A share of the points probably satisfied both sides as a reflection of the game but a win would have boosted Ware’s position in the play-off places. As it was they had to come from behind after a below par first half performance. Things improved after the break but even after Ware equalised there were moments when they looked vulnerable to Northwoods incisive attacks in what was a close match.
Ware may remain unbeaten in six away games but the real plus from the afternoon was the return of Gucci Soulya-Osekanongo after what might be seen as a three month detour at Cheshunt. It’s an important addition to the midfield with Herbie Townsend still injured.
Meanwhile Jay Rolfe made his first start after injury at centre back and the defence did look more sure footed. Another change after Georg Alfieri’s departure from the club for family reasons, saw Max Granville moved to right back and Finlay Titchmarsh taking on the left back role.
Perhaps as a result of the changes Ware took some time to settle and didn’t find any hint of cohesion until after the break. Kicking up the slight slope in the first half they were prone to giving the ball away with misplaced passes.
The game swung Northwood’s way in the eleventh minute. Titchmarsh’s long range shot hit the Northwood crossbar but was gathered safely by keeper Hafed Al-Droubi. From his clearance the ball eventually reached Osa Otote who brought it forward to the edge of the Ware area. His shot low to Ben Nightingale’s left hit the foot of the goal post and from there into the net.
This lifted the home team who started to look the more composed side. Ware’s approaches to the Northwood goal became fewer and met a solid wall. The cry of “Five at the back!!” from the home bench when Ware did attack reminded the home defence that the priority was to defend their lead. The visitors seemed frustrated at every turn.
Not least when the five at the back were pressured enough from Sam Mayuma’s cross for Northwood captain Manny Folarin to scuff his clearance in the six yard box. Al-Droubi was quick and agile enough to deflect the ball onto his crossbar from where it was headed away under pressure from Reece Beckles-Richards.
Once again Northwood were quick to respond and Harry McKenna’s free kick seemed to go through the Ware wall. Nightingale must have got a touch on the ball which now hit his right hand post and spun back across the face of goal to go off just narrowly the past the other post. It was the first of three corners in quick succession as the visitors struggled to clear their lines.
There was an improvement in the second half with Ware looking more comfortable coming down the slope. Theo Ofori was prominent on occasions on the right wing before turning his man to work in towards the penalty area.
After one such opportunity his pass inside was met by Soulya-Osekanongo and driven goalwards from close range. Once again Al-Droubi was there, deflecting the ball with his leg and once again on to the crossbar. This time Beckles-Richards was not to be denied and he closed in to hit the ball home as it dropped in front of him.
Now it was Ware’s turn to be lifted and there were moments when they cut open the home defence but they couldn’t convert the opportunities. Still Northwood came back at them and continued to trouble Ware with their dangerous crosses. The game might have gone to either side in the closing moments.
Line-ups and cards.
Ware: Ben Nightingale, Max Granville, Finlay Titchmarsh, Sami Moutawafiq, Josh Okotcha, Jay Rolfe, Theo Ofori (Gabriel Chapps 75mins), Gucci Soulya-Oskanongo, Reece Beccles-Richards (C) (Caiden Remy-Dee 81mins), Rechan Esprit (Johnny Allotey 61mins), Sam Mayuma. Unused subs: David Sota, Bendie Idikayi.
Cards: None
Northwood: Hafed Al-Droubi, Ademide Baruwa, Bryan Mankumbani, Manny Folarin (C), Gabe Cuthbert, Omar Rowe, Harry McKenna (Reece Price-Placid 79mins), Carl Stewart, Dan Williams (Devonte Totesaut 81mins), Jon-Jo Bates (Freddie Ford 69mins), Osa Otote.
Yellow card: Omar Rowe 93mins.
