Jordy Hiwula scored a late winner as Boston United recorded a crucial victory over nine-man Boreham Wood at Meadow Park on Saturday afternoon.
United trailed 1-0 at half-time courtesy of Abdul Abdulmalik’s speculative effort in stoppage time but the match swung decisively six minutes after the break when Femi Ilesanmi was red-carded for pulling back Ken Aboh – and Lenell John-Lewis converted from the penalty spot.
Regan Booty subsequently received his marching orders for foul and abusive language towards referee Alan Dale – and United capitalised with substitute Hiwula bagging the decisive goal nine minutes from time.
Both halves at Meadow Park kicked off in torrential rain – but early chances in the first period were rare. Andrew Wogan held Zak Brunt’s dipping effort, while Oisin Gallagher’s defensive header inadvertently rattled his own crossbar.
The hosts edged in front in first half stoppage time when danger man ABDULMALIK let fly from 25 yards and his drive nicked off debutant Jake Rooney and saw Wogan only able to help it over the line.
United’s response was almost immediate and Matty Carson’s low free-kick was turned aside by Nathan Ashmore.
The Pilgrims started well after the break, with Ashmore forced to deny Dylan Hill – before the key moment which changed the destiny of the game. Aboh wriggled through into a shooting position and was pulled back by Ilesanmi, who received his marching orders. JOHN-LEWIS crashed home the resultant spot-kick.
John-Lewis subsequently succumbed to a foot injury and with Hiwula thrown on as his replacement, United cranked up the pressure. Greg Sloggett’s ambitious drive flew wide, Hill’s looping header landed on the roof of the net and debutant Tom Cursons saw his effort repelled by Ashmore.
Booty was dismissed with 11 minutes remaining – with United’s onslaught really getting going thereafter. Their breakthrough arrived in the 81st minute when Ashmore denied Jordan Richards and HIWULA slammed home the follow-up.
Aboh had two late chances – one wide and one saved by Ashmore – as United kept possession expertly to close out victory in North London.
Boreham Wood (4-2-3-1): Nathan Ashmore; Cameron Coxe (Aaron Henry 83), Ollie Kensdale, Chris Bush, Femi Ilesanmi; Charlie O’Connell, Regan Booty; Abdul Abdulmalik (Joe Newton 71), Zak Brunt, Charles Clayden (Marley Marshall-Miranda 57); Matt Rush (Junior Robinson 83). Subs (not used): Jack Payne, Erico Sousa, Ted Curd (gk).
Boston (4-4-2): Andrew Wogan; Connor Teale, Jake Rooney, Oisin Gallagher, Matty Carson; Dylan Hill, Jordan Richards (Arjan Raikhy 83), Greg Sloggett, Ken Aboh; Lenell John-Lewis (Jordy Hiwula 57), Tom Cursons (Kieren Donnelly 77). Subs (not used): Ben Grist, Jacob Scott, Liam Waldock, Rhys Lovett (gk).
Referee: Alan Dale.
Attendance: 1,157 (215 visitors).
Pic: Chris Bray.
Words: Craig Singleton
