MATCH PREVIEW: EASTLEIGH

The Wood are on the road again this Tuesday, September 25 (7.45pm), when we travel Eastleigh in the National League. Here’s our preview…

Match Details

Away supporters are mostly housed on the East side of the Mackoy Community (South) Stand at one end of the stadium. This all seated stand is covered.

In addition, away fans are given a portion of the covered East terrace (towards the South Stand) so the Wood Army will have a choice of standing or sitting.

Team News

Luke Garrard has no fresh injury concerns going into the game.

Gozie Ugwu made his debut against Salford City on the weekend and will be hoping to feature again on Tuesday.

Form Guide

The Wood lost for the first time in six games on Saturday, when they were beaten 3-1 by promotion favourites Salford City away from home.

The hosts took a two goal lead in the first half, before adding a third in the 52^nd minute. The Wood pulled one back through Joshua Umerah before the hour mark, but Salford held out for the win.

The goal was Umerah’s fifth so far this season, having joined on loan from Charlton Athletic.

Prior to the tie against Salford, the Wood had defeated Sutton United 4-0 away from home, with goals from Angelo Balanta, Keiran Murtagh, Justin Shaibu and Umerah.

The Wood go into the match against Eastleigh, 12^th in the National League table.

Managed by 53-year-old Andy Hessenthaler, Eastleigh currently sit 16^th in division, on 14 points, five points behind Boreham Wood.

The hosts won last time out, defeating Dagenham & Redbridge 1-0 at home, although Paul McCallum was sent off for the home side.

One to Watch – Mark Yeates

Mark Yeates joined Eastleigh from Notts County in 2017 and fast earned his place as one of the Spitfires’ most important players.

The 33-year-old winger enjoyed a hugely successful career in the Football League career, playing for the likes of Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Watford.

The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate has also featured for Colchester United, Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Blackpool.

An experienced player with a wand of a right-foot, Yeates’ crossing ability will be an asset to Eastleigh on Tuesday.

From the Dugout – Luke Garrard  

“The focus now turns to Eastleigh on Tuesday and we will go to work on Monday trying to get points there.

“There isn’t any rest, it is relentless, and I know that Eastleigh have gone and won 1-0 and I had the luxury of watching their game.

“We watched Eastleigh on the coach and they are going to be tough. He (Andy Hessenthaler) has got them playing in a certain way and they are big and strong.

“I say it every time, there is no easy game at this level, so we need to be on our job on Tuesday to get anything from the game.”