Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard believes his players have set the standard with their best performance of the season in their 2-1 National League win at Bromley on Tuesday night.

Wood picked up a much-needed victory which leaves them three points clear of the bottom four in the division.

Garrard, who steered the side to their first league win since taking charge, said: “The first-half performance was the best the boys have played for a long time. It was a combination of hard work and their good quality.

“For me they showed their worth after a hard-fought draw at Northwich. I questioned the boys after Saturday but they delivered on Tuesday.”

Garrard added: “They have set the standard themselves but it’s now about them setting their own standard. I’ve just told them that I hope it’s the catalyst to go on a run in the league.”

Wood opened the scoring after just three minutes when Luke Howell scored after Mauro Vilhete hit the post.

It was 2-0 after 11 minutes when Ricky Shakes played in Howell and his low strike doubled the visitors’ lead.

Moses Emmanuel pulled one back before the break but Wood held out resolutely in the second half for a fifth win of the season.

Wood host Chester on Saturday and Garrard believes it is crucial the side build on their midweek result.

Garrard, who has brought back Jason Goodliffe as assistant manager, said: “The idea is to get back-to-back wins which gives you that boost and can help create a gap between the bottom clubs. We want to catch two or three teams above us.”

Garrard’s side face a busy week with their FA Cup first round replay at home to Northwich Victoria two days later.

Wood drew 1-1 at Northwich on Saturday in the first match. Jordan Williams fired the hosts into the lead but Junior Morias netted a quick equaliser to force a replay.

The winners of Monday’s tie will be away to League Two side Northampton in the second round.

But Garrard is focused on their league match and admits he will have to utilise his squad with the short turnaround.

He said: “The bread and butter is the league for us. But we have a busy run of six games in 18 days and I have no problem in shuffling the pack.

“There will be changes because with the level of the league and the demands of the FA Cup it is going to be a strain.”