Boreham Wood made it four wins in four in the National League, and moved up into fourth place in the process, with 1-0 win over Maidstone United. 

Stones skipper Stuart Lewis was given a red card and Bruno Andrade missed a penalty for the Wood, in a match packed with action.

But, it was Angelo Balanta’s (36’) first half strike that sealed victory for Luke Garrard’s men and ensured their winning run continued.

The wood made just one change from their win over Gateshead, with Ricky Shakes replacing Kane Smith at right-wing-back.

Andrade has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, with three goals in his last two matches and the forward showed no signs of letting up. Andrade danced with his marker on the left-wing, before driving a low ball across the box, but Maidstone thrashed clear.

Maidstone were on a dire run and without a win since Saturday, November 11, but despite their form, the Stones did not appear to be lacking in confidence.

A looping cross from Lewis reached the head of Seth Nana Twumasi, but he sent it over the woodwork, under pressure.

From this attack, the Wood countered and Balanta flashed the ball across the box, but it flew past both Andrade and the post.

A moment of madness from Alex Finney nearly opened the scoring. Worgan had come off his line to collect Balanta’s cross, but Finney chested it past the stopper, who was forced to back-peddle and push it onto his post.

The hosts were growing into the game and Andrade again looked bright, as he chested down Shakes’ cross and volleyed it at Worgan, but it was blocked over the crossbar.

Maidstone were struggling to create any clear-cut chances and another weak attack was cleared by David Stephens with ease. Ferrier countered following the clearance, but his low cross was blasted out by Alex Wynter.

Andrade’s subsequent corner skimmed several Wood heads, but none could get a strong enough connection to turn it in.

The visitors were growing frustrated with Ferrier’s strength and ability on the ball, and when the striker nicked it from Will De Havilland, his reaction was to haul him down, and the referee pointed to the spot.

However, Andrade’s penalty was delayed due to an off-the-ball altercation surrounding the area. When the whistle was finally blown, Worgan guessed correctly and pushed the penalty wide.

The Wood made amends just moments later when a long-throw from Alex Davey wreaked havoc amongst the Stones defence. Ferrier had swiped for the ball to no avail, but Balanta was there to thump it home.

It was a blisteringly cold Tuesday night and the wind nearly gifted Maidstone a goal, when it took Delano Sam-Yorke’s cross worryingly close to Grant Smith’s goal line, but the stopper was able to push it around the post.

Davey swung a whipped cross in for Andrade, who leapt to send the ball home, but somehow, Worgan kept the header out with his fingertips.

A corner from the Stones created a frantic goal line scramble in the Wood penalty area, but they were eventually able to blast it clear.

Still looking for an equalizer, Sam-Yorke released Jai Reason into space, but the forward dragged his shot wide, from just outside of the area.

Ferrier teed off Danny Woodards on the turn, but his shot was struck into the ground and failed to trouble the Stones stopper.

Lewis was then given his marching orders with 20 minutes to go, for a second yellow card. The Stones skipper had lunged in late on Mark Ricketts and the referee had no choice but to brandish a second yellow.

Folivi would see a final chance of the evening blocked wide by Finney, as Boreham Wood walked away with all three points.

The Wood: Smith, Woodards, Ricketts © (Harfield 90’), Stephens, Shakes, Murtagh, Andrade (Quigley 90+’), Turley, Balanta, Davey, Ferrier (Folivi 78’)

Subs not used: Quigley, Burbidge, Thomas

Maidstone United: Worgan, Hare, Finney, Wynter (Paxman 64’), Lewis ©, Sam-Yorke (Loza 78’), Reason (Osei 90+’), Twumasi, De Havilland, Beckwith, Lafayette

Subs not used: Prestedge, Anderson

Goals: The Wood: Balanta 36’

Red card: Stuart Lewis 70’

Attendance: 428

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