By John Mead
Wood make their first ever trip to the South Coast’s outfit’s Privett Park this weekend full of confidence. Bagging nine points from a possible twelve has seen us climb up the table to a respectable fourteenth position. Goals have been coming and the side are no longer in a position where they are nervously looking at other results.
That cannot be said for Borough however who find themselves in one of English Football’s current bizarre situations. Their superb run to the F A Trophy Final this season has come at a price. With the Trophy taking precedent over League fixtures and with the appallingly wet winter we have suffered, the side managed by Alex Pike find themselves bottom of the Division.
This is Borough’s first ever season at this level and as we found out, it is not an easy league to compete in. Their league from has been patchy, our 2-0 win over the Hampshire side earlier this season was comfortable. However that was back in September, two months before the side began their run through six rounds of knockout football to earn their right to trot out onto Wembley Stadium’s hallowed turf just eight days after we meet!
Along the way Borough defeated current 4th placed Skrill Premier Nuneaton Town and the current Skrill North League Leaders North Ferriby United.
Borough are now playing catch up, forced to play three times per week, meaning they travel to Maidenhead United less than 48 hours before we line up against them. They are hoping to build upon a mini revival at York Road, given that they held Havant And Waterlooville to a goal less draw last Tuesday, which was preceded by a 0-3 win on the road at Staines Town.
Hat trick hero from that game Rory Williams will be joined in attack by Justin Bennett who has been recalled from his loan spell with Southern League Premier Poole Town in time for the trip to face The Magpies. He averaged more than one goal per game during his time there.
For Wood, Ian Allinson will need to choose his starting line up carefully after Junior Morias responded with being left out by coming off the bench to net a truly priceless last ditch winner last Tuesday. That was the 18 year old’s fourth goal for the club in just four starts and two substitute appearances. One name that is sure to feature in the starting line up will be that of Graeme Montgomery. His goal scoring form of late has been commendable hitting the back of the net in some style five times in the last seven games.
Why not make the trip to the South Coast and hopefully bathe in the glory of another fine Wood performance!
Saturday March 15th kick off 3pm.
Gosport Borough Vs Boreham Wood
Privett Park, Privett Road, Gosport. PO12 3SX
