Northwood boss Mark Burgess hit out at promotion rivals Dunstable this week over the transfer of Jerome Federico.

Winger Federico made a spectacular return to Woods’ colours with the first goal of the 3-0 Boxing Day derby victory over neighbours North Greenford, but Burgess was still smarting from Dunstable’s refusal to release him in time for last Saturday’s game between the two sides.

The seven-day approach had been agreed and according to Burgess the transfer should have taken place on the Friday before the game, but was held up, leaving Woods short of players for the vital clash which they subsequently lost 3-2.

Their rivals’ actions have clearly left a bad taste in the mouths of officials at Chestnut Avenue.

“We were a bit disappointed with Dunstable last week as we were struggling for players and they were supposed to release him to us but they would not do it.

“It left us short of players as I thought he was signed on and being away at their place we could not get another player up there in time.”

Federico demonstrated what might have been with a thunderous 25-yard strike to open the scoring against United.

Burgess knows Federico from of old, he having played alongside his twin brother James in their days at Hendon, and he is hopeful the return to familiar surroundings at Northwood will revive the speedster’s fortunes after an unsettled season so far.

“There were three or four clubs sniffing around him, but fair play to him he just wants to get back to where he was playing last season,” he said.

“He has had a mixed first half of the campaign where he has gone from one club to another club, but now he just wants to get his head down and finish the season here.

“Sometimes when a player goes from club to club their form drops, so hopefully having scored a goal he is happy with that and knowing all the boys he has fitted straight in.”

Yesterday’s win leaves Burgess and co still on the heels of the play-off race prior to tomorrow’s trip to fellow contenders Daventry.

A battle with Slough also looms on the horizon, but other than that the fixture list does not appear too taxing for Woods, leaving Burgess optimistic they can remain in contention, particularly with key players becoming available again after injury, suspension and other commitments.

However, he warned they must cut out the errors which cost them in defeat at Dunstable seven days ago if they are to sustain a challenge.

He added: “We have been short of players with four away, two injured, two suspended and because we haven’t got the money we haven’t got the squad.

“But we are still up there in the hunt and it is nice now with players coming back there is competition for places again.

“We have had a hard set of fixtures in recent weeks and come close to the top sides. We have made some silly mistakes which have cost us because when you play good sides they take their chances, but we are learning all the time.

“Hopefully we can get Daventry and Slough out of the way and try and have a good run in.”