Dan’s the man to rock Wood

FAMED cup fighters Blyth Spartans found little resistance from Boreham Wood as they eased through.

Dan Maguire’s 150th goal for the club was a great finish and Wood never threatened.

Luke Garrard’s side were outgunned by an inform Blyth that stretched its impressive unbeaten run to 13 games.

A single-goal victory certainly didn’t flatter the National League North side, Garrard hugely disappointed by his side's display.

“We failed on all fronts today,” said Garrard. “And that’s no disrespect to Blyth, who were well drilled and organised. I am so gutted and can only apologise to those fans that travelled north and spent their hard-earned cash to see one shot.”

No such problems for Blyth, who were the hungrier side and fully deserved to beat their higher-ranked opponents. Maguire shot weakly at Wood’s rookie stand-in keeper Fred Burbridge when in on goal, but made no mistake with a second, harder, chance.

Connor Oliver's chip saw Maguire roll Femi Ilesanmi and Jamal Fyfield in the right side of the box.

Within a flash the ball was in the roof of the net and it proved to be a knockout blow for an insipid Boreham Wood.

Jamie Holmes shot just past the post in a first half of limited chances and-Justin Shaibu was almost in for Wood straight after the break. It proved to be a rare threat, the visitors caught offside eight times and the late pressure all coming from the home side.

Sub Jarrett Rivers had an immediate impact for Blyth with a surging run that saw Holmes’ angled drive saved.

Wood were still in the tie but just couldn’t get going and Spartans went close again when Holmes curled just over.

“That's what we’re capable of defensively,” said Blyth boss Alun Armstrong. “It wasn’t a great game of football, but when we did play, we cut them open.”

STAR MAN: Jordan Watson (Blyth) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★