Match Preview
Boreham Wood v Torquay United
Saturday 14th March 2020, 3.00pm
Meadow Park, National League
On Saturday, Boreham Wood host 15th place Torquay United to Meadow Park in the Vanarama National League.
On our last time out, Wood got back to winning ways after a 1-0 away win against Maidenhead United via a Kabongo Tshimanga goal in the 22nd minute.
Whereas, the Gulls were on the wrong end of a 2-0 score line on the road to Sutton United after two first half goals from Milson and Randall put the game to bed early on.
THE CONTEXT
After a disappointing defeat to Aldershot Town in late February, Wood are now three games unbeaten in league action after a well fought victory away to Maidenhead United on Saturday afternoon.
Wood had a number of early chances throughout the first half, but it was no real surprise when Tshimanga’s 19th goal of the season was the only goal of the game.
The game ended on a sour note for the Wood after two yellow cards in the 87th minute and the 90+2nd minute for the ever reliable Nathan Ashmore saw him given his marching orders, meaning that Grant Smith was called into action for the first time since re-joining the club.
In the Gulls recent fixture, they left themselves with an uphill battle in the second half after two goals in the first half for Sutton United sucked the life out of the game and despite the visitors creating chances, they couldn’t get anything from the match.
TORQUAY UNITED RECENT FORM
Torquay currently sit 15th place in the league standings and their recent form of two wins, two losses and a draw in their previous five games reciprocates their league position.
Despite winning two of their previous nine games in all competitions, all of their games as of late have been decided by just one or two goals which shows that they are tough opposition for any team and stay in games with a never say die attitude.
The Gulls sit 15th in the league, but with at least one, if not two games in hand over the teams around them, a string of wins in their games in hand could see them leapfrog into the top half of the table.
TORQUAY UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH
Jamie Reid, Forward
Jamie Reid is the Gulls talisman having scored 18 goals so far this season and as such, is our player to watch in this weekend’s match day preview.
Reid has been a real saviour for the Gulls this season helping his side on many occasions with his goals. He is the league’s third top scorer.
The 25-year-old spent 13 years at Exeter City, originally as a youth team player between 2004 and 2012, before he signed his first professional contract with the Grecians prior to signing for Torquay in 2017.
He scored 32 goals for his side last season helping them earn promotion and regain National League status, winning the Gulls’ Player of the Season award and despite offers from Football League clubs, he stayed loyal to his hometown club in hope to help his side to another successful year this campaign.
LAST TIME WE MET
Torquay United 3-2 Boreham Wood, Saturday 19th October 2019
Despite being an FA Cup fourth qualifying round fixture, the game started slow for both sides in the early exchanges of the first half. However the game soon burst into life with two quick fire goals from the home side, Andrews and Reid respectively, sending the Gulls into the break with a two-goal lead.
Just six minutes after the break Tyrone Marsh converted from the spot to make it 2-1 against his former side, but the hosts two goal deficit was restored just 10 minutes later as Whitfield expertly finished a one-on-one chance.
Wood pressed for a way back into the game but it wasn’t meant to be despite a 90th minute own goal from Cundy, turning out to only be a consolation for the away side.
IN FOCUS: JUSTIN SHAIBU
Despite an unexpected extended injury, Justin Shaibu is working his way back to full fitness and is our man in focus for this weekend’s match day preview.
Shaibu started his career with Danish Division 1 side HB Koge and won their Talent of the Year award in 2014 for his impressive performances at such a tender age.
It was these performances that earned the young forward himself a move to Championship side Brentford, and then after impressing for their ‘B’ side, was rewarded with a three-year contract.
After impressing last season at Meadow Park on loan, whilst picking up the Golden Boot award, Shaibu then rejoined the Wood on loan for the 2019/20 campaign.
Prior to getting injured after the Christmas period, Shaibu was a crucial member of Luke Garrard’s side and once he gets back to full fitness he could be a deciding factor as to whether the Wood will be playing in the Football League next season, with his attacking flare from the advanced midfield role being critical during Wood’s impressive 15 game unbeaten run earlier in the season.
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)
