Boreham Wood v Maidenhead United
Saturday 20th November 2021, 3.00pm
LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park, Vanarama National League
Match Preview written by Aaron Bennis (BWFC Media Assistant)
THE CONTEXT
This Saturday, Wood look to return to winning ways following their draw with Altrincham, as Maidenhead United visit the LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park.
The Magpies have endured a difficult start to the season, sitting down in 19th with just four wins and eight defeats.
Wood’s draw with Altrincham meant they dropped a place following Chesterfield’s win over Weymouth, but they remain just a point below the league leaders ahead of this weekend’s fixture.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
ALAN MASSEY
Magpies captain Alan Massey is a commanding centre back who has been at the heart of the Maidenhead defence since arriving with Alan Devonshire from Braintree Town in 2015. Having played for Wycombe Wanderers early on in his career, Massey left for Wealdstone with whom he stayed for six seasons, before joining Braintree Town in 2012 and linking up with Devonshire for the first time. Upon the latter’s departure to the Magpies in 2015, Massey would follow him to York Road and go on to make over 200 appearances, in which he lifted the National League South title in 2017.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
SAM BARRAT
26-year old Sam Barratt is enjoying his second spell as a Magpies player, having signed for the club initially in 2014. Spells with Woodley Town and Bracknell Town in the early stages of his career preceded his first stint at Maidenhead, where he made 97 league appearances that brought 12 goals, and he was also part of the team that won the National League South in 2017. Barratt’s next destination was Southend United, where he was limited to just ten appearances in two years sandwiched in between his time at Maidenhead, returning to York Road in 2020 and scoring 15 goals in his first season back. He is also an England international, having been called up to the C team in November 2017 where he made his debut in a match against Slovakia.
“THE FINISHER”
JOSH KELLY
Maidenhead’s promising young striker, Josh Kelly made his first team debut as a 17 year old and signed his first contract on his 18th birthday. A season-long loan at Walton Casuals in 2017/18 brought 40 goals, helping the club achieve promotion to the Southern League Premier South via the play-offs, with Kelly scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout. After being brought into the Magpies first team, he caught the eye with breath-taking strikes against Eastleigh and FC Halifax Town, and has established himself as a fully-fledged regular since the age of 19.
LAST TIME WE MET
Boreham Wood 1 – 4 Maidenhead United
Saturday 29th May 2021
LV Bet Stadium Meadow Park, National League
Boreham Wood ended the 2020/21 season in defeat, as a late goal from substitute keeper Rhys Lovett rounded off a 4-1 victory for Maidenhead United.
The visitors were able to open the scoring early on despite Wood enjoying most of the possession, with Tyrone Marsh having a good chance to break the deadlock himself after just five minutes, skying his effort over the bar. It was Reece Smith who was more successful in front of goal though, beating Nathan Ashmore with a good finish shortly after. Maidenhead began to take advantage of the momentum this brought, although a lovely move for the home side nearly saw them find an equaliser but Manny Parry and Alan Massey were at their best form throughout to keep the likes of Kabongo Tshimanga, Corey Whitley and Marsh at bay. Chances seemed to be shared in the next portion of the match with Danilo Orsi and Whitley going close, but it would be the Magpies that finally made it count on the stroke of half time. After a weaving run from Tshimanga that brought an effort off target, the visitors came straight back up the other end and doubled their lead after Josh Kelly found himself free in the penalty area. Marsh would halve the deficit just a minute after the break, and almost immediately looked to take the lead when an intricate move between the goalscorer and Tshimanga lead to a chance for Whitley.
Despite the Wood growing into the game, they were dealt a harsh blow when Maidenhead found a third less than ten minutes after the equaliser when Orsi was alert to finish the rebound after a strike from Kelly was well-saved by Ashmore. The Wood never really recovered after this, with Orsi going close once again. The game was truly put to bed when Lovett, having come on to play up front, scored late in injury time to seal an emphatic victory.
PRE MATCH WORDS
HOW TO WATCH
MATCH TICKETS
All spectators are encouraged to pre-purchase their match tickets to avoid queuing and congestion upon entry into the ground. Tickets are also available to be purchased on the day via cash and debit/credit card.
Home supporters purchasing match tickets on the day should go to the club’s ticket office located in the main club car park, whereas visiting supporters can purchase match tickets on the day from their designated turnstiles.
Home Tickets (General Sale) – Click Here.
Home Tickets (Black Card Members) – Click Here.
Away Tickets (General Sale) – Click Here.
LIVE UPDATES
You can keep up with the action via our Twitter and Instagram pages, where there will be regular updates throughout the course of the match.
Instagram: @boreham_woodfc
Twitter: @boreham_woodfc
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