BOREHAM WOOD U19 PROGRESS THROUGH TO NATIONAL CUP SEMI FINAL

Gateshead (Regional) 0 – 2 Boreham Wood (Oaklands)

ECFA National College Cup 

Boreham Wood faced a tough encounter with Gateshead (regional) in the Quarter Final of the all England National College Cup. With the Home side scoring an impressive 60 goals in 15 matches it was made for an exciting tie. 

Wood started sharp with a meaningful approach to the game, with them fully intending to take the game to Gateshead, in the first 2minutes in form striker Simeon Akinola found himself in the opposition box, however blazed his effort just over the crossbar..

Wood maintained their momentum with them pressing high in the Gateshead half and pressing their every touch. Wood soon took the lead mid way through the half from a well worked set piece, Connor Lancaster delivered with a pin point cross for Ruddock Yala to lose his man and rise head and shoulders above his opposite number to power his header home from close range.

Wood again looked like the only side who were going to score, a minute before half time wideman Connor Lancaster worked his magic down the right hand side and weaved himself between two defenders, then tamely directed his shot into the keepers hands.

After the break Gateshead stepped up their game and started to create a few chances, mainly from set pieces where their delivery caused Wood difficulty for majority of the game.

The game was sealed when Boreham Woods latest England International Jordan Lawal was able to drive a half volley from outside the box through a crowd of bodies to send Boreham Wood Oaklands into the Semi – Final.

Wood now face Walford & North Shropshire in the Semi Final at Lilleshall on Wednesday 23^rd March.

Delighted Manager Luke Garrard was very pleased with the boys “They played with a professionalism today, and showed a togetherness which is definitely growing amongst this squad.  They played with great energy and were extremely confident on the ball, we knew Gateshead would play out from the back, but we didn’t allow them to get into their passing game.  We pressed and worked the individual on the ball for the whole 90 minutes.  We didn’t look like tiring, we have a group of players who can work from the first minute to the last.   We now face Walford & North Shropshire in the semi, we will look to produce a performance again and progress to the final of the illustrious National Cup Competition.”

Squad Cameron Baker-Owers , Lee Close, David Sesay, Ruddock Yala, Bradley Fraser, Tony Walker, Liam Griffin, Jordan Lawal (c), Simeon Akinola, Harvey Scott-Morris, Connor Lancaster.    

Subs: Pelly Ruddock – used , Michael Kusi – used, Luke Lane – used,  Charlie Hunter – not used, Jake Wilton – not used, George Hunter – not used, Jean Khasa – not used.

Goals Scorers: Ruddock Yala 28min, Jordan Lawal 62min.