Boreham Wood was held to a 3-3 draw by Tamworth after conceding a stoppage-time penalty in their National League fixture on Saturday. Despite coming back from behind and Matt Rush securing a hat-trick, the hosts were unable to secure all three points.

The match, played at Boreham Wood’s home ground, featured a notable substitution as winger Abdul Abdulmalik returned to the field after not training fully during the week. The club recently rejected a £1 million offer from Swedish side Djurgarden for Abdulmalik, who entered the game in the second half and had a significant impact.

Boreham Wood controlled much of the first half, with Tamworth’s Kieran Donnelly creating the first real opportunity but failing to convert. James Clarke’s powerful shot from a free-kick was saved by Tamworth goalkeeper Jas Singh. The visitors took an early lead through Nathan Tshikuna on 57 minutes when a shot deflected to Donnelly, who finished clinically.

The introduction of Abdulmalik and Danny Cashman, a Crawley Town loanee, revived Boreham Wood’s attacking threat. Abdulmalik displayed skill on the left flank and assisted Rush, who equalized with a precise finish. Cashman later set up Rush to complete his hat-trick and give Boreham Wood what looked like a decisive lead.

However, in the tenth minute of added time, Boreham Wood’s Cashman fouled Tamworth’s Tom McGlinchey inside the penalty area. Ben Milnes stepped up to convert the spot-kick, securing Tamworth a late equalizer.

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard expressed frustration after the match, emphasizing his team’s control for much of the game and the productive contributions of Abdulmalik and Cashman: “We were in complete control so I am frustrated. Abdul was very productive which was no surprise. We need to defend better at times.”

Tamworth manager Andy Peaks described the result as a positive outcome, calling it a “tough game” and “a good point” overall.

The draw extends Boreham Wood’s unbeaten run but leaves them with dropped points at home, while Tamworth earned a valuable result on the road after coming from behind late in the game.