Match Preview
Boreham Wood v Harrogate Town
Saturday 21st December 2019, 3.00pm
Meadow Park, National League
On Saturday, Boreham Wood return to league action as we host Harrogate Town in the Vanarama National League.
In their recent fixture, Harrogate progressed into the second round proper of the FA Trophy after beating Hartlepool United 3-2 at home.
Whereas, Boreham Wood disappointingly lost 2-0 to step 3 outfit Royston Town which meant we were eliminated from the competition.
THE CONTEXT
Last week was a week to forget for the Wood as we were eliminated from both the Herts Senior Cup and the FA Trophy in the space of five days, both exits caused by Royston Town.
However, in the first match, Wood fielded an inexperienced side which saw seven youth players given first team debuts.
Prior to these cup fixtures, the Wood were unbeaten in seven league games which means we currently sit 9th place, just three points off the play off places.
Late drama in Harrogate’s previous game meant they progressed into the next round of the FA Trophy.
After being 2-0 down with 77 minutes on the clock, it looked like the Wembley dream was over, but three late goals including a 93rd minute winner, meant they won 3-2 and their cup run continued.
HARROGATE RECENT FORM
Harrogate Town come into this game with spirits high after an impressive comeback on Saturday against fellow National League side Hartlepool United in the FA Trophy.
Town have proved they are a tough side to beat having lost just once in their previous six games in all competitions.
It’s their impressive record in front of goal which sees them sit so highly in the league as only four sides have netted more than their impressive 38 goals so far.
However, despite their impressive goal scoring record, they have not been so solid at the other end of the pitch conceding 34 goals in 25 games, this is the 2nd worst defensive record out of the teams in the top 10 of the National League.
HARROGATE TOWN PLAYER TO WATCH
Brendan Kiernan, Winger
Brendan Kiernan signed for Town at the start of this season from National League South side Welling United and has been vital to Harrogate’s success so far.
The 27-year-old is Harrogate’s joint top goal scorer with seven goals so far, an impressive stat for a winger new to the National League. Kiernan also has three assists to his name.
Kiernan came through the ranks at Crystal Palace before signing for MK Dons, which then saw him make a move to AFC Wimbledon in 2011 where he made his professional debut in 2012 coming on as a substitute.
The wingers most notable season was in 2015 for Ryman League side Hampton & Richmond where he made 31 appearances scoring 12 goals and 15 assists, helping his side win the league gaining promotion to the National League South.
LAST TIME WE MET
Harrogate Town 0-0 Boreham Wood (Saturday 14th September 2019, National League)
Harrogate Town and Boreham Wood played out a 0-0 draw in the Vanarama National League last time the sides met earlier this season.
The best of the Wood’s chances came from Kieran Murtagh but his header was well saved by an outstretched James Belshaw.
Mark Beck came close with 15 minutes left to play but his headed effort went sailing over the bar to leave the game goalless.
The draw meant that both sides would sit just one place apart being two points above the drop zone, both teams have seen drastic improvements since this game sitting in much more comfortable territory higher up the league.
IN FOCUS: TYRONE MARSH
Tyrone Marsh’s goals and work rate have been vital so far this season for Luke Garrard and is our player in focus for this Saturday’s match preview.
Marsh began his career at Oxford United and made his professional debut at Elland Road against Leeds United in August 2012.
The 25-year-old frontman signed a one-year deal for the Wood at the start of this season from League 2 outfit Macclesfield Town.
Marsh was pivotal in the Silkmen’s promotion to the Football League after signing for the club in 2017, featuring a total of 66 times across two campaigns.
Strike partnership of Marsh and Kabongo Tshimanaga have scored 22 goals between them in 25 games so far and will hope to continue this form between them, for the remainder of the season.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
COMMUNITY COACHING
Wood’s community arm, the Boreham Wood Community Trust, will be hosting a FREE training session prior to our game against Harrogate on site at Meadow Park. For more information about the session and to register please visit the following link.
Boreham Wood vs. Harrogate Town – Community Day
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)
