The Woods travelled to Burnham for their last pre-season run-out, looking to regain their form after the midweek reverse against Harrow Borough.

Two players came into the starting line-up for the first time, with striker Adam Cornell - dual-registered with Hayes & Yeading United - and defender Jazz Rose looking to strengthen the back-line. Both impressed and manager Colin Payne will be hoping they can be available for the opening day’s fixture against Canvey Island.

Northwood got off to a great start as Elliott Buchanan raced into a good position and his cross was steered in by Burnham defender Jeff Brown to give the Woods a fifth minute lead.

The home side came back strongly and goalkeeper Ashley Harris made two good saves in quick succession to keep the Woods in front.

After 27 minutes, the hard-working Cornell created his first chance for himself, turning his marker and then stabbing a left-foot strike just wide of the post, while Chris Mills got forward well but then crashed a shot miles over the bar.

It had been an inconsistent first-half, but the side looked more fluent after the break with Elliott Buchanan linking up well with Cornell. An exchange of passes between the two saw Buchanan burst into the box but his shot whistled just over the bar. Then Danny Murphy knocked in a good cross which saw Cornell head wide of the target.

Sam Hurrell replaced Murphy on the hour and within two minutes his backpass to Harris led to the ‘keeper inexplicably missing his clearance completely and the ball rolled on to Usif Bangura who was able to knock the ball into an empty net.

Thankfully, Northwood reacted quickly and decisively when John Lawford flicked on a chip forward, and Adam Cornell took the ball in his stride before lashing home with a confident finish.

The usual substitutions took place in the final twenty minutes and the Woods never looked likely to surrender the lead with Rose holding the back-line together well and forming a good partnership with Bradley Hewitt.

Cornell turned provider on 72 minutes when he played Jerome Hall in down the right flank. He cut in and unleashed a powerful shot but again it was just too high.

The final chance fell to Cornell again as he raced onto a through-ball but this time he saw his shot blocked by the home ‘keeper and the rebound ricochet off a retreating defender just wide for a corner.