Woking manager Craig Ross praised his side’s effort after they slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to National League leaders Boreham Wood.

Josh Kelly gave the Cards the lead, but goals from Tylor Golden and Regan Booty gave the visitors all three points in front of a crowd of 2,439 at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

“There's not many teams that have done what we have against Boreham Wood,” said Ross.

“We frustrated and asked questions of them, but ultimately we come out on the wrong end of the result.

“I can't fault the effort, desire, togetherness and character of the group to deal with the adversity we've had to deal with recently. Unfortunately, we were undone by two bits of quality.

“We're bitterly disappointed with the result because of the effort the lads put in. They really deserved something out of it. I’m disappointed on that front, but I can't ask for any more from the lads.”

The Cards have had to deal with an unprecedented injury crisis, and Ross is proud of how his group have handed the situation.

“We don't moan or complain, we get on with things and find solutions,” said Ross. “It's very easy to feel sorry and shy away from the challenge, but we face adversity really well.

“We've done it throughout the season. We meet challenges head on. We respond to setbacks and whatever is thrown at us. If the lads keep doing that week in, week out we'll be on the right end of more results than we're not.”

Defensive injuries meant new signings Josh Grant and Charlie McArthur were thrown in for their debuts, and Ross was pleased with how the duo acquitted themselves.

“Josh and Charlie haven't really spent any time with the group, got to know how we play or my messages,” said Ross.

“They were gritty and determined and put in a great performance, especially in the circumstances. Full credit to them.”

Harrison Sohna provided the assist for Kelly’s opener, and Ross was pleased with Sohna’s performance.

“Harrison has been great,” said Ross. “We know he's got quality on his left foot, so it doesn't surprise me he put a great ball in for Josh’s goal. He deserves that. He's doing everything we've asked of him.”

Cards goalkeeper Vicente Reyes produced a big moment when he saved Zak Brunt’s penalty at 1-1, and Ross praised Reyes for taking his chance after Will Jaaskelainen’s injury.

“Vicente stepped up in the moment when we needed him,” said Ross. “He made a couple of other really good saves in the game.

“He’s come in and taken his chance. Now he’s got to keep producing those big moments when we need him, because we will need him.”

The Cards were reduced to ten men late on when Steven Turner was sent off, but Ross had no issues with the decision or the challenge.

“It was a loose ball and he's had to go in for the tackle,” said Ross.

“I've got no qualms. It's not a red card where we're in control of that moment. It is what it is.

“When things are going against you a little bit, when it rains it pours. We have to deal with that moving forward, but I've got no issue with that.”