The Wood are back on the road this Saturday, February 9 (3pm), when we head to Maidenhead United, in the National League. Here’s our preview…
Match Details
Tickets are available to purchase via Maidenhead’s ticketing office, HERE. Tickets are priced as follows: Adults £15; Concessions £10 and Under 16s £5.
They are also available to purchase on the day of the game.
Team News
Luke Garrard has no fresh injuries to contend with.
Gozie Ugwu and Keiran Murtagh both returned to the starting line up against Gateshead last time out and are once again available for selection.
The Wood manager also confirmed that David Stephens has returned from injury.
Form Guide
The Wood’s home game against Wrexham was postponed last Saturday, due to adverse weather conditions, so Garrard’s men will be returning fresh, after a short break from games.
They drew 1-1 away to Gateshead last time out, on the previous Saturday. It was a welcome point on the road, against an impressive Gateshead outfit, who really pushed hard in the final 15 minutes.
Sean Shields had initially given his side the lead, with his first goal for the club. However, Scott Boden levelled the scored towards the end of the second half.
Alongside Shields, as the Wood’s January signings, George Legg and Idris Kanu have also settled in well, at Meadow Park.
The Wood currently sit 14th in the National League, on 39-points after 31 games.
Managed by 62-year-old Alan Devonshire, Maidenhead United currently sit 20th in the National League table on 31-points.
The Magpies have won two of their last five matches in the National League, with wins over Maidstone United and Gateshead – both away from home.
They lost to Wrexham last time out in the league, with Luke Young netting a 65th minute goal, in a 1-0 win.
One to Watch – Harold Odametey
Midfield maestro Harold Odametey is a key cog in the Maidenhead machine and helps to run the Magpies’ matchplay.
Although he has scored just once this season, Odametey’s game is about much more than goals and he has been an ever-present for Devonshire’s side this season.
Signed in May 2017 from Hampton, Odametey has experience with Kingstonian, Walton & Hersham, Carshalton Athletic and Harrow Borough.
The midfield battle between Odametey and the Wood will be key on Saturday.
From the Dugout – Luke Garrard
“We have had a two-week break, and I am relishing going down to Maidenhead, and I know that the players are.
“I have seen it first hand in regards to their week and they are frantic, and they have been at it in terms of their sessions.
“I admire Dev and what he has achieved as a manager and I think that he is a top, top bloke.
“I talk to him on a level away from football and I just think that what he has done at Maidenhead has been amazing, in terms of the return that he has given that football club.
“Maidenhead are not much different to when we played them here. They have got the likes of (Adrian) Clifton up top, (James) Comley, (Harold) Odemetey, (Alan) Massey, (Alfie) Kilgour, and (Rene) Steer.
“They have got personnel in there, who do as ‘Dev’ says. I am watching a team out there who are fighting for the cause.
“He has brought personnel in there who come away slightly from the 4-4-2. They play a different system; maybe to accompany the three in midfield and to get them a little bit more on the front foot.
“But, he may pull a curveball on Saturday and put two up top. That is them though, we have got to make sure that we are on our job.”
