The word on the lips of both Managers is “ Momentum” as Wood host Torquay United for the first time in their history this coming Saturday. The two sides have met before on two occasions, both at Plainmoor. Last September a hard fought 2-1 victory formed one of Wood’s four away wins to date this campaign, whilst back in 2002 as a Ryman Premier League outfit Wood were on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing against the side from Devon. However things have changed dramatically since then, with United having dropped two Divisions, mirroring Wood’s rise up the Leagues.
For the Gull’s player manager Kevin Nicholson, who took charge at Plainmoor after our last encounter, the momentum his side have built up has been in part due to their fine run to the last eight in the F A Trophy this season. Chesham United, Wrexham and more recently Macclesfield Town have all been dispatched and it is on the back of that last narrow 1-0 win on the road that Nicholson brings his side to Meadow Park, looking to make up a twelve point gap between the two sides.
The Gulls have three games in hand, yet find themselves bottom of the League after Kidderminster Harriers posted three back to back wins. That run started with their fine recent performance at Meadow Park, before being ended at table topping Cheltenham Town in midweek.
Our visitors looked to have turned the tide on Boxing Day when they recorded a momentous 4-1 win at home to second placed Forest Green Rovers. However defeats at Cheltenham Town and Rovers in the return fixture, came before losses at home to Jekyl and Hyde outfit Gateshead and away at improving Tranmere Rovers. A six goal thriller at Plainmoor last weekend , was a precursor to the midweek trip to again face Macclesfield Town.
For Luke Garrard it will be the chance to post the elusive back to back wins that have eluded his side so far this season. The recent win at Braintree Town is the first time that Wood have taken maximum points from a team this campaign. In Torquay they have another opportunity to repeat that feat.
The very fact that Wood are embroiled in a relegation battle with such giants as Torquay United gives the task at hand perspective in what promises to be a tough encounter as the two sides historically meet this Saturday.
Boreham Wood v Torquay United.
Saturday February 20th, kick off 3pm.
