Torquay United v Boreham Wood
Saturday 20th August 2022, 3.00pm
Plainmoor, National League
THE CONTEXT
This Saturday, the Wood head to Devon to take on Torquay United as they look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season last time out.
The Gulls have begun the season with an indifferent opening three games, with a draw, victory and defeat apiece which sees them midtable going into gameweek four.
Wood will be keen to win for the first time since the opening day of the season, with their unbeaten start coming to an end at the hands of Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
SHAUN DONNELLAN
Former Republic of Ireland U21 man Donnellan, 25, had a successful stint with divisional rivals Maidenhead United, where he made 43 appearances, scoring 3 goals during his time at York Road. Comfortable in either midfield or defensive roles, the Barnet-born player rose through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion before temporary spells at the likes of Stevenage, Dagenham and Walsall preceded a permanent move to Yeovil Town in 2017. Following a two-year stay in Somerset, Donnellan moved on to represent National League sides Maidstone and Woking, prior to moving to Maidenhead two summers ago.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
TOMMY HUGHES
Youngster Tommy Hughes began his career in the Ipswich Town academy and was identified as one of the club’s most promising talents, which saw him make his senior debut as an 18-year old back in 2019 in a 4-0 EFL Trophy win over Gillingham. A number of eye-catching performances for Town’s Under-23 side saw him score a hat-trick against QPR during the 2021/22 season, before playing and scoring for the Tractor Boys during the 2022/23 close season. The 21-year old is currently enjoying his second taste of senior football after briefly featuring for Bury Town on loan during 2018/19, with Torquay United announcing his temporary arrival last week. He has already played twice for the Gulls, making his debut on the same day that he signed before being named in the starting XI three days later.
“THE FINISHER”
WILL GOODWIN
A graduate of the Chester academy, Will Goodwin joined the Seals at the age of nine before making his first team debut aged 17, making rapid progress after breaking into the side following a brief loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic. His development prompted Championship side Stoke City to secure his services in February 2021 and he spent last term on loan at newly promoted League Two outfit Hartlepool United, playing 15 times in all competitions. A second loan spell was announced in July when Torquay United showed interest in the 20-year old, and he has played 90 minutes in all three of the Gulls’ opening games of the season.
LAST TIME WE MET
Torquay United 0-0 Boreham Wood
Tuesday 22nd February 2022
Plainmoor, National League
The Wood failed to make up ground in the National League promotion race after being held to a goalless draw away at Torquay United.
Chances proved to be limited during the opening stages with little in the way of goalmouth action taking place until the 20th minute, when Dan Martin tested Taye Ashby-Hammond with a ferocious left-footed effort. Shaun MacDonald would soon make his opening saves of the game in the other goal to deny Josh Rees and Dennon Lewis, shortly before a stroke of luck almost saw the visitors catch their opponents on a swift counter attack after a Gulls corner, but Tyrone Marsh was denied by the woodwork after Stephen Duke-McKenna lost his footing.
The second half began with the visitors in the ascendancy, with Marsh producing a warning sign with three chances in quick succession, before openings for Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Duke-McKenna saw the Gulls go even closer. It seemed as if the hosts were beginning to gain some momentum, but they were unable to take advantage and almost gifted the Wood a late winner when Jacob Mendy Mendy’s rising effort slipped through the gloves of Shaun MacDonald, but he was alert enough to gather at the second attempt to secure a stalemate.
HOW TO WATCH
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LIVE UPDATES
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