Hampton & Richmond were denied a second win in a week on Saturday, as Boreham Wood equalised deep in stoppage time after a defiant display by The Beavers.
The home side had led since a Jake Gray goal in the 44th minute, but their hearts were broken in the third minute of second half stoppage time, when substitute Kwesi Appiah headed home a Tom Whelan free kick.
Alan Julian said at the final whistle: “I keep using the word proud but it’s the most appropriate one – I’m so proud of how they are doing, and to sound disappointed, that’s a compliment to them.”
It was an entertaining game from start to finish, with the away side starting brightly, Ted Curd saving from Whelan. The outstanding Bunmi Babajide made a chance out of nothing on the 24-minute mark, winning the ball off the Wood defence in the final third for the second time in five minutes but seeing his strike tipped round the post by Nathan Ashmore.
Hampton & Richmond came firmly into the ascendency as the first half progressed, Josh Keeya having two opportunities at goal before Gray saw his shot deflected into the side netting.
Moments before half-time, the latter was the man to eventually break the deadlock. Gray won the ball back on the right wing, reminiscent of the pressing displayed by Julian’s side throughout, and drove into the box to find the net at the near post. After his strike on Tuesday night at Weymouth went down as an own goal, this time there was no doubt Gray had his first of the season.
Just before the hour Ashmore was booked for taking out Babajide just outside the box, then on 67 minutes the Beavers no.17 won the ball back on halfway and fed Keeya, whose strike went agonisingly inches wide. So close that most of the stadium thought it was in.
The Wood pressed in the final stages. A Junior Dixon header was cleared off the line by Dom Revan, with Hampton & Richmond defending manfully and throwing their bodies on the line.
But it was former Ghana international Appiah who made the telling contribution, heading in from close range after a ball in by the dangerous Whelan.
Outstanding performance to a man by The Beavers, who were so close to seeing out another well-earnt victory. Much to be positive about in all areas of the park as we prepare for an all-National League South FA Cup tie at Maidstone United next weekend.