The Wood make their first away journey of the new National League season this Tuesday, August 7 (7.45pm), when they head to Havant & Waterlooville. Here’s our preview…

Match Details

If segregation is in force, then away supporters are given all or part of the South Terrace at one end of the ground. Up to 500 fans can be accommodated in this area.

Team News

The fixture will be the Wood’s second game of the new season and Luke Garrard once again has a full quota to choose from.

The new signings all impressed in the opening day win over Dagenham & Redbridge and will be hoping to retain their places.

Form Guide

An opening day victory over Dagenham & Redbridge will have pleased boss Garrard, as his side put on a solid display.

A clean sheet for new ‘keeper Ryan Huddart will also be a big plus, as the Wood look to continue their campaign in positive fashion.

Angelo Balanta opened his own account for the campaign with a cutely placed finish, that beat Daggers’ stopper Elliott Justham.

Managed by 43-year-old Lee Bradbury, Havant & Waterlooville won promotion from the National League South last season, with a first placed finish.

Bradbury’s side suffered an opening day defeat to barrow, losing 3-0 to Ian Evatt’s side away from home. They will be hoping for a better result second time out.

One to Watch – Wes Fogden

Wes Fogden first joined The Hawks as far back as February 2009 and has gone on to become a fan’s favourite at West Leigh Park.

Such is his popularity at Havant & Waterlooville, Fogden made club history by becoming the first player to accumulate three club Player of the Month awards in a row.

The midfielder would earn a move to the Football League and enjoyed spells with Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Yeovil Town, before returning to the Hawks.

A wide midfielder with an impressive crossing ability, Fogden will be hoping to provide the Hawks’ forwards with plenty of ammunition this season.

From the Dugout – Luke Garrard  

“We park Saturday and we move on to Tuesday now with Havant. I know that they have gone and lost to Barrow, so they will be licking their wounds on the way back from the North West.

“We need to make sure that we kick on from here, instead of getting a little bit above our station.

“It is relentless, and it is ruthless, in terms of Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday – but that is for everyone – I believe there are eight-to-nine games in August.

“We know that they front load it because of the weather and we totally understand the reasons behind it.

“But for me, we take it game by game and I can’t think about Wrexham just yet.

“I am going into Tuesday with the emphasis to kick on from Saturday and hopefully we can get a positive performance and follow it up with a good result.”

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