Boreham Wood celebrated winning the Herts Senior Cup last night after a 3-1 victory on penalties over Bishop’s Stortford following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Letchworth.

Ian Allinson’s side played against ten men for almost an hour after Michael Richens was sent off but the hero proved to be goalkeeper James Russell as he made three penalty saves to help the team win the trophy.

It was their first final victory since beating Ware 5-2 in 2008.

Wood got off to the best possible start in the final as they opened the scoring after just three minutes. Lee Angol picked up the ball and fired past goalkeeper Joe Wright.

It should have been 2-0 shortly afterwards but Angol failed to find the target from close range.

Bishop’s Stortford levelled the match up after 17 minutes when a corner was powerfully headed home by Richens.

Wood went close to regaining the lead through Ricky Shakes but his strike was kept out by an excellent save from Wright.

Richens was booked in the first half for dissent and his game came to a premature end in strange circumstances.

Wood keeper Russell threw the ball out and it hit Richens on the back and the referee showed him a second yellow card for ungentlemanly conduct.

Allinson’s side were desperate to take advantage of the extra man but they spurned a decent opportunity when Angol fired across the face of goal.

Matty Whichelow also went close for Wood but his effort was kept out by another save from Wright.

Callum Reynolds almost won the game late on but his header was cleared off the line.

The final went into extra time and Wood stepped up the pressure against a tiring Bishop’s Stortford side.

Wright again came to the rescue as the keeper tipped a shot from Luke Garrard over the crossbar.

Callum McNaughton had a chance on the break for Bishop’s Stortford but he could only send his header wide from close range.

Wood continued to push for a winner but were denied by the woodwork three times.

George Allen almost headed a clearance into his own net but the post saved his side.

But Wood again came agonisingly close to the winner when Sam Cox’s fierce strike hit the post before Angol was denied a second goal by the upright.

The match went to penalties and it got off to a bad start for Bishop’s Stortford as captain Reece Prestedge’s effort was saved by Russell.

Reynolds made no mistake from the spot as he smashed home to give Wood the lead.

Matt Johnson netted for Stortford before Ben Nunn replied for the opposition.

Cliff Akurang’s penalty was kept out by Russell while goalscorer Angol tucked away another for Wood.

Bishop’s Stortford substitute Sam Cutler saw his penalty saved by the brilliant Russell and Wood celebrated a gripping shoot-out win.

It was a memorable end to the season for Wood and the team play their final match of the campaign tomorrow [Saturday] when they visit Conference South champions Eastleigh.