Second-half goals by Matt Rush, Abdul Abdulmalik and Junior Dixon were enough to give Boreham Wood an emphatic 3-0 win over Eastbourne Borough and send them through to the First Round of the FA Cup.
Luke Garrard made two changes from last Saturday’s win at Yeovil Town, with Joe Newton coming in for Femi Ilesanmi at left-back and Lewis Richardson replacing Charles Clayden further upfield.
In the opening period, Boreham Wood had the lion’s share of possession and were putting some good moves together against a determined Eastbourne defence. On nine minutes, Lewis Richardson played a nice one-two with Joe Newton before his shot was blocked by Sports defender Freddie Carter. Five minutes later, a neat one-two between Zak Brunt and Charlie O’Connell created a chance for Richardson, but he fired wide. On 16 minutes, a fine cross from Newton picked out Richardson, who looked like he was fouled as he was about to shoot, but the referee waved play on. Four minutes later, Matt Rush had a shot blocked by Camron Gbadebo.
On 22 minutes, Brunt shot from just outside the area, but it cleared the crossbar. Two minutes later, Sports defender Laith Fairnie went on an excellent run through the Wood defence, but Finlay Herrick was able to gather the ball just as he was about to shoot. On 34 minutes, Jesurun Uchegbulam made a good run down the left-hand side and, when he cut in to shoot, a combination of Callum Reynolds and Chris Bush were there to stop him. On 41 minutes, Abdul Abdulmalik fired just wide from distance. A minute later, an inch-perfect pass by Bush found Brunt, who then played an equally good ball to Richardson, who somehow missed the target from close range.
HT: Eastbourne Borough 0-0 Boreham Wood
Boreham Wood started the second half looking to add a clinical edge to their play — and they didn’t disappoint. Just two minutes after the restart, they took the lead. An excellent cross from Jeff King picked out Rush, who swivelled and shot past keeper Ryan Sandford to continue his rich vein of form. The hosts fought back well and were nearly level three minutes later when an Uchegbulam cross was headed just over by Laith Fairnie. At this point, the Sports had a succession of corners, and from one of them Pemi Aderoju headed just wide. On 63 minutes, Uchegbulam went on an excellent run before testing Herrick at his near post, but the Wood keeper was equal to it.
Two minutes later, Wood got their second and effectively finished the game as a contest. King was involved again — this time he played in Rush, who flicked the ball to Abdulmalik, and the striker made no mistake from close range. On 75 minutes, former Wood midfielder Mo Sagaf tested Herrick from distance, but the Wood keeper saved well. On 90 minutes, Junior Dixon added a third following some good play down the right again, this time from Cameron Coxe.
FT: Eastbourne Borough 0-3 Boreham Wood
Boreham Wood weren’t at their best but always looked like they were going to score, and their class showed in the end. Eastbourne Borough are a much better side than their position in the National League South would suggest. Wood can now look forward to the First Round FA Cup draw on Monday, in a competition where they have enjoyed so much success in recent years.
Eastbourne Borough: Sandford, Gbadebo, Fairnie, Sagaf, Alexander (Pitblado 66), Anifowose (Lintott 60), Aderoju, Carter, Grout, Uchegbulam (Anokye 66), Trusty.
Subs not used: Searle, Quick, Akinwale, Davis.
Boreham Wood: Herrick, King (Coxe 74), Newton, Reynolds, Bush, O’Connell, Brunt (Benton 90+1), White, Abdulmalik (Clayden 84), Richardson (Sousa 65), Rush (Dixon 82).
Subs not used: Henry, Norris.
Man of the Match: Charlie O’Connell.
Match report written by Brett Lewis.
