Substitutions proved the key to this victory as the Woods recovered from being a goal down at half-time to ultimately notch an emphatic victory from a fast-paced and entertaining local derby fixture. Both sides had enjoyed successful weekend results and were looking to build on that, with Gary Meakin naming an unchanged starting line-up and though they started brightly, it was the home side that notched the early efforts on goal.

Former Woods striker Kevin Chakaodza tried his luck from distance but was off target, while Terry Smith had his shot saved by Antony Russell. Despite finding plenty of space, the Woods were unable to penetrate the Hayes defence, and a deep free-kick from the home side almost caused trouble but Tom Duffy’s header lacked power.

AFC Hayes got lucky after 26 minutes when a forward pass hit Chakaodza as he made his run and somehow the ball ricocheted straight into his path and sent him in on goal. There was no luck about the finish, though, as he planted his shot past Russell and into the corner to give the home side the lead. The game continued at a frenetic pace, though, and in the final ten minutes of the half, the Woods began to dominate things.

James McCluskey hit a low shot straight at goalkeeper Simon Grant and then Oliver Hawkins flicked a Liam Hind cross goalwards but was ruled offside. After 42 minutes, Romaine Walker had similar luck to the home goalscorer as a through-ball bounced kindly into his path but his finishing was not as good as Grant dived to push his shot away and McCluskey was unable to turn in the loose ball. Then, seconds before the break, another good ball in by Hind saw Hawkins rise unchallenged. He should probably have gone for goal but instead headed down to Craig White, and the midfielder never got over the ball as his volley sailed above the crossbar.

There was a half-time change with Aaron Lansiquot brought on to replace Garry Senior, and there was an early chance to equalise as a long-ball from Junior Osborne saw a poor defensive header let Walker through on goal, but he slipped over as he went for goal and the chance was gone. The home side still looked dangerous on the break, and a rare stray pass from Osborne set Romaric Logon in on goal but his effort was well saved by Russell and it was mainly Northwood who were doing the main attacking work.

After 56 minutes the impressive McCluskey found space and released Lansiquot, and he hit the target but without the power to beat Grant in goal. Two minutes later an excellent passing move involving White and Lansiquot sent Walker in on goal, but an offside flag denied the youngster just as he appeared to have levelled the scores.

Further substitutions were made, with Jonathan Constant replacing Walker and then Hawkins making way for Ben Alexander after 65 minutes. Just two minutes later, the Woods were level as Lansiquot burst through onto a ball into the box with a good touch. He went for goal and although Grant got a hand to it and pushed the ball up, he couldn’t keep it out and the ball dropped under the crossbar.

Only two minutes later, the turnaround was complete with Alexander cleverly helping a ball on just outside the box and fellow substitute Constant stole in to fire home his first Northwood goal. The home side rallied well, with Trevor Charlery denied by an excellent block from Wayne O’Sullivan, while Logon used his pace to get down the right and his angled shot skimmed the bar.

At the other end, as the Woods looked to close the game out, Lansiquot chipped wide with one effort and then Alexander met an O’Sullivan chip with a first-time volley that also flashed wide. Time was running out for Hayes, and they were restricted to just one further effort on goal as Charlie Defty stole in round the back to meet a deep cross with a header but he was unable to hit the target.

Three minutes into stoppage-time, the Woods finally wrapped it up as Constant cut in from the left and rifled in an unstoppable shot – but there was still more to come. A mazy run from O’Sullivan saw him ride a succession of challenges, before finally being tripped just outside the box. Constant demanded the chance to take the free-kick and blasted a low shot at the wall which deflected off a foot, but still nestled in the far corner as the substitute celebrated his surprise hat-trick.

With back-to-back wins helping the recovery after starting the season with two defeats, it sets up Saturday’s home game against unexpected league leaders Bedworth United. Their future opponents maintained their 100% record on Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory away at title-favourites St. Neots.

Report by ALAN EVANS