Boreham Wood 4-1 Harrogate Town: Wood continue impressive start to the season

Golden Jay helps leaders to soar.

By Brett Lewis

TAKING THE BRUNT OF IT: Zak Brunt, hidden, takes the congratulations after his penalty put Boreham Wood in front

PICTURE: Leonie Citron

Imperious Boreham Wood came from behind to produce a statement victory over Harrogate Town and maintain their three-point lead at the top.

Difficult Game

Bailey Hobson handed the Sulphurites a shock ninth-minute lead before Tarryn Allarakhia and Zak Brunt turned the tables by half-time.

Impressive striker Jay Bird then added a third before a goal of the season contender from Ben Whitfield – a volley into the top left corner. Put the seal on victory.

Even though Wood had Regan Booty sent off 11 minutes from time.

Delighted Wood boss Luke Garrard told The NLP: “Despite the score, it was a difficult game for the most part.

“We went behind but seemed to score goals at the right time. I can’t ask for any more from my players.”

Match Action

Despite the leaders’ early control, it was the visitors who took the lead with the game’s first chance on nine minutes.

Allarakhia was dispossessed by Will McGowan and Hobson produced a lovely curling shot which gave Luca Gunter no chance in the Wood goal.

Wood, though, were level on 21 minutes when Brunt’s pass was deflected off Lewis Cass into the path of Allarakhia who finished well to atone for his earlier error.

Town, who started the game fifth in the table, wouldn’t lie down and were unlucky not to get a penalty. Chris Bush hauled down McGowan in the area but referee Dave Rock booked the Town player for diving.

Those Harrogate frustrations were compounded just before the break when Bird was upended in the penalty area.

Referee Rock did point to the spot this time and Brunt made no mistake from 12 yards.

Second Half

Wood kicked on after the break with Bird forcing an excellent save from Luke Hutchinson at his near post and, from the resulting corner.

Chris Bush headed the ball across to Bird who made no mistake at the far post with his head.

Ten minutes later, it was 4-1 when new signing Whitfield, who had only been only the field two minutes, rifled home his second Wood goal past a despairing Hutchinson.

But Garrard’s afternoon had one further twist. Booty was shown a straight red card by referee Rock on 79 minutes for a challenge on Ethan Bristow, but even so Wood saw the game out comfortably.

STAR MAN:Jay Bird (Boreham Wood)

ATTENDANCE:1,405

ENTERTAINMENT:★★★★

REFEREE: Dave Rock