This was just the result and the performance that Harold Wood needed, firstly to kick-start their promotion push and secondly to restore the team's confidence going into this Saturday's League Cup final against Rayleigh Town.

Wood started the game a little slowly which encouraged PLA to push forward and they were unlucky not to be in front when a headed effort from a corner was turned over by Wood goalkeeper Simon Wraig on the 15 minute mark.

This seemed to give Wood the spur that they needed and from that moment on dominated the game with both widemen Scott Marks and Micheal Ling causing problems with their pace down both flanks.

Even with constant pressure and a couple of goal-line clearances Wood had to wait until the 65th minute to take the lead.

It came via a free kick which was sweetly struck into the box by left full back Robbie Ford and met in the air by centre forward Steven Field who leapt well to flick his header past a stranded goalkeeper.

The second goal came with 10 minutes remaining to score the win which could have been wrapped up earlier if half chances by D. Gipp, M. Reeves and S. Field had been taken.

It was another set piece that got the second goal.

A deep corner was sent over by wide man Michael which was headed back by Tony Field into the path of Dave Gipp who smashed a volley into the roof of the net.

Everything is nicely set up now for Wood to concentrate on their Essex Intermediate Cup Final date this Saturday (ko 3pm) against Rayleigh Town which will take place at Heybridge Swifts F.C.

This is the first time Wood have reached such a final in their 70-year history.

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