Boreham Wood boss Ian Allinson believes tomorrow’s promotion battle at home to Whitehawk could shape the fate of both sides this season.

Wood are second in the Conference South table and one point behind leaders Bromley while Whitehawk are fourth but only five points beneath their opponents with a game in hand.

Allinson’s side suffered an emphatic 3-0 defeat at Whitehawk at the start of last month which knocked them off the top of the table.

That victory has led to an impressive run of form from Whitehawk, who have won 13 points from their last five games, heading into this weekend’s vital match.

Allinson told the club website: “We know it will be a very tough game against one of the best sides we have seen this season.

“That said we simply did not turn up at their place and they did a superb job in making us look poor.”

The Wood manager continued: “We need to be strong and positive in a game that could seriously shape the fate of both sides come the end of April.

“We are one point off the top spot and we know that Bromley have games in hand, but this tie is all about us and how we perform on the day.”

Wood boosted their title hopes last weekend after a 1-0 victory at Maidenhead United on a day when the other teams in the top eight failed to win.

Allinson said: “I was really pleased the way we went about our business. We kept our shape well and created the better chances.

“We defended well especially in the second half and James Russell made two very important saves. We had to dig deep and we did not play particularly well but the pitch and the wind was a great leveller and it was tough for both sides out there today.”

The visitors dominated the first half but almost fell behind in the opening minutes when Tyrell Miller-Rodney’s volley was kept out by Russell’s save.

Wood were in charge after this early effort but were wayward with their finishing as Daryl McMahon blasted over and Callum Reynolds headed wide.

Home goalkeeper Ashley Timms was called into action twice in quick succession to keep out powerful strikes from McMahon.

The promotion challengers went close at the start of the second half when Ricky Shakes set up McMahon but he missed the target.

Maidenhead were second best but still offered an occasional threat and Russell had to be alert to keep out an effort from Miller-Rodney.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, the visitors made a significant change with Junior Morias replacing Charlie Walker.

Substitute Morias raced through on goal and his shot was parried by Timms but Shakes pounced to fire home the rebound with just eight minutes left.

The visitors had one late scare when Dave Tarpey almost scored but Russell saved his shot to ensure the side claimed maximum points.

Wood are also through to the final of the Herts Senior Challenge Cup after a 2-0 home win over St Albans City on Tuesday.

The victory has earned the holders a game against Hemel Hempstead Town in the final at Letchworth’s County Ground next month.

Allinson said: “I was pleased with our overall performance but felt we could have finished the game off earlier.

“Playing two games in four days was important for the sharpness of the players and we now have a cup final to look forward to.

“It was important to get through and winning at home for the first time in four matches is a useful springboard going into a massive game against Whitehawk.”

The hosts dominated the tie at Meadow Park against a side struggling for form and could have easily won by a greater margin.

Matty Whichelow had the first chance for Wood but his strike was kept out by an excellent save from goalkeeper Joe Welch.

But the opening goal arrived after 16 minutes when Whichelow’s cross was headed home by Reynolds.

Welch prevented Wood from extending the lead with a series of saves, keeping out efforts from Walker and Graeme Montgomery.

The home side’s pressure was rewarded with a deserved second nine minutes after the break. Morias played the ball into the path of Whichelow and he tucked his effort into the corner of the net.

The Saints were well beaten although Lee Chappell had a late effort which struck the crossbar.

Wood will hope to retain the trophy following last season’s triumph when they defeated Bishops Stortford in the final on penalties.