Tomorrow, Luke Garrard’s side battle Carlisle United for a place at Wembley in the Enterprise National League Play-Off Semi-Final, with kick-off at 12:30.
The Blues had a disappointing 2024/25 campaign which culminated in their relegation from Sky Bet League with the current season marking their first time playing in England’s fifth tier since 2005.
Under the leadership of Manchester United legend and ex-Wales, Manchester City, and Stoke City boss, Mark Hughes, the Cumbrians went on a three-game winning run towards the end of last season, but one point from a possible nine in their final three matches confirmed their second successive relegation.
Joining from Altrincham in the summer, prolific striker, Regan Linney has played a key role in Carlisle United’s campaign, netting 19 goals in 42 league matches. The 28-year-old has made a name for himself in Cumbria following prolific spells with Alty as well as FC United of Manchester.
Having ended the regular campaign with three consecutive wins, Wood hosted Forest Green Rovers in the Play-Off Eliminator on Wednesday night. In an entertaining, end-to-end affair in Hertfordshire, it took a Zak Brunt strike at the end of the first-half of extra time to book our place in tomorrow’s Semi-Final.
The spoils were shared when we visited Brunton Park for our second league fixture of the season in August. Georgie Kelly cancelled out Luke Norris’ opener before Linney got on the scoresheet with 53 minutes on the clock and added a third for the Cumbrians 18 minutes later.
Nonetheless, the Wood staged a late fightback with Norris completing his brace 11 minutes from time before Charlie O’Connell made it 3-3 in front of the Petteril End.
December saw the second meeting between the two sides, with Luke Garrard’s men hosting the Blues and prevailing in a 2-0 win. Brunt got the Wood off the mark with his strike from the edge of the box on 31 minutes before Abdul Abdulmalik calmly slotted home the second seven minutes later.
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Follow all of the Play-Off Semi-Final action from the Brunton Park on the club’s official social media channels, with live updates on both X and Instagram, available at @boreham_woodfc. Don’t forget to turn your notifications on!
Match preview written by Jack Patmore.
