Boreham Wood v Wealdstone Monday 28th December 2020, 3.00pm Meadow Park, Vanarama National League
THE CONTEXT
Tomorrow afternoon, Wood will host National League newcomers Wealdstone in a reversed fixture, after the Stone’s pitch was adjudged to require a pitch inspection. In light of this, given the two sides close proximity, the two Club’s sensibly agreed to reverse the fixture to alleviate any chance of postponement and the subsequent fixture backlog as a result.
In their recent outing on Boxing Day, Wealdstone faced a tough Maidenhead United side and disappointingly lost 4-0 which saw them drop out of the play-off places into 8th spot.
Whereas Wood’s last fixture was 16 days ago where we saw the return of fans to Meadow Park, albeit for a single game but what a game it was! Wood ran out winners in a 5-goal thriller, beating Aldershot Town 3-2 thanks to a Sorba Thomas 87th minute winner.
THE FORM GUIDE
THE WOOD
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Aldershot Town (H) | VNL | 3-2W
Notts County (A) | VNL | 0-1W Hartlepool (A) | VNL | 1-2W Canvey Island (A) | FAC | 0-3W Altrincham (H) | VNL | 0-1L Bromley (A) | VNL | 1-1 D
Our recent fixture was filled with excitement from the get go which left the returning Wood fans far from disappointed as Sorba Thomas stayed composed to grab the winner in the 87th minute.
Wood went two goals ahead thanks to goals from Kabongo Tshimanga from the spot and Gus Mafuta who scored his third goal in as many games.
Shots defender Shadrach Ogie pulled one back for his side halving their deficit heading into half time.
In attempt to deal with an inviting cross from the Shots winger Harrison Panayiotou, Jamal Fyfield inadvertently scored in the wrong net meaning the score was level with 35 minutes left to play.
The in-form Sorba Thomas then popped up with a deserved winner for the Wood when he stayed composed and took it round the Shots keeper and passed it into an empty net.
Luke Garrard’s side come into this fixture on the back of four consecutive wins in all competitions, leaving us the most in form side in the Vanarama National League.
THE STONES
Previous six games (in all competitions): –
Maidenhead (A) | VNL | 4-0 L
Eastleigh (H) | FAC3R | 4-3 W
Weymouth (H) | VNL | 2-1 W
Barnet (A) | VNL | 0-0 D
Torquay (H) | VNL | 1-2 L
Notts County (A) | VNL | 3-0 L
The Stones have started life back in the National League in impressive form and currently sit 8th in the league standings.
Despite their excellent start, the Stones have recently experienced a slight dip in league form as they have won just one of their previous seven league games.
Dean Brennan’s side have struggled defensively this season, with local rivals Barnet the only side who have conceded more goals than the Stones so far this campaign.
The close nature of the National League has continued this season and Wood currently sit seven places below the Stones, however a win on Monday, would mean we would leapfrog Brennan’s side with three games in hand…
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
JEROME OKIMO
Jerome Okimo started his senior career with Isthmian South side Chalfont St. Peter where he spent seven years at the Club making over 300 appearances.
The central defender then made the switch to Wealdstone in 2013 and played a vital role in the Stones’ promotion to the Conference South the following season. Okimo then moved on to Stevenage in 2014 where he spent two seasons before signing for National League side Braintree Town.
After spending just one campaign with Essex outfit Braintree, Okimo put pen to paper and re-signed for the Stones in 2017 and has made over 120 appearances since…
“THE PLAYMAKER”
CHARLIE WAKEFIELD
Born in Sussex, Charlie Wakefield came through the youth ranks with Brighton & Hove Albion before making the switch to Chelsea where he signed his first professional contract.
The exciting young winger was heavily struck with injuries, putting an abrupt halt to his chances with the Blue’s first team and was subsequently released in 2019.
Wakefield then signed for Coventry City in January 2019, but things did not quite work out for him with the Sky Blues and he was released after making just nine appearances.
After going on trials with several Football League sides, Wakefield experienced further injury troubles… After a period on the sidelines, Wakefield signed with the Stones at the start of this season on a short-term deal.
“THE FINISHER”
DENNON LEWIS
Dennon Lewis came through the youth academy with Watford and was awarded with his first professional deal in 2015.
Lewis then joined National League outfit Woking on loan in 2016 and featured 27 times for the Cards scoring 6 goals.
The forward then left Watford in 2018 due to his contract expiring and signed for Scottish Championship side Falkirk but left the Club soon after due to personal reasons.
Following his departure from Falkirk, Lewis signed for National League side Bromley but after making just six appearances he signed for Wealdstone. Since he joined the Stones, Lewis has been a mainstay in the side, playing a pivotal role and scoring vital goals in last seasons promotion campaign with the Stones.
LAST TIME WE MET
Wealdstone 0-1 Boreham Wood Saturday 21st March 2015 Grosvenor Vale, Vanarama Conference South
Wood’s last meeting with the Stones came in our Conference South play-off winning season, when Wood defeated Wealdstone narrowly at Grosvenor Vale to clinch three important away points.
In a tightly contested encounter it was a Ricky Shakes headed goal that separated the two sides. A deep corner was redirected back across goal by Wood’s centre half Josh Hill and it was that man Ricky Shakes who was on hand to bundle the winning goal in at the back post to give Wood the 1-0 victory.
PRE-MATCH WORDS
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
LIVE STREAM
Unfortunately, no fans will be allowed to attend this fixture, however, you can watch the game live by purchasing our BWFCtv Match Pass for just £9.99. You will receive the live stream, match commentary and a complimentary e-programme.
You can also keep up to date with the match via BBC Three Counties Radio.
LIVE UPDATES
Alternatively, 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.
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