Met Line Derby Ends In Away Win - Chesham United vs. Northwood

Summer at The Meadow

This weekend I made which must be one of the longest possible journeys on the tube as I travelled from Colliers Wood all the way to Chesham for the FA Cup tie between Chesham United and Northwood. This was Chesham's first game in this years competition while Northwood defeated Aylesbury United of the Spartan south Midlands League 5-2 in the previous round. In the league, Chesham were close to the summit of the Southern League Premier Division but the visitors were having a less consistent start to the season. I'd visited Northwood Park during the 2008-09 season for a Ryman League match against Wingate and Finchley. 

Main stand at The Meadow

Chesham buoyed a midweek 3-0 victory. start the stronger and dominate the opening half hour. They come close to taking the lead when a header from a corner hits the bar. A couple of times they get right behind the defence but fail to make them pay. As the half goes on Northwood come in to the game and their pacey forwards cause problems for the Chesham defenders. They also come close to taking the lead but an effort from a corner is cleared off the line. Chesham begin to get back on top for the remainder of the half but there are no further chances. 

A Northwood corner in the second half.

Chesham again dominate the start of the second half, having a lot of the ball but not really creating any clear cut chances. They again hit the post from close range and are made to pay in the closing stages of the game. The away side who have been looking dangerous on the break win a penalty when the forward is fouled in the penalty area. The penalty is converted and the home side look stunned. They try and push for an equaliser but the visitors comfortably see out the rest of the match.

Covered standing down one side of the pitch.

Chesham is a pleasant market town which is worth having a look around. Before the game I went to The Misty Moon which was fairly decent and there are plenty of pubs on the walk to the ground. As I said earlier, Chesham is at the very top of the Metropolitan Line and trains depart from Baker Street every half hour and the journey takes about 45 minutes. The walk to the ground from the station takes about fifteen minutes. The clubhouse is quite large and you can watch the game from inside.

Another view of the stand and terracing in front of the clubhouse.