Preview: Ted Slocombe
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A new season in the National League is upon us and Brian Stock’s Terras side get things underway at the Bob Lucas Stadium this Saturday against Hertfordshire outfit Boreham Wood. With the fans across the country returning to stadia in their numbers, football is well and truly back and the South Coast is expected to be rocking this weekend.
THE TERRAS
The Terras come into the new season following a successful and productive pre-season which resulted in wins against fellow Southern outfits Portland United, Dorchester Town and Wimborne Town, also a trip to Bridgwater United ended in a strong 5-2 victory. Brian Stock’s side were provided great tests when the Bob Lucas hosted EFL sides Exeter City, ending in a 3-2 loss, and Swindon Town which gave the Terras bragging rights finishing in a 1-0 win. By far the blockbuster fixture this summer was a trip to Cobham to face the newly crowned European champions, Chelsea. Whilst the scoreline may have not been in the Terras favour, there was an invaluable experience of top-level football and some wise words from Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to the players post-match.
Weymouth have strengthened their squad this summer with a number of new faces including upfront with the signings of Bradley Ash, Tom Bearwish and Brandon Goodship. The trio will look to emulate the form of last season’s loan signing of Andy Dallas who aided the Terras’ safety with 7 goals in 14 starts The refreshed squad will be looking to help the team begin the season with a flyer, to gain three vital points early, as the Terras look towards improving last season’s points tally.
Player to Watch: Josh McQuoid
Josh McQuoid begins his third season as captain of The Terras after scoring 7 goals in the league last season and will be looking to improve on that tally this season. New signings Bradley Ash, Tom Bearwish and Brandon Goodship looked lively in pre-season, all scoring goals. There is optimism that this fresh enthusiasm up-front for the Terras will give the skipper plenty of chances in front of goal.
You can listen to the captain’s recent interview with BBC Radio 5 Live Sport by clicking here
THE WOOD
Boreham Wood come into the new season from a testing pre-season including high scoring wins against Kings Langley and Enfield Town. They’ve also, similar to The Terras, have come up against Premier League opposition, with The Wood facing Brentford and Championship side Luton Town both ending in narrow defeats. Although, the highlight of their pre-season campaign came against an Arsenal XI and a Chelsea XI which ended with a 4-0 victory to The Wood against the Gunners and a 1-0 victory against the Blues, which will give Boreham Wood optimism heading into Saturday’s fixture.
Luke Garrard’s side started last season with two wins from their first five league matches and finished comfortably above the drop zone in a respectable 14th position.
Player To Watch: Tyrone