A battling performance served up the perfect antidote to end Boreham Wood’s five game losing run in the National League as they won 2-1 at Torquay United on Tuesday evening.

The three precious points, which came courtesy of goals from Graeme Montgomery and debutant Mustafa Tiryaki, could not have come at a better time, with Wood announcing they were going full time just the previous day.

The timing was also perfect for Tiryaki whose international clearance came through on the team coach en-route to Plainmoor.

His contribution was impressive on a night where boss Ian Allinson rang the changes. New loan signing Clovis Kamdjo, who had joined from Forest Green Rovers 24 hours prior to kick off, was handed a start in midfield.

Ben Nunn returned to right-back, with Billy and Conor Clifford and Charlie MacDonald making up a very strong bench, which included a third new recruit since Saturday in the shape of 19-year-old striker Zane Banton, on loan from Luton Town.

The first chance went Wood’s way and saw Tiryaki, who played the full 90 minutes, tee himself up to hit an ambitious volley at goalkeeper Fabian Speiss, who returned to the starting line up after being dropped for Saturday’s 7-3 defeat by Bromley.

Wood took the lead in the eighth minute when a good move involving Tiryaki, Nunn and Ricky Shakes ended with Sam Cox being brought down just outside the Torquay penalty area.

From the subsequent set piece, Luke Howell’s dummy was followed by a low shot from Montgomery which found its way through the wall and into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

After a nervy start the home side grew in confidence with Tyrone Marsh hitting the side netting before James Hurst shot into the arms of James Russell from 35 yards.

Wood had the ball in the net for a second time after 36 minutes through Callum Reynolds but his effort was ruled out for climbing.

The second half was a far more open affair with the Gulls breaking forward with pace; an end-to-end battle providing a captivating watch.

Boreham Wood keeper Russell was kept busy, first saving a rising drive from Josh Carmichael before Alex Fisher headed a James Hurst cross just wide.

But the visitors had chances of their own and when Montgomery got on the end of a Ricky Shakes cross it took a brave block from returning Torquay defender Durrell Berry to deny the winger a second goal.

But they would not have to wait long for a second as with ten second half minutes played, Marsh gave away a free-kick 30 yards from goal.

Debutant Tiryaki stepped up and promptly fired home to give Wood a 2-0 lead for the first time this season.

There were still 35 minutes remaining and when Louis Briscoe was introduced three minutes later his impact was immediate.

Turning Shakes on the left wing Briscoe sent a curling ball into the penalty area that was glanced home beyond Russell by Fisher.

But Wood might have hit back immediately when Luke Howell squared across the box for Montgomery to blast over.

The Gulls refused to give in, though, and might have dragged themselves level when Marsh tried to flick the ball over Russell but the Wood keeper was equal to the attacker’s effort.

Wood continued to put pressure on the Gulls’ defence, with Shakes’ cross almost met by Howell before Tiryaki’s backheel had Speiss scrambling to smother.

Hurst went close for the home side with a fierce drive that was inches wide, before Torquay had a goal ruled out for offside from a free kick.

But they could not find an equaliser and Boreham Wood instead held out for their third win of the season.

Speaking afterwards manager Allinson said: “This evening was all about coming to terms with this league.

“We have been playing some lovely football and losing. In truth we have missed Jamie Lucas up front since his injury and have not won a game without him in the side.

“Tonight in Mustafa Tiryaki we had a player who gave us what we have been missing. I was also aware that the key to winning matches can be found in the midfield.

“We now have the services of Clovis Kamdjo, a player that showed tonight he is a real man who can release those around him to do what they do best.

“Hopefully now we can push on and put some more points on the board this coming Saturday.”

Boreham Wood: Russell; Nunn, Devera, Doe, Reynolds (c); Shakes, Cox, Kamdjo, Howell (MacDonald 80), Montgomery (Banton 87); Tiryaki.

Subs not used: Morias, C.Clifford, B.Clifford.