by John Mead.
This coming Friday evening Meadow Park hosts the “visit” of an Arsenal X1 in a pre season friendly match. The Gunners side, which will be made up of a start studded International U21 side are no strangers to The Wood, given that they play most of their home matches at Meadow Park.
It will be a fantastic occasion for local Gunners fans both young and old to cheer on their heroes, whilst Wood fans both old and new can run the rule over how the squad is shaping up. With the start of life in The National League under three weeks away, Ian Allinson will be looking forward to a stern test for his squad, which features six new signings.
One new arrival yet to pull on a Wood jersey is 34 year old Charlie McDonald, who joins after captaining Barnet to promotion back the the Football league last campaign. The ex Brentford and M K Dons striker I am reliably informed will play a part on the evening.
Our recent matches against the Arsenal X1 have produced some varied results and the technical ability and attention to detail seen on Match Of The Day each weekend by Arsene Wenger’s side is exactly what will be on offer.
Back in 2008 we lost 0-4 with a 19 year old Wojciech Szczesny keeping goal. That was followed by a 0-0 draw the next season. In 2010 we lost 0-3 with Henri Lansbury on show, who went on to forge a career with Nottingham Forest.
2011 was memorable only for the Gunners who witnessed a 1-7 drubbing of Wood. In recent seasons as we have progressed through the Leagues we have fared better, earning a 3-0 victory in 2013, before an honours even 2-2 draw last season.
It will be a strong test for Ian Allinson’s side, given the visiting Arsenal side beat Bristol Rovers 0-1 last Saturday.
If you have never been to Meadow Park before this is a fantastic opportunity to see our facilities and enjoy the refreshments on sale in the bar and around the ground during the game.
With Wood now in the same Division as the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Wrexham and Torquay United and with Season Tickets available at a considerable saving, what are you waiting for?
Boreham Wood v Arsenal X1, Friday July 24th, kick off 7.30pm.
