In an early-season classic in Cumbria, Boreham Wood came from 3-1 down to score two late goals and earn a well-deserved point against title favourites Carlisle United. Having taken a half-time lead through Luke Norris, Wood were undone by three goals early in the second half before the late fightback.

Luke Garrard named an unchanged starting lineup from last Saturday’s defeat at home to Rochdale.

The first half saw the hosts come out of the blocks quickly before Boreham Wood started to dominate. Carlisle had the first chance of the game on four minutes when an Elliot Embleton corner was headed just wide by former Harrogate Town forward Luke Armstrong. Five minutes later, Abdul Abdulmalik shot straight at Blues keeper Gabe Breeze when well placed. On 11 minutes, former Wrexham defender Aaron Hayden headed inches wide from another Embleton corner. Seven minutes later, Embleton shot well over the bar after a good run.

On 24 minutes, Chris Bush had a shot from fully forty yards out which Blues keeper Breeze gathered easily. On 32 minutes, Abdulmalik forced an excellent save from Breeze with a stinging shot. On 38 minutes, the hosts had their first shot on target when Luke Armstrong forced an excellent reaction save from Nathan Ashmore, just when it looked like nestling in the corner. The hosts were made to pay two minutes later when Boreham Wood took the lead after an inch-perfect pass from Erico Sousa found Luke Norris, whose clinical finish gave Breeze no chance in the Blues goal.

HT: Carlisle United 0-1 Boreham Wood

Carlisle came out for the second half with renewed energy, and it was substitute Georgie Kelly who equalised four minutes after the restart with a good finish into the corner of Ashmore’s goal, beating his outstretched arm. A minute later, Harvey MacAdam somehow missed from two yards out for the hosts but, to be fair, he was stretching to reach the ball. On 54 minutes, the Blues took the lead when Regan Linney cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot past Ashmore. It was the former Altrincham forward’s first Carlisle goal since his big money move in the summer.

Substitute Matt Rush nearly equalised on the hour mark when he dispossessed Terell Thomas before firing wide of the Carlisle goal. Chris Bush went close shortly after. On 69 minutes, an excellent pass from MacAdam found Armstrong through on goal, but it was Wood captain Callum Reynolds who somehow stuck out a foot to prevent a certain goal.

The hosts doubled their lead a minute later with the goal of the match from Linney. He cut inside from the left and his shot tore into the corner of Ashmore’s goal, sending the large crowd into ecstasy. On 77 minutes, an excellent chip from Norris almost caught Breeze off his line but he somehow got back to tip the ball over the bar. Two minutes later, a powerful header from Norris halved the deficit for Boreham Wood and gave them hope. On 84 minutes, Wood equalised when a Sousa free-kick was met by a towering header from Charlie O’Connell at the far post, beating the outstretched hands of Breeze. Wood were able to hang on for a well-deserved point.

FT: Carlisle United 3-3 Boreham Wood

It has been a difficult start for Boreham Wood, playing Rochdale and Carlisle United in their first two games, but Luke Garrard will be happy with the way his team have played in both matches. With Braintree Town at home on Tuesday, Wood will be looking to turn their good football into wins.

Carlisle United: Breeze, Ellis, Harper, Thomas, Hayden, Whelan (Wearne 79), MacAdam, Embleton, Ajiboye (Kelly 46), Linney (Robson 90+4), Armstrong (Robson 79).

Subs not used: Lewis, Davies, Mugabi.

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Cox, Ilesanmi (Dixon 61), Bush, Reynolds, O’Connell, White, Sousa, Clayden (Rush 55), Abdulmalik (Whelan 55), Norris (Benton 90+5).

Subs not used: Benton, Henry, King.

Man of the Match: Chris Bush.

Match report written by Brett Lewis.