By John Mead
This Sunday sees Wood turn their attention to qualifying for a place in the First Round Proper of the F. A. Challenge Cup with Budweiser, with a trip to Hayes & Yeading United, who play their home matches at The Kingfield Stadium, home of Woking Football Club.
It is eight years since Wood made it past the last Qualifying Round, earning a trip to Blackpool where they were beaten 4 – 0.
It will be a very close encounter, with Hayes & Yeading United sitting just two points behind Wood in sixth place in the Blue Square Bet South. Recently, both sides have played matches against the same opposition. Wood´s point on the road at Bath City was bettered last Saturday by their upcoming opponents who recorded a 2 – 3 victory, with a late Kudos Oyenuga strike, his ninth in all Competitions this campaign.
Similarly both have recently met current League leaders, Salisbury City. Wood recording a 2 – 2 draw on the road, whilst Hayes & Yeading United lost 3 – 2 there, before beating the high fliers in the last Round of the F.A. Challenge Cup 2 – 1 at home. Before that they overcame Heybridge Swifts 3 – 2, this being there third consecutive home draw, whilst Wood have had to win on the road at St. Neots Town 1 – 2 and Northwood 0 – 4, to reach this stage of the Competition.
Having already beaten United 0 – 1 at The Kingfield this Season, a close game settled by Omer Riza’s first half penalty, has given Wood Manager Ian Allinson a healthy insight as to what to expect,
“They do not give you much of the ball and we need to be better with our ball retention. It will be a tough game but we know what is required.”
F.A. Challenge Cup with Budweiser Fourth Qualifying Round – Hayes & Yeading United v Boreham Wood – This Sunday at 3.00pm.
Come on The Wood!
