Confidence shines through (07.02.04)

THE Magpies showed-off their new-found confidence, and three new signings, during an enjoyable victory at York Road over Premier Division rivals Northwood on Saturday.
The home side were always the better unit, and had the composure and assurance to put away enough of the many chances they created to snuff out a depleted Northwood team.
It was also a case of old versus new as the visitors lined-up with former Magpies Luke Evans, Chris Elsegood and Mark Nicholls in their side, while United included new boys Rory Jenkins, Joe Flack and Andrew Dugdale in their squad.
The opening 20 minutes saw neither side on top with Jenkins for the Magpies and Gary Meakin for Northwood both enjoy half-chances before the first goal finally came.
A weavy run into the box by Mark Boyce saw him blatantly felled, and Brendan Gallen made no mistake with the spot-kick.
With central defender Evans leaving the field with a head injury, Northwood had constant problems with aerial balls into the danger area and they always looked vulnerable as the hosts grew in stature.
Yaku had a decent effort deflected away and Steve Hale then blasted over the bar from six yards following a corner which was well won in the air by Craig Farley.
Yet it was Northwood who came closest to scoring on 33 minutes when Alistair Heselton first headed against the underside of the bar only for the ball to drop down on to the line, and then toe-poked the rebound over.
This double miss was to prove crucial as two minutes later the Magpies had doubled their advantage.
A Gallen free-kick was won in the air by the diminutive Ryan Ashe, who steered his header to the unmarked Yaku who smashed his volley past the flailing Rob Bullivant in the visitors’ goal.
Hale and Farley had further efforts blocked, and Ashe headed over as the Magpies went into the break on the front foot.
The points were sealed two minutes into the new half when a route-one move from a deep Phil Wilson kick, saw man of the match Yaku set up Farley who casually chipped the out-of-position keeper, on the angle, from 25 yards.
Northwood were becoming more flustered with every passing minute and it was not surprising that four yellow cards were brandished culminating in the dismissal of Rene Street on 77 minutes for an off-the-ball incident.
A good run and left-foot shot from Nicholls 12 minutes earlier had briefly given Northwood something to fight for, but they rarely threatened despite the contest becoming very stretched.
It was United who should have extended their lead but Hale saw his effort headed off the line, while substitute and debutant Flack volleyed over the bar with his very first touch in United’s colours.
Ultimately this was an enjoyable and enterprising display from the home team against a battling but below average Northwood side.

Picture: BATTLER: Craig Farley twists and turns during United’s win at York Road on Saturday. Ref:84415/8