RONDON BRACE ENDS BOREHAM WOOD’S FAIRYTALE

Salomon Rondon’s second half brace sends the Toffees into the quarter finals, whilst Boreham Wood’s magical FA Cup run comes to a close.

Despite a slow start, Frank Lampard’s side manage to avoid a shock defeat to Boreham Wood thanks to Salomon Rondon’s double.

The first goal came from Jonjoe Kenny providing a sweet pass into the 6-yard box for the Venezuelan to sweep into the net. The second goal was a cross from the other wing. Andros Townsend lifted it into the box for Rondon to nod into the goal.

Boreham Wood’s goalkeeper wasn’t able to get enough of a hand to prevent the powerful header. Everton’s mediocre victory sends them through to the quarter finals.

Allan pulling the strings

Inevitably, the first chance of the game fell to Everton. Allan slotted Rondon through on goal with a perfect defence-splitting pass. Rondon blasted the shot towards the near post however Ashby-Hammond was able to palm it over the crossbar.

The offside flag was raised quickly after, as the Venezuelan international had made his run a little too early, therefore it wouldn’t have stood even if he did put the ball into the back of the net.

Rondon should score!

Another chance early in the second half; Kenny received the ball on the right side before whipping it into the penalty area to Rondon.

Although he was unable to keep the header down from 8 yards. The striker really should have got it on target as he was completely unmarked. By far the best opportunity of the game at that point, however the score remained 0-0.

Everton take the lead

Moments before the hour mark, the Toffees finally made the breakthrough. Jonjoe Kenny collects the assist with a superb low-driven cross, leaving Salomon Rondon to turn it towards goal - beating Ashby-Hammond at the near post - to break the deadlock.

Richarlison’s strange goal is disallowed

Anthony Gordon burst forward, desperate to get his name on the score sheet. The young wingers strike bounced off of Boreham Wood defender Connor Stephens before hitting Richarlison straight in the face and trickling in.

The Brazilian international knew nothing about it and went down holding his face as his teammates came to celebrate.

The doubled lead doesn’t last long though as it goes to VAR and the goal is chalked off due to the ball hitting Richarlison’s arm as well as his face.

Strong save from Ashby-Hammond

With only 15 minutes remaining, Richarlison let the ball fly from 25-yards out. The powerful effort was denied by Ashby-Hammond who got down to his left side in time to push away the shot.

The Toffees continued to search for the second goal to ensure progression to the quarter finals.

Brace for Rondon

Townsend questioned the Boreham Wood defence again with a deep cross into the box. It reached Rondon met the ball and guided it into the net to double the lead for Everton.

Despite Ashby-Hammond getting a hand to the header, the ball had cleared crossed the line before he pushed it away.

Everton go through

The dream is over for National League side Boreham Wood as Everton advance into the quarter finals. A brace for Salomon Rondon ensures the victory for the Toffees, who managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat to a team 77 places below them.

Luke Garrard’s have nothing to be ashamed of though as they have come incredibly far in the tournament, becoming just the 8th National League team to reach round 5 of the FA Cup. A perfect example of the magic of the FA Cup, as 1800 Boreham Wood fans celebrate with players and staff.

A monumental day in the club's history and a day they’ll never forget. Everton will face Crystal Palace in the next round at Selhurst Park on March 19th.

What’s next?

Next match report = Liverpool vs Inter Milan

Tuesday 15th March

Line ups

Everton - (4-3-3) : Begovic, Patterson (Richarlison 46'), Branchwaite, Keane (Price 89'), Kenny, Doucoure, Allan (Welch 89'), Mykolenko (Coleman 60'), Townsend, Rondon, Gordon (Dobbin 86')

Bookings - n/a

Scorers - Rondon (57’, 84’)

Boreham Wood - (3-4-1-2) : Ashby-Hammond, Stevens, Stephens, Evans, Smith, Raymond, Ricketts (Comley 69'), Mendy, Rees, Marsh (Clifton 90'), Boden (Ranger 89')

Bookings - Evans (59’)

Scorers - n/a

Referee: Tony Harrington

Attendance: 38,836

MOTM: Salomon Rondon

Written by Isabelle Newnham