L 0-2 W 3-1 L 2-4

85 74 96 172

13 16 15 16

Hazlett Hazlett Comas Nolan

Ochoa Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Olorunfemi

Buckley Gilbey ΠAlomenu Hayden-Smith Gilbey Taylor Gilbey Taylor

Egham Town AFC DUNSTABLE ARLESEY TOWN Kempston Rovers

Away HOME HOME Away

D 2-2 D 2-2 W 3-1 D 1-1

101 71 79 71

15 15 14 16

Comas Comas Comas Comas

Ochoa Chingoka Chingoka Olorunfemi

Ashford Town CHALFONT ST PETER Marlow BARTON ROVERS BEDFORD TOWN

Away HOME Away HOME HOME

D 2-2 L 0-2 L 0-1 D 1-1 L 1-2

93 91 164 82 102

14 15 16 15 17

Comas Comas Comas Harris Comas

Olorunfemi Tring Chingoka  Williams Newman Kouassi Olorunfemi Camilo Tajeco Chingoka Olorunfemi Camilo Tajeco Chingoka Camilo Tajeco Gilbey Chingoka

UXBRIDGE AFC Dunstable Aylesbury United BEACONSFIELD TOWN

HOME Away Away HOME

L 0-1 L 0-2 L 0-2 L 2-3

86 51 89 96

17 17 17 17

Comas Comas Comas Comas

Oyeniran Gilbey Camilo Tajeco Dickson Camilo Tajeco Dickson Olorunfemi Dickson

Chalfont St Peter AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS Fleet Town CAMBRIDGE CITY THAME UNITED HANWELL TOWN Aylesbury

Away HOME Away HOME HOME HOME Away

L 0-2 D 1-1 L 0-1

103 307 123

17 17 17

Northwood v Cambridge City

Result Gate

Lge. pos.

Opponents

Voss Voss Ayoub Voss Voss

Adamson Adamson ΠAdamson Adamson Adamson

Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Boxer Hewitt

Joseph Kelly Adamson Loeches-Teixeira J McDonnell Adamson Daly J McDonnell Antwi Kelly J McDonnell McCorkell McCorkell Kelly Robinson Hazlett Kelly Robinson

Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Buckley Buckley Buckley

Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly

Kelly Robinson Ochoa Robinson Olorunfemi Robinson Ochoa Robinson Ochoa Robinson Robinson Olorunfemi

Comas Olorunfemi Comas Olorunfemi Loeches-Teixeira Olorunfemi

Hall Gilbey Gilbey Gilbey

Dickson Dickson Oladeyo

Ochoa Hewitt Hewitt Buckley Buckley Buckley Buckley Buckley Buckley Buc kley Buckley

Taylor McLeod Taylor Chingoka

Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka Chingoka

7/18 Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Boxer Œ

Rose Rose Rose Hobbs Hobbs

Key: goalscorer Πown goal +

Woods

Woods

OFFICIAL NORTHWOOD MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £2

OFFICIAL NORTHWOOD MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £2

versus MONEYFIELDS Tuesday 15th August 2017 Kick-off 7.45pm

versus MONEYFIELDS

EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH, EAST

yellow card

M Osei Williams Hayden-Smith Newman Nyariki Chingoka M Osei Williams Hayden-Smith Newman Nyariki Kouassi Nyariki Kouassi Hayden-Smith Walker Martin Thorne Hayden-Smith Kouassi ΠWilliams ΠAbdollahi Chingoka Martin ΠChingoka Williams Hayden-Smith J McDonnell Kouassi ΠAbdollahi

Hobbs Boxer Kousassi J McDonnell Williams Hobbs Chingoka T McDonnell Kouassi ΠWilliams Hobbs Kouassi Williams T McDonnell Chingoka Hobbs Hewitt Kouassi T McDonnell Williams Hobbs T McDonnell Kouassi Williams Rose Davies-Coker Hobbs Chingoka Hayden-Smith ΠWalsh EVO-STIK LEAGUE SOUTH, EAST

sub 1 sub 2 sub 3

Tuesday 15th August 2017 Kick-off 7.45pm

J Osei  J Osei Pedro J Osei Ž J Osei Œ J Osei

Antwi Nyariki

Williams Williams Gyimah Martin Martin ΠMartin

Nche Nche Chingoka Olorunfemi Olorunfemi Chingoka

Ochoa Œ Ochoa Ochoa Martin Chingoka 

Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs

Hewitt Hewitt Ochoa Hewitt

Hayden-Smith Chingoka Ochoa Chingoka Hayden-Smith Chingoka ΠHayden-Smith Ochoa

Newman Martin Alomenu Alomenu

Martin Olorunfemi ΠAlomenu Taylor Newman Montella Martin ΠNewman ΠMontella Martin Newman Montella

