A second-half Kwesi Appiah goal was enough for Boreham Wood to register a 1-0 win away at Welling United and close the gap on leaders Torquay United at the top of the Vanarama National League South table. Wood were outstanding throughout.

It’s been 17 days since Boreham Wood’s last league match, and Luke Garrard has mostly reverted to the line-up that has been successful recently. Femi Ilesanmi has returned to the starting XI in place of Charles Clayden at left wing-back. Matt Rush makes his first league start for Boreham Wood in place of Lee Ndlovu, who has departed for Barnet.

Wood came out quickly, and in the first minute, a Josh Hare cross was fired just wide by Femi Ilesanmi. Soon afterwards, a lovely pass from Jon Benton picked out Kwesi Appiah, who ran in on goal but only succeeded in striking a steward behind the goal with his shot. Wood soon regained the initiative and went close on 25 minutes when a Tom Whelan corner was headed just wide by Ilesanmi.

Two minutes later, an excellent cross by Hare picked out Matt Rush, who volleyed just over the crossbar. On 29 minutes, some excellent approach play from Jayden Richardson created a chance for Appiah, who headed just over. Three minutes later, Ilesanmi hit the post with a well-struck shot with his right foot. As Wood continued to dominate, an excellent cross from Josh Hare found Ilesanmi, whose bullet header was somehow kept out by Welling keeper Dylan Berry on 43 minutes.

HT: Welling United 0-0 Boreham Wood

Wood continued their dominance in the second half. However, the first chance after the restart fell to Welling midfielder Riccardo Di Trolio, who headed over on 49 minutes. Two minutes later, Matt Rush had a good chance, but he was denied by the alert Berry in the Welling goal. Boreham Wood took a deserved lead soon afterwards when Berry denied Rush again, but Appiah was there to slot in the rebound for his 17th league goal of the season. Wood continued to turn the screw, and Tom Whelan was denied by Berry three minutes later with a shot from distance. On 63 minutes, Ilesanmi only just failed to get the goal that his outstanding performance deserved. His well-struck shot was somehow kept out by Berry.

Zain Walker had a shot blocked by Charlie O’Connell three minutes later. This was a reminder that Boreham Wood’s lead was only a narrow one, and they had to dig deep in the final part of the match to stop the hosts from getting any shots on goal. They did this very well, and despite the narrow lead, Boreham Wood always looked comfortable and likely to hold out for the win.

FT: Welling United 0-1 Boreham Wood

It was a very good performance and an important win for Luke Garrard’s men. They now have two winnable home games against Hampton & Richmond Borough and Chippenham Town coming up. A word for Femi Ilesanmi: he was outstanding today, not just in his defensive duties but also as a real attacking threat all afternoon, having numerous chances to score. Welling United couldn’t live with him.

Welling United: Berry, Johnson (Walker 60), Winfield, Burchell, Kennedy, Grant (Andrews 74), Bramble, Bramble, Martin, Di Trolio, Redfearn (Alexandrou 65), Statham (Kamara 85)

Subs not used: Ondo

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Richardson, Ilesanmi (Abdulrahman 78), Hare, Bush, O’Connell, Payne (Mafuta 35), Whelan, Benton, Rush (Dixon 89), Appiah

Subs not used: Agbontohoma, Marsh

Player of the Match: Femi Ilesanmi

Match report written by Brett Lewis.