GOAL ACE CHARLES IS THE KING FOR A DAY

A STUNNING second-half strike from Charles Clayden ensured Boreham Wood returned to the National League at the first time of asking, at the expense of George Elokobi’s dogged Maidstone United.

- Brett Lewis

Midfield ace Clayden curled in a brilliant effort past Stones keeper Alexis Andre Jnr two minutes into the second half to delight the majority of a capacity crowd at Meadow Park.

Clayden’s winner lit up a rather cagey affair of very few chances, although Luke Garrard’s side, fresh from their stunning comeback victory over Dorking Wanderers in the Eliminators and hard-fought semi-final success at Eastbourne Borough, once again proved difficult to break down.

Maidstone had won twice of the road - at Worthing and Torquay - to reach this final of the fifth and seventh-place finishers and arguably enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.

Riley Court saw a deflected effort saved by Nathan Ashmore before Bivesh Gurung also tested the keeper from 25 yards out.