Boreham Wood v Southend United
Saturday 7th November 2020, 3.00pm
Meadow Park, Emirates FA Cup 1st Round Proper
THE CONTEXT
On Saturday, Boreham Wood host League Two’s Southend United in the Emirates FA Cup 1st Round at Meadow Park.
Southend’s disappointing start to the league, unfortunately, continued on Tuesday evening when they were defeated 3-0 on the road against Bradford City.
Whereas the Wood made it three clean sheets from three home games in our most recent fixture, a fortnight ago, when we beat a strong Woking side 1-0 at Meadow Park.
Unfortunately, this fixture will be held behind closed doors, however there are several ways for fans to stay-up to date on proceedings including the BWFCtv live stream, or Wood’s twitter and Instagram.
THE FORM GUIDE
THE WOOD
Previous six games (in all competitions and friendlies): –
Woking (H) | VNL | 1-0 W
Wimborne Town (H) | FAC4QR | 2-0 W
Solihull Moors (A) | VNL | 0-1 L
Kings Lynn Town (A) | VNL | 0-3 W
FC Halifax Town (H) | VNL | 0- 0 D
Wrexham (A) | VNL | 2-1 L
Our recent scheduled Vanarama National League fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge was unfortunately postponed due to a COVID-19 event with the Daggers.
The Wood deserved winners in our recent fixture after a dominant performance saw us come out with a 1-0 victory at home to Woking. Summer signing Gus Mafuta was the man on target for the Wood after he found himself at the end of an inviting free kick from Sorba Thomas in the 33rd minute.
A promising performance from Luke Garrard’s side saw us create many goal scoring opportunities as we nullified the threat that Woking possessed, with another solid defensive display
THE SHRIMPERS
Previous six games (in all competitions and friendlies): –
Bradford City (A) | EFL2 | 3-0 L
Port Vale (H) | EFL2 | 0-2 L
Oldham Athletic (H) | EFL2 | 1-2 L
Tranmere (A) | EFL2 | 2-0 L
Salford City (A) | EFL2 | 3-0 L
Cheltenham (H) | EFL2 | 0-2 L
After 11 games played, Southend sit at an uninspiring 24th position in League Two of the English Football League as they have picked up just two points from a possible 33 to date.
Relegation from League One last season saw the Shrimpers appoint new manager Mark Molesley, ex-Weymouth gaffer, on a three-year contract, but unfortunately for Southend he has struggled to make the desired impact so far.
The Shrimpers have struggled at both ends of the pitch this season as they have conceded the most goals in the league (25) and scored the second least amount of goals (5) just behind 23rd place Scunthorpe United.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
SHAUN HOBSON
Central defender Shaun Hobson joined the Shrimpers at the start of the 2020/21 campaign from Championship side AFC Bournemouth, where he would link up with his former manager Mark Molesley.
Hobson came through the youth ranks at Burnley before signing for the Cherries in 2016.
Before the 22-year-old made a senior appearance for the Cherries, he spent several periods on loan with Eastbourne Borough, Chester, and Eastleigh before his most recent spell at Weymouth in the National League South last season.
Hobson featured 27 times for Weymouth last season and impressed Molesley enough to bring him along to current club Southend United.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
TIMOTHEE DIENG
Dieng came through the youth system with French side Brest and made his senior debut in 2013 as he came on as a substitute in the Coup de France.
The midfielder joined League One side Oldham Athletic in 2014 and went on to make over 60 appearances across a two-year spell for the Latics. Dieng then went on to sign for fellow League One side Bradford City where he spent an enjoyable two seasons making over 70 appearances.
After his contract ended at Bradford, Dieng was offered a new deal but opted to sign for the Shrimpers in 2018 and was made club captain by former manager Sol Campbell.
Dieng has showed his versatility for the Shrimpers showing some superb performances at centre back when called upon.
“THE FINISHER
SIMEON AKINOLA
Former Boreham Wood PASE Academy striker Simeon Akinola signed for the Shrimpers at the start of the 2020/21 campaign from Wood’s local rivals Barnet.
Akinola scored an impressive 17 league goals last season for the Bees earning himself a two-year contract with League Two side Southend.
Prior to his spell at Barnet, Akinola had a two-year stint at Harrow Borough where he bagged 22 goals in 70 appearances. Akinola then signed for Braintree Town and became a real fans favourite when he featured over 100 times across a three-year period.
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 an e-programme worth £5, too – BUY YOURS HERE
RADIO
You can also keep up to date with match updates via a free broadcast on BBC 5Live.
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.
Instagram: @boreham_woodfc
Twitter: @boreham_woodfc
OUR CLUB. OUR TOWN. OUR COMMUNITY.
Match Preview written by Joe Karadzas (Press Assistant)
