Luke Garrard ‘on top of world’ after Boreham Wood dump Bournemouth out of FA Cup

Boreham Wood v AFC Wimbledon – Emirates FA Cup – Third Round – LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park
(Image credit: Jonathan Brady)

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard was pinching himself at the prospect of locking horns with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole after his non-league side stunned Bournemouth to book an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Everton.

Mark Ricketts’ first-half goal was enough to dump Championship promotion hopefuls Bournemouth out at the Vitality Stadium and set up a mouth-watering trip to Goodison Park.

The Toffees recently appointed Lampard as their new manager with Cole joining the coaching staff at the Premier League side, and Garrard is already contemplating the chance to test himself against the two former England and Chelsea greats.

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard celebrates with his side’s fans after the final whistle (Adam Davy/PA)

He said: “I love Frank. Ashley Cole is the best left-back Arsenal ever had. To be able to pit my wits against them, it hasn’t sunk in yet…”

Boreham Wood went into Sunday’s fourth-round clash unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions and having not conceded a goal in their four FA Cup matches to date this campaign.

However, the National League outfit were firm underdogs against a Bournemouth side lying third in the Championship and Garrard admits he had feared the worst against Scott Parker’s men – only to then be left “on top of the world”.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard’s Everton are next up for Boreham Wood (Peter Byrne/PA)

The 36-year-old former Swindon and AFC Wimbledon midfielder said: “I thought they were going to hit us for eight.

“I am in tatters. I am on top of the world. The emotions at the minute are incredible.

“We rode our luck. I tell my boy every Sunday to be a good team player. That is what we did. I am going to get emotional. They are unbelievable, these boys.”

AFC Bournemouth v Boreham Wood

Boreham Wood’s Adrian Clifton (left) and Tyrone Marsh celebrate with the fans while holding a miniature replica FA Cup trophy (Adam Davy/PA)

The visitors, who have the best defensive record in the top five divisions after Manchester City, were by no means overawed on their trip to the south coast and they kept their hosts largely at bay before taking a shock 38th-minute lead.

Gavin Kilkenny’s clearance fell to Wood captain Ricketts on the edge of the box and the 37-year-old calmly slotted in a low shot off the post to send the 1,500 visiting fans wild.

Bournemouth had to wait until the 45th minute to register their first shot, when Lewis Cook saw his effort fly high over the bar, and boos rang out around the ground at the half-time whistle.

Things barely improved for the hosts after the break despite bringing on five replacements, with Philip Billing’s attempted lob which landed on the roof of the net one of their closest efforts.

The Cherries did almost snatch an equaliser but a combination of Boreham Wood goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond and the woodwork denied Ryan Christie and Billing in quick succession before Jaidon Anthony poked the ball over the line only for an offside flag to cut short celebrations.

Bournemouth manager Scott Parker

Bournemouth manager Scott Parker saw his side dumped out of the FA Cup (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Parker sent on top goalscorer Dominic Solanke in the closing stages but he was unable to take his one clear chance during five minutes of stoppage time as he pulled his shot wide, and Boreham Wood could celebrate a famous upset.

Bournemouth boss Parker said: “They defended heroically and if you give a team something to cling on to then it’s very difficult.

“The fans leave this stadium with a lot of questions and a lot of doubt. I’m hugely hurt and disappointed.”

Read more
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Miron Muslic, manager of Plymouth Argyle looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Plymouth Argyle and Liverpool at Home Park on February 09, 2025 in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
‘This is the biggest moment in my career - but the biggest is yet to come’: Plymouth Argyle transformed under Miron Muslic after FA Cup victory over Liverpool
Jules Breach
JULES BREACH: The FA Cup is still a magical competition and fans of all clubs will be dreaming of a trip to Wembley in May
Wigan Athletic's Barbadian defender Emmerson Boyce (L) and Wigan Athletic's Scottish defender Gary Caldwell (R) raise the FA Cup after winning the English FA Cup final football match between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic at Wembley Stadium in London on May 11, 2013. Substitute Ben Watson scored an injury-time winner to give Wigan Athletic a sensational 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in the biggest FA Cup final upset in 25 years. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)
Ranked! The 27 greatest cup shocks in English football history
Justin Kluivert of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal and his hat-trick goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and AFC Bournemouth at Molineux on November 30, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England.
The crazy stat that shows high-flying Bournemouth should be even better
David Moyes smiles on his return to Everton in January 2025
'The atmosphere is a lot more positive: when a new manager comes in it gives everyone a new lease of life, players that haven’t played as much get a new chance to impress' - Everton behind-the-scenes update after David Moyes makes immediate impact
David Moyes looks on during a Premier League match between West Ham and Manchester City in May 2024.
Is Everton vs Bournemouth on TV? Live streams and how to watch FA Cup 4th Round clash of Premier League teams
Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed