Wood are held by resurgent Robins (From Borehamwood Times)

Wood are held by resurgent Robins

9:29am Monday 8th February 2010

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by John Mead

Carshalton Athletic 0
Boreham Wood 0
Ryman Premier League

This hard earned point against a resurgent Robins side extended Wood's unbeaten run to six matches.

The majority of the goal scoring opportunities fell to the home side, yet Wood's superb defence centred around surely the best goalkeeper in the Division in Tony Tucker held fast. Wood's goals conceded record of just 22 in 24 games is bettered only by the league leaders Dartford.

Ryan Moran and Chris Watters returned from injuries to the first team action, as manager Ian Allinson went for experience against what he perceived as a very capable forward line of Richard Jolly and Craig Faulconbridge, the pair coming in for the exemplary youngsters Jon Clements and Bradley Fraser.

Orlando Smith found space to shoot twice in the early stages of the game, yet Bobby Highton ensured that his efforts went wide of the target.

Tucker pulled off a remarkable full stretch one handed save to deny the very impressive Barry Stevens after 32 minutes. His bicycle kick volley after good work from Jolly was destined for the bottom left hand corner of the net until Tucker found the agility to get his fingertips to the effort.

Jamie Richards worked tirelessly as ever up front as Wood's lone striker but found David Woozley and Joe Dolan in outstanding form who offered him absolutely nothing all afternoon.

The Robins increased the pressure on the Wood goal before the interval and Faulconbridge blasted over the bar from Jolly's flick when superbly placed to open the scoring.

Wood lacked a cutting edge on the afternoon and lost the services of recently re signed Luke Garrard after 57 minutes who was still suffering the after effects of a clash of heads earlier in the game. His replacement Fraser breathed a sigh of relief when Jolly stole a yard on the young defender only to see his attempted lob of the committed Tucker drop just over the bar.

Tucker made another match saving block when Faulconbridge provided for Stevens whose first time effort was brilliantly saved by the legs of the custodian.

A previously booked Mario Noto was lucky to escape the referee's attention when he pulled back Faulconbridge right on the edge of the penalty area as The Robins searched in vain for the winner.

A well taken corner bounced off of the crossbar above Tucker before Wood almost created the smash and grab raid of the season in stoppage time. Noto worked the ball out wide to Greg Morgan whose low cross into danger was perfect for Inih Effiong whose sweetly struck volley just five yards from goal was incredibly saved by an instinctive outstretched arm by keeper Nick Hamann. It was quite simply a piece of footballing brilliance that saved the home side a point in a game that they had controlled in the main.

After the game Ian Allinson explained he was relieved his side had taken something from the game. “ I watched them ( Carshalton) midweek and was concerned that we should not give their front two any space to exploit. We did that very well but it did leave us strung out on occasions. I am glad to get that one out of the way as Carshalton are a very good side and I am sure will be up there challenging at the end of the season. With the weather hopefully improving now pitches will start drying out and that will be to our advantage in the run in.”

Wood remain fourth in the table and entertain Canvey Island at home this coming Tuesday February 9th, kick off 7.45pm.

Team: Tucker, Highton, Brathwaite, Hunter, Garrard (Fraser 57), Moran, Noto, Allinson (Clements 78), Richards (Effiong 78), Morgan, Watters.

Subs not used: Jay, Dodge.

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