Hatherly J McDonnell Taylor Hatherly Hatherly Williams  Williams Hatherly

J Osei J Osei ΠJ Osei J Osei

Martin Œ Martin Œ Wynter Kouassi Œ

Newman Olorunfemi Newman Olorunfemi Newman ΠOlorunfemi Newman Montella

J Osei J Osei Wynter Clarke J Osei

Kouassi Chingoka Kouassi Kouassi ΠKouassi

Newman Gilbey Newman Newman Olorunfemi

J Osei J Osei Oyeniran J Osei 

Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi

J Osei J Osei J Osei

Kouassi Kouassi ΠKouassi

Russell Tring Tring Tring Hobbs

Williams Olorunfemi Williams Williams Williams Œ

Tring Gilbey Hobbs Hobbs

Hobbs Tring Tring Tring

Williams Williams Azeez Williams

Hobbs Gilbey Gilbey

Tring Tring Hobbs

Williams Nche Nche

Nyariki Hatherly Barker Barker Barker Barker Hobbs Russell Russell Newman Hobbs Fulton

Newman Newman Martin Newman Gilbey

Chingoka Kelly Kelly Doolan Doolan Williams

Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt Ochoa

Bunga Bunga Gilbey Gilbey Tring

Martin Martin Kouassi Hayden-Smith Hayden-Smith

Gyiamah Boxer Martin Gurteen Martin Rose

Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs Hobbs

Chingoka ΠHobbs Hobbs Nyariki

Newman Olorunfemi Abdollahi Newman Newman Newman Œ

J McDonnell Nyariki

Hobbs Pedro Nche Hewitt Hewitt Hewitt

Hayden-Smith J Osei  Kouassi J Osei Œ Hayden-Smith Newman Lutaaya J Osei Lutaaya Martin Œ

Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi Kouassi ΠKouassi

Walker Walker Chingoka Nyariki Hall

Davies-Coker Boxer Boxer Hobbs Rose Rose

Hobbs Hall Hall Russell

Chingoka Hayden-Smith Chingoka Hayden-Smith Ochoa Hayden-Smith Chingoka Hayden-Smith Nche Hayden-Smith Ochoa Hayden-Smith Œ

Hayden-Smith Martin Hayden-Smith Martin Hayden-Smith Newman Hayden-Smith Newman Hayden-Smith Newman ΠKouassi Newman

red card

Kouassi Chingoka Hayden-Smith Chingoka Robinson Chingoka Chingoka Olorunfemi Gyimah Haile Nche Gyimah Haile

Chingoka Martin Abdollahi Abdollahi Nche Gurteen Adamson Gyimah Haile

Nche Gyimah J McDonnell

Alomenu Haile Montella Haile

Haile

Hatherly Azeez Bunga Montella Montella

Haile Russell Azeez Nyariki Clarke

Montella Haile Nyriaki Nche Haile

Clarke Oyeniran Newman Haile

Azeez Azeez Haile Montella

Bunga Montella Montella Newman

Camilo Tajeco

Haile Azeez Azeez

Oladeyo Montella Oyeniran

Montella Oyeniran

Azeez Haile

Haile

www.northwoodfc.com 

31

The Squads NORTHWOOD

CAMBRIDGE CITY

Acting Manager: Gordon Boateng Physio: Dan Daggett

Manager: Robbie Nightingale Asst. Manager: Neil Midgley Coach: Dave Theobold

Kit: All red

Kit: All light blue

XAVI COMAS

CHARLIE BANNISTER

BORJA LOECHES-TEIXEIRA

BEN ROBINSON

ISAAC OLORUNFEMI

ADAM CAPEL

SAM OYENIRAN

ROSS PATERSON ©

TOM GILBEY

JORDAN GENT

KEIR DICKSON

JORDAN WILLIAMS

SAM TRING

EBBY NELSON-ADDY

WILSON CHINGOKA ©

RYAN TOWNER

LEWIS HOBBS

JAMES HALL

JOE RUSSELL

RYAN SHARMAN

HAMILTON BUNGA

NATHAN OLUKANMI

HAKIM NYARIKI

BUSTER HARRADINE

MESHACH WILLIAMS

JACK VASEY

JERMAINE OSEI

LEWIS WILSON

HARRY NEWMAN

BEN SEYMORE-SHOVE

PAOLO MONTELLA

SALIM RELIZANI

EVANS KOUASSI

DAVID TAYLOR

JAMIE FULTON NEBAY HAILE CHRIS BENJAMIN JOE BENJAMIN TEMILOLUWA OLADEJO FEMI AZEEZ JAMIE FULTON BEN DUFAUX

The Officials REFEREE: Tom Ellsmore ASSISTANT: Simon Maynard ASSISTANT: James Field