National League roundup: Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe United through to the semi-finals

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Scunthorpe United will meet Rochdale in the semi-finals of the National League play-offs after defeating Southend United, while Boreham Wood saw off Forest Green Rovers to set up a clash with Carlisle United.

The Iron came through their eliminator thanks to an early strike from Callum Roberts, booking a meeting with a Rochdale side still reeling from missing out on promotion after one of the most extraordinary title races in football history.

Extra time was required between Forest Green and Boreham Wood, with Zak Brunt firing the hosts to victory and into a semi-final showdown with Carlisle.

Here’s a full roundup of the midweek eliminator action.

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National League

Boreham Wood 1-0 Forest Green Rovers (AET)

After an action-packed but goalless 90 minutes, during which Forest Green relied on the excellence of goalkeeper Harry Isted, Brunt produced a first-time finish from 12 yards deep in the first period of added time at Meadow Park.

Boreham Wood had the ball in the net after just eight minutes when Chris Bush fired home, only to see the goal disallowed for what appeared to be a coming together between two Forest Green players.

Matt Rush saw the first of several good chances tipped wide on a night of missed opportunities for the 26-goal striker.

Robbie Savage’s side were also wasteful, Tre Pemberton heading wide with the goal waiting.

Isted kept the visitors alive with a brilliant save from Abdul Abdulmalik’s deflected effort and later added another outstanding contribution when he touched James Clarke’s goalbound strike against the crossbar.

But Abdulmalik burrowed down the left and cut across for Brunt, whose instinctive strike settled the result and set up a semi-final against Carlisle at Brunton Park.

Scunthorpe United 1-0 Southend United

Roberts’ fifth-minute strike was all that separated the rivals, who finished the regular season only one point apart in the table.

Daniel Whitehall secured possession in Southend’s half and supplied Roberts, whose left-footed shot found the bottom corner after he had dashed into the area.

Roberts’ 20th goal of the season was enough to set up a last-four appointment with Rochdale on Sunday.

The Shrimpers’ league campaign ended with Harry Taylor being sent off for a second bookable offence eight minutes into injury time.

Southend will have a trip to Wembley to look forward to still, as they prepare to pick themselves up for the upcoming Isuzu FA Trophy final against fellow National League rivals Wealdstone on Non-League Finals Day in May.

National League North

At Step 2, there was no shortage of play-off drama as Macclesfield left it late to seal victory against Chester.

Josh Kay had earlier cancelled out Connor Woods’ opener for the visitors, setting up a grandstand finish.

With the scores level, Luke Duffy’s corner deep into stoppage time caught out the Chester goalkeeper and found its way into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations at the Leasing.com Stadium.

In the other National League North eliminator, Buxton ran out 4-2 winners over Scarborough Athletic.

Goals from Luke Brennan and Ashton Mee, alongside a brace from Cian Coleman, proved enough to send the Bucks through.

Macclesfield will now travel to face Kidderminster Harriers, while Buxton take on South Shields this Saturday.

National League South

In the National League South, Weston-super-Mare edged past Hemel Hempstead Town 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

The Seagulls looked set to progress in normal time when Louis Britton fired them ahead, but Joe White struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to force extra time.

With nothing to separate the sides after a further 30 minutes, the tie went to penalties.

However, White’s night took a cruel turn as he missed from the spot, along with Louis Lomas, allowing Daniel Martin to convert the decisive penalty and send Weston through.

Elsewhere, Dorking Wanderers enjoyed a more straightforward evening, with two first-half goals seeing off Maidenhead United.

Alfie Rutherford opened the scoring before teenager Harry Sidwell added a stunning second to wrap up the win.

Dorking will now face Torquay United, while Weston-super-Mare take on Hornchurch on Saturday.

Fixtures

Saturday, May 2

National League North

Kidderminster Harriers vs Macclesfield (12:30pm)
South Shields vs Buxton (4:00pm)

National League South

Torquay United vs Dorking Wanderers (12:30pm)
Hornchurch vs Weston-super-Mare (4:00pm)

Sunday, May 3

National League

Carlisle United vs Boreham Wood (12:30pm)
Rochdale vs Scunthorpe United (4:00pm)

Click HERE to watch every National League fixture, live or on demand, via DAZN

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