Bush (56), Whitfield (73), Cashman (89)
Knowles (26)
Boreham Wood came from behind to beat a very good Altrincham side 3-1, thanks to second-half goals from Chris Bush, Ben Whitfield and Danny Cashman. Wood have maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the National League table, and it is now six months unbeaten for Luke Garrard’s men in all competitions.
Luke Garrard made one change to his starting line-up from Tuesday night’s win against Kidderminster Harriers, with Ted Curd making his first league start since returning to the club in place of Luca Gunter.
Probably for the first time this season, Boreham Wood were second best in a half of football. The Robins definitely had the upper hand in the opening 45 minutes. It was a scrappy opening between these two in-form sides, with Altrincham cutting out the supply from goalkeeper Ted Curd and forcing him to go long.
The Robins posed more of an attacking threat early on, and the game’s first chance went to them when a Charlie Kirk cross was met by Matty Kosylo on 11 minutes, but Curd was equal to it.
Seven minutes later, Jimmy Knowles found Samuel Taylor in the area, but Marley Marshall-Miranda did well to block his shot. On 24 minutes, some uncertainty in the Robins’ defence allowed Zak Brunt the chance to play in Jay Bird, whose goal-bound shot was well blocked by Jake Cooper.
Two minutes later, the visitors took the lead when a long ball over the top found Knowles, who did well to round Curd before putting the ball into an empty net. It was no more than Altrincham deserved.
On 29 minutes, Bird played in Ben Whitfield, whose shot was deflected wide. The visitors controlled a lot of possession leading up to the break, but Whitfield had a good effort in first-half stoppage time, with Robins goalkeeper Andrew Firth pulling off an excellent save.
Boreham Wood were much better after the interval and came out with a spring in their step. Lewis Richardson went close five minutes after the restart, but Firth did well to save his shot.
On 56 minutes, Wood got their equaliser. Brunt passed to Charlie O’Connell, who headed across goal. It was missed by Whitfield, but Chris Bush stole in for his first goal of the season. Robins defenders were claiming handball, but referee Kirsty Dowle, who wrongly disallowed Bush’s goal in last season’s play-off eliminator against Forest Green Rovers, didn’t disallow this one.
Wood were now dominating proceedings, and it looked a matter of time before they would score again.
Wood went close on 68 minutes through Richardson, but he skyed his volley. Two minutes later, a lovely move, started by Brunt and finished when an excellent cross by Whitfield picked out Bird, saw him fire straight at Firth.
On 74 minutes, Wood took the lead with a fantastic goal from Whitfield, who twisted and turned before firing home.
Wood made sure of the points on 89 minutes with another excellent goal. This time, Whitfield played in Danny Cashman, who controlled the ball well before poking the ball past Firth.
It was an excellent performance in the end from Luke Garrard’s men, who had too much quality for the Greater Manchester side. There is a real buzz around the club at the moment. Hopefully, this will continue against Sutton United next Friday night.
Boreham Wood: Curd, Clarke (Golden 63), Bainbridge, Bush (Kensdale 90+3), O’Connell, White (Wright 90+3), Brunt, Marshall-Miranda, Richardson (Cashman 81), Whitfield (Wilkinson 90+3), Bird
Subs not used: Reynolds, Stapleburg
Altrincham: Firth, Banks, Cooper (Hinchy), Lopata-White, Kosylo (Raymond 90+1), Taylor, Khan, Barlow (Azariah 80), Crawford, Knowles (Weaver 46), Kirk (Breckin 80)
Subs not used: Isted, Barnes
Man of the Match: Chris Bush
Written by Brett Lewis
Away / Friday 9 October 2026 / 19:45
