Boreham Wood bowed out of the Herts Senior Cup at the quarter-final stage against a determined and well-organised Wormley Rovers side, who were good value for their victory. Apart from Morianne Busse in goal, Adam Morley and Daniel Isaac at the back, and Freddie Quinn in midfield, it was players from the first-team squad that Wood started the game with.

The hosts took the lead in the third minute when an error from keeper Morianne Busse created a chance for Josh Asiedu, who finished well. Wood were somewhat shell-shocked by the early goal, and it took them a while to get going. In the 15th minute, an excellent run and cross from Clayden created a chance for Junior Dixon, who was denied by the legs of Simeone. Five minutes later, Mo Sagaf fired over the bar. Soon afterward, Dixon was denied by an excellent save from Carlos Simeone in the Rovers’ goal.

The hosts extended their lead in the 29th minute when Louis Offer jumped highest against a static Wood defence and directed his header into the goal. Six minutes later, Femi Ilesanmi fired over from outside the penalty area. Wormley added a third just before the break when Regle Masanya scored with an excellent free kick that deceived keeper Busse.

HT: Wormley Rovers 3-0 Boreham Wood

Boreham Wood were slightly better after the break, although, for a large part, their shooting was wayward. Five minutes after the restart, Junior Dixon found space, but his shot was way off target. Soon afterwards, some good approach play from Dixon enabled Adam Morley to get a shot in, but again, it was off target. Wood continued to apply pressure, but the Wormley defence made it very difficult for them. In the 67th minute, Dixon again went close and was again off target.

The hosts were not finished as an attacking threat, and soon afterwards Declan Nche was denied by an excellent Busse save. In the 73rd minute, Wood pulled a goal back with an excellent strike by Abdul Abdulmalik from a Dixon pass. Just when it looked like the comeback was on, Wormley added a fourth to restore their three-goal cushion when Ryan Stevenson finished well in the 80th minute.

FT: Wormley Rovers 4-1 Boreham Wood

Fair play to Wormley Rovers, who were good value for their win and now go into the semi-final. Wood were disappointing on the night, and their fringe players pushing to start for the first team didn’t do enough to justify a start in the National League South.

Wormley Rovers: Simeone, Clarke, Masanya, Stevenson, Offer, Tolley, Asiedu, Nche, Keninde, Mosama, Collington.

Subs not used: Desa, Beattie, Clarke, Eden, Webber.

Boreham Wood: Busse, Morley (Kosky 75), Ilesanmi (Fleming 46), Mafuta, Isaac, Agbontohoma, Quinn (Arm 46), Sagaf, Dixon, Abdulmalik, Clayden.

Subs not used: Callum, Wilson.

Player of the Match: Abdul Abdulmalik.

Match report written by Brett Lewis.