Boreham Wood v Eastbourne Borough Match Preview,
by John Mead.
Squad Fit For Christmas!
Wood travel to Eastbourne this weekend top of the table and with a fully fit squad to choose from. Unlike previous seasons with the side often depleted by injuries, this year we are staying relatively injury free, a situation that The Gaffer was keen to explain to me. “ There are a number of factors behind this. Firstly all credit goes to Megan Reid our clinical lead at the club. She works tirelessly not only with the First Team squad but also with our PASE boys to ensure we are in tip top shape. I can also point to the work and thought that both Luke Garrard and Mario Noto put it in planning our training sessions. In the past we would see players picking up knocks during training, but the emphasis is on fitness this season, letting the side do the talking on match days.”
The difference is clear for all to see, with Ian remembering our past season woes, “ We lost four of our back five last season by the end of August after a gruelling pre season and that is something we have been keen to do something about. We are halfway through the campaign now and having a full squad to choose from going into a busy Christmas period where we play five games in fifteen days is important.”
Our opponents this weekend are currently sitting in 11th spot in the table. Their home form is formidable however, having won five, drawn one and lost two. Wood have never won on the road at The Sports since they dropped into the Vanarama Conference South four seasons ago.
In fact Wood have lost all three matches by the odd goal. However our home form has been somewhat better, with three wins and a draw.
The last time we met was a highly memorable evening back in September. The Sports had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season and were sitting top of the table when they came to Meadow Park.
The game exploded into action from the off, with the score already 3-1 after just 14 minutes. By that time Graeme Montgomery had lashed in a 35 yard swerving volley that will surely be in the goal of the season short list. The game was one of the most exciting seen at Meadow Park with both teams attacking at pace for the full 90 minutes. Even down to ten men The Sports pulled back to 4-2 in the second half, but a late goal from Matty Whichelow, along with a brace from Austin Lipman and one apiece from Monty and Lee Angol saw us run out 5-2 winners.
It promises to be more of the same this weekend and Wood fans are encouraged to make the trip to Priory Lane to cheer the lads on to hopefully another three points!
Saturday December 20th, Eastbourne Borough v Boreham Wood, kick off 3pm.
Priory Lane, Langney, Eastbourne. BN23 7QH.
