The Wood are back at home this Tuesday, April 9 (7.45pm), when we welcome Hemel Hempstead Town to Meadow Park in the Herts Senior Cup. Here’s our preview…
Match Details
Ticket prices are as follows: Adults: £8; OAPs (Concessions): £6; Under 16s; Season Ticket Holders: £4; Under 12s: FREE
Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate, on the evening of the game.
Team News
Luke Garrard has no fresh injuries to contend with.
Form Guide
The Wood were left disappointed last time out, as play-off hopefuls Sutton United scored in the last minute of time, to secure a 2-1 win at Meadow Park.
The U’s had initially gone ahead inside 15 minutes, through Harry Beautyman. However, Wood clawed their way back in, thanks to a Ricky Shakes volley.
Garrard’s men then arguably controlled the remainder of the game and it appeared to be heading for a draw, until Craig Eastmond headed home a Sutton winner, with the final kick of the game.
Prior to that, Wood had enjoyed an impressive 2-1 away victory at Ian Evatt’s Barrow, with goals from Keiran Murtagh and Justin Shaibu.
Wood beat St Margaretsbury 5-1 in the previous round of the competition, thanks to goals from Connor Smith, Brad Ash, Sorba Thomas, Tom Champion and Gozie Ugwu.
Managed by former Oxford City Assistant Manager Joe Deeney, Hemel Hempstead Town were formed back in 1885 and currently play their football in the National League South.
They currently sit 14thin the National League South, with two wins in their last five matches.
One to Watch – Jordan parkes
With three goals in his last three games, Jordan Parkes has proven his worth to Deeney’s side.
Parkes is a goal-scoring midfielder, who likes to play behind the forwards and has proven to be a key man since joining in 2016.
A Watford academy graduate, Parkes made one appearance for the now Premier League outfit, before joining Barnet in 2010.
The 29-year-old is in his second stint with Hemel Hempstead, having returned from Ebbsfleet United.
From the Dugout – Luke Garrard
“We have got a big game against Hemel on Tuesday evening and it is a game that I want to win, so we can progress in the cup.
“The winners of that play Chesunt in the semi-final, with the winners of that playing St Albans in the final, and I want to retain our title. And, on Tuesday evening, I will be putting out a side to do just that.
“If you’re given an opportunity and if you’re given the luxury of putting on your shirt, then makes sure that you deliver on your performance.
“I think that the Herts Senior Cup is an illustrious cup. We were in the final three years ago against Hitchin and were unfortunate to lose that. We then beat Royston last year in the final.
“I have seen Hemel three or four times this year and he has got a fantastic side. Joe Deeney is doing a fantastic job there.
“They are going to come here, from five/six/seven miles up the road and they are going to want to beat us.”
