Match Preview
Boreham Wood v Eastleigh
Saturday 28th December 2019, 3.00pm
Meadow Park, National League
This Saturday, Boreham Wood will match up against 13th place Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League at Meadow Park.
Wood’s Boxing Day clash against local rivals Barnet was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at the Hive, so our last game was against Harrogate Town last Saturday where we ran out 2-1 winners, where Kabongo Tshimanga scored an injury time winner to secure all three points.
Similarly to the Wood, Eastleigh’s arranged Boxing Day clash against Aldershot Town was also called off, so their last game was last Saturday too, where they impressively beat 3rd place Bromley 3-2 away from home. So, both sides enter tomorrow’s game looking to pick up where they left off a week ago.
THE CONTEXT
Late drama struck again as Wood made it eight games unbeaten in the National League when we won 2-1 at home against in form and high-flying Harrogate Town.
Tyrone Marsh opened the scoring in the 14th minute for the Wood, arguably against the run of play. The in form striker now has got nine goals in the league so far for his side this season.
Harrogate then equalised in the 39th minute from a sublime goal from Alex Bradley. The Lincoln City loanee’s effort from 30 yards out curled in at that back post, past the outstretched arm of Wood stopper Nathan Ashmore.
Despite Harrogate’s dominance in possession, Wood spoiled their superb away performance with a devastating 93rd minute winner from Tshimanaga, who made sure that the Wood would come away with all three points and leapfrogged Harrogate in the league standings into the National League play off places ahead of the Boxing Day round of fixtures.
In terms of opponents tomorrow, despite going 1-0 down against Bromley last Saturday, Eastleigh then went on to score three goals in the space of 20 minutes to quickly turn the game on its head.
A 94th minute goal wasn’t enough for Bromley and turned out to be a consolation for the home side as Eastleigh ran out 3-2 winners.
EASTLEIGH RECENT FORM
Eastleigh come into this fixture sitting 13th place in the National league, four points behind the Wood but with a game in hand.
The Spitfires come into this fixture in fine form as they have only lost once in their previous six league games.
The visitors impressively reached the 2nd round proper of the FA Cup and took League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra to a replay where they unfortunately lost 3-1.
The Spitfires come into this came in emphatic goal scoring form as they have scored nine goals in their previous two games and will be looking to continue their goal scoring exploits on Saturday at Meadow Park.
EASTLEIGH PLAYER TO WATCH
Danny Hollands, Midfield
Danny Hollands has started every single league game for the Spitfires this season and is their joint top scorer from midfield.
Hollands came up through the ranks at Chelsea and has much Football League experience having played for Charlton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth.
The 34-year-old brings experience in abundance to Eastleigh and signed for the Club at the start of the 2017/18 campaign. His most notable moment in a Spitfires shirt undoubtedly came during last season’s play off eliminator game against Wrexham, when he scored an absolutely outrageous volley deep into extra time to set up a National League play off semi final against eventual promotion final winners Salford City.
Prior to Eastleigh, Hollands most successful spell as a player was at Bournemouth where he enjoyed five seasons, captaining the Cherries for three seasons making 193 appearances scoring 24 goals.
LAST TIME WE MET
Eastleigh 2-0 Boreham Wood, National League, 3rd September 2019
Ben Williamson opened the scoring in the 6th minute for the Spitfires after he found himself one-on-one with the keeper and had no trouble slotting home past David Gregory.
Nine minutes into the second half the Ben Streven’s side doubled their lead via a Danny Hollands header.
Things went from bad to worse for the Wood when second half substitute Tom Champion was shown his second yellow card for a high footed tackle on Scott Rendell in the 90th minute of the game.
IN FOCUS: FEMI ILESANMI
Femi Ilesanmi has arguably been one of Boreham Wood’s best and most consistent performers so far this season and is our man in focus for the Saturday’s match preview.
The attack minded defender re-signed for the Wood at the start of the 2018/19 campaign after a single season away from Meadow Park with National League rivals Dover Athletic, where he won their Player of the Season award.
Ilesanmi has been crucial for Luke Garrard this season as he has offered his services mainly at left wing back, but most recently has featured on the left side of a back three, where he has been immense for his side showing his athleticism and versality.
Prior to joining the Wood originally in 2016/17, Femi spent an enjoyable four seasons as Dagenham & Redbridge where he starred over 100 times before signing for League Two outfit York City where he made 70 appearances in the Football League.
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)
