A below parr Boreham Wood succumbed to a disappointing defeat in Staffordshire against a determined Tamworth side.

Luke Garrard named an unchanged starting lineup from Tuesday night’s win at Southend United, with Tom White returning to the squad for the first time since November.

Boreham Wood got out of the blocks quickly when Regan Booty played in Lewis Richardson early on, the latter having his shot well saved by Jas Singh in the Lambs’ goal inside the opening two minutes. The game was then stopped for a period shortly after when a linesman picked up an injury, but when the match resumed, Wood were back in the ascendancy as Abdul Abdulmalik played in Lewis Richardson. Unfortunately, the Wood number 20 was unable to keep his strike down.

Tamworth took a well-deserved lead when Teo Kurtaran played in Oli Lynch who finished well past Ted Curd in the Wood goal from close range. Six minutes later, Ben Acquaye had a chance to double Tamworth’s lead but fired wide of the target Wood were unable to get a foothold in the game and struggled to penetrate the hosts’ defence. Richardson did get another chance to get his side back on level terms, but his well struck half-volley found the side netting.

HT: Tamworth 1-0 Boreham Wood

Following a poor first half, there was hope that the second period would produce something better for Luke Garrard’s men. However, their comeback was made two times harder when a cross into the box from Acquaye allowed Stefan Mols to finish well at the far post. Four minutes later, Alfie Bates found Lynch who nearly added a third, but was denied by a good save from Ted Curd. Abdul Abdulamlik fired over from distance, and two minutes later, Wood were back in it with a messy finish from Matt Rush, giving the visitors a lifeline.

Tamworth, however, would add a third with an excellent finish from Lynch, his second goal of the match, as he curled one into the top right corner from just outside the box. He nearly completed his hat trick but was once again denied by a good save from Curd in the Wood net. Matt Rush was still in the mood for goals and got his second for Wood with excellent control of an inch perfect Regan Booty long ball over the top of the Tamworth defence and an emphatic finish past Jas Singh. Wood were unable to get the leveller in the closing moments, but went close a couple of times during the eight minutes of stoppage time, both Zak Brunt and Matt Rush forcing Tamworth’s shot stopper into good saves.

FT: Tamworth 3-2 Boreham Wood

It was a disappointing day for the Wood who seemed lethargic and were second best against a good Tamworth side. The Wood have to be back on top form to compete against an outstanding York City side at Meadow Park on Tuesday night.

Tamworth: Singh, Digie, Bates, Fairlamb, Rye, Mols (Curley 90), Cullinane-Liburb, Acquaye (Roberts 77), Lynch, Kurtaran, Howley.

Subs not used: Cockerill-Mollett, Milnes, Rachel, Hollis, Reindorf.

Boreham Wood: Curd, Coxe (Robinson 66), Ilesanmi (Newton 67), O’Connell, Bush, Marshall-Miranda (Clayden 80), Brunt, Booty, Abdulmalik, Richardson (Ayinde 46), Rush.

Subs not used: Payne, Henry, White.

Man of the Match: Matt Rush.

Match report written by Brett Lewis.