Report by Jools Thomas

If Sky Sports had conducted an analysis on FC’s visit to the picturesque Northwood FC ground, the statistics would reveal a huge amount of possession for the away team and the vast majority of shots both on and off target also credited to the visitors. As it was the men in grey and maroon could not make their territorial advantage count however as most results elsewhere went the way of the Moles, confirming their play-off position and making a home semi-final tie a real possibility.

Lynton Goss demonstrated his lightning pace as early as the 5th minute testing home keeper Berkeley Laurencin from 10 yards. At the other end Niko Muir had his side’s first sight of goal on 15 minutes but close attention from Ben Stevens prevented any real danger.

Lynton Goss enjoyed a good amount of freedom in the first half and it took a quality save from Laurencin to prevent the young Aylesbury midfielder from grabbing the opening goal. A couple of minutes later Lynton played in Bradley Wadkins whose powerful shot was tipped over by the overworked Northwood keeper.

It wasn’t all FC attacking and in the 19th minute a looping cross saw an unmarked Ismail Ehui head the ball the wrong side of the post when perhaps he should have done better. Jeanmal Prosper had yet another outstanding game and working in midfield, it really gave him a chance to shine. He was unlucky he didn’t fully connect with an effort from a free kick in the 22nd minute.

As the half progressed Dave Lawrence tested James Weatherill in the FC net with a low shot before Bradley Wadkins played in the combative Brian Haule who just couldn’t get enough power in his strike. The roles were reversed as half time approached with Brian feeding Wadkins. Wadkins’ initial blast was blocked before Prosper’s follow up was hit straight into the arms of Laurencin.

The 2nd half’s first move saw Laurencin step wisely in to block Lynton Goss as he looked ready to pounce.An enforced substitution saw Jamie Rudd replace Brian Haule in the 56th minute before Ben Stevens was unlucky as his flicked header from a corner was deflected away to safety. Lynton Goss was the next FC man to shoot for goal and his side-footed shot beat the keeper before hitting the post. Just a minute later, Wadkins played in Jamie Rudd whose delightful chip beat the keeper but unfortunately the far post. Jamie certainly brought a new dimension to FC’s attacking play and his rasping shot midway through the 2nd half again beat the keeper before crashing off the woodwork once again for perhaps the best chance of the game.

Prosper’s shot on 70 minutes might have been more successful if he had taken his time before Northwood reminded us there were actually two teams playing with Dave Lawrence hitting in a useful shot which deflected behind for a corner. Perry Dicker tested Weatherill in the FC goal with eight minutes remaining and in time added on George Nicholas headed a rising ball over the bar.

The referee brought proceedings to an end shortly afterwards and as news came through of defeats and missed opportunities for FC’s rivals, the team could celebrate as their play-off place was finally confirmed much to the satisfaction of the gathered FC supporters cheering the team from the field.