Boreham Wood suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Weymouth, which all but ended their quest for automatic promotion back to the National League. First-half goals from Calvin Brooks and Malachi Linton gave the hosts a two-goal lead at half-time before Junior Dixon pulled one back in the second period.
Luke Garrard named an unchanged starting line-up and bench from Tuesday night’s win at Farnborough.
The Terras were much the better side in the first half. They had a great chance to take the lead in the third minute when a mix-up in the Wood defence gifted an opportunity to Tom Bearwish, whose shot was saved by Nathan Ashmore before Ben Greenwood put the rebound wide. On 12 minutes, the hosts took the lead when another mix-up in the Wood backline ended with the ball bouncing to Calvin Brooks, who scored from close range. While Boreham Wood were enjoying a lot of possession, their decision-making in the final third was lacking.
Weymouth nearly went further in front on 21 minutes when a good run from Bearwish ended with Brooklyn Genesini firing over the bar. On 31 minutes, Genesini forced an excellent save from Ashmore, and Bearwish fired over two minutes later. Seven minutes later, a Malachi Linton pass found Genesini in acres of space, but he dragged his shot wide. On 41 minutes, the Terras got a deserved second when an excellent cross from Genesini found Linton, who finished really well at the back post. Wood were unable to offer any response at the end of the first period.
HT: Weymouth 2-0 Boreham Wood
Abdul Abdulmalik came off the bench at the start of the second half and contributed to a much better performance from Luke Garrard’s men. Four minutes after the restart, the Wood “super sub” created a chance for Matt Rush, who fired just wide. Five minutes later, Abdulmalik was through on goal and forced a good save from Terras keeper Will Buse. On 61 minutes, recently introduced substitute Junior Dixon had a cross-shot that rattled off the crossbar. Five minutes later, Dixon pulled a goal back, and it seemed only a matter of time before Wood equalised.
On 70 minutes, Abdulmalik played a great cross in for Kwesi Appiah, but Wood’s top scorer couldn’t keep his header down. Four minutes later, Abdulmalik, who was causing the Terras defence all kinds of problems in the second half, forced Buse into another good save. Credit must be given to the Weymouth defence, who seemed to get in the way of every cross or shot. They are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone, and it was former Boreham Wood defender Jordan Thompson who most impressed for the hosts. Wood were restricted to one more chance in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Appiah fired over.
FT: Weymouth 2-1 Boreham Wood
It was a disappointing afternoon for Boreham Wood, who didn’t get going until the second half with the introduction of Abdulmalik. It has been useful for Luke Garrard to have the former Millwall player making such an impact from the bench in recent weeks, but surely it won’t be long before he is in the starting line-up. Dixon may also feel he is worth a start. With Truro City and Dorking Wanderers losing, Boreham Wood would have gone second in the table had they won, but they now go into next week’s crucial encounter with Dorking Wanderers in fourth place instead, with a high-placed play-off position still a real possibility.
Weymouth: Buse, Genesini (Pollock 84), Hamblin, Rowan, Thompson, Bearwish, Linton (Pollard 90+3), Greenwood, McCarthy (Robinson 78), Brooks (Hutt 73), Jordan.
Subs not used: Thomas.
Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Richardson, Sousa, Reynolds, O’Connell (Abdulmalik 46), Hare, Payne, Whelan, Benton (Clayden 87), Rush (Dixon 60), Appiah.
Subs not used: Agbontohoma, Sagaf.
Man of the Match: Abdul Abdulmalik.
Match report written by Brett Lewis.
