Borehamwood at Home Saturday 10th of January 2015

[Hatboy]

Boreham Wood (H) Preview
Written by Jake Ellacott

The Saints will be looking to build upon an impressive win against Gosport Borough last Sunday, when we welcome neighbours Boreham Wood to Clarence Park this weekend.

The Wood have had an excellent season so far, and have arguably been the divisions’ best performers, which is reflected in their position in the table, as the team from just down the road are currently in top spot, with an impressive 48 points from their 25 games played, which puts them five points ahead of Bromley in second place. However, the majority of sides below The Wood have games in hand, and therefore, they will be looking to secure the points this afternoon, as the teams below them begin to close in.

The Wood, prior to the Festive period, had gone on a nine game unbeaten run in the league. However, that run came to a crashing end when Eastbourne Borough defeated Ian Allison’s side 4-1 on the 20th of December. In the four games following that defeat, they have defeated Bishops Stortford 2-0, and then 5-0 on New Year’s Day, but also failed to secure any points against 11th placed Bath City, and lost last Sunday when they faced play off chasing Ebbsfleet United. Three defeats out of their last five games has given the teams chasing The Wood some hope that they can catch them, when just a few weeks ago it looked like they would stroll to promotion.

The recent form of our neighbours will surely give the Saints a boost ahead of the game, as they look to make it two wins in a row at Clarence Park to start off 2015.

City’s mixed season, form wise, continued last Sunday when we defeated play-off chasing Gosport Borough, who prior to the game had lost just three matches in their last twenty-six.

That victory came despite a worsening injury list, which forced the management to name three teenagers on the bench, alongside David Keenleyside, who himself had picked up a knock away to Hemel. The Saints took the lead through Lee Chappell’s perfectly placed free-kick in the 21st minute, before the visitors levelled things up on the strike of half time. Darren Locke was forced off, and was replaced by 17 year old Jack Green, who put in an excellent performance, and was on the receiving end of a red card challenge from lee Molyneux. City scored the winning goal just a few minutes later, when Omar Beckles bundled the ball home from a corner. Gosport had another man sent off, for a second bookable offence, in added on time, but by this stage in the game, City’s win was inevitable.

Prior to the Gosport win, the Saints picked up just one point from their last three games, so it was an important victory Jimmy Gray and Graham Golds, who had themselves voiced their disappointment with recent performances.

However, with players possibly starting to return from injury, and the opportunity for new additions to the squad this coming month, the management will be hopeful that the Gosport victory was just the start of things to come.

We welcome back Ben Martin to the club for the first time since his departure to Boreham Wood, and he was an important figure for many seasons at Clarence Park. However, this Saturday, I think all Saints fans will be hoping he has a stinker! Sorry Ben.


Come On You Saints!

[Hatboy]

The form guide over the last 4 games as we've hit form at home since the end of November and they've dropped a lot of points away over the same period:

Saints @ Home WWDW F 5 A 2 Pts 10
Borehamwood A DLLW F 7 A 7 Pts 4

Overall recent league form guide:

Saints WLDLLW F 6 A 8 Pts 7
Wooood WLWLWL F12 A 9 Pts 9

City have a Home record of W 5 D 2 L 5 F 19 A 19 Pts 17 Wood Away are W 5 D 1 L 5 F 23 A 14 Pts 16 very even.

Saturday's best available odds:

Bishop Stortford (11/8) Draw (13/5) Hayes & Yeading (9/5)
Eastbourne (36/17) Draw (13/5) Basingstoke Town (13/10)
St Albans City (27/10) Draw (3) Borehamwood (20/19)
Weston Super Mare (19/10) Draw (5/2) Chelmsford (13/10)

[Hatboy]

Borehamwood's preview:

MATCH PREVIEW

This Saturday Wood make the short trip to Clarence Park, looking to complete the double over our nearest rivals. It was a real local derby atmosphere both on and off the field at Meadow Park in our narrow 2-1 win earlier this season and more of the same is expected.

The Saints currently sit 10th in the table, just seven points off the play off places. It is no surprise they have settled well since their promotion from the Southern League Premier Division last season, given their recent pedigree. Winning the last available spot in the newly formed Conference South via the play offs back in 2004, they grasped the opportunity to play at a higher level with both hands, winning promotion to the Conference Premier two years later, albeit for just one season.

