KABS SECURES LOCAL BRAGGING RIGHTS
Barnet 0 – 3 Boreham Wood
Saturday 2nd January 2020, 5.20pm
The Hive, Vanarama National League
Two goals by Kabs Tshimanga and a spectacular volley by skipper Tom Champion ensured that Boreham Wood started 2021 in the best possible way by thrashing local rivals Barnet in the first “292 el classico” of the season. This also secures their fifth victory in a row from all competitions.
Following an enforced three week hiatus since the late victory over Aldershot Town, Boreham Wood were clearly chomping at the bit to get back into action against a struggling Barnet side, who were good opposition for Luke Garrard’s men. The visitors made two changes to the line up with Mingoia and the now fit Corey Whitely coming in for the injured Sorba Thomas and Zaine Francis-Angol.
Although the home side showed a lot of promise early on, it was Tshimanga who had the first chance to score after twelve minutes when his effort was well saved by Scott Loach following a fantastic defence-splitting pass from Murtagh. Six minutes later it was the former Oxford City forward who gave Wood the lead when he ran onto an excellent flick on by Matt Rhead, this time finishing well beyond former England Under 21 keeper Loach with what was perhaps a harder chance than the one denied earlier.
Tshimanga was denied again by Loach after twenty seven minutes along with Whitely’s follow up also being blocked on the line. On the half hour mark, a Matt Rhead header was destined for the corner of the net when Myles Judd dived impressively to prevent a second goal. However, after consultation with the linesman, the referee awarded Boreham Wood a penalty for the obvious handball and sent Judd off in the process. Tshimanga then made no mistake from the spot doubling Boreham Wood’s advantage. Being a man up and 2-0 to the good, it was obvious at this stage that there was small chance of a come back for the home side.
Boreham Wood could have had another penalty after thirty six minutes but the officials missed what looked like another obvious foul on Tshimanga by the Bee’s Josh Walker. Last season’s top scorer would have completed his hattrick a few minutes later but was denied again by the outstanding Loach. After forty two minutes, Boreham Wood got their deserved third goal when Tom Champion struck a superb volley past Scott Loach for his first of the season. Wood went into half time three goals up along with multiple chances that could’ve added to the scoreline.
The second half was a little less action packed as Barnet practiced damage limitation, and to their credit defended well from wave after wave of Boreham Wood attacks. Although the match seemed to be over at this stage, Wood did have further chances to try and add to their lead. Murtagh might have scored but his effort was well blocked by Moshni followed by Whitely’s effort with an overhead kick saved brilliantly by Loach. Gus Mafuta also had a chance with a dipping shot that cannoned off of the Barnet crossbar. The host’s offered little going forward but did venture into Boreham Wood’s penalty area where Champion produced a fantastic tackle on Effiong as the former Wood frontman looked like pulling the trigger.
It was a thoroughly professional performance from Boreham Wood and if it wasn’t for a great display from Scott Loach in the Bees goal, the emphatic victory could have been a thrashing. The home side couldn’t handle Tshimanga who was a constant threat to their defence, even in the second half when Barnet dropped deeper, Boreham Wood always looked likely to add to the three goals.
A delighted Luke Garrard said afterwards, “It was nice to get back on the pitch and win 3-0 in the derby. I’m over the moon. In fairness to the lads, they didn’t look it was their first game for three weeks. They were a credit to the management of the club.
Barnet: Loach, Dunne, Pavey (McQueen 29), Moshni, Taylor, Effiong, Walker (Parrett 49), Binnom-Williams, Mason-Clark (Vasiliou 86), Judd, Nugent.
Subs not used: Azaze, Faal.
Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Champion, Fyfield, Ilesamni, Murtagh, Mafuta (McDonnell 86), Whitely, Smith (Woodards 78), Mingoia, Tshimanga (Coulthirst 69) , Rhead.
Subs not used: Stephens, Huddart.
Man of the Match: Kabongo Tshimanga
Match report written by Brett Lewis (Non-League Paper & Wood Army member)
