The visitors arrived looking to preserve their unbeaten away record – but were immediately put under pressure.
WGC took the lead just two minutes in, when Adam Pollock – making a return to the starting line-up – delivered a cross that was only half cleared. Bailey Stevenson seized on the loose ball, driving a low shot past Northwood keeper Hafed Al-Droubi to make it 1–0.
WGC fight back to claim hard-fought draw with Northwood (Image: Supplied)
However, the lead was short-lived. Northwood responded instantly, forcing a corner from which central defender Gabriel Cuthbert was left unmarked to head home the equaliser.
The frantic start continued, with WGC’s Steve Cawley testing Al-Droubi with a close-range header, before new signing Nick Ralfe delivered a promising cross that set up Stevenson for another chance – again saved by the keeper.
Northwood took the lead before the break, capitalising on a defensive lapse that allowed Dan Williams space to fire past WGC keeper Donny Green to make it 2–1.
WGC fight back to earn draw (Image: Supplied)
WGC nearly drew level again before half-time, but Aiden Read’s header hit the underside of the bar and was cleared off the line.
The second half began with drama, as both sides were reduced to 10 men. Northwood captain Manny Folarin was shown a straight red card shortly after the restart, and WGC substitute Carlos Velasco – who had only just replaced Charlie McDonald – was dismissed minutes later for a challenge on Omar Rowe.
As the half wore on, WGC began to regain momentum. Lewis Taaffe set up Ralfe, whose low shot failed to trouble Al-Droubi, but the introduction of Ethan Rookard added fresh energy to the attack.
Welwyn Garden City and Northwood drew 2–2 (Image: Supplied)
Rookard’s cross eventually led to the equaliser, with Taaffe striking from the edge of the area to level the score at 2–2.
Both teams had late chances to win it. Stevenson was denied twice in a goalmouth scramble, while Northwood’s Carl Stewart fired over from close range at the other end.
In the end, the points were shared in an evenly matched and fiercely contested game.
Comments are closed.