Boreham Wood v Yeovil Town
Tuesday 22nd December 2020, 7.45pm
Meadow Park, Buildbase FA Trophy 3rd Round
THE CONTEXT
Tomorrow night, Wood host National League strugglers Yeovil Town in the 3rd Round of the FA Trophy at Meadow Park.
Due to a COVID-19 outbreak at Yeovil Town, the Glovers last competitive fixture was a fortnight ago when they came away from Bromley with all three points after an impressive 2-1 win.
Whereas Wood’s last fixture was 10 days ago where we saw the return of fans to Meadow Park and a 3-2 victory over Aldershot Town thanks to Sorba Thomas’ 87th minute winner.
THE FORM GUIDE
THE WOOD
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Aldershot Town (H) | VNL | 3-2 W
Notts County (A) | VNL | 0-1 W
Hartlepool (A) | VNL | 1-2 W
Canvey Island (A) | FAC | 0-3 W
Altrincham (H) | VNL | 0-1 L
Bromley (A) | VNL | 1-1 D
Our recent fixture was filled with excitement from the get go which left the returning Wood fans far from disappointed as Sorba Thomas stayed composed to grab the winner in the 87th minute.
Wood went two goals ahead thanks to goals from Kabongo Tshimanga from the spot and Gus Mafuta who scored his third goal in as many games.
Shots defender Shadrach Ogie pulled one back for his side halving their deficit heading into half time.
In attempt to deal with an inviting cross from the Shots winger Harrison Panayiotou, Jamal Fyfield inadvertently scored in the wrong net meaning the score was level with 35 minutes left to play.
The in-form Sorba Thomas then popped up with a deserved winner for the Wood when he stayed composed and took it round the Shots keeper and passed it into an empty net.
Luke Garrard’s side come into this fixture on the back of four consecutive wins in all competitions, leaving us the most in form side in the Vanarama National League.
THE GLOVERS
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Bromley (A) | VNL | 1-3 W
Eastleigh (H) | VNL | 1-3 L
Stockport (A) | FAC2R | 3-2 L
Hartlepool (AH | VNL | 1-3 L
Woking (H) | VNL | 1-1 D
Bromley (A) | FAC1R| 0-1 W
The Glovers picked up their first league win of the season in their recent fixture a fortnight ago when they impressively won 2-1 away from home against a strong Bromley side.
Prior to this victory, the Glovers had drawn five and lost five in their opening 10 league fixtures seeing them sit bottom of the league table, however the three points against Bromley saw them climb up the table to 21st.
Darren Sarll’s side have struggled in front of goal this season with only Dover Athletic and Dagenham & Redbridge scoring less goals than them.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
LUKE WILKINSON
Former Wood defender Luke Wilkinson came through the youth ranks at Bristol City before signing his first professional contract with Portsmouth in 2009.
Lack of game time with Pompey saw Wilkinson go out on loan to Northampton and Eastleigh, then signing a permanent move with League One outfit Dagenham & Redbridge in 2010.
During his time with the Daggers, Wilkinson joined the Wood on loan in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons where he made over 50 appearances.
Wilkinson spent four seasons with the Daggers where he made over 60 appearances before signing for Luton Town in 2014.
The central defender spent two seasons with the Hatters before signing for League Two side Stevenage.
Despite making over 100 appearances for the Boro, Wilkinson was released at the end of the 2018/19 campaign which saw him put pen to paper on a two-year deal with current club Yeovil Town.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
JIMMY SMITH
Smith came through the youth ranks with Chelsea and signed a professional deal with the club in 2005.
Smith made his professional debut in 2005 under Jose Mourinho and soon after went on loan to several Championship clubs such as QPR, Norwich City, and Sheffield Wednesday.
The attacking midfielder has over 400 Football League appearances to his name and has joined the Glovers to build on last season’s play-off contending side.
“THE FINISHER”
RHYS MURPHY
Murphy came through the youth ranks with Wimbledon before making the switch to Arsenal where he signed his first professional contract in 2008.
During his time with the Gunners, Murphy went on loan to Brentford and Preston North End before signing a permanent deal with Dutch side Telstar.
After scoring several important goals for the Dutch side, there was a lot of attraction from Football League Clubs but he opted for League One outfit Oldham Athletic.
Soon after signing with Oldham, Murphy went on loan to Crawley Town where he scored nine goals in 15 league appearances.
The centre forward spent time at York City, Torquay, and Gillingham before signing for Chelmsford City at the start of the 2018 campaign.
Murphy bagged an impressive 28 league goals for the Clarets in the 2018/19 campaign which helped his side reach the National League South play-offs.
Since signing for the Glovers in June 2019, Murphy has scored 19 goals in 41 appearances.
LAST TIME WE MET
Boreham Wood 1-0 Yeovil Town
Saturday 22nd February 2020
Meadow Park, Vanarama National League
Kabongo Tshimanga scored his 17th goal of the season in the 73rd minute when he found himself on the end of a ball over the top from Kane SMITH.
The victory for the Wood saw our unbeaten run extended to 15 games which also saw us climb the table to third place.
Nathan Ashmore made some superb saves late on to maintain Wood’s slender lead and ensured Wood gained all three points.
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.
RADIO
You can also keep up to date with the match via BBC Three Counties Radio.
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.
Instagram: @boreham_woodfc
Twitter: @boreham_woodfc
OUR CLUB. OUR TOWN. OUR COMMUNITY.
Match Preview written by Joe Karadzas (Press Assistant)
