Boreham Wood v Eastleigh
Saturday 6th November 2021, 3.00pm
LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park, Emirates FA Cup First Round
Match Preview written by Aaron Bennis (BWFC Media Assistant)
THE CONTEXT
This Saturday, Wood continue their FA Cup journey with the First Round up next, hosting Eastleigh at the LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park
The Spitfires needed a replay to overcome Isthmian Premier Division side Folkestone Invicta in the previous round, with Ben House netting the goal that sent them through in a 3-2 win that required extra time.
Wood beat local rivals Barnet in a close affair at the Hive, with a second half goal from Will Evans proving to be the winner.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
ANDREW BOYCE
A veteran throughout the lower leagues, Doncaster-born Andrew Boyce began his career with his local club at the age of 16 as a trainee in the Rovers academy, being offered professional terms in the summer of 2008. He spent the 2008/09 season on loan at Worksop Town, before being released by Doncaster in January 2009 having never played a senior appearance for them. He would drop into the non-league in search of regular football and joined King’s Lynn, where he made 18 appearances before leaving at the end of 2009, and within a few days signed for Gainsborough Trinity where he helped the club reach the Conference North play-off final in 2011/12. Boyce earned a move to Lincoln City, playing 66 times for the Imps before joining Scunthorpe United on loan, a move that would be made permanent with the defender penning an 18-month contract, having played a part in the club’s successful promotion bid to League One. He spent three further years with the Iron, although the majority of it on loan elsewhere with Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United and Notts County. Upon his release from Scunthorpe he returned to Grimsby on a permanent basis, spending a season at Blundell Park before joining Eastleigh on a free transfer. A well-rounded and reliable defender, Boyce has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Spitfires over four seasons in Hampshire.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
HARRY PRITCHARD
Having begun his career with Flackwell Heath and Burnham, Harry Pritchard made the move to Maidenhead United in 2012 and would prove an invaluable career decision. Six years with the Magpies brought over 200 appearances and 41 league goals from the wing, ten of which came in their successful title-winning season in 2016/17, including a brace in a 3-0 victory over Margate that secured the title. His further form in the National League brought another 14 goals and 12 assists during 2017/18, and he earnt him a move to Blackpool where he remained for a season before following manager Gary Bowyer to Bradford City. After two seasons in Yorkshire, he returned to the fifth tier where he signed for Eastleigh, starting all but two games so far.
“THE FINISHER”
BEN HOUSE
A 22-year old striker, Ben House was spotted by Reading having begun in the youth team of Aldershot Town, joining the Royals in 2016 and signing a professional deal a year later. His first taste of senior football came on loan at Swindon Town, where he played six times during the second half of 2018/19. A further loan with Dagenham & Redbridge came in November 2019 initially until January before being extended until the end of the season. Upon his return to Reading he was released at the expiry of his contract, and he joined Eastleigh in the summer of 2020. House was awarded the National League Player of the Month award for October, scoring five league goals in his first month at the club and ended the season with nine in 37 appearances.
LAST TIME WE MET
Eastleigh 1-1 Boreham Wood
Saturday 2nd October 2021
Silverlake Stadium, National Premier
Boreham Wood continued their good early season form as a Scott Boden penalty cancelled out Harry Pritchard’s opener to secure a point at the Silverlake Stadium.
Tyrone Marsh opened the floodgates with a chance on ten minutes, striking his effort wide of the post. It was good early start for the visitors, but Eastleigh would grow into the game and begin to dominate, with Joe Low’s header being well saved by Nathan Ashmore. An excellent effort from Pritchard struck the post, before having another roll of the dice soon after. A surging run from Ryan Hill led to Pritchard trying his luck from 20 yards, this time managing to open the scoring. Their lead didn’t last long however, as a handball in the box just two minutes later was enough for the referee to point to the spot, following a shot from Marsh. Boden stepped up to convert the penalty, sending Joe McDonnell the wrong way. Chances continued into the second half with the majority going in the Spitfires’ favour. Andrew Boyce and Ben House both missed headers, with Ashmore then saved a long range effort from Michael Kelly and Ryan Hill struck a volley just wide for the hosts. Although the Wood had some good opportunities to find a winner during the closing stages, neither side was able to find a breakthrough before referee Steven Copeland confirmed the points would be shared, with a final blow of his whistle at the end of injury time.
PRE MATCH WORDS
HOW TO WATCH
MATCH TICKETS
All spectators are encouraged to pre-purchase their match tickets to avoid queuing and congestion upon entry into the ground. Tickets are also available to be purchased on the day via cash and debit/credit card.
Home supporters purchasing match tickets on the day should go to the club’s ticket office located in the main club car park, whereas visiting supporters can purchase match tickets on the day from their designated turnstiles.
Home Tickets (General Sale) – Click Here.
Away Tickets (General Sale) – Click Here.
LIVE UPDATES
You can keep up with the action via our Twitter and Instagram pages, where there will be regular updates throughout the course of the match.
Instagram: @boreham_woodfc
Twitter: @boreham_woodfc
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