The Wood are back on the road this Tuesday, December 18 (7.45pm), when we travel to Halifax Town, in the Vanarama National League. Here’s our preview…
Match Details
Away fans are normally housed in the Skircoat Stand on one side of the pitch. Around 1,450 away supporters can be accommodated in this area.
Team News
Luke Garrard has no fresh injury concerns to deal with, as the Wood came away unscathed from the win over Torquay United.
Form Guide
The Wood defeated Torquay United 3-1 in the Buildbase FA Trophy, last time out.
Garrard’s side had to come from behind, with Justin Shaibu netting a hattrick to seal their progression into the next round of the competition.
The win over Torquay followed an impressive 1-0 victory over National League leaders Leyton Orient 1-0 at Meadow Park.
There was a first league goal this season for Femi Ilesanmi, in the win over Orient, with the defender impressing at left-back.
The two wins helped to continue the good work that the Wood have done at home this season, where they have lost just twice in 90 minutes – against Harrogate Town and Dover Athletic.
The Wood’s match against Halifax Town is their game in hand, with many of the other teams in the league having played a game more.
Managed by 44-year-old Jamie Fullarton, Halifax currently sit 16th in the division, on 26 points.
They won last time out against Barrow, in the Buildbase FA Trophy. Their last league match ended in a 1-1 draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.
One to Watch – Matty Kosylo
Highly rated at The Shay, Matty Kosylo’s signing created a lot of excitement amongst the club’s supporters, when he joined from Nantwich Town.
A tricky attacker with a good delivery, Kosylo has proved difficult to handle in all of the Wood’s latest meetings with Halifax Town.
At Nantwich he was named as the Evo-Stik Premier Division’s Young Player of the Season for 2015/16, as well as being named in the team of the year.
He has already notched four goals so far this campaign, with the most recent coming in a 1-0 win over Dover Athletic.
From the Dugout – Luke Garrard
“I love Jamie Fullarton and I love the work that he has done at Halifax Town, I think that he has done incredibly, in terms of the results that he has picked up.
“Their early form was phenomenal, and they have probably dipped off it slightly. He is now in the hat come Monday as well, with a great win up at Barrow.
“We know that they are going to be tough. They are organised, well-drilled, and they have got personnel in there who can hurt you.
“Like I said, we go there full of confidence and we know the job at hand, in terms of going up there.
“It is not going to be easy, especially after playing extra-time on Saturday. I know that my session Monday is going to be about getting around the players.
“Organising them in terms of rub downs and treatment, and getting them ready for that coach journey on Tuesday afternoon.”
