DIVISION ONE NORTH East Thurrock United 1 Northwood 0

A TALE of two penalties at Rookery Hill ended with Northwood suffering their first league defeat in three-anda-half months.

East Thurrock United's Kris Newby made the most of a fortuitous first half penalty award while Rob Ursell was unable to match him as his spot kick was saved by Rocks keeper Richard Wray.

Despite the defeat Northwood remained in fourth place with a five-point cushion over Concord Rangers in sixth.

The Woods were forced into a late change when Ryan Tackley suffered a calf injury in the warm-up, Lee Holland stepping into the breach at right-back with Danny Power switching to the left. Fluent football was at a premium early on with the game not helped by the referee.

Northwood had to do most of the defending against second-placed Thurrock, who tested the visitors with a series of set pieces from which Max Cornhill was afforded a couple of free headers but he was unable to beat Mitch Swain.

Anthony Page was not far away with a header as he latched on to Power's long throw but in general Dave Anderson's side was struggling to make much of an impact.

The game's pivotal moment arrived in the second minute of first half stoppage time when Michael Peacock was adjudged to have tripped Martin Tuohy and Newby made no mistake from the penalty spot.

After the break Woods continued to struggle against physically stronger opponents and Swain had to be quickly off his line to smother in front of Kurt Smith, who also shot wide after getting beyond the Northwood defence. Hugo Figueiredo replaced Solomon Henry on the hour and he drew a save out of Wray as North-wood finally began to threaten and they were thrown a lifeline with 16 minutes to go when Eliott Gresham handled in the box, but Wray guessed correct and dived to his left to save Ursell's attempt.

The returning Dwain Williams replaced Holland as Woods continued to look for an equaliser but they never again looked like breaking down the Rocks, with a Page header which failed to trouble Wray being their best effort. East Thurrock almost added a second in added time but Peacock backtracked to make a desperate goal-line clearance after Tuohy lifted the ball beyond Swain.

NORTHWOOD: Swain, Power, Holland (Figueiredo), Burgess, Peacock, Hewitt, Christian, Page, Ursell, Henry (Williams), Burrell. Subs not used: Pearce, Tackley. Goals, United: Newby 45+2 (pen). Woods: None. Attendance: 189. [25a0] Woods fans are urged to come and support former favourites when the club takes on Metropolitan Police in the Isthmian Vets Cup at Chestnut Avenue tonight (Wednesday, 7.30pm).

The Woods are spearheaded by Hillingdon Borough manager Steve Hale and Martin Randall, others include Gary Williams, Dave Nolan, Garfield Blackman, Andy Edey, Paul Rogan, Steve Payton, Paul Ripley, Terry Hall and goalkeeper Kenny Lavender. Admission is free.