by John Mead.
Wood face a tough trip to Canvey Island this Saturday to do battle with Danny Cowley’s Beachboys.
Rangers are a side that know no boundaries. Last season, their first ever at Conference South level they finished a respectable 9th, a feat that is beyond the capabilities of most sides who have never previously experienced life at this level.
They coupled that with reaching the 4th Qualifying Round of the F A Cup for the first time ever and winning the Essex Senior Cup, again a first for the club that played in the shadow of their local rivals Canvey Island for their entire existence, until now.
Next Tuesday Rangers are off to Mansfield for another record breaking event, playing in the First Round Proper of The F A Cup. Their path to face the League Two side saw them overcome some strong opposition en route, defeating Winchester City, before getting through two tough ties against fellow Vanarama opposition in the shape of Wealdstone and St Albans City.
When asked if the pending F A Cup tie will make a difference to the task in hand, Wood Boss Ian Allinson pointed out, “ Concord will go about their business totally unfazed . They are a tight knit bunch and it would make no difference to them if they were playing Manchester United on Tuesday!”
The Beachboys are on a run of five wins and a draw in all competitions and will be keen to keep that record going. They currently sit mid table, with nineteen points from thirteen games. Their main threat of goals will come from current top scorer Stephen Cawley who has six in the League and eight in all competitions. Jordan Chiedozie, son of John has found the net five times in the League so far, whilst Tony Stokes will be an ever present threat, having scored over 100 goals for the club.
Between the sticks Wood may well be up against a familiar face from Meadow Park. 18 year old Josh Vickers is on a month’s loan from Arsenal, after a successful season on the Island with “ the other Canvey club” last campaign!
Junior Morias will remember his superb late strike at Thames Road last season fondly, guiding Wood to a 0-4 win. He helped himself to a brace that night, with Lee Angol also scoring in his first ever start for Wood.
It was a different story when the two sides met for the first time in their histories at Meadow Park on Boxing Day last year. Ironically that day The Gaffer decided to line up in a more attacking formation than normal and it backfired, with The Beachboys impressing in a 0-2 win.
It promises to be a stern test for Wood and as ever your support is important to the boys!
Concord Rangers v Boreham Wood, Saturday November 15th, kick off 3pm.
The Aspect Arena, Thames Road, Canvey Island. SS8 0HH.
