Woking 2-2 Boreham Wood
Vanarama National League
11th February 2023

Darren Sarll made one change to the winning side at the Technique Stadium in midweek, with Jermaine Anderson missing out through injury, which meant a start for Jake Hessenthaler, whilst Solomon Nwabuokei returned to the squad on the bench.

The game was mostly an even contest for the first ten minutes, although Rhys Browne did well to test Nathan Ashmore in the Boreham Wood net after twisting and turning inside the box.

James Daly looked in fine touch after his man of the match performance on Tuesday night, with one of his trademark runs forcing Wood full back Cameron Coxe to bring him down. A yellow card for Coxe ensured that Daly’s man would be on a tightrope for the rest of the game.

However, with 27 minutes on the clock, Boreham Wood struck the first blow. A free kick was only partially cleared, and Josh Rees smashed the ball home on the half volley into the corner.

Chris Bush entered the book for another foul as Woking broke forward, but the Wood managed to see the remainder of the first half out with not many issues. Scott Cuthbert’s header was well gathered by Nathan Ashmore just before half time.

Half-time: Woking 0-1 Boreham Wood

With just eight minutes gone of the second half, Hessenthaler made way for Nwabuokei and Kellermann for Kyran Lofthouse as the Cards looked to drive at the stubborn Boreham Wood backline.

However, it was déjà vu moments later, with another free kick falling to Rees, and his controlled finish found the bottom corner.

This two goal cushion didn’t last long, as on the hour mark, a Woking free kick was sent in, a Wilkinson strike was parried by Ashmore but straight into the path of Rhys Browne to give the Cards hope.

As Woking sought to complete the comeback, Amond was replaced by Marcus Dackers with 65 minutes gone.

There was a huge talking point a few minutes later after Danny Newton found Tyrone Marsh on the break; Marsh was brought down by Craig Ross about thirty yards from goal. The referee deemed a yellow card to be a worthy punishment for the Woking ‘keeper.

It was comeback complete in the 78th minute, as another Casey free kick caused problems, and Rhys Browne nipped in at the back post to tap home.

Boreham Wood had the ball in the net late on, but it was immediately disallowed for offside as both sides tried to come up with a late winner. Right at the death, Jamal Fyfield stabbed the ball home, but once again, the flag went up.

The full-time whistle went shortly after, with the Cards relieved to have survived such a scare thanks to Rhys Browne’s goals. An excellent end-to-end game saw both sides earn a deserved point each.

Woking: 13 Craig Ross, 3 Josh Casey, 4 Scott Cuthbert, 6 Luke Wilkinson, 8 James Daly, 10 Padraig Amond (20 Dackers 65’), 12 Dan Moss, 14 Rhys Browne, 17 Jim Kellermann (2 Lofthouse 53’), 19 Jake Hessenthaler (16 Nwabuokei 53’), 24 Rohan Ince

Unused subs: Joe McNerney, Charlie O’Connell

Goals: Browne 60’, 78’

Bookings: Craig Ross 69’, Solomon Nwabuokei 85’

Boreham Wood: Nathan Ashmore, Femi Ilesanmi, Josh Rees, George Broadbent, Tyrone Marsh (Lewis 74’), Danny Newton, Jack Payne, Erico Sousa, Cameron Coxe (Fyfield 51’), Chris Bush, David Agbontohoma

Unused subs: Mark Ricketts, Lee Ndlovu, Jamal Fyfield, Dennon Lewis, Zak Brunt

Goals: Rees 27’, 57’

Bookings: Coxe 12’, Bush 40’, Agbontohoma 48’, Lewis 74’

Referee: Greg Rollarson

Attendance: 2418

Man of the Match: Rhys Browne ultimately earned the Cards a point with two goals, but it was the forward’s relentless pressing and quality that gave the Wood defence something to think about.