Altrincham v Boreham Wood
Saturday 20th February 2021, 3.00pm
Broadhurst Park, Vanarama National League
THE CONTEXT
Wood travel to Greater Manchester this afternoon, where we match up against Altrincham in the Vanarama National League at Broadhurst Park.
The Robins recent match was against Yeovil Town where they were unfortunately beaten 2-0 at Huish Park.
Wood’s last fixture came on Tuesday night, also against the Glovers and despite a hard fought second half, we were narrowly beaten 3-2 at Meadow Park.
THE FORM GUIDE
THE WOOD
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Yeovil Town (H) | VNL | 2-3 L
Sutton United (A) | VNL | 2-0 L
Maidenhead United (A) | VNL | 0 -1 W
Weymouth (H) | VNL | 1-0 W
Eastleigh (H) | VNL | 1-2 L
Chesterfield (H) | VNL | 0-0 D
The Glovers ran riot in the first half which in the end, was enough to ensure a 3-2 defeat for Wood at Meadow Park. The visitors came out the blocks flying and got the opener in the 15th minute when Rhys Murphy struck a superb effort past Nathan Ashmore.
In the 34th minute, the deficit was doubled for the Glovers when Josh Neufville went on a mazy run and was brought down in the penalty area, Ruben Reid converted from the resulting penalty. Just eight minutes later, the Glovers had their third goal as Neufville’s effort was deflected onto the post and into the Wood net.
Wood had an uphill battle from the off in the second half, but the task was made somewhat easier in the 46th minute when a penalty was awarded and Tshimanga tucked home to make it 3-1. After 78 minutes played, Jamal Fyfield stormed out of the back three into the Yeovil half and was fouled on the edge of the penalty area. The subsequent free kick was struck fiercely into the Glovers net by Gus Mafuta to make the score 3-2.
In the dying embers of the game, Tshimanga hit the underside of the bar and Femi Ilesamni blazed a shot over from three yards out, leaving the scoreline 3-2 to the visitors.
Despite two losses on the bounce, Wood now sit just four points off of a play-off postion and have games in hand over sides over higher placed opposition.
THE ROBINS
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Yeovil Town (A) | VNL | 2-0 L
Wrexham (H) | VNL | 1-2 L
Torquay United (A) | VNL | 1-2 W
Wealdstone (H) | VNL | 2-0 W
Barnet (A) | VNL | 1-2 W
Sutton United (A) | VNL | 2-2 D
The Robins come into this fixture off the back of two consecutive defeats against Yeovil Town and Wrexham in the Vanarama National League.
Prior to this dip in form, the Robins were five games unbeaten, with impressive performances most notably a remarkable 2-1 win against highflyers Torquay united and a 2-2 draw on the road to both Stockport County and Sutton United.
After gaining promotion from the National League North last season, Altrincham have taken to life in the National League like a duck to water and sit just one position outside the play-off places.
Despite their impressive league position, out of all the teams in the top half of the National League, the Robins have the worst defensive record conceding the most (27) goals so far.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
TOM HANNIGAN
Hannigan began his senior career with Tranmere Rovers before dropping down the leagues to play for Vauxhall Motors.
After spending seven years with Vauxhall Motors, Hannigan signed for National League outfit AFC Fylde in 2014. The defender spent two seasons with Fylde before signing for the Robins at the start of the 2016/17 campaign.
Hannigan is the only remaining Robins player to have been signed by Neil Young and has featured in 20 of Altrincham’s 23 league games this season.
The 32-year-old struggled with injuries last season but was able to return towards the later stages the season and was integral to the Robins promotion campaign last season.
Hannigan has featured 162 times for the Robins in the five seasons that he has been at the club.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
JAKE MOULT
Jake Moult came through the youth ranks at Plymouth Argyle before making the move to Kidderminster in 2008. After spending just one season with Kidderminster, Moult signed for Leek Town and then Stafford Rangers.
Moult spent three enjoyable seasons with Alfreton before joining the Robins on loan in 2012, the move was made permanent after he impressed on his loan spell. Since signing a permanent deal with the Robins, Moult has made over 350 appearances, taken the armband, and even had a stint as caretaker manager.
Moult captained the Robins to the National League North play-off trophy last season and has featured 20 times for his side this season.
“THE FINISHER”
JOSH HANCOCK
Josh began his career in Nantwich’s youth team before playing for Winsford United and Witton Albion. He later had a spell with AFC Telford before returning to Witton.
The attacking midfielder then played for Salford City before joining Nantwich once again, where he then followed Phil Parkinson to the Robin’s from Nantwich.
Hancock began his first season at the club by scoring four goals in the first six games and provided good competition for Jordan Hulme for the coveted position of top goal scorer.
The 30 year old has made 22 league appearances so far this season and has scored seven goals.
LAST TIME WE MET
Boreham Wood 0-1 Altrincham
Saturday 21st November 2020
Meadow Park, Vanarama National League
Boreham Wood dominated the first half, but we failed to convert the goal scoring chances that were created.
Piero Mingoia looked like he was brought down in the penalty area, but despite heavy appeals from the Wood bench, the call was dismissed by the officials.
Sorba Thomas had a spectacular effort sent crashing onto the bar in the final stages of the first half, meaning the score was 0-0 going into half-time.
Altrincham started the second half the brighter, with Josh Hancock forcing an excellent save from Nathan Ashmore with a great effort from close range.
After a mix up at the back from the Wood defenders, McDonald was there to tap into an empty net in the 85th minute to win the game.
PRE MATCH WORDS
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
LIVE STREAM
Unfortunately, no fans will be allowed to attend this fixture, however, you can watch the game live by purchasing the live stream provided by Altrincham for £5. When purchasing a ticket you can help provide a free match day ticket for local Altrincham school children once fans can return.
BUY YOURS HERE
LIVE UPDATES
Alternatively, you can keep up with the action via our Twitter and Instagram pages, where there will be regular updates throughout the course of the match.
Instagram: @boreham_woodfc
Twitter: @boreham_woodfc
OUR CLUB. OUR TOWN. OUR COMMUNITY.
Match Preview written by Joe Karadzas (Press Assistant)
