Boreham Wood secured a comprehensive victory in the West Midlands against a poor Solihull Moors side, with a goal either side of half-time from Ben Whitfield and a second-half goal from Jay Bird sealing the points.

Luke Garrard made three changes to his starting line-up from last Saturday’s win against Harrogate Town, with Marley Marshall-Miranda making his first league start of the season in place of the suspended Regan Booty in midfield, Lewis Richardson replacing Tarryn Allarakhia, who is on international duty, and Ben Whitfield starting ahead of Danny Cashman, who dropped to the bench. Club captain Callum Reynolds returned for his first matchday involvement of the season with a place on the bench.

Boreham Wood dominated the early possession, forcing a succession of corners. Marley Marshall-Miranda had the game’s first chance on six minutes but fired well wide. Despite Wood’s pressure, they were unable to offer much in terms of an attacking threat in the early stages. In fact, the game’s next opportunity fell to the hosts when Scott High fired over on 21 minutes. Soon afterwards, Zak Brunt’s deflected shot was easily gathered by Moors keeper Max Metcalfe.

On 28 minutes, Ben Whitfield’s shot was blocked by Alex Whitmore. Four minutes later, an excellent Oli Bainbridge played an excellent cross to Whitfield, who tried to repeat his ‘goal of the season’ contender against Harrogate Town, but this time he volleyed just wide. On 38 minutes, Wood had another good chance when a fantastic Brunt free-kick cannoned off the crossbar. Wood took a deserved lead on 44 minutes when that man Whitfield scored his third Wood goal in the last three league games with a neat finish after some good work by Brunt.

HT: SOLIHULL MOORS 0 BOREHAM WOOD 1

Wood started the second half in the best possible way, with Whitfield taking advantage of an excellent pass from Marley Marshall-Miranda before finishing well past Metcalfe in the Moors goal. Three minutes later, the hosts had a chance to pull a goal back when Matty Carson played in Jacob Wakeling, who failed to get on the end of his ball. The former Peterborough United striker was close again three minutes later but was denied by Luca Gunter in the Wood goal.

On 54 minutes, Jay Bird held the ball up well and gave Whitfield the chance to get his hat-trick, but he fired just wide. The Barrow loanee went close again two minutes later, but he was denied by Metcalfe. When the ball fell back to Brunt, he was denied, this time by some heroic defending from Whitmore.

On 66 minutes, Whitfield had another chance to secure a hat-trick when Bird was brought down in the penalty area and referee Adam Merchant quickly pointed to the penalty spot. Normally the penalty taker, Brunt gave the responsibility to Whitfield, who was denied by Metcalfe.

Boreham Wood need not have worried because, ten minutes later, they did get their third when Bird got his reward for another excellent performance with a lovely goal on the turn. Wood were now in complete control and could have extended the lead further, with Brunt being denied twice by Metcalfe before the end.

Boreham Wood weren’t at their best but still dominated a poor Solihull Moors side. Whitfield’s goals either side of half-time put Boreham Wood in total control. Wood now look forward to a tricky match against Kidderminster Harriers at home on Tuesday, with a six-point gap at the top of the National League table.

Solihull Moors: Metcalfe, Andrews, Mills, Whitmore (Shipston 85), Sbarra, High (Coffey 90), Wakeling (Lance-Pencheon 85), Carson, Woods, Warren, Tiensia (Hoti 68)

Subs not used: Ford

Boreham Wood: Gunter, Clarke (Cashman 85), Bainbridge, Bush, O’Connell, White, Brunt (Kensdale 88), Marshall-Miranda, Richardson (Golden 70), Whitfield, Bird

Subs not used: Curd, Reynolds, Stapleberg

Man of the Match: Ben Whitfield

Written by Brett Lewis.