Northwood finally laid the ghost to rest as they celebrated their first home league win since September by overcoming third-placed Marlow 1-0 on Saturday.

Josh Helmore scored the only goal early in the second half to give Woods their fifth victory in eight games and lift them further away from the Isthmian League South Central relegation zone.

There were a couple of changes to the team which won at Basingstoke the previous Saturday, Dan Hosier back between the uprights in place of the unavailable Daniel Purdue while Ryan Young returned to the starting line-up in the absence of Kyal Williams.

The home side were quickly into their stride with Sam Jenkins making an impression down the right flank, creating an opportunity for Helmore which was deflected wide before shooting narrowly over after another strong foray forward.

Having had to do some defending in the early stages, Marlow began to find their range. Hosier saved well from Khalid Simmo while Kameron English sent over a cross shot which was cleared by Jenkins.

Woods continued to threaten with their swift incisive play, Sydney Ibie working himself into good position before he was crowded out while Jenkins went on another strong run which resulted in a corner.

The Blues reminded Northwood of the threat they offered with a strong finish to the opening period, English combing well with Nnamdi Nwachuku before lifting his shot over while Hosier produced a fine double save to keep out the latter and Keagan Cole was on hand to make a timely block.

Marlow came at Woods immediately after the restart, Nwachaka being foiled by Hosier after a defence-splitting ball. But it was Northwood who broke the deadlock on 53 minutes, Andy Lomas feeding Helmore who showed great strength and composure before picking his spot beyond visiting keeper Aaron Atkins.

The home side refused to sit on their one goal advantage and the effervescent Teddy Stacey produced another surge from midfield before threading the ball through to Ibie whose low shot was saved by Watkins.

Hosier was called into action again as he gathered another attempt from English. But play switched to the other end as Woods won a free-kick just outside the box after Ibie was impeded – substitute Micah Jackson seeing his curling effort diverted onto the post by the fingertips of Watkins.

Northwood were able to see out the remainder of the game largely untroubled as they displayed good game management to make sure of the points.