MATCH PREVIEW – AFC FYLDE (A) | Boreham Wood Football Club

Match Preview
AFC Fylde v Boreham Wood
Saturday 1^st February 2020, 3.00pm
Mill Farm, Vanarama National League

This Saturday, Boreham Wood travel to Lancashire where we match up against 22^nd place AFC Fylde in the Vanarama National League.

Last time out, the Wood hosted league leaders Barrow and came away with a hard-earned point in a game which ended one goal apiece.

Whereas on their last time out, Fylde travelled to Chesterfield and thanks to a Haughton equaliser for the Coasters, their game too finished 1-1.

THE CONTEXT

Boreham Wood hosted league leaders Barrow on Saturday in the National League and the draw at Meadow Park meant both sides saw their unbeaten runs extended to 13 games in the league.

Josh Kay opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half as he cut in well from the left and slotted home past Nathan Ashmore.

Wood deservedly equalised in the 67^th minute as Tyrone Marsh calmly finished well. This goal was the first goal that the Bluebirds have conceded since the turn of the year.

AFC Fylde’s draw against 21^st place Chesterfield means they are now eight games without a win in league proceedings.

AFC FYLDE RECENT FORM

The Coasters come into this fixture struggling for form as they have not won in any of their previous eight games in the National League.

Fylde have found it difficult in front of goal this season and have the joint 4^th worst goal scoring record as they have netted just 36 times.

Despite suffering a slight dip in league form, the visitors impressively reached the 3^rd Round Proper of the FA Cup where they narrowly lost 2-1 on the road to Premier League outfit Sheffield United.

Along with a successful run in the FA Cup, the Coasters are in the 3^rd round of the FA Trophy where they will face National League South side Dorking Wanderers, a competition they are present holders of.

AFC FYLDE PLAYER TO WATCH

Jordan Williams, Winger

Jordan Williams is a winger for the Coasters and is our player to watch in this Saturdays match day preview.

Despite predominantly being played as a winger, Williams has real versatility and can play anywhere across the front three and is his sides top scorer this season as he has netted 10 times.

The 27-year-old signed for League One side Rochdale after he impressed in the season prior for Barrow where he found the net 12 times in 46 games.

Williams featured 26 times last season for Rochdale before his contract expired, which attracted the attention of Fylde and they successfully got their man on a two-year deal during the summer of 2019.

LAST TIME WE MET

Boreham Wood 1-0 AFC Fylde, National League, 26^th October 2019

The visitors came out the blocks flying and forced Nathan Ashmore to make several saves early on to keep his side level.

The deadlock was broken in the 19^th minute as Andy Taylor unleashed a spectacular volley from range which cannoned into the top corner off the cross bar.

Fylde ensured the victory in the 91^st minute as Danny Bradley doubled his sides lead which meant that the Coasters would pick up all three points and move out of the relegation zone.

IN FOCUS: KEIRAN MURTAGH

Keiran Murtagh has been crucial for Luke Garrard in the heart of midfield so far this season and is our man in focus for this Saturday’s match day preview.

Murtagh came through the youth academy at Charlton Athletic prior to signing for Fisher Athletic and then put pen to paper with League One outfit Yeovil Town.

The creative midfielder has featured for Antigua and Barbuda at international level 22 times, where he scored five goals.

Murtagh had a successful time at fellow National League side Woking where he featured over 110 times across a three-year spell.

Murtagh was instrumental for the Wood in the 2017/18 campaign where we reached the play off final but narrowly lost to Tranmere Rovers who secured their Football League status.

AWAY DAY TRAVEL CLUB

The official away day travel club is in operation for our visit to AFC Fylde this Saturday, however running with our typical minibus service.

At present we have just 3 spaces remaining, with the details as follows: –

Depart from Boreham Wood FC at 9.00am.

Prices are £25 for Adults and £20 for Under 16’s (further £5 discount applicable to season ticket holders.)

Please: The Chairman has again generously offered to lay on a free breakfast for all those Wood fans travelling via the away day travel club, which will operate from 8am to 9am

Anyone wishing to book, please contact Grant Morris on 07703 658 554 or grant.bwfc@outlook.com.