Wood run riot to sink rock-bottom Cheltenham

Boreham Wood entered this fixture knowing anything less than a win would feel like a missed chance against a Cheltenham side rooted to the foot of the table. What followed was a performance of growing authority, as the home side shook off a hesitant opening to run out 4-0 winners and climb to ninth.

The breakthrough came in the 21st minute. Will Wilkins, restored to the starting line-up after Dylan Byrne was rested, collected the ball in space and struck low beyond Neil Perry. It was a goal that settled nerves and set the tone for the afternoon.

For all their possession, Wood had to wait until the second half to make the game safe. Byrne, introduced just before the hour, made an immediate impact, sweeping in a second after good work from Cohen Hewitt. Emmanuel Ofori, on at half-time, then added a third with a composed finish.

But the day belonged to Jacob Deguara. The centre-back was immense at both ends, reading the game superbly and stepping out of defence to start attacks. He capped his display with a thumping header from a corner eight minutes from time, sending the Meadow Park faithful into raptures.

Cheltenham offered little in response. Their brightest moment came through Craig Bennion, who tested Roy Johnson with a stinging drive, but the keeper was equal to it. The visitors' afternoon was summed up by three yellow cards in the closing stages, frustration boiling over as the game slipped away.

For Boreham Wood, this was a statement of intent. For Cheltenham, the long winter continues.