Blue Square Bet South
Boreham Wood 4 Maidenhead United 2
by John D. Gill
Boreham Wood recorded a well deserved fourth League win of the Season against Maidenhead United in the Blue Square Bet South at Meadow Park on Saturday.
Wood Manager Ian Allinson recalled Elliott Godfrey to the starting line-up, following a spell out through injury, and also included Jordan Hibbert in place of Ola Sogbanmu and Gareth Risbridger.
Maidenhead United attacked from the kick off, and the Wood defence was soon under pressure as Bradley Quamina sent Alex Wall clear, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Elvijs Putnins. Then Ashley Smith passed to the dangerous Cliff Akurang, but his shot was finger-tipped onto the crossbar by Putnins, and over for a corner.
Wood had created very little in attack until they took the lead in the 24th minute. Elliott Godfrey played the ball through the visitors defence to Ali Chaaban and he ran on to shoot past the helpless Steve Williams. Greg Morgan created problems with his dazzling right wing play, and then some creative football presented Luke Garrard with a shooting chance from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball just went over the crossbar.
Wood went 2 – 0 ahead after 39 minutes as Ali Chaaban and Nicky Nicolau combined to present Elliott Godfrey with a chance. He made no mistake from ten yards as he flicked the ball wide of Williams at the near post.
Maidenhead United fought back well, and were level at 2 – 2 when the half time whistle went. Alex Wall raced clear on the left and crossed to the unmarked Ashley Smith who smashed the ball into the net at the far post. A minute later Luke Wilkinson was adjudged to have fouled Alex Wall in the penalty area, and Kieron St. Aimie stepped up to score from the resultant spot kick.
The visitors were forced to replace the injured Cliff Akurang at half time, but Wood were soon on the attack, determined to regain the lead.
Mario Noto, Luke Wilkinson and Ali Chaaban all went close to scoring before Wood regained the lead on the hour. A Nicky Nicolau corner kick was not cleared and the ball fell nicely for Greg Morgan to volley past Williams. Three minutes later Elliott Godfrey made sure of the three points, as he shot past Williams to make it 4 – 2 with his second goal of the match.
Wood’s overall performance was very good throughout, but particularly in the second half when they dominated for long periods.
After the game Manger Ian Allinson commented “I was very pleased with the win. We struggled early on and then scored two good goals. The second half performance was much better and the Team reacted well, after conceding two goals just before the interval. Elliott Godfrey was able to play up front alongside Ali Chaaban, and it worked well!”
Boreham Wood Team: Putnins, Garrard, Cestor, Moran, Wilkinson, Noto, Morgan (Sub – Kamara 90 mins.), Hibbert, Chaaban (Sub – Sogbanmu 81 mins.), Godfrey, Nicolau (Sub – Graham 86 mins.).
Subs (Not used): Aisien and Adjei.
Goals: Boreham Wood: Chaaban 24, Godfrey 39 and 63, Morgan 60. Maidenhead United: Smith 44, St. Aimie 45 pen.
Man of the Match: Elliott Godfrey.
