Match Preview
Boreham Wood v Maidenhead United
Saturday 16th November 2019, 3:00
Meadow Park, National League
On Saturday, Wood return to action after a two-week hiatus as we host Maidenhead United in the Vanarama National League, a match up which sees a 16th and 17th place face-off.
In their recent fixture, Maidenhead lost 3-1 in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup against League One outfit Rotherham United. Whereas, Boreham Wood drew 1-1 on the road to Yeovil Town after a 90+1 minute equaliser from Wood frontman Kabongo Tshimanga, securing a valuable and deserved away a point for the Wood.
THE CONTEXT
It’s 16th v 17th this Saturday in the Vanarama National League and with just the single point separating the two sides, it’s a real six pointer.
Boreham Wood travelled to Huish Park a fortnight ago to face an in-form Yeovil Town side who sat 3rd in the National League, a solid performance from Luke Garrard’s men meant we came away with a point.
The Wood defended well throughout, whilst being patient at the other end of the pitch, and our resilience and persistence paid off when Tshimanga grabbed a late equaliser from just outside the penalty area, which saw his goal tally increase to 11 for the season.
On Saturday, against the odds, Maidenhead United went 1-0 up against Rotherham via a Jake Cassidy goal in the 25th minute. The Magpies remained resolute until the 54th minute when Alan Massey rightfully received a red card after he took off and flew into a tackle which caught the attacker nastily.
Down to ten men and against League opposition was always going to be a difficult task for the home side to hold the lead, as 3 goals in quick succession from the Millers was enough to seal the victory for the away side.
MAIDENHEAD UNITED RECENT FORM
Maidenhead United come into this fixture having picked up seven points from a possible 12 in the Vanarama National League, albeit sit 17th place in the league standings.
The Magpies sit just one place behind the Wood in the National League after 20 games played and come into this fixture having failed to win any of their three previous games in all competitions.
Maidenhead have struggled for goals this season having the seventh worst goal scoring record in the league; however, it is noteworthy of their outstanding defensive record with just three sides conceding less goals than them.
MAIDENHEAD UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH
Joe Ellul, Defender
Joe Ellul has been vital at the back for Maidenhead United this season and the Boreham Wood front line will have to be on the top of their game in order to get past him.
Ellul has been pivotal to the Magpies excellent defensive record this season as they have the fourth best defensive record in the entire division.
The 30-year-old centre back joined the Magpies at the start of the 2019/20 campaign from New Zealand Prem side Tasman United. Prior to this, he had spells at Braintree Town and Billericay Town in the National League South.
LAST TIME WE MET
Maidenhead United 1-0 Boreham Wood (Saturday 9th Februrary 2019, National League)
Boreham Wood started off slow as the Magpies had several early chances which forced saves from Wood’s on loan goalkeeper George Legg.
It was only a matter of time before the home side broke the deadlock and it was substitute James Akintunde who was on target for Maidenhead.
Harold Odametey saw red in the 85th minute and from there on it was one-way traffic towards the Maidenhead goal, but the home side managed to hang on to secure all three points.
IN FOCUS: TOM CHAMPION
Vice-Captain Tom Champion has been in good form in recent weeks for the Wood and is our player “in focus” for this Saturdays match preview against Maidenhead United.
Champion signed for the Wood at the start of the 2017/18 campaign from local rivals Barnet. Prior to this he had spells at Lincoln City and Cambridge United.
The 33-year-old has proved versatile having played several games previously in a more advanced role in the centre of midfield.
Champion has had a successful career, especially during his time at Cambridge United. He helped them to get promoted from the National League and played a vital part to his former side winning the FA Trophy.
Also, during Champions time at Cambridge, they had great success in the FA Cup reaching the 4th round proper where they met Manchester United. They managed to get a draw at home which meant there would be a replay played at Old Trafford where they unfortunately lost 3-0, Champion played 90 mins in both games respectively. Champion notably swapped shirts with United legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
SEGREGATION
Please note following the advice of the Safety Advisory Group and the Herts Constabulary Police, as well as our own Safety Officer and Chief Steward, this game will operate full segregation.
TICKET INFORMATION
Ticketing prices will be as follows for those who purchase in advance (subject to booking fee): –
Adult – £18.00
OAP – £13.00
U16 – £8.00
U12 – £5.00
Prices on the day consist of:-
Adult – £20.00
OAP – £15.00
U16 – £10.00
U12 – £7.00
Boreham Wood FC have moved onto an online ticketing system, in partnership with Event Genius. We advise all supporters planning to attend Boreham Wood FC matches at Meadow Park, both home and away supporters, purchase tickets beforehand. Once purchased, tickets are available to download directly to supporters’ phones via the Ticket Arena app and can also be printed at home and brought to the game for entry.
Home supporters can purchase HERE.
Away supporters can purchase HERE.
DISABLED OR LESS ABLE SUPPORTERS
BWFC has dedicated facilities for wheelchair bound and less able supporters. These include a viewing area and disabled toilet facilities. These are available via the West Stand. Supporters wishing to make use of these facilities are asked to enter the stadium via the South Stand Turnstiles off Brook Road car park. Disabled parking bays are available in this car park.
Please note that these parking spaces are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately, spaces cannot be reserved by the club.
Please note that carers tickets will only be issued to those with a valid carer’s card, or, proof that they require a carer.
USE OF CAR PARK AND CLUB HOUSE
No supporter parking is available at Meadow Park, the club car park is available to players, directors, officials and guests only.
Boreham Wood FC advise supporters to park in Brook Road Public Car Park. Access to the Stadium is available from this car park via the South Stand Turnstiles (for away supporters) and via a public footpath through the adjacent park (for home supporters.) Please note that parking charges may apply.
Alternative parking is also available via the Hertsmere Council Civic Car Park, which is less than a 5-minute walk to the club. Again, please note parking charges may apply.
For home supporters using Brook Road Car Park, who wish to use the clubs bar facilities, this is a short walk to the main club house through the park.
Unfortunately, it is Boreham Wood FC policy that our club house is for home supporters only on match days. Away supporters are advised to use the facilities in the town centre just a short walk away from the Stadium via Brook Road.
Match Preview written By Joe Karadzas (Press Assistant)
