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Opposition Focus | Boreham Wood

Written by: Ollie Heathcote


What better than Monday Night Football at The Focus Community Arena, in an all Hertfordshire clash! This evening, The Tudors welcome Boreham Wood to HP2, looking to build on last weekend's away point at Weston-Super-Mare, and a four game unbeaten run. The Wood come into this tie on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Aldershot in the FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon, and are winless in three despite sitting in fifth. A promising evening ahead for sure, but first lets take a little look into Luke Garrard's side...



Founded: 1948 Nickname: The Wood Stadium: The Meadow Stadium Capacity: 4,500 Manager: Luke Garrard


History of The Wood


Formed in 1948 following the merge of Boreham Rovers and Royal Retournez, Boreham Wood began their life progressing through the Mid-Herts, Parthenon, Spartan and Athenian Leagues. Their election to the Isthmian Football League came in the 1974/75 season, winning the Isthmian League Division Two title which earned them a five year stay in the Premier Division. The 2009/10 season saw the Wood promoted to the Conference South for the first time, under the management of Ian Allinson, father to the Tudors Head Coach Lee Allinson as well as being part of the Management Team. After consolidating their position in the National League South, Boreham Wood eventually earned promotion to the fifth tier of the English football period in the 2014/15 season, beating Whitehawk in the final. They have appeared in the National League playoffs twice, losing in the 2017/18 final against Tranmere Rovers before losing in the semi final against Notts County in a thrilling encounter in the 2022/23 season. Despite relegation last season, Boreham Wood look to make an instant return to National League football.


Credit: Boreham Wood
Credit: Boreham Wood

The Gaffer - Luke Garrard


Luke Garrard has been a fantastic servant to Boreham Wood, representing the club in both his playing and managerial career. Having only managed Boreham Wood, taking the managerial role during the 2015/16 season, he remained in charge of the Wood until the end of last season, announcing his departure. His time away from the Wood was short-lived, as Garrard was reappointed to replace Ross Jenkins as Head Coach. Garrard has grown throughout his time managing the Wood, leading Boreham Wood to a National League Playoff Semi Final, where they narrowly lost in extra time to Notts County.


Credit: Boreham Wood
Credit: Boreham Wood

One to Watch - Kwesi Appiah


Kwesi Appiah has been exceptional for Boreham Wood this season, currently holding the title as top scorer with 19 league goals so far. Since joining the Wood at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, Appiah has a total of 22 goals in 39 appearances over the two seasons he has played at the club.


The striker learned his trade through the non-league system in the early stages of his career, representing Ebbsfleet, Weymouth and Kettering before he had his first taste of action in the football league. He joined Crystal Palace, which saw him make some Championship appearances before being loaned to a handful of clubs to build up his football league experience. Following the 2022/23 season, Appiah made the move to Boreham Wood, which has seen the striker flourish in front of goal this season.


Having scored 6 goals in his last 5 games, Appiah will certainly be a player to watch, as he will look to continue his fine form.


Credit: Boreham Wood
Credit: Boreham Wood

The Skipper - Jack Payne


Jack Payne began his career at Gillingham, rising through their youth setup before making a transfer to Peterborough United. He made a significant contribution for the Posh, helping to take them to the League One Playoffs. After appearances at Leyton Orient and Blackpool followed, Payne moved to the non league level, with appearances at Eastleigh and Ebbsfleet. After a season at Crawley Town, Payne moved to Boreham Wood, where he has made himself a mainstay in the Wood lineup. Entering his third season as a Boreham Wood player, Payne will look to use his experience to help Boreham Wood to make an instant return to the National League.


Credit: Boreham Wood
Credit: Boreham Wood

The Wood claim bragging rights over Saints


Boreham Wood claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory, as they hosted St Albans City on the 10th December. A thirteen minute hat trick from talisman Kwesi Appiah proved to be the difference between the two teams, as the Wood claimed the bragging rights in the local derby. With the deadlock yet to be broken at half time, Appiah opened the scoring as he headed home from point blank range. He added to his and his team’s goal tally with a clever finish, before an excellent curved effort which found the top right hand corner to confirm a victory for Boreham Wood.


Credit: Boreham Wood
Credit: Boreham Wood

Played for Both - George Williams


A man that has played for both of this evening's sides, is midfielder, George Williams. A fan favourite at The Tudors, Willo joined Hemel from Boreham Wood on an initial loan spell back in February 2023, before making his move to HP2 permanent 5 months later, after a successful spell at Vauxhall Road. Before making the move across Hertfordshire, the midfield maestro moved to The Wood from now EFL League Two side, Barrow AFC. Looking ahead to this evening's tie, Williams will sure be looking to put in a performance against his former club.


Credit: Jemma Sear (@_Photosbyjem)
Credit: Jemma Sear (@_Photosbyjem)

Onto this evening. See you all at The Focus Community Arena, Tudors. Don't forget to bring the noise!

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