After a tight first half, in which Wood had enjoyed the better chances, the visitors took a stranglehold after the break with quickfire strikes from Brunt and Abdulmalik.

United's woes were evidenced by not getting a shot on target until the 89th minute when substitute Kieren Donnelly forced West Ham United loanee Finley Herrick into a smart save.

With fit-again Jordan Cropper and new signing Matty Carson pushed into service as United's wing-back pairing for the first time, Graham Coughlan opted for a 3-4-2-1 shape, with Dylan Hill and Owen Hampson supporting Jordy Hiwula in attack.

Jeff King and Matt Rush saw early chances go begging for Wood, who subsequently saw Rhys Lovett called into action to deny Chris Bush from long-range.

Lenell John-Lewis was introduced as a half-time substitute, to join Hiwula in attack, but the Pilgrims were soon a goal down when BRUNT swooped in the 50th minute to crack a drive beyond the grasp of Lovett from inside the penalty area.

King's 20-yard free-kick crashed to safety off the woodwork, but United's respite was short-lived with King brilliantly crossing for ABDULMALIK to smash the ball home to double Wood's advantage.

United found the visitors a tough nut to crack, with Herrick saving well, low to his right, from Donnelly in the penultimate minute of normal time.

Boston (3-4-2-1): Rhys Lovett; Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear; Jordan Cropper (Ben Grist 80), Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett (Rocco Coyle 80), Matty Carson; Owen Hampson (Lenell John-Lewis 46), Dylan Hill; Jordy Hiwula (Kieren Donnelly 60). Subs (not used): Tommy Fogarty, Manni Norkett, Bobby Jones (gk).

Boreham Wood (4-2-3-1): Finley Herrick; Jeff King (Cameron Coxe 76), Callum Reynolds (Jon Benton 90), Chris Bush, Femi Ilesanmi; Tom White, Charlie O’Connell; Zak Brunt, Abdul Abdulmalik (Junior Dixon 76), Lewis Richardson (Charles Clayden 68); Matt Rush. Subs (not used): Joe Newton, Aaron Henry, Nathan Ashmore (gk).

Referee: Oliver Mackey.

Attendance: 1,812 (92 visitors).

PIC: Chris Bray.