Tranmere Rovers
Match Preview: Boreham Wood v Tranmere Rovers
By Louise Formston
August 15 2016
There's no let up in the matches at the start of this new season as the games come thick and fast. Once again Louise brings us her Match Preview, this time ahead of Rovers' trip to Boreham Wood tomorrow....
With three wins out of three, Tranmere Rovers find themselves two points clear at the top of the National League. Lying in second is Boreham Wood, Rovers’ next opponents. Tuesday sees Tranmere travel south to take on Boreham Wood with an aim of putting a bit of daylight between themselves and the rest of the table early on.
Previous Meetings:
The two sides have met twice before in the National League. Boreham Wood visited Prenton Park this time last year and went home with all three points after goals from Graeme Montgomery and Harry Crawford. It was a quick turnaround with Rovers visiting Meadow Park in November 2015, managing just a draw.
Form Guide:
Boreham Wood head into Tuesday’s game on the back of an away draw at National League new boys York - with both goals in the came coming in the final two minutes. Prior to Saturday’s draw, Boreham Wood had won both their games this season; away to Dover resulted in a comprehensive 4-1 win whilst they opened the season at home to Forest Green in a game that finished 1-0 to the hosts.
Rovers meanwhile, travel buoyed by the three wins and six goals (only Lincoln have scored more in England’s top five divisions), they’ve already clocked up this season, including a 2-0 away win against Bromley. The Whites will have been disappointed to concede against Eastleigh - the first goal conceded this season; however being able to go on to win a game with the last kick of a game will do wonders for self-belief amongst the team.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Steve Jennings picked up yet another booking in Saturday’s game, if he carries on at this rate he’ll be banned by the end of August. Liam Ridehalgh didn’t feature in Saturday’s squad after picking up a knock prior to the game against Barrow and with his injury still not disclosed it’s possible he will miss the trip to Boreham Wood as well. Andy Cook took a kick early on in the game against Eastleigh (surprise!) and although he limped for a few minutes following, he lasted past 80 minutes but after his injury in preseason he could be another doubt.
David Stephens will miss the game after he broke his metatarsal against Dover. Bruno Andrade found himself being stretchered off during Saturday’s game so the midfielder is another possible miss for Boreham Wood.
James Norwood notched his fourth goal in three games on Saturday
The Opposition Dugout:
Boreham Wood are still managed by Luke Garrard. The 30 year old took over last October, becoming the youngest manager in England’s top 5 divisions. During his playing career the defender played for Swindon Town, AFC Wimbledon and of course, Boreham Wood. Garrard guided them to a 19th place finish last season, their first season in the National League.
The Opposing Team:
Ricky Shakes was the man who grabbed Boreham Wood a last gasp equaliser on Saturday and the midfielder will be aiming to add another to his tally on Tuesday - which would leave him equaling his goal tally for the whole of last season. Former Rovers defender Danny Woodwards signed for Boreham Wood last season, and through injury this season has found himself in the starting XI.
Ex-Wrexham striker Adriano Moke made the move to Boreham Wood earlier in the summer after he wasn’t offered a new contract at the Racecourse and has started both games for The Wood. 22-year old Grant Smith is the man between the sticks for Boreham Wood this season, having signed from Hayes and Yeading United (Southern Premier League). Smith has conceded two this season, not bad considering he’s faced York, Dover and Forest Green in his first three games in the National League.
Around The League:
Dag & Red vs Lincoln: Lincoln’s 3-1 defeat to Sutton United on Saturday was greeted with cheers as it was read out at Prenton Park and The Imps will be keen to get back to winning ways on Tuesday as they face newly relegated Dagenham and Redbridge, who beat Guiseley 2-0 at the weekend.
Maidstone United vs Braintree: Rover’s next opponents play host to last years play off contenders on Tuesday. Both these teams were part of a 3-1 score line on Saturday; Braintree losing 3-1 at home to Macclesfield whilst Maidstone put three past Chester at the Deva Stadium.
Wrexham vs Solihull Moors: Local rivals Wrexham are struggling to find their form so far this season and will play host to National League newsboys Solihull Moors - who find themselves third in the league on seven points. A draw or a Wrexham win here would definitely help Rovers cause early on.
My Starting XI:
Davies
Vaughan McNulty Ihiekwe Hughes
Maynard
Harris S. Jennings
C. Jennings Norwood
Cook
The last time these two met, I was advocating dropping McNulty as he had failed to settle in the squad - I will hold my hands up and say I judged that one wrong and McNulty will never be dropped! Our defence has been strong but for the one mistake against Eastleigh, with Hughes providing some first class crosses into the box on Saturday - just a shame no one could get on the end of them!
Maynard is like a new signing and long may it continue. He had a great game on Tuesday against Barrow and he was very good again on Saturday. Both Harris and Steve Jennings are continuing to prove Brabin was (apparently) right to have faith in them as a midfield two. I’m not a fan of Norwood on the wing but it’s worked out okay so far this season I guess - he’s scored in every game!
I’d like to see maybe Cook dropped, with Norwood moved into the middle and Adam Mekki reintroduced, however Cook’s size offers us something different. Although it’s early days, Norwood is currently the league’s top scorer with four goals, sharing that top spot with Lincoln’s Matt Rhead.
Score Prediction? 2-0.
To all travelling Rovers’ fans, my mum reliably informs me Boreham Wood is home to the worst Wetherspoons she’s ever visited, although the drinks are cheap. Enter at your own risk, you’ve been warned.
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15/08/2016 18:36
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