Boreham Wood are top of the National League as they push for promotion to League Two in the 2026/27 season. Manager Luke Garrard has overseen a remarkable resurgence since returning to the club in September 2024, with the team now three points clear at the summit.

Garrard's side have taken 23 points from their opening nine matches, winning seven and drawing two. Their recent form is formidable, with four wins and a draw in the last five games, including a 4-1 victory over Harrogate Town last Saturday. Goals from Tarryn Allarakhia, Zak Brunt, Jack Bird and Billy Whitfield sealed that comprehensive win at Meadow Park.

Garrard's steady hand

Luke Garrard's second spell in charge began with immediate success, guiding the Wood to a fifth-place finish and promotion via the playoffs in his first season back. The following campaign saw them finish fourth and reach the playoff final, only to lose on penalties after leading 2-0 with 20 minutes to play. That painful near-miss has fuelled the current charge.

"I'm not going to sit here and say we're going to win it, because we're not," Garrard said. "We're going to give it our all and see what happens."

The manager's pragmatic approach has stabilised a club with a history of dramatic swings. Established in 1948, Boreham Wood have experienced consecutive promotions in the 1970s, a relegation in 2000, and a climb back through the leagues, including winning the Southern League Division One title in 2006. Their modern era under chairman Danny Hunter has seen them become a consistent National League presence, reaching the FA Cup fifth round in 2022 and winning the National League Cup last season.

Current campaign and key men

Central to this season's success is the goalscoring form of Matt Rush, who rejoined the club permanently last December. He is currently the division's top scorer with nine goals. The attacking threat is complemented by a solid defensive unit that has conceded just 11 times. The team's +12 goal difference is the best in the league.

Their next challenge is a trip to face Solihull Moors, who are 23rd in the table. It presents an opportunity to extend their lead at the top. The full league standings show the Wood's position of strength heading into this weekend's match.

Garrard has emphasised resilience, a trait forged in the club's DNA. They avoided relegation in 2016 with a series of late wins and battled back from relegation in 2024 to return at the first attempt. "We're not going to give up," Garrard stated. "We're going to keep fighting until the end."

The club's infrastructure supports the ambition, with the 870-seat West Stand at Meadow Park, opened by Arsène Wenger in 2014, a symbol of their growth. The objective is clear: to finally secure a place in the Football League after several playoff near-misses, including a final defeat in 2018. The squad list for this push is available to view, showing the blend of experience and youth Garrard has assembled.

Boreham Wood travel to Solihull Moors this Saturday, 26 September, aiming to maintain their winning run and hold onto first place.

The original report is at Solihull Moors FC