Northwood last visited Wodson Park five years previously to the day and suffered a 4-1 defeat. A look at the league table might have encouraged Ware fans into an expectation of another three points but the visitors had other ideas. They were strong in defence, robust at times, and quick on the break. This was enough to give them a slight edge in the first half towards the end of which they took the lead with what proved to be the only goal of the game.

A Northwood corner was played short to Troy Perez-Duah which drew two defenders away from the penalty area. Perez-Duah had to time to lay the ball back to Kelechi Etienne who was lurking outside the penalty area without a Ware player near him. Etienne took one touch to steady himself before delivering the ball through a largely static Ware defence and into the net off the inside of Fred Burbidge’s left hand post.

Paul Halsey’s response was uncharacteristically muted. His after match comment that he was disappointed with the way the game had gone was perhaps already taking shape in his mind. Ware’s current difficulty in finding the net is enough to infect even the most optimistic supporter once their team goes behind.

Certainly, Ware had struggled to open up the Northwood defence in the first half with a team once again altered from the previous game. Max Granville was suspended, Stef Georgiou still injured and Tom Kay, after Tuesday’s concussion is well advised to follow the FA’s recommended three week period away from an actual game.

On the plus side Sam Mayuma returned after the death of his father and had a good game; Jack Dreyer has become a significant presence in midfield; and David Sota consummate at left back. One of his tackles in the second half saved what looked like a certain goal.

Lack of a settled side may be a problem yet all would surely be better with another striker to complement the work put in by Jon Clements.

The second half was an illustration of this as Ware’s pressure mounted on the Northwood defence. Plenty of crosses came in but were hustled away by defenders or plucked out of the air by Hafed Al Droubi the visiting keeper. That or goal attempts were too weak or sent wide. One cross did almost bring a goal but Dreyer’s close range header still ended with Al Droubi’s gloves clamped on the ball.

Ware’s best attempt came when Johnny Allotey brought the ball in from the right and across the edge of the penalty area. His fierce shot was on target but somehow Al Droubi got across to it and made a one handed save at the expense on a corner. From this Clements' header went wide.

Very late in the game Ware went to three at the back, sacrificing Josh Okotchato to bring on Ike Okwusogu. The added firepower was all on paper however and whilst Ware’s approach work was gaining them plenty of territory there was little sense of an equaliser being the likely result even with five minutes of added time at their disposal.

Halsey is looking for someone to make the difference and is likely to make an approach this week. The problem is that while a team struggles on the field, they become a less attractive proposition to potential recruits. It may be some time before there is light at the end of this particular tunnel.

Ware: Fred Burbidge, Josh Okotcha (Ike Okwusogu 88mins), David Sota, Jack Dreyer, Mackye Townsend-West, Jay Rolfe, Johnny Allotey (Gabriel Chapps 83mins), Freddy Moncur, John Clements, Sam Mayuma, Joe Dearman. Unused subs: Ben Siggers, Isaac Evans, Exauce Kifwasima.