The Mangata Pay UK Stadium played host to a pulsating encounter as Boreham Wood secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over FC Halifax Town. The home side extended their impressive run with a win that was punctuated by moments of brilliance and late drama.
Boreham Wood began the match brightly, asserting their dominance early on. Their persistence was rewarded in the 19th minute when Lewis Richardson found the back of the net, following a well-worked move. Érico Henrique Esteves Sousa provided the crucial assist, setting up Richardson’s opening goal. The Wood continued to press, though Halifax remained a threat on the counter. The first half also saw a physical contest, with Tom White and Charlie O’Connell of Boreham Wood receiving bookings from referee Lewis Sandoe. At the half-time whistle, Boreham Wood made a tactical substitution, with Regan Booty replacing Tom White in midfield.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Boreham Wood looking to extend their lead. Their efforts paid off in the 67th minute when Érico Henrique Esteves Sousa, who had provided the assist for the opener, doubled Boreham Wood’s advantage. Manager Luke Garrard made a substitution in the 75th minute, bringing on Charles Clayden for goalscorer Lewis Richardson. FC Halifax Town responded with a substitution of their own in the same minute, introducing Owen Devonport for Owen Bray. This change proved inspired.
As the match entered its final moments, with five minutes of stoppage time signalled, FC Halifax Town launched a late assault. Their efforts were rewarded in the 95th minute when substitute Owen Devonport found the net, assisted by Josh Hmami. Devonport’s strike halved the deficit and set up a frantic finale. Despite the late surge from Halifax, Boreham Wood held on to secure a vital three points.
This victory sees Boreham Wood solidify their position in the upper echelons of the English National League. Prior to this match, they occupied fifth place with 41 points, and this win propels them to 44 points, maintaining their strong challenge for promotion. FC Halifax Town remain in mid-table, sitting in eleventh place with 28 points. The game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the National League, with late goals and dramatic shifts in momentum proving to be the order of the day.