Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard believes their FA Cup tie at Northwich Victoria gives them a great chance of reaching the second round.

Wood defeated AFC Hornchurch 2-1 at home on Saturday to secure a trip to the Northern Premier League Division One North side a week tomorrow.

Garrard said: “It gives us a massive opportunity to get into the second round. But they are there on merit and have a group of players that are challenging near the top in their division.”

The Wood boss added: “It is always nice to have a run which we have had in two of the last three seasons having played Brentford and Carlisle.

“It’s just about continuing our form and finding consistency across the board through the different competitions. The league is obviously our main focus but a cup run is always nice and a bonus for the players and fans.”

Wood dominated the first half against AFC Hornchurch but missed a penalty when visiting goalkeeper Sam Mott saved Billy Clifford’s penalty after a foul on Conor Clifford.

The home side had a goal disallowed from Charlie MacDonald for offside.

But the hosts did not have to wait too long to take the lead in style with a stunning goal after Conor Clifford’s cross set up a superb overhead kick from Mustafa Tiryaki.

Wood doubled their advantage when Ricky Shakes released Anthony Jeffrey, on his first start since joining on loan, and the forward fired past Mott.

The Step Four side responded though and pulled one back through prolific striker George Purcell’s free-kick but Wood remained in front.

Garrard said: “The performance was indifferent, but it was important to get the result and get through to the next round.”

Wood return to National League action tomorrow when they entertain mid-table Gateshead .

Garrard said: “They are a very good team and have personnel that I admire.

“It’s only a matter of time before they turn their form around but we are at home and we have to get on the front foot.”

But the manager, whose side are fourth bottom, said: “We deserve to be where we are in the table because we haven’t delivered.

“But we just need to turn those defeats and draws into positive results. I believe we have the ability in the squad to get out of trouble,” he said.