City’s involvement in the Conference set up ended our regular battles in the Ryman Premier, until we met up again albeit briefly in season 2010-2011, our first at this level. The first “ reunion” was on New Year’s Day when Inih Effiong, then of City, scored a brace in a 0-3 win that saw the two sides swap places at the foot of the table!

However we did manage a 0-1 win at Clarence Park later in the season, which played a part in us clawing our way to safety, with The Saints unfortunately dropping down a Division at the end of that season. Prior to that game we were last there twice in 2004, in County Cup action.

One of those occasions back in January 2004 was a truly unforgettable night. Playing against a side a Division above us we eventually ran out 4-5 winners after extra time, having played the last hour with ten men, after the late Ryan Moran’s dismissal. That game was significantly Ian Allinson’s first ever win as Manager of the club!

The other match, “a pre season” Herts Charity cup game in August of that year resulted in a 2-3 win for The Wood and also featured the debut of one Ben Martin for City, a player who will be returning to his old club for the first time since joining Wood last month. He played 212 times for City during two spells at Clarence Park.

Back to this season and City have lost just one of their last five League matches at home, notably beating Gosport Borough 2-1 last Sunday.

Wood have just one match scheduled in the next fortnight, away at Stevenage in the Herts Senior Cup next Tuesday, making this a game requiring an extra effort from the fans to give the side their support in searching for a massive three points to stay in touch at the top of the table!

We hope to see as many of you as possible on Saturday!

[Saint]

Saints Starting XI: Coulton; Hall; Chappell; Gorman; Locke; Gayle; Beckles; Corcoran; Bailey; Wales; (Danny) Green.

Saints Substitutes: Frendo; Lancaster; Smith; Keenleyside; (Jack) Green. #sacfc

[Saint]

0-1 HT, goal in the 3rd minute.

Danny Green forced off with injury.

[Saint]

Saints making a double sub: John Frendo and Cameron Lancaster on for Elliot Bailey and Charlie Gorman

[Saint]

Att: 803

[Saint]

Saints have the momentum atm

[gertchaefm]

How many Borehamwood fans turned up? Was the decision to segregate warranted?

[casper]

Jan 10, 2015 16:18:32 GMT Saint said:

Att: 803

800 home fans and 3 away fans

[Saint]

150 odd, Police have been in attendance this afternoon, so probably helping their behaviour... They let off a flare about 10 minutes ago.

[gertchaefm]

Sounds like it was a good decision then. That is a good turnout from them.

[Saint]

0-2 FT

[Saint]

Late strike in injury time puts it beyond doubt.

It looked half way through the 2nd half that City would be able to get into it, but they missed a cutting edge.

[Saint]

Bit frustrating, we had chances and possession in the second half

[barker]

Very frustrating today. We gave away a slack silly early goal and then a last minute goal due to tiredness. We had opportunities, but as Saint says we just lacked that decisive, cutting edge in front of goal. Can't fault the commitment of the players. Can't say I was too keen on the attitude of the Wood fans to be honest, so may be segregation was a reasonable precaution.

[nonleaguefan1]

What a waste of time that being segregated. Utterly pointless.

[dunstablesaint]

Disappointing to lose but Borehamwood are top of the league, even if they didn't look that good today. I don't think anyone could fault the players' attitude today,especially Howard Hall, who I thought was outstanding. Has Gayle's loan been extended? Great to see him still there today. What has happened about James Kalowski? I can see why the managers decided to try to freshen things up with a different strike force for the second half but I'm afraid it just didn't work. I know he has been out for a while but Frendo is beginning to look too limited for this league. Has he ever had success at this level? Maybe we need to persevere with Eliot Bailey and see if a run in the first team will allow him to regain his striking form. And we desperately need James Comley back, which might allow Whales to rediscover his goal threat.

But some positives to take from this game : we are a better defence without Ben Martin who showed again today how shaky he is on the ground, notwithstanding one great saving tackle; and Beckles was an inspired capture. On this performance, we ought to stay up. Isn't that as much as most us expected this season?

[oldgeezer]

We were the better team most of the time - except in front of goal! Pity. A really good performance from the team and really unlucky. Although we came second, I really enjoyed the game. A good skilful and battling performance.

[barker]

Have to disagree with DunstableSaint about Frendo - thought he made a real difference when he came on, he can really hold the ball well and lays the ball off well, particularly as he's been out injured. Totally agree about Beckles. Ben was a fairly trad old school middle of the back four/ three defender, there was a time when he was very solid - and perhaps suited to the league we were in last season. But Omar really adds something and I can see him developing ... agree with oldgeezer, i don't mind (too much) losing if we play with this sort of commitment,and - let's face it - it's quite a long way from playing the likes of Arlesey last season ...

[tangerineman]

Saints deserved a draw today but the early goal was a real kick in the teeth after last Sunday's valiant effort by the same starting XI. It seemed as though we were half asleep as Wood passed the ball into the net. We had a warning in the opening minute when Tom Coulton made a hash of an easy clearance but we didn't wake up & paid the price.

I thought the game was fairly even after that & had we taken our chances could have sneaked a win. Steve Wales seems to have lost the knack of sticking the ball in the net & had a great chance in the second half, but the resultant save was almost identical to the one against Gosport & from the same spot on the pitch.

Disagree with Dunstable Saint as I thought Frendo made a difference when he came on, linking up well with Lancaster, Smith & Wales on a couple of occasions. Could have had a pen too, when he was pushed in the box. I thought Bailey deserved another 15 mins with Frendo as a pair up top before being tugged, having worked a lone furrow in the first half. He troubled Wood with his pace a couple of times getting behind the back four, which is his game & combined with JF who holds the ball up so well with his back to goal, may have been fruitful.

Thought Locke was immense at the back and was my MOM today. Believe James K is back from Wingate & Finchley after today which will be a big boost.

Surprised that Chappell, having scored a pearler on Sunday, let JF have the free kick on the edge of the box in the second half, it was a shocker & didn't leave the ground.

Corcoran misses Comley in midfield as he doesn't have that injection of pace with the ball that Comley does & gets caught in possession too often. He should release the ball earlier in my opinion.

Agree that Howard Hall had a good game & looks dangerous going forward - not so sure about in defence though.

Wood's second goal was a conclusive finish but gave the final score an unfair reflection on Saints contribution to an entertaining match.

[Saint]

I personally believe that Frendo made a big difference when he came on, and we looked much more likely to score when both him and Lancaster were introduced. Bailey is not suited to playing up on his own, and certainly is not the kind of forward to be competing for long balls forward and holding it, so I felt sorry for him. Frendo looked a bit trimmer to me, but neither he or Lancaster are fully fit and will need time.

Kaloczi returns officially on Monday, and is likely to feature against Hadley, Comley will also hopefully get some minutes during the game. There will be a couple of trialists included in the First Team squad that is going to feature.

Today was the final game of Ian Gayle's loan, who I believe has been excellent, and James Gray said post match that he will be working hard with Dagenham this week to see if they can do anything in terms of extending it.

[knockers]

If as rumoured we are looking at lower league players surely alex read from harlow needs consideration, another hat-trick today 20 odd for season, always good to have hungry players tryin to move up levels. Team seem to be playing well, just need few lucky breaks, next 3 away. COYS

[PaperSaint]

Jan 10, 2015 19:53:03 GMT knockers said:

Team seem to be playing well, just need few lucky breaks, next 3 away. COYS

3 away? I thought its Concord Rangers are next up - at Clarence Park on Saturday 17th? If we can keep Gayle, I think we will heading into the next few games with a squad that can pick up a decent run of wins.

[tangerineman]

I was at the Harlow game last Saturday Knockers, one of the few that were on & the management team were at the match, so I imagine they are already considering Read amongst other Harlow players. Although, as both Layne Eadie & Josh Urquhart were in the starting line up they may just have been catching up with some old Saints.

[notsorecentconvert]

It was a poor goal to give away so early on. Shades of the autumn when we seemed to concede in the first ten minutes of every home game.

We were never out of it but we were never truly in it either. We had some reasonable chances, none better than when Steve Wales had time to slot past the keeper but hit his body instead and then mis-kicked the rebound.

There were a couple of diabolical offside decisions given against us but, then again, a couple of decisions went our way down at the other end.

As others have said, Frendo and Lancaster looked decent when they came on but there was never a time when I thought an equaliser was on the cards. In fact, Boreham Wood's second goal had seemed like it was coming for a good 15 or 20 minutes.

Although we didn't deserve to win the game, there was a bit of fight and plenty of positives, unlike the more insipid displays we saw before Christmas. On one hand today's result extends the run to just one win in six. On the other that was our first home defeat since Farnborough on November 17.

Finally, Ben Martin kept a clean sheet at Clarence Park for the first time this season! Just kidding!

[davymac55]

Positives. Great banter if at times OTT during first half. Quel surprise. We concede again at the fag end of a game. and what a goal to concede. Absolute pants defending. Scorer was on his backside , pokes pass on, gets up, passes defenders and onto the return pass! great goal from their point , terrible from ours. Pretty toothless today especially in front of goal, even when Lord J came on. Back to terrible dead ball situations and a repeat from an identical position as last week from Wales. we were far too casual all over the park and they were far quicker to the ball. Top they may be but again we made them look better than they are and you can see why they can score or concede 5 in a game. We are in a terrible run of results and it needs a quick turn around. The bottom of the table zone is too close I suggest a full strength team/squad for Tuesday and look for a goal fest from us for a bit of confidence. Good to see that Ben M has obviously slimmed down and done a bit of serious training. His best game at The Park in 18 months. Pity.

[davymac55]

And they brought about half of their normal home crowd today- about 150. Means we dragged about 650 to the ground on a day the weather was not too bad. Disappointing gate really. And catering guy cannot manage a gate of this size on his own. long queue all day. reflects badly on us . People waiting for a cup of tea having to come to the busy bar - and bar should not be selling tea coffee when catering available- doesn't happen at any other ground we visit. Needs to be looked at

[St Michael]

Where are the reinforcements ? We are not safe in this league and Staines, and Hayes have new managers and players and Weston are not so bad either. We need at least 5 more wins and probably 6 and that won't be easy with the current squad.
Alex Read would be a better bet than Frendo who has not really looked fit all season, he looks a bit overweight to me. If we are looking at players from the lower leagues then there are some very good players who might come here; striker David Knight at Wingate, Alasan Ann the Hitchin CH, ex-Luton, converted from a striker, but when I've seen him a very good player indeed, Connor Toomey at Kings Langley, why haven't we signed him yet ! ? ( I suppose we are letting Hemel have first pick) the best central midfielder I've seen is Callum Dunne at Billericay, but I think he is injured right now.

I do think that Gray/Golds know what they are doing, more or less, but what is holding back recruitment ? We need to get ourselves safe in the next 4-5 games and build for next season.

[notsorecentconvert]

DavyMac, in defence of the crowd, 800 was still decent. Hemel only got 529 for their FA Trophy game against Concord. (I really, really don't want to get into the "Our crowds are bigger than theirs" discussions in case it all starts to sound a bit Wealdstone!)

However, I almost didn't go. Earlier in the day, when the rain was bouncing off the pavement and the wind was swirling I decided I'd give it a miss. It was only around 1.30, when the sun came out and it cheered up a bit, that I decided to head down there. Watford were away, Luton were not playing, Arsenal were not playing and Tottenham were not on TV till 5.30. So the teams that a lot of people round these parts support were not in action. Perhaps we could find ways to capitalise on that more?

As for the squad, I had hoped the one or two players Jimmy Gray talked about last week might have turned up. But I guess it's difficult at this time of year. Even if players are available, is it worth investing money now when a mid-table finish is likely to be the best we can achieve.

Don't get me wrong, if you'd said at the start of the season that we'd be 11th with 15 games to go, we'd all have been happy with that. But our record suggests we are vulnerable. Only Staines and Farnborough have lost more games than us. We either win or we lose.

Let's not worry about Staines. They are 20 points behind us. Their new manager will need to be the hybrid of Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough and Bob Paisley to get them out of this.

We're 10 points clear of Bishop's Stortford. Even that is a four-match 'swing' - ie, they'd have to win four in a row while we lose four in a row to catch us. There are also a lot of bodies between us and them.

So relegation should not be a legitimate fear, even if we struggle. We'd have to come to a complete standstill to get dragged into it. I know, famous last words.

I agree with St Michael, it would be nice to see some sort of progress towards next season. Gray and Golds appear to be ambitious, I just wonder if the owners have the stomach for the sort of investment it will take to compete for the top five, or if they are innovative enough to work out ways to attract significant outside investment.