They say red cards change games and so it proved as Dover Athletic striker Ricky Miller was sent off early in the second half allowing Boreham Wood to score three in nine minutes and seal a 4-1 victory at The Crabble.
Miller had given the hosts a first-half lead when he scuffed home a penalty after 22 minutes. But just four minutes into the second period the game was turned on its head when Miller earned a second yellow card and from their Chris Kinnear's side capitulated in spectacular fashion.
Boreham Wood promptly levelled from the spot via Kenny Davis, scoring his first goal for his new club, before Bruno Andrade put the visitors in front for the first time from close range.
Angelo Balanta, another summer signing, grabbed his first for the club to complete a three-goal blitz shortly after. In the 77th minute Andrade added a fourth, firing home a free-kick, to ensure maximum points after two games.
Luke Garrard made one enforced change from the side which beat Forest Green Rovers 1-0 on the opening day. Left-back Danny Woodards came in for the injured David Stephens meaning Joe Devera reverted to centre-back.
Wood included two players, Woodards and Balanta, who previously trialled at Dover.
The Whites signed former Luton Town and Eastleigh striker Ross Lafayette earlier in the day but he had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench with Miller and Moses Emmanuel continuing up front.
Dover made a bright start with Miller heading Emmanuel’s cross over Grant Smith’s crossbar from close range. Smith was called into action after a quarter of an hour to make a simple save from Miller’s low shot.
The home side made good on their bright start after 22 minutes when Miller won a penalty following tireless work. The former Luton Town striker chased down a lost cause, won possession and drew a foul from Wood defender Matt Paine inside the box.
Miller took the spot kick himself and fired beyond Smith left-footed to give the hosts a 1-0 lead which they had deserved with their performance up to that point.
The Dover trio of Emmanuel, Miller and Ricky Modeste were looking dangerous and it took a good save from to deny Ricky Modeste with a shot which looked destined for the bottom corner shortly before half time.
Boreham Wood’s only real chance of the first period came via Balanta who fired over from 20 yards and they went in at half-time with plenty to discuss.
The turning point of the game arrived four minuts into the second half began when Whites' scorer Miller sent off for a second yellow card for a foul.
With the Kent outfit down to ten men Boreham Wood’s mentality became more attacking, Balanta going close on the hour mark with a snapshot into the side netting.
Five minutes later Wood deservedly pulled level with a penalty of their own. Sam Magri felled Andrade in the penalty area and referee Dean Treleaven awarded his second spot kick of the evening. Summer signing Davis tucked home the penalty to bring Garrard’s men level.
Davis gave way for Jeffrey shortly after his equaliser and it was the substitute, on his latest debut for Wood, who supplied the cross for the visitors’ second.
Jeffrey, who was sold to Forest Green Rovers in January only to return on loan in the summer, slung in a cross to leave Andrade with the simplest of tap ins.
Two minutes later Garrard’s side stretched their advantage by bagging a third. Woodards hit the post and Balanta was the man on hand to tuck home.
With little over ten minutes remaining Wood rubbed further salt in Dover wounds when Andrade added his second.
Sam Magri, who had been at sixes and sevens all night, conceded a free-kick and Andrade promptly crashed beyond keeper Steve Arnold.
Boreham Wood were happy to sit on a three-goal lead for the remaining minutes and closed out a fine win. The rest of the division will have to sit up and take notice if this keep up.
Wood will look to extend their fine start to the season at York City on Saturday.
Boreham Wood: Smith; Nunn, Devera, Paine, Woodards; Nunn, Ricketts (c), Davis (Jeffrey 64), Andrade; Moke (Clifford 82); Balanta (Ferrier 79).
Substitutes: Boal (GK), Ilesanmi.
Dover Athletic: Arnold; Magri (Fazackerly 78), Grimes (Sterling 78), Parkinson, Orlu, Thomas; Modeste, Kinnear Jr., Stevenson; Miller, (Emmanuel 78).
Substitutes: Marsh, Pinnock.
Referee: Dean Treleaven.
Attendance: 1,024.
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