Northwood’s disappointing Isthmian League eague season continued as they slipped to a sixth South Central Division defeat of the campaign with a 3-2 loss at the hands of fellow strugglers Sutton Common Rovers in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Woods came into the game on the back of an encouraging FA Trophy performance while Rovers, who shared an identical playing record, had suffered a midweek drubbing at the hands of South Park. But the visitors were buoyed by the return of several players following injuries and suspensions while there was one change to the Northwood line-up with central defender James Gurteen, returning to the club on a dual registration arrangement with Kings Langley, replacing Arnie Linturn.

Watford Observer:

There was an open feel to the game from the early stages but the visitors struck first after 13 minutes when, despite a suspicion of offside in the build-up, Danny Fernandez executed a close-range finish after being teed up by Tyrell Butler.

Woods reacted well to the setback with Shakeel Morris having a shot deflected over, Gurteen trying his luck from distance while the former almost capitalised on a mishit goal kick from Craig Bradshaw with the Rovers stopper recovering to gather the attempted lob. But Morris was not to be denied in the 25th minute with a shot across Bradshaw from the edge of the box which nestled in the far corner following a jinking run.

Northwood kept up the pressure and Rovers were indebted to Bradshaw who pulled off a couple of smart saves in quick succession to deny Adam Cash.

But having managed to keep on level terms, Rovers put their noses back in front on 42 minutes as Brendan Murphy-McVey despatched a free-kick beyond the reach of Dan Purdue in the Northwood goal.

Watford Observer:

However, the topsy turvy nature of the opening half continued as Woods delivered an immediate riposte as within a minute, Leo Decabo deceived Bradshaw with a low strike from 30 yards to put the hosts back on level terms. And there was still time for Northwood to threaten a third goal before the break as Declan Nche got behind the defence before having a couple of near post shots blocked by Bradshaw and his defence.

Northwood fans were hoping for more of the same after the break and things looked good as there was an early opportunity for Morris, but his hooked volley flew wide after Gio Palmer had created the opening.

Unfortunately, proceedings began to follow a familiar pattern where Woods seem to lose their attacking impetus after a bright opening half and it was Rovers who began to dictate the play with Matt Tanton stinging the palms of Purdue with a rasping shot from distance, while Gio Palmer did well to crowd out Adam Allen as he looked to convert the loose ball.

Watford Observer:

However, a couple of substitutions failed to ignite Woods and it was the visitors who regained the lead on 71 minutes as Ryan Healy, assisted by a smart dummy from Murphy-McVey, played in Butler who calmly slotted the ball past Purdue.

After Purdue had done well to keep out an effort from Naseem James, Woods came agonisingly close to grabbing an equaliser as Palmer raced clear and rounded Bradshaw, but his effort from a tight angle struck the near post with no red shirt on hand to convert the rebound.

Palmer threatened again with the last kick of the game as he got to the by-line, but his low cross was frantically cleared by the Rovers defence to ensure that the visitors were taking three precious points back to south London.