It’s the final midweek match of 2019 at Meadow Lane on Tuesday evening as we play host to Boreham Wood!
We’ll be out to reverse our recent form, which has seen us lose consecutive matches, and pick up a valuable three points to end November on a high.
A good omen is that we’re unbeaten in midweek matches this season, winning four and drawing two under the lights.
One of those victories came when we travelled to Borehamwood in September, too.
The visitors, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four matches – last tasting defeat on 26 October at home to AFC Fylde.
They’ve drawn three during that run, though, including squandering a two-goal lead to give Hartlepool a share of the spoils on Saturday.
Both sides will be looking to respond to disappointment at the weekend.
The boss says…
“We had a bit of a swagger about us until a certain point and it’s important we don’t let doubt start creeping in.
“We were on a run of three defeats in 19 games. That shows we were doing something right so we can’t come away from that just because we’ve lost a couple.
“I think Boreham Wood will be similar to what they were in September. They’re a good team, who play an open game, and have got a lot of pace and athleticism.
“Their manager gets them at it and they play their system really well. They had a go at us at their place and I think they’ll do that at Meadow Lane, too.”
Team news
Neal Ardley will have some late decisions to make around who partners Ben Turner in central defence due to Connell Rawlinson struggling with a back problem and Damien McCrory suffering a fracture to his hand.
Adding to the problems, recent arrival Alex Lacey has a tight hamstring so his wait for his debut could continue, while, further up the pitch, Sean Shields has reported a knock to his ankle.
Boreham Wood striker Kabongo Tshimanga has netted 12 times so far this season and will look to take advantage of any uncertainty in our defence.
Fellow forward Tyrone Marsh was on target when we visited Meadow Park in September and he’ll hope to improve on his eight goals for the campaign.
Head to head
We bounced back from a defeat at Bromley by earning a 2-1 victory over Boreham Wood earlier in the season.
Enzio Boldewijn scrambled home the opener, which Sam Osborne added to in the second half with his first senior goal before Marsh gave the Hertfordshire outfit a sniff late on from the spot.
The Wood last visited Meadow Lane in an FA Cup replay three years ago, and we progressed to round two thanks to Jonathan Forte and Aaron Collins.
The officials
Referee: Lewis Smith
Assistants: Steve Durnall and Shaun Barry
Fourth official: Thomas Cooke