The Wood are back on the road again this Saturday, August 18 (3pm), when we travel to Leyton Orient in The National League. Here’s our preview…

Match Details 

Away supporters are housed in one side of the old Main (East) Stand, on one side of the ground, towards the South End. Around 1,000 fans can be accommodated in this area.

Team News

Luke Garrard’s side suffered no injuries during the draw with Gateshead.

Having dropped to the bench for the tie against the Heed, Manny Parry and Femi Ilesanmi will be hoping to return to the eleven.

Form Guide

Until the 89th minute, the Wood were heading for a second win of the new season against Gateshead on Tuesday.

David Stephens’ powerful headed opener on the brink of half-time saw them deservedly lead Gateshead. However, a late equaliser from Steve Rigg meant the hosts had to settle for a point.

An opening day victory over Dagenham & Redbridge has been followed by two draws, and a loss, away to league favourites Wrexham.

With a number of options available on the bench, Luke Garrard could call upon any of Bradley Ash, Connor Smith, Sorba Thomas or Ilesanmi and Parry to come into the starting line-up.

Managed by 48-year-old former Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh, Leyton Orient finished 13th last season, in their first ever National League campaign.

Orient are unbeaten so far this season, with three draws and a win under their belt.

One to Watch – Macauley Bonne

The dangerous 22-year-old forward from Ipswich enjoyed a fruitful first campaign in the National League, when he netted 19 times for Orient.

Rated as one of the best strikers in the division, Bonne will have his eyes firmly set on being the league’s leading goal scorer this campaign.

He has recently tied himself down to an improved contract at Brisbane Road and has lofty ambitions for the club.

Standing at 5ft 11in, Bonne is a strong and pacey presence in the Orient frontline and already has a brace to his name in the new campaign, notching a double against Barrow.

From the Dugout – Luke Garrard  

“I remember going down there last season, and I remember playing them here, funnily enough at a similar sort of time, and we played very well on both occasions.

“I felt that, especially down at their place, we should have won a game of football.

“I have watched their last four games and done a lot of work in terms of where we feel we can hurt them and where they may hurt us.

“They have got great strength in terms of forward areas, great experience throughout the midfield and they are organised at the back, so yeah it is going to be a tough fixture. But, thoroughly enjoyable and I am looking forward to going down there on Saturday.

“When Justin took the rains, everyone knew that he would get the group organised and well drilled and you see that in their performances.

“They have got to be one of the favourites to win the league I have got to be honest, because of the calibre of personnel that they have within their squad, the manager at the helm and the size of the club, you would assume that they are a big fish at this level.

“But, we don’t fear anyone.”

Loading

Share This