Jason Cadden's side toiled ineffectively for long periods at sunny Byfield Road, but managed to see off a game but limited home side.

The result kept up the pressure on Division One Midlands leaders Evesham, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Barton Rovers.

Brakes had to come from behind after a scoreless first half, although top scorer Ben Mackey might have killed off the contest inside the first five minutes.

A slip from defender Chris Jackson set Brakes' top scorer free with only keeper David Thornton to beat. Mackey had time for a second touch, but only managed to hit the post despite taking careful aim.

Woodford have had to rebuild since their budget was slashed. Of Saturday's starting XI only captain Ross Harris and Anthony Powell played in the reverse fixture at the New Windmill in November.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, their young line-up showed almost no attacking ambition.

Brakes weren't doing much better, although Mackey forced Thornton to make a diving save and Martin Thompson gave the keeper a fright when he charged down a goal kick.

Carl Standen shook things up inside three second-half minutes, calmly finishing past Richard Morris into the corner of the net as the Brakes defence stood still.

Marcus Jackson restored some sanity to proceedings, scoring a solo equaliser after seizing the ball and running on from the left to fire past Thornton on 53 minutes.

Still Brakes looked less than convincing, although Mackey put them in front with a 75th minute penalty - his 22nd Southern League goal of the season - after the linesman spotted an illegal attempt to impede his progress.

Woodford's luck seemed to have run out. The impression was confirmed with five minutes left when sharp-looking substitute Shay Morgan caused panic with a header and defender Powell put the ball into his own net from a Jamie Towers free kick.

Woodford travel to leaders Evesham on Saturday, while Brakes take on Aylesbury United at the New Windmill.

A win for Evesham - likely on this evidence - will clinch the championship for the Robins.

Brakes: Richard Morris, Jamie Towers, Arron Parkinson (capt], Guy Sanders, Martin Hier, Marcus Jackson, Scott Hadland, Ben Mackey, Jusitn Marsden (Glen Webb 87), Martin Thompson (Shay Morgan 65). Subs not used: Adam Cooper, Craig Dutton, Liam Reynolds. Att 428.