Match Preview
Boreham Wood v AFC Fylde
Saturday 26th October 2019, 3.00pm
Meadow Park, National League
On Saturday, Boreham Wood return to League duties following our defeat in the FA Cup last week, as well as back home to Meadow Park for the first time in three games after a string of away fixtures against Barrow, FC Halifax Town and Torquay United, as we host AFC Fylde in the Vanarama National league.
The Coasters will be looking to build on an impressive 6-1 victory in their previous fixture when they took on Peterborough Sports in the Fourth and final Qualifying Round of this year’s Emirates FA Cup.
Meanwhile, the Wood will be looking to bounce back after we were knocked out of the FA Cup after a slender 3-2 defeat to Torquay United, our second defeat to the Gulls at Plainmoor this season following a 2-1 opening day loss back in August.
THE CONTEXT
Boreham Wood went into Saturday’s game full of confidence after string of impressive results, including an away win against league leaders FC Halifax Town. However, a lacklustre performance resulted in a 3-2 defeat, meaning the Wood crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup, failing to reach the First Round Proper for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
Luke Garrard found his side 2-0 down at half time after an uninspiring display from the Wood. A slight uplift in performance in the second half saw us claw two goals back but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Whereas, AFC Fylde come into this game on the back of a 6-1 win in the Fourth Qualifying Round of The FA Cup, albeit against Peterborough Sports, where anything but a victory for the home side would have been a massive shock.
AFC FYLDE RECENT FORM
Prior to the 6-1 victory at home to Peterborough Sports on Saturday, the Coaster’s had lost four games on the bounce in the Vanarama National League.
After their home fixture against Sutton United was cancelled, the AFC Fylde board had decided enough was enough and opted to relieve long serving manager Dave Challinor of his duties, having picked up just two victories in his last 13 games.
Despite winning the FA Trophy in last season’s campaign, Challinor wasn’t producing the results desired by AFC Fylde hierarchy this season as they currently sit 22nd in the National League.
Their poor defensive record has been the main reason behind AFC Fylde’s downfall this season, having conceded 32 goals already, which is the 2nd worst in the whole division. This has been part due to the loss of three major players opting to turn down improved deals at Mill Farm in order to move on to Football League sides, namely Jordan Tunnicliffe to Crawley Town, Jay Lynch to Rochdale and Zaine Francis Angol to Accrington Stanley.
AFC FYLDE’S PLAYER TO WATCH
Danny Rowe, Striker
Danny Rowe is his sides top goal scorer this season hitting the back of the net on seven occasions so far in all competitions, including an inspiring hattrick in his previous game.
Last season, Rowe netted 30 times for his side and picked up the Player of the Year award in the Vanarama National League.
His outstanding performances attracted a lot of attention from several Football League clubs, but AFC Fylde done all they could and managed keep hold of their man in hope for another crack at promotion this season.
However, the Coaster’s poor start to the season has sparked further speculation around the striker’s future at the club with rumours flying around that the striker could be seeking a move away from Mill Farm, even as soon as the January transfer window.
LAST TIME WE MET
Boreham Wood 1 v 1 Fylde (Saturday 9th March 2019, National League)
Fylde missed out on the chance to bolster their promotion charge after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Boreham Wood at Meadow Park.
Neil Byrne opened the scoring in the 17th minute for the visitors after a wayward shot from Tom Crawford found the path of Byrne, who slotted home from close range.
However, Wood scored a second half equaliser, which would be enough to earn them a valuable point as they fought against relegation. Justin Shaibu earned his side a penalty in the 57th minute, which was subsequently saved by the Coaster’s then keeper Jay Lynch, however luckily for the Wood Jamal Fylfield was first to react and tucked away the rebound.
IN FOCUS: KANE SMITH
Kane Smith has recently come back from a short-term injury following a groin niggle in our emphatic 4-0 victory over Stockport County in late September and is our player ‘in-focus’ in this week’s match preview.
The 23-year-old put pen to paper for the Wood at the start of the 2017/18 campaign and had his breakthrough year during that campaign. However, it ended in heartache for Smith, as he suffered a cruel ACL injury in the quarter final of the play offs during the 17/18 season, this just so happened to be against AFC Fylde, whom the Wood match up against on Saturday.
The resulting injury saw Smith miss the entire of the 2018/19 season, but this major setback hasn’t stopped the young right back and he has had an impressive start to this season in the Vanarama National League. Wood showed their faith in the young and attacking full back during this period and despite a long stint on the sidelines, the Wood gave Smith a new and improved contract in the summer of 2019.
After picking up a short-term injury in the Stockport County game, Smith’s first game back was in the defeat to Torquay United last Saturday, however he put in a workman like performance and was arguably the Wood’s best player on the day.
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)
