A stunning second half fightback from Boreham Wood enabled them to come from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Chelmsford City, recording their second away win in three days.

Luke Garrard made one change to the starting lineup from Saturday’s win at Bath City, with Junior Dixon starting instead of Lee Ndlovu up front.

In an entertaining first half, Boreham Wood came out of the blocks quickly and almost took the lead straight away when Femi Ilesanmi picked out Jon Benton, who fired just wide. On 10 minutes, a Chris Bush cross was knocked back by Jayden Richardson into the path of Kwesi Appiah, who shot just wide. Soon after, Tom Whelan was off target with a shot from outside the area.

The Wood were almost made to pay for not taking their chances when Kane Crichlow went close on 13 minutes, and Charlie Ruff did likewise two minutes later. On 20 minutes, the hosts had another good chance when, after some intricate approach play, Osman Foyo’s well-struck shot went just wide of Nathan Ashmore’s goal. On 23 minutes, a good pass from Whelan picked out Benton, whose shot took a wicked deflection and went just wide.

The hosts took a deserved lead three minutes later when a good one-two between Duff and Foyo resulted in Duff finishing well past Ashmore. On 32 minutes, Chelmsford doubled their lead with a fantastic header from Crichlow after an Alfie Bendle cross. A minute later, a Bradley Williams cross was pushed away by Ashmore into the path of Jordan Greenidge, who shot wide from a tight angle.

After a barrage of pressure from the hosts, Wood finally got going again just before halftime. On 42 minutes, Richardson had a shot saved by Clarets keeper Woody Williamson. From the resulting corner, the Chelmsford stopper pulled off an incredible save to deny Bush, whose header looked destined for the corner.

HT: Chelmsford City 2-0 Boreham Wood

Boreham Wood had it all to do in the second half, and for the second time in successive away games, they produced the goods after the interval. This was helped by a vocal away support who raised the volume from the first half. Three minutes after the restart, an excellent run and finish from Richardson halved the deficit. It was the former Aberdeen defender’s first goal for the club.

As the Wood upped the pressure for an equaliser, Luke Garrard shuffled his pack by introducing Lee Ndlovu and Abdul Abdulmalik, which caused havoc in the Chelmsford defence. Jon Benton went close soon afterwards, but his deflected shot was well gathered by keeper Williamson.

On 74 minutes, Ndlovu got the equaliser with a well-placed header after some good work from Richardson. With five minutes left of normal time, an Abdulmalik cross was met by a fantastic volley from Ndlovu, registering his second goal since coming off the bench and giving Boreham Wood all three points, sending the away support into ecstasy.

FT: Chelmsford City 2-3 Boreham Wood

It was another excellent win for Boreham Wood and the second time in three days they had to dig deep to secure an away victory. Lee Ndlovu has faced his fair share of criticism in recent weeks, but he answered his critics in the best way possible.

Full credit also goes to Luke Garrard, whose substitutions once again changed the game in Boreham Wood’s favour. With Eastbourne Borough in the FA Trophy on Saturday, followed by a run of three consecutive home league games, confidence will be high among the squad.

Chelmsford City: Williamson, James, Bendle, Crichlow (Tamplin 75), Ruff (O’Connell 75), Foyo (Appiah 62), Barnum-Bobb (Hyde 84), Williams, Bland, Gale, Greenidge (Babajide 75).

Subs not used:

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Richardson, Ilesanmi (Abdulmalik 61), Bush, O’Connell, Hare, Payne, Whelan, Benton (Agbontohoma 90), Dixon (Ndlovu 61), Appiah (Marsh 78).

Subs not used: Sagaf.

Man of the Match: Lee Ndlovu.

Match report written by Brett Lewis.