Battling Northwood slipped to a second home defeat in four days as unbeaten Basingstoke Town claimed the points with a single goal win in monsoon conditions at the Fenton Civil Engineering Stadium.

There was one change from the team which started in the 3-2 weekend defeat against Sutton Common Rovers with Farnborough loanee CJ Fearn coming into the midfield with Declan Nche reverting to the bench.

Despite the sweeping rain, the hosts were quickly into their stride as Shakeel Morris had an early shot saved by Paul Strudley before the latter turned away Ismael Ehui’s free-kick with the faintest of touches.

Having been on the defensive in the opening minutes, Basingstoke began to show their attacking credentials – Brad Wilson going close on a couple of occasions, D’Andre Brown tried his luck from distance before Conor Lynch headed narrowly over.

Woods withstood the pressure, maintaining a solid shape which was underpinned by the three-man central defensive unit and the added protection of Fearn in front of them. And this provided a platform for the home side to ask further questions going forward as Morris was ushered off the ball in the box amid appeals for a possible infringement before the same player was set up beautifully by Fearn, but Strudley got down well to keep out the low shot.

Both sides continued to make light of the unrelenting wind and rain and there were chances at either end before the close of an entertaining half – Fearn making a block to divert Lynch’s goalward shot before Strudley was quickly off his line to deny Morris as he looked to latch onto Leo Decabo’s through-ball.

Having more than matched their opponents in the opening period, it was disappointing for Woods to concede so early after the restart, James Gurteen misjudging an attempted interception affording Ben Cook the opportunity to send over a pinpoint cross which was met on the volley by Lynch to but the Dragons ahead on 50 minutes.

Buoyed by the goal, Basingstoke went close to adding a second as Northwood conceded possession in a dangerous position, Wilson not far away with a curling shot which cleared the far upright.

Woods proceeded to enjoy plenty of possession but the final ball was lacking the necessary quality to beat a well-drilled defensive unit who are well versed in keeping clean sheets.

While there were lots of positives to take away from the game, Woods know they need to start getting points on the board as they contemplate a weekend trip to the Channel Islands and the club’s first visit to Guernsey.