For the third week running this was a game played out to the background of a blustery wind that on this occasion blew diagonally across and down the pitch. Neither side seemed able to master the conditions but Northwood certainly made the most of them in the first half leaving Ware happy enough to go in level at the break.

A defence that was missing Louis Rose with an upset stomach, an unavailable Dave Kendall and an injured Ben Crilley found it difficult to clear their lines. Balls for the wide men often went into touch allowing the home side to restart an attack from the throw in.

Yet Ware had the first real opportunity after six minutes when Pat Adamson laid the ball forward to Andre McCollin. He took it almost to the goal line before firing a cross towards Liam Hope who turned the ball towards the far post. For a moment it looked to be going in but Jamie Stephens' outstretched hands just grabbed it in time.

The chance failed to ignite Ware and it was the home side who pushed on from that moment. On ten minutes Radu Stefanoaica was just denied by Calum Kitscha as he pursued a ball into the six yard area before there were two more chances for Northwood in quick succession. Later a Luke Jones shot at the mid point of the half saw Kitscha doing well to claw it away from under his bar for a corner.

Ware did have their moments when first Albert Adu and later McCollin got the better of Ryan Phillips to put crosses into the Northwood area but they were not converted. Frustration got the better of them when first Leigh Rose received a clear two-handed push in the back that went unseen by any of the officials and then Romario Hart persisted in standing within ten yards to block free kicks with referee Mr Woolmer appearing to take a lenient attitude. It boiled over near the end of the half resulting in a yellow card for Tom Bruno.

There was more frustration four minutes into the second half when Northwood were awarded a penalty. Dan Rumens contested a ball in the Ware area and depending on your point of view either cleared the ball or tripped his opponent. Video evidence would suggest the former but after two minutes the issue was resolved in Northwood's favour and Hart put the spot kick away.

Ware did up their game after this but it needed the introduction of Alaa Oujdi on the left to inject some pace and incisive movement. In the circumstances it was ironic that it was Josh Williams on the right who initiated Ware's recovery. Dribbling into the penalty area he was tripped and went down for the second penalty of the game. Liam Hope stepped up to convert the kick and suddenly the belief that Ware could win the game became palpable on and off the field.

Three minutes later Adu's shot from the right seemed to be heading for Stephens' top corner until the keeper tipped it over the bar with a fine save. The relief was only temporary with Bruno's corner kick dropping into a ruck of players in the six yard area where Gareth Madden was first to it. His header into the ground saw the ball bounce up and find the back of the net with Stephens beaten. It was the captain's first league goal since his winner in the 2-1 defeat of Uxbridge last April. The wait was worth it and Ware were able to hold on for the rest of the game.

Meanwhile, if Mr Woolmer wants any consolation his performance was roundly criticised at the end by home supporters who presumably blamed him for their defeat. Clearly he couldn't satisfy anyone with the real lesson being the age-old one that teams should take their chances when they have them. Ware did not play like table toppers in this game but they did take their opportunities to score which is the next best thing.

Ware: Calum Kitscha, Macsen Fraser, Pat Adamson, Leigh Rose, Gareth Madden, Dan Rumens, Joshua Williams (Williams Danquah 81mins), Tom Bruno, Liam Hope, Andre McCollin (Alaa Oujdi 61mins), Albert Adu. Unused subs: Tommy Wade, Harry Watkins, Harrison Rookard.