Ben Killip reflects on penalty heroics in Hartlepool United's 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29TH Ben Killip of Hartlepool arriving at the stadium during the Vanarama National League match between Borehamwood and Hartlepool United at Meadow Park, Borehamwood on Saturday 29th February 2020. (Credit: Ivan Yordanov | MI News)

Kabongo Tshimanga’s early strike was cancelled out by Gime Toure in the second half before Killip was called into action to keep the score level.

Nicky Featherstone was penalised for handball inside the penalty area as Boreham Wood’s Sorba Thomas stepped up only to be denied by the England C international.

And Killip was pleased to put in another solid display since his return to the starting line-up.

“I’m happy, it’s been a good return to keep the clean sheets and then get the penalty save,” he admitted.

“I’m confident as it is, it wasn’t a good penalty and I’d done my homework with Ross [Turnbull] and I’ve guessed right and it was a pretty simple save for me.”

On Boreham Wood’s opening goal, Killip added: “Some of the guys were saying it was offside but I’m not sure.

“I was focused on saving the shot and then Tshimanga has followed it in. I didn’t really know much about it, it happened quite quickly, you’re hoping and I thought he kicked it over to be honest but then I saw them celebrating and was like ‘oh no’.

“It’s definitely a point gained because it’s a tough place to come and they started the game very brightly. It’s a brilliant point regardless because they were 15 unbeaten before Tuesday and I think we’re quite happy with how we worked to get a point from the game.”