A powerful display from league leaders Northwood swept aside a plucky Wingate side who were left to rue missing two great opportunities.

Paul Hakim and Danny Williams should have scored in the second half to level the match. But when both players fired wide of the target, it was the visitors who were left praying for the final whistle as Northwood piled on the pressure.

Despite an obvious difference in class, it was Wingate who took the lead on 13 minutes when John Butterfield set up Hakim at the far post.

The lead lasted just five minutes. A defensive error in the Wingate area gifted the ball to Chris Moore who flicked on for Danny Yeoman to finish.

Three minutes later the hosts took the lead from a 40-yard blast from Kieran Knight. Northwood, the champions elect, looked dangerous on attack, but Wingate almost levelled when Danny Boateng hit the side netting and Hakim blasted wildly over the bar.

Early in the second half, Wingate's Andy Walker made a fine save from Northwood captain Chris Gell. But he could do little to stop the best goal of the afternoon. Following a flowing move from the home side, Yeoman's pinpoint cross was met by Chris Moore's unstoppable header.

Five minutes later, Dean Williams blasted over with only keeper Rob Bullivant to beat and shortly after, Hakim also fired wide from two good chances.

Moore scored his side's fourth with a powerful volley and Wingate were left to thank Walker for keeping the final scoreline respectable.

April 8, 2003 15:00