Boreham Wood hope for double after cup triumph
Luke Garrard is in his second spell as Boreham Wood boss
- Published
Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard has his sights on a double celebration this season after seeing his side lift the National League Cup.
They fought back from 2-0 down against West Ham Under-21s and won 7-6 on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
The first 12 penalties were all converted, but keeper Ted Curd saved West Ham's seventh spot-kick and Charlie O'Connell then won it for the Hertfordshire side.
"It's a lottery," Garrard told the club's YouTube channel., external "The fact that the boys pinpointed their penalties on the money is credit to them individually. To be the first non-league team to lift that trophy is excellent.
"To go 2-0 down against Premier League 21s, who were very productive in the way they played, then turning the game on its head, I'm really proud of the group, really proud of what we're achieving."
Lewis Orford and Josh Landers put the young Hammers on top but Abdul Abdulmalik pulled one back early in the second half after being put through by Zak Brunt.
But time was rapidly running out for the home side - who had a 100% record in this season's competition - when a corner was cleared to Aaron Henry on the edge of the box and he fired home in the third minute of stoppage time to level the scores.
Aaron Henry scored Boreham Wood's late equaliser and their third penalty in the shootout
Boreham Wood will now focus on trying to reach the English Football League for the first time in their history.
They are fourth in the National League table with eight games left to play, but automatic promotion is out of reach as they have 20 points to make up on leaders Rochdale.
"We're gearing up for play-offs and that [win] puts in good stead," said Garrard.
"My chairman never speaks about finances, never speaks about money, never speaks about prize funds, it's all about the memories and moments - but I might be going to ask him to sign a player with the prize money," he joked.