Boreham Wood progressed in the FA Cup with a 3-2 win over Woking in the fourth qualifying round on Saturday. The home side built a commanding lead at Meadow Park before surviving a nervy finish to book their place in Monday's first-round proper draw.
Wood take control
Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard made three changes from the side that drew with Barnet last weekend. His team started sharply and dominated possession, finishing the match with 59 percent of the ball. They created 17 attempts on goal, with six on target, and forced six corners.
The pressure told midway through the first half. A low cross from the right was turned into his own net by a Woking defender under duress, putting Boreham Wood ahead. The lead was doubled before the interval when a forward latched onto a through ball and finished calmly past the advancing goalkeeper.
Woking improved after the break, testing the Boreham Wood goalkeeper with a series of saves. The visitors pulled a goal back with a powerful header from a corner, making it 2-1. Boreham Wood responded almost immediately, restoring their two-goal cushion with a close-range finish following a goalmouth scramble.
Late drama
With the game seemingly settled, Woking scored a second in the 88th minute to set up a tense finale. The visitors pushed for an equaliser in added time, but Boreham Wood held firm. The match ended with each side receiving one yellow card.
Luke Garrard praised his team's resilience in securing the result. "We showed good character to see it out," the Boreham Wood manager said. "It was important to get through, and we've done the job."
The victory means Boreham Wood advance to the FA Cup first round for the seventh time in the last nine seasons. Their focus now shifts quickly to a National League Cup fixture against Middlesbrough U21 on Tuesday evening. That match at Meadow Park kicks off at 7pm. The team will learn their FA Cup first-round opponent in the draw on Monday.
Boreham Wood's next opponents, Woking, have received a squad boost ahead of Saturday's league meeting. The Cardinals confirmed on Wednesday that QPR loanee Jaiden Putman has extended his stay until the end of the season. The 20-year-old wing-back has made 12 appearances for Woking, providing two assists. The league leaders, who are 7 points clear at the top, host AFC Fylde next.
