Report by Jools Thomas

No one appeared aware of the reasons for the award of the spot kick just two minutes from time but it was converted without any difficulty.

Jamie West had the first decent chance of the night and away keeper Montel Joseph did well to block his shot after West had been fed by a delightful Josh Bamford angled pass. Rob Tomlin was strolling around the midfield, dictating play and his vision was the catalyst for many of FC’s attacking play. West had a half chance from the left a few moments later but this time without really worrying Joseph.

FC could have conceded the first goal on 16 minutes. An attempt to keep the ball in play on the left saw a disastrously short back pass played to FC keeper Ashley Jenkins. Jordan Jenkins made a boisterous tackle with the referee awarding just a free kick when, considering FC’s recent luck with cards, a harsher punishment could have been given.

Ryan Dabattista had his sides’ opening opportunity however his low shot caused few issues for Jenkins. James Budden’s shot after 26 minutes contained much more danger and this time Jenkins really did have to earn his wage with a hurried save. Budden had had a brief stay here at FC and it seemed he was anxious to show what he could do as he was in the action yet again, placing a firm header just wide of the post. Dabattista also went wide with a low shot with Jenkins just shepherding the ball out to safety. The final action of the half saw Josh Bamford hit a powerful though admittedly wayward shot over the bar.

The opening action of the second half belonged to the away team. Firstly Ash Jenkins fisted away a troubling ball from the wings by Callum Wright. Luke Heneghan continued the pressure for the away side. This time, Ash saved with his feet. Soon afterwards Dabattista attempted a speculative lob and it seemed almost inevitable that Northwood would score. Ashley Jenkins then made himself a hero with the next move of the half. A poor back pass saw Louis Bircham race for goal however a perfectly timed tackle some 25 yards out of the box saw the FC keeper perform a text book interception.

FC soaked up this pressure and with a classic sucker punch, took the lead. A free kick from the right hand side created panic in the away defence and Jordan Jenkins appeared at the back post to slam the ball home from close range. FC had just eight minutes to defend the lead however with two minutes to go, the referee awarded a penalty to even things up. It may possibly have been a push but for whatever reasons, it appeared very harsh. Joakin Ehui blasted the penalty home. Northwood could even have taken all the points but a great save by man of the match Ashley Jenkins from a powerful Dabattista volley ensured the points were shared.