Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers v Boreham Wood

As Tranmere prepare for a second home game this week, Louise Formston returns with her match preview for Saturday afternoon's upcoming home game against Boreham Wood.....

Saturday sees a second home game in five days as Tranmere Rovers play host to newly-promoted Boreham Wood.  After winning the play-off finals last season, Boreham Wood’s start to life in the National League has been tough.  An opening day win over Halifax Town looked promising but three losses since have left the Wood down near the bottom of the table.  Admittedly those three defeats came in games against Eastleigh, Gateshead and on Tuesday Forest Green Rovers – teams arguably well established in this League and looking for promotion.  Perhaps now isn’t the time for them to be taking the trip north to play unbeaten Rovers?

Form Guide:

As briefly mentioned, Rovers head into this game unbeaten so far this season, having racked up ten points from an available twelve.  Perhaps even more surprising for Rovers fans after last season is the fact Tranmere have conceded just one goal (against Gateshead) in the last four games.  Boreham Wood however have let in five goals whilst scoring just four.  Tuesday night presented similar themes for both Rovers and the Wood, both games involved a late goal although only one went in the right goal.  Whilst Rovers picked up all three points, a red card and a late goal from Forest Green's Guthrie meant Boreham Wood suffered a third successful loss despite controlling the game for almost 75 minutes.

Injuries and Suspensions:

Good and bad news for Rovers fans this week on the injury front. L iam Hogan’s injury is not as bad as first reported, and although he won’t be fit in time for Saturday’s game, he should be back in the near future.  Meanwhile, James Norwood, who hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw at Braintree, has suffered another injury setback and is unlikely to feature on Saturday.  Meanwhile Boreham Wood will be without midfielder Billy Clifford after he was sent off during Tuesday’s game against Forest Green.

The Opposition Dugout:

Former Arsenal and Stoke man Ian Allinson is the current manger of Boreham Wood after taking over in 2008.  Following a playing career that saw Allinson play for Arsenal and Stoke, as well as Luton Town (in what was then the First Division) and Colchester United, the 57 year-old turned his hand to management in 1989 as he became player/manager of Baldock Town.

From there, Allinson moved to Stotfold, Barton Rovers and Harlow Town before returning to Barton Rovers, a first spell at Boreham Wood, then two more stints at Stotfold and finally back to Boreham Wood in 2008.  In his second season at Boreham Wood, Allinson oversaw their promotion to Isthmian League Premier Division.  The next season saw yet another promotion to the Conference South before Allinson secured a hat-trick of promotions culminating in last years’ play off success against Whitehawk.

One to Watch:

Jamie Lucas - Striker (19) - Welsh

On loan striker Jamie Lucas is this week’s One to Watch.  The Bristol City forward, has scored two of Boreham Wood’s four goals this season and came close to adding a third on Tuesday night, only to be denied by the crossbar.   Still young, Lucas has already spent time on loan at Weston-Super-Mare (twice! – his second spell saw him score 7 goals in 8 games) and Gloucester City before signing for Boreham Wood this season.  Lucas made his debut on the first day of the season against Halifax, and scored the Wood’s only goal.

Other players to note on Saturday include Tuesday’s Man of the Match Ricky Shakes who very nearly scored the opener against Forest Green and former Tranmere Rovers defender Danny Woodards.  Boreham Wood appear to be making use of Woodards’ long throws to get balls quickly into the box.  Forward Matty Whichelow is another name that maybe familiar to one or two Rovers’ fans. 

Whichelow signed for Wycombe Wanders in 2012, only to score against Rovers on his Wanderers debut.  One former Boreham Wood player known to most Rovers’ fans is Mark Warburton.  The former Brentford manager and current Rangers’ boss played for the side during 80s before injury ended his playing career.

Around the League:

Forest Green Rovers vs Lincoln City:  Current table toppers Forest Green Rovers aim to extend their 100% run as they host Lincoln City on Saturday. With only two points separating City and Rovers, its possibly a game to keep an eye on come 3.00pm.

Dover v Altrincham:  Next week’s opponents Altrincham have a long trip to Dover this weekend as they hope to build on Tuesday night's win against Grimsby. 

Wrexham vs Welling:  Just below us in the table Wrexham will be hoping to string together a fourth successive win on Saturday.  Despite losing their first game, Wrexham have been unbeaten since and are up against Welling whose form so far has been patchy. 

My Starting XI:

     Davies

Ihiekwie             Sutton                 Riley            Hill

Mekki                   Jennings             Harris            Ridehalgh

 Margetts             Mangan

One change to the team that started against Halifax for me this weekend.  After successfully predicting that Stockton would be dropped in favour of the M’n’M partnership, I’m hoping Brabin will drop Maynard in favour of the more creative Mekki and swap Liam back to his more natural left side!  I’d like to sub out Jennings but I’m hoping Tuesday’s performance is merely a blip and he’ll be back to the Jenno we all know on Saturday.

Score prediction?  As long as it’s a win I couldn’t care less whether it’s a scrappy 1-0 or another comprehensive 4-1.  If you’re interested, a 1-0 Rovers win is priced at 11/2 with Paddy Power whilst a 4-1 victory is a higher 30/1.

Gary Brabin's Pre-Match Thoughts 

Video Courtesy of Tranmere Rovers Official on You Tube