Boreham Wood have been promoted to the National League after defeating Maidstone United in the National League South promotion final at a sellout Meadow Park.

Charles Clayden's terrific goal two minutes into the second half in front of 3,500 spectators separated the two sides and means The Wood return to the fifth tier of English football just over a year after suffering relegation.

During an even first half hour, Boreham Wood's Matt Rush missed a good chance to open the scoring when he failed to convert Jayden Richardson's cross.

Moments later at the other end, Maidstone defender George Fowler's powerful header was well kept out by Wood keeper Nathan Ashmore.

Two minutes after the restart Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik danced his way past a couple of challenges before slipping the ball through to Clayden, who curled a beautiful left-footed shot into the top corner to give the hosts a priceless lead.

The Stones responded and on the hour mark Fowler unleashed a powerful strike which flew just wide, but that was as close as George Elokobi's side came to equalising.