Bristol Rovers 0-2 Boreham Wood: National League side earn place in third round draw

Boreham Wood continued their FA Cup exploits by beating League One side Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium to reach the third round for the third year running.

The National League side, who knocked out AFC Wimbledon and Bournemouth last season before losing to Everton, took a grip on the game with goals by defenders Will Evans and David Stephens.

Members of the Rovers squad had been affected by illness in the days leading up to the game and the hosts failed to produce a short on target in the opening half.

Although Joey Barton's team looked marginally better after the break, it was not until the 82nd minute that Wood keeper Nathan Ashmore made his first save of note, denying substitute Harvey Saunders, as the hosts suffered only their second defeat in 13 games.

• Relive Sunday's FA Cup second round action as it happened

Rovers were looking to reach round three for a fourth successive season but looked subdued and short of creative ideas in the opening half after an early Ryan Loft overhead kick flew wide of the Wood goal.

There was applause for Gas defender Nick Anderton, who is currently out of action because of bone cancer, in the 16th minute to coincide with his squad number.

But they fell behind when Zak Brunt cut a corner back to the unmarked George Broadbent just outside the box, and his shot deflected in off the midriff of defender Evans.

It was almost two when Broadbent headed a Brunt cross against the upright and although Lee Ndlovu tucked home a ball into the box moments later, it was ruled out for offside.

The visitors did not have to wait long for their second, though, as Stephens looped a header beyond James Belshaw and into the net following Femi Ilensanmi's chip - Stephens' first goal since August 2019.

Belshaw did well to save a low drive by Cameron Coxe which was heading for the bottom corner, and Rovers were relieved to reach half-time only two down after failing to produce a shot on target themselves despite having most of the possession.

George Broadbent's shot deflected off Will Evans for Boreham Wood's opening goal

Barton's response was to make four changes at the break, with 38-year-old former Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan among those withdrawn, and his team did show greater energy, but Josh Coburn cleared the bar at the near post from Trevor Clarke's ball in.

Rovers had not failed to score in a game since 24 September, but Wood - who are 11th in the National League - were content to protect their lead and a speculative Sam Finley shot comfortably saved by Ashmore was the best they could muster in five minutes of added time.

They are next in action away to Bolton Wanderers on Friday evening, while Boreham Wood travel to Eastleigh - their first-round victims - the following day.

Rovers defender James Connolly told BBC Radio Bristol:

"It felt quite flat out there. We maybe could have started a bit faster and the goals were from two set-pieces.

"We spoke in the week that it was going to be their game plan, FA Cup, they were going to come with set-pieces. I think that's probably the only way they could have hurt us.

"We made a few poor decisions and we weren't strong enough. They had a good shape, they were always going to sit behind the ball, we expected that.

"We won't change mindset-wise, it was just an off day. Everyone has them."

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard:

"I couldn't be more proud of my players, many of whom helped us earn a trip to Everton in the fifth round last season.

"What we achieved then was magical, but to be in the third round again is unbelievable - they have risen to every challenge.

"I'd have taken a draw just so we were in the hat, but the players delivered and I'm ecstatic.

"To have beaten a team that have been formidable at home of late is a brilliant achievement."