The win sets up an all or nothing promotion clash with Valentine this weekend.

The Magpies headed to Howe Park knowing anything less than the three points would severely dent their National Premier League aspirations and flew out of the blocks with four goals in the first half.

Luke Lawless, Harry Maguire, Chris Broadley and Wood all found the net before the hosts grabbed a late consolation.

Wood signed with the club a fortnight ago but had to serve a suspension from when he was sent off for Edgeworth in their semi-final loss to Weston at the end of last season.

The 30-year-old was widely regarded as one of the best strikers in northern NSW after stints with Broadmeadow, Edgeworth and the Newcastle Jets and his capture represents a huge coup for the Magpies.

Maitland captain Benn Kelly said having Wood on board for the Magpies end of season charge was a huge boost.

“I’ve played against him in the State League before and I know how good he is,” he said.

“It’s massive for us, he’s not training with us because he lives in Sydney but he was on fire on the weekend.

“He probably needs a few more touches but he looks ready to go.”

The goalkeeper said the opening 20 minutes was the best Maitland had played so far this campaign.

“We were pretty dominant,” he said.

“It was the best one and two touch football we’ve played.

“We scored all our goals in the first half and it was pretty good considering the blokes we had missing too.”

Maitland were without Matt Toohey, Murray Leyland and prolific striker Ben Martin but were never threatened by Singleton.

The win means Maitland will head into Sunday’s game against Valentine level on 48 points.

With only four rounds remaining and Valentine’s superior goal difference the game is a must win for the Magpies in their push for promotion to the NPL.

In other round 17 first division results, Thornton maintained their place in the top four with a 0-0 draw against Toronto Awaba, Valentine smashed Cessnock City 4-1 while Belmont Swansea accounted for West Wallsend 3-1.