Boreham Wood v Torquay United
Tuesday 19th January 2021, 7.00pm
Meadow Park, BuildBase FA Trophy 4th Round
THE CONTEXT
Boreham Wood host top of the National League Torquay United in the 4th Round of the FA Trophy at Meadow Park on Tuesday 19th January.
The Gulls’ last fixture came a fortnight ago when they made the trip to Yeovil Town and narrowly lost 2-1 with two goals in the 88thand 91st minute securing all three points for the Glovers.
Whereas Wood travelled to bottom of the table Dover on Saturday and came away with a point after we drew 1-1 in difficult conditions and ten men at the Crabble Stadium.
THE FORM GUIDE
THE WOOD
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Dover (A) | VNL | 1-1 D
Millwall (H) | FAC | 0-2 L
Barnet (A) | VNL | 0-3 W
Aldershot Town (H) | VNL | 3-2 W
Notts County (A) | VNL | 0-1 W
Hartlepool (A) | VNL | 1-2 W
Wood had the chance to climb into a play-off place on Saturday with a win, but a lacklustre performance meant we came away from the Crabble Stadium with just a point.
It was a positive start to the game from Wood, and in the 14th minute Corey Whitley pounced on a mistake from the Whites defender, followed by Wood talisman Kabongo Tshimanga who calmly passed the ball into the back of the net to make the score 1-0.
The pitch had definitely seen better days at The Crabble but this did not stop Wood in the first half as we enjoyed most of the possession early on.
The hosts started the second half the better side as they started to control the possession of the game and eventually in the 60th minute TJ Bramble fired past Nathan Ashmore to equalise.
The game was even after the equaliser, until the in-form Gus Mafuta received his second yellow in the 85th minute, however Wood managed to hold out for an important point.
THE GULLS
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Yeovil Town (A) | VNL | 2-1 L
Weymouth (A) | VNL | 3-4 W
Yeovil Town (H) | VNL | 6-1 W
Chesham United (A) | FAT3R | 0-1 W
Dagenham & Redbridge (H) |VNL | 0-1 L
Kings Lynn Town (A) | VNL | 0-0 D
The Gulls sit comfortable at the top of the Vanarama National League eight points ahead of second place Hartlepool.
Despite their impressive league position, things have not been as plain sailing in recent weeks for the Gulls with a loss against 19th place Yeovil in their recent game, and a few weeks prior a loss came against 18th place Dagenham & Redbridge.
Gary Johnson’s side are the top scorers in the league with 38 goals, which is an impressive 10 goals ahead of the second top scorers FC Halifax Town with 28.
Wood will have to keep and eye on Daniel Wright who is the National League’s second top goal scorer so far this season with eight goals so far…
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
BEN WYNTER
Wynter came through the youth ranks with Crystal Palace and signed his first professional contract with the Eagles in 2016.
Following his release from the Eagles, Wynter signed for National League side Bromley at the start of the 2017/18 campaign.
After one season with the Ravens, the defender signed with Torquay United and featured 40 times in his debut season at Plainmoor helping his side win promotion to the National League.
Wynter operates primarily as a right-back but has on several occasions offers his services as a central defender for the Gulls.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
BEN WHITFIELD
Ben Whitfield began his career with Guiseley and made his senior debut for the non-league side in 2013.
In 2014, Whitfield signed a professional contract with Championship side Bournemouth, in the following season he joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan.
After further loan spells with Yeovil Town and Port Vale, Whitfield parted ways with the Cherries in 2018 and opted to join the Valiants on a permanent deal.
Whitfield impressed during his loan spell in the 2017/18 season and made 30 appearances the following season after signing a permanent deal.
Following a release from Port Vale, Whitfield signed for the Gulls and scored seven goals in 32 league appearances from midfield last season.
“THE FINISHER”
DANNY WRIGHT
Danny Wright has National League experience in abundance as he has featured in over 300 games scoring over 100 goals across 10 years at the level.
Wright started his career at Histon and spent an enjoyable three seasons at the club when he helped them win the Conference South in the 2006/07 season.
The centre forward then moved on to Cambridge United where he spent one season being their top scorer, prior to a move across to Wales where he signed for Wrexham and scored over 20 goals in 73 appearances.
In 2015, Wright signed for Cheltenham where he joined current Torquay manager Gary Johnson. The duo won the National League, which was Wright’s first time succesful on his eighth attempt at promotion into the Football League.
The target man then left Cheltenham to sign for National League side Solihull Moors, he went on to spend two seasons at the club before signing for the Gulls at the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
Wright is the National Leagues second top goal scorer so far this season as he has netted eight times so far.
LAST TIME WE MET
Torquay United 1-1 Boreham Wood
Saturday 14th November 2020
Plainmoor, Vanarama National League
The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute when defender Sam Sherring headed home a free-kick past Nathan Ashmore.
Wood equalised on the stoke of half time when Sorba Thomas’ cross deflected into the back of Torquay’s net.
Matt Rhead had several chances to put us ahead but failed to convert his chances due to some smart saves from MacDonald in the Gulls net.
Adam Randall was shown a second yellow in the 72nd minute and the remainder of the game was dominated by Wood, but we had to settle for a point as the game finished 1-1.
PRE-MATCH WORDS
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
LIVE STREAM
Unfortunately, no fans will be allowed to attend this fixture, however, you can watch the game live by purchasing our BWFCtv Match Pass for just £9.99. You will receive the live stream, match commentary and a complimentary e-programme.
Click here to buy your BWFCtv Match Pass
LIVE UPDATES
Alternatively, you can keep up with the action via our Twitter and Instagram pages, where there will be regular updates throughout the course of the match.
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Twitter: @boreham_woodfc
OUR CLUB. OUR TOWN. OUR COMMUNITY.
Match Preview written by Joe Karadzas (Press Assistant)
