A 98th-minute equaliser from substitute Junior Dixon was enough to give Boreham Wood a well-deserved point against promotion rivals Torquay United when Wood looked out for the count with less than 10 minutes of normal time left.

Luke Garrard made one change from last Tuesday’s win against Chelmsford City, with the fit-again Josh Hare replacing David Agbontohoma at the back. Club captain Jack Payne made a welcome return on the bench.

The hosts had the better of the opening period and took the lead on nine minutes when Chris Bush’s misplaced pass fell to Matt Jay, who played in Jordan Young, who finished well past Nathan Ashmore in the Wood goal. Two minutes later, Matt Rush appeared to be fouled in the penalty area, but referee Callum Jones waved away the appeal. Following the goal, Boreham Wood settled down and were playing some nice football. However, they were guilty of overplaying at times in the Torquay half, and their efforts didn’t amount to anything.

On 26 minutes, an excellent Bush cross was headed over by Kwesi Appiah at the back post. Five minutes later, a good move involving Jon Benton and Mo Sagaf ended with Tom Whelan firing over the crossbar. On 33 minutes, Femi Ilesanmi crossed the ball for Rush, who volleyed just over the bar. Despite Wood’s pressure, Torquay doubled their lead on 41 minutes when Whelan was dispossessed by Will Jenkins Davies, who played in Matt Jay, who fired home. Wood were unlucky to be behind at the break, but it was of their own making.

HT: Torquay United 2-0 Boreham Wood

Luke Garrard went for broke at the start of the second half by bringing on Abdul Abdulmalik and Erico Sousa in what turned out to be an inspired change. Wood controlled the second half as they searched for a goal back, while the hosts seemed happy to defend their two-goal cushion. Wood had a great chance to pull a goal back on 51 minutes when Richardson rattled the woodwork, and the rebound fell to Sousa, who shot narrowly wide. Wood continued to control possession, and on 64 minutes, Rush was just off target after some good work from Benton.

The hosts seemed to weather the storm and had a good chance of their own on 73 minutes when Jordan Thomas forced Ashmore into a save. Three minutes later, Richardson crossed for Rush, but his header was well gathered by Gulls keeper James Hamon. On 79 minutes, Junior Dixon forced Hamon into another save. Just when it seemed too late, Abdulmalik came up with a piece of magic on 82 minutes with an unbelievable long-range shot that tore into the corner of Hamon’s goal. As the clock wound down, Ashmore produced a good save from Jay.

During the seven minutes of added time, Wood forced a succession of corners, and the Gulls’ defence seemed to keep them at bay. Just as the referee was looking at his watch, Abdulmalik went on a jinking run that turned the Torquay defence inside out before crossing for Dixon to fire home. The scenes of jubilation among players and supporters were incredible.

FT: Torquay United 2-2 Boreham Wood

The ending will give huge confidence to Luke Garrard’s men as they continue through an important period. Despite the ending, the dominance of Boreham Wood for most of the game should have resulted in three points. That said, it could be an important point at the end of the season. With Truro City away in three days’ time, Wood will want to get back to winning ways.

Torquay United: Hamon, Dyer, Dreyer (Palmer 54), Hasani (Craske 56), Young (Threlkeld 67), Carson, Zanzala (Cooke 69), Hayfield, Jenkins Davies (Mussa 87), Thomas, Jay.

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Richardson, Ilesanmi (Sousa 46), Bush, O’Connell (Dixon 69), Hare, Sagaf (Abdulmalik 46), Whelan, Benton, Rush, Appiah.

Subs not used: Payne, Agbontohoma.

Man of the Match: Abdul Abdulmalik.

Match report written by Brett Lewis.