Boston United suffered a 0-2 defeat at the Jakemans Community Stadium against Boreham Wood, a result that propels the visitors further up the National League table. The match, overseen by referee Oliver Mackey, saw Boreham Wood continue their strong run of form, while Boston United’s struggles persisted.
The first half concluded goalless, though not without its moments of contention. Boston United’s Jordan Cropper received a yellow card in the 41st minute for a foul, setting a slightly tense atmosphere heading into the interval. At half-time, Boston manager Graham Coughlan made a tactical change, introducing Lenell John-Lewis in place of Owen Hampson, in an attempt to invigorate his attack.
Boreham Wood, however, emerged from the break with renewed energy. Just four minutes into the second half, Zak Brunt opened the scoring, assisted by Tom White, giving the visitors a 0-1 lead. Boston United’s efforts to respond were further complicated when Jordan Richards received a yellow card in the 58th minute.
Adding to Boston’s difficulties, Boreham Wood extended their lead in the 61st minute through Abdul Abdulmalik, with Jeff King providing the assist. This goal prompted a flurry of substitutions. Boston United brought on Kieren Donnelly for Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila in an attempt to change the momentum. Boreham Wood responded with a substitution of their own, replacing Lewis Richardson with Charles Clayden.
As the match progressed, both managers continued to adjust their lineups. In the 75th minute, Boston’s Kieren Donnelly was shown a yellow card. A double substitution followed for Boreham Wood in the 76th minute, with Jeff King, who had provided an assist, replaced by Cameron Coxe, and goalscorer Abdul Abdulmalik making way for Junior Dixon. Boston then introduced Rocco Coyle and Ben Grist in the 80th minute, replacing Greg Sloggett and the already booked Jordan Cropper.
In added time, Boreham Wood’s manager Luke Garrard brought on Jon Benton for Callum Reynolds to see out the game. The final whistle confirmed Boreham Wood’s 0-2 victory, a result that consolidates their position near the top of the league table.
The win lifts Boreham Wood to fourth in the National League standings, with 20 points from nine games. Boston United, meanwhile, remain in the lower reaches of the table, currently sitting in 21st position with 8 points from nine games played. They will need to find a way to reverse their form quickly if they are to climb the standings.
