A deflected second-half goal by Tom Whelan was enough to give Boreham Wood their third league win in a row.

Luke Garrard made one change from Saturday’s win at St Albans, with David Agbontohoma replacing the injured Josef Yarney at the back.

The match started at a high tempo, with the Clarets looking threatening early on. In the fourth minute, Sam Oguntayo had a shot blocked by Charlie O’Connell. Seven minutes later, Wood had their first effort on goal when Jayden Richardson crashed a shot off the post after a lovely flowing move involving Tom Whelan and Matt Rush. On 15 minutes, Jon Benton tried his luck from distance but was denied by Ted Collins in the Clarets’ goal. Five minutes later, Richardson did well to block Kane Crichlow’s shot.

On 23 minutes, Charlie Ruff headed wide for the visitors. Three minutes later, an excellent one-two between Richardson and Benton ended with Richardson having a shot blocked on the line. On 28 minutes, Nathan Ashmore made a good save from Ruff before gathering the ball at the second attempt, preventing Chichlow from having a chance to shoot. Four minutes later, Kwesi Appiah forced a good save from Collins in the Clarets’ goal. Wood continued to turn the screw, with Appiah and Rush going close again before the break.

HT: Boreham Wood 0-0 Chelmsford City

Boreham Wood started the second half in the same vein as they ended the first and were dominant in the early stages. Chris Bush went close two minutes after the restart. On 51 minutes, Jordan Greendige went on an excellent run for the visitors but was denied by Ashmore. Wood finally took the lead on 54 minutes when a deflected Whelan shot found its way into the net, much to the relief of the Wood players and supporters. In the two previous matches, Boreham Wood’s first goal was followed up quickly by two more. It didn’t happen on this occasion, and although Wood were largely dominant, the Clarets always looked like they had a goal in them.

On 65 minutes, an excellent run from Benton almost led to a second goal, but Collins did well to deny him. Three minutes later, Greendige headed narrowly wide for the visitors. On 71 minutes, the outstanding Whelan forced Collins into an excellent save just when it looked like his curling shot was going to creep into the corner. Benton was also denied by Collins two minutes later. As the match wound down, the visitors put a lot of pressure on the Wood defence, who held firm. On 89 minutes, Paul Appiah found Crichlow, whose effort was saved by Ashmore. This was the last chance of the match as Boreham Wood held out for the three points.

FT: Boreham Wood 1-0 Chelmsford City

It was a hard-fought three points for Luke Garrard’s men. They had enough chances to put the game to bed much earlier, but with two massive away games coming up against Torquay United and Truro City, Wood will be pleased to have got another three points under their belt before they travel to the southwest.

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Richardson, Ilesamni (Sousa 62), Bush, Agbontohoma, O’Connell, Sagaf, Whelan, Benton (Marsh 87), Rush (Hare 90+2), Appiah.

Subs not used: Dixon, Abdulmalik.

Chelmsford City: Collins, Tamplin, Rye, Barbrook, Chichlow, Penny (Donaldson 77), Ruff (Wilkinson 77), Oguntayo (Appiah 88), Barnum-Bobb (Kalala 84), Edwards (Bland 63), Greenidge.

Man of the Match: Tom Whelan.

Match report written by Brett Lewis.