Wealdstone 1 – 2 Boreham Wood
Wealdstone1 - 2
Boreham WoodWealdstone cannot buy a win at the moment. Another match that should have been well won was lost to poor goals from errors (and set pieces) in the dying moments of each half. I possibly don’t share the exuberance of the report from John Mead on the Boreham Wood website (below), but my view is probably clouded by four defeats in five games, all in similar circumstances. John’s report in full is below.
One day soon, these chances will all go in and Stones will run up a cricket score. For me – I’ll settle for 1 – 0 with a rebound off of the back of someone’s head in the 90th minute if it means a win.
Report by: John Mead An injury time winner secured maximum points in this titanic and controversial battle, the outcome of which may well prove significant come the end of the season. Wood were lucky to go in even at the break, after a stuttering performance in which a strong Wealdstone side, eager to make up for Saturdays last minute defeat at Yeading could easily have been three goals ahead. Yet a battling resurgence in the last half hour from Steve Brownes side won the tie, with Gary Dixons 92 minute winner coming after a controversial disallowed goal from Wealdstone, sparking a show of aggression from an element of the home sides fans at the final whistle. Dean Palmer played a huge role in the game, his height used to full capacity, both in front of the defence, and in attack in this largely aerial contest. With the Wood defence still defrosting, Tucker squared to Morgan after just 3 minutes, forcing Daniel Brathwaite to clear off the line. Fine distribution from Joe Baker and Sammy Winston allowed Palmer a shot, which was deflected for a corner inside the first ten minutes. Captain Richard Evans showed great vision from midfield when he released Winston who raced into the box, forcing keeper Godfrey to come off his line to block. A minute later Williams’ low 30 yard free kick through the wall called upon Drakes’ agility to dive full stretch on the line to keep honours even. Wayward passing from Wood and determination from the Stones forced Drake into action from a 30 yard Courtnage effort.
After 28 minutes James sent a long ball upfield which Winston and Amartiefio chased. Winston was subsequently brought down, with the Wealdstone man lucky to see only a yellow card. On 39 minutes Julienne lost his footing at a crucial shooting moment, then four minutes later a neat one two through the midfield involving Veli Hakki and Baker went array. Stones Carter seized the moment laying up for Jolly arriving on the right to skilfully lob Drake and his side into the lead. Wood were behind for just three minutes. Palmer was cluttered on a mazy run 35 yards out, well within Brathwaites range. The resultant low driven free kick took the merest of deflections from James en-route to the back of the net, and against the run of play, Wood went in on equal terms.
Stones pressure continued after the break, Jolly headed just wide at the near post, before Evans fed James on the overlap, drilling a left footed shot which was well saved at the near post. After 56 minutes defensive dallying allowed danger man Jolly a superb curling drive from the edge of the area, which Drake tipped to safety. Stones again went close when a cross come shot from Williams crashed off the post with Drake a mere spectator. Wood finally got some purchase on proceedings when on 65 minutes the influential Evans sent Winston through on goal. He curled his effort past keeper Godfrey, only to be denied by the woodwork.
Minutes later Stuart Reeks’ central ball allowed Hakki in with only the custodian to beat. With Godfrey well off his line, Hakki’s effort bobbled despairingly wide of the target. With the excitement mounting Baker ran down the left wing on 73 minutes, squaring for James whose superb left footed volley crashed against the post.
Four minutes later a free kick from the left was headed home by Tucker, whom Brathwaite failed to pick up. The player ran off to celebrate ironically towards a raised assistant referee’s flag, which ruled out the effort.
Julienne then hit a rasping drive from the edge of the area, which Drake reacted to magnificently, sustaining injury in the process. As the battle ran into injury time Lee Harvey sent a high ball into the danger zone which bounced awkwardly for Palmer and keeper Godfrey, allowing Baker to knock the ball central where substitute Dixon hit home the unlikely winner.
Keeper Godfrey came and stayed forward for the last minute in a desperate attempt to claw back an equaliser. Brathwaite pumped the ball upfield for Winston to chase, who in turn allowed Baker to stroke home into an empty net, albeit rightly ruled out for offside.
A breathtaking match, which Wood fortuitously rescued to secure a hard fought three points that will have done their confidence the power of good.
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