WOOD UNABLE TO CONTAIN STRONG CRYSTAL PALACE SIDE

Boreham Wood more than held their own against a strong Crystal Palace side, narrowly falling to a 0-1 defeat at Meadow Park.

First teamer Jonny Williams was the goal scorer for Palace, netting a 69^th minute winner.

The Wood lined up in their usual 3-5-2 formation, with Sorba Thomas and Angelo Balanta leading the line and Ricky Shakes in behind.

There a cagey start to the match, with Jason Lokilo setting up the first chance of the game for Palace. The number 28 glided the ball across the box, but no one could get onto the end of it.

Williams won the ball deep in the host’s half and fed Sullay Kaikai, but the forward was halted by Femi Ilesanmi, who had recovered well.

Wood were proving no pushovers against the Premier League side and Angelo Balanta got onto the ball on the edge of the area, but could only send a shot sizzling around the post.

Thomas was then awarded a sight on goal by the Palace defence, but Vicente Guaita claimed his effort.

The game remained tight as it edged towards halftime and Nya Kirby missed an excellent opportunity to take the lead, sliding an effort into the side netting.

There was an early chance for Connor Wickham in the second period, but his headed effort was cleared off the line.

The Wood countered and Ricky Shakes sped through on goal, but he was dragged back for offside.

A free-kick was awarded to Luke Garrard’s side on the edge of the penalty area and Keiran Murtagh squared it across the box, but palace scuffed clear.

Wickham let the ball roll across him and thumped a viscious strike just over Ryan Huddart’s crossbar.

Garrard made five changes on the hour, with Jamal Fyfield, Connor Smith, Shaun Jeffers, Bradley Ash and a trialist all taking to the field.

Roy Hodgson’s side were pushing for an opener and James Daly got onto the end of a driven corner, but headed into the hands of Huddart.

The goal came shortly after, when Jonny Williams met a similarly driven cross and knocked it past Huddarts from five-yards.

There was a massive moment for PASE Academy graduate Fred Burbidge, who replaced Ryan Huddart in goal, against the Premier League side.

Burbidge was called into action straight away and palmed wide from close-range. Jeffers then counter attacked the Eagles and had Ash in support, he slid it to his strike partner, but Ash could only send his effort over the bar, from a difficult angle.

The Wood: Huddart (Burbidge 74’), Woodards (Fyfield 59’), Ilesnami (Trialist 59’), Ricketts © (Smith 59’), Parry, Stephens, Shakes, Champion, Murtagh (Ash 59’), Thomas, Balanta (Jeffers 59’)

Subs not used: Gibbs, Morgan

Crystal Palace: Guaita; Ward, O’Dwyer (Brown, 58), Woods, Souare; Puncheon, Kirby (McGregor, 72), Williams (Lumeka, 81), Lokilo; Kaikai (Street, 85), Wickham (Daly, 60).

Subs not used: Henry, Kelly

Goals: Williams 69’