Boreham Wood manager Ian Allinson believes his side’s experience could prove crucial in the Conference South title race.

Wood climbed to within one point of leaders Bromley after their 1-0 victory at Wealdstone last weekend.

Bromley slipped to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Staines Town leaving the battle for automatic promotion to the Conference wide open.

Wood boss Allinson thinks the experience of some of his players, such as Ricky Shakes and Daryl McMahon, will be a major asset during the run-in as his side look to hold their nerve.

Allinson told the club website: “All I can say is that the players are listening and doing their jobs.

“The remainder of the season will be defined in three categories, nerve, discipline and quality.

“Luckily in my changing room I have a number of players who have been here before and they will be extremely important to us now as they assist the younger members of the squad who have never experienced such situations.”

The title challengers picked up another precious three points after victory over the Stones at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.

Wood dominated the first half and went close to opening the scoring on several occasions. Jefferson Louis fired in shot which was saved by James Russell before Junior Morias sent an overhead kick over the bar.

The visitors came even closer to taking the lead through McMahon but his 30-yard free-kick was kept out by an athletic save from goalkeeper Jonathan North.

The Stones replied and Matt Ball’s volley was heading into the net until Russell’s impressive save.

Lee Angol thought he had opened the scoring but his effort was cleared off the line by Watford loanee Luke O’Nien.

But Wood struck with the final action of the half when Ben Herd’s free-kick was headed across goal by Josh Hill and Shakes headed in.

Wealdstone had more pressure in the second period but found it very difficult to break down the resolute Wood defence.

Ball fired a shot over the bar but Russell was largely untroubled as the visitors came away with a vital victory.

Allinson’s side return to Meadow Park this weekend to host play-off contenders Hemel Hempstead Town.

The visitors are just two points off the top-five after a run of one defeat in their last 11 league matches.

But Wood will be hoping to complete the double over the Tudors after thrashing them 6-0 back in August.

It will be a rehearsal for next month’s Herts Senior Challenge Cup final between the sides on Tuesday, April 14 in Letchworth.

Allinson is well aware of their attacking threat with Jordan Parkes having scored 21 goals this season.

He said: “Without a shadow of a doubt both sides have it all to play for. They possess some very good players and score lots of goals.

“Of course we have set our target for the last five games of the season but you can only take them one at a time.

“Of course we can only affect things in the table by our own performances and will be judged on that alone come April 25.”