BOREHAM WOOD 0, ALDERSHOT TOWN 1

CHARLIE Walker may have poached his eighth goal of the season, but this victory in Hertfordshire on Tuesday was all about a wonderfully resilient defensive display.

It was also Aldershot’s fifth win in their last seven away games, while a second consecutive clean sheet was the unlikely yet impressive reward for an indomitable performance. Boreham Wood, promoted via the play-offs last season, overcame the resignation of manager Ian Allinson just 36 hours before kick-off to play with a quality and freedom belying their 20th place in the National League table.

“The disappointing thing is that we didn’t play as well as we know we can, but you can’t be disappointed when you’re winning games,” smiled manager Barry Smith. “We’ve won and that’s what the game is about. It was a good hard-working performance. Boreham Wood put us under pressure, but if you’re not going to play well, it’s vitally important that you keep a clean sheet.”

The Wood were lively and enterprising opponents straight from kick-off, but lacked the finishing quality which their approach play deserved.

After being fouled by Joe Devera, Charlie Walker highlighted what the home team were missing in just the tenth minute. Omar Beckles met Damon Lathrope’s floated free-kick with a strong header across goal and the ball rebounded off the base of the post to Walker, who bundled it over the line.

It was Aldershot’s first genuine attack and Boreham continued to create the better chances throughout the half. Jamie Lucas flicked the ball wide from three yards after connecting with Scott Doe’s header and Devera powered another header off target.

Phil Smith’s only real save of the half came seconds before the break. Junior Morias broke into the box and, as he was tackled, the ball squirmed free to Lucas, only for Smith to make a fine point-blank block.

The second half was a more even affair, but still Boreham built a head of steam which left the Shots and their fans somewhat nervy. The occasionally maligned Phil Smith continued to impress. He scooped Ricky Shakes’ header off the line and behind, via a deflection off the post, and later dived to his right to stop Conor Clifford’s 25-yard drive.

The equally impressive Billy Clifford struck a long-range free-kick into the goalkeeper’s arms, but even the arrival of Charlie MacDonald – often Aldershot’s nemesis in seasons past – failed to convert ambition and pressure into an equaliser.

The visitors’ commitment and dogged determination was typified by Jim Stevenson’s 81st-minute block to keep out Clovis Kamdjo’s far-post header.

Stevenson then almost sealed victory with a swerving, dipping drive, well parried by James Russell, and substitute Sam Hatton’s flailing attempt failed to convert the rebound.

Aldershot continued to repel attacks through four minutes of injury time as Anthony Jeffrey and Conor Clifford failed to find a way through the massed ranks of defenders. The final whistle eventually heralded relief and jubilation from Aldershot and their supporters who comprised nearly half the crowd at Meadow Park.

Another small step this may have been, down a long road, but Barry Smith’s side have again proved themselves capable of overcoming sizeable obstacles along the way.

Boreham Wood: Russell; Cox, Devera, Doe, Woodards; Shakes (Jeffrey 77), B Clifford, Kamdjo, C Clifford; Lucas (MacDonald 61), Morias (Tiryaki 81). Subs (not used): Reynolds, Howell. Booked: Cox.

Aldershot: Smith; Alexander, Beckles, Saville, Richards; Browne, Lathrope (Gallagher 83), Stevenson, D Walker (Hatton 66); Brodie, C Walker. Subs (not used): Oliver, Barnes-Homer, Thomas. Booked: Lathrope, Brodie.

Referee:?Robert Whitton.

Attendance: 581 (248 away).