A MATCH that appeared to be drifting towards a goalless draw exploded into life in the final minutes, with Northwood edging a tight derby.

Northwood, who missed a first half penalty, were grateful that AFC failed to make the most of a dominant second half and the hosts cashed in with a piece of good fortune four minutes from time.

An attempted clearance by Hayes defender Baboucarr Jarra cannoned into Jon-Jo Bates and sat up invitingly. Although the Northwood midfielder's shot cannoned back off the inside of a post, sub Oliver Sprague was on hand to put home the rebound.

And as the game moved into the final minutes, Hayes failed to deal with another attack and Bates volleyed a looping shot spectacularly over keeper Ben Goode.

That was rough on Hayes, who must have felt they had done enough to make amends for last season's 11 goals conceded in two league defeats to Northwood.

They did finally grab a goal deep into injury time when Lucas Williams turned in a left wing cross from Tashan Jordan, but it was too little too late.

Northwood should have gone ahead midway through the first half when ref Tim Donnellan awarded a soft penalty for a shove on Joakim Ehui, but Ryan Phillips sent his spot-kick wide.

The second half was characterised by a lot of Hayes pressure, but wayward finishing.

Charlie Goode stabbed over from close range. Steve Loveridge and Mitch Gough also cleared the bar when keeper Jake Knight should have been tested. They were misses that came back to haunt the visitors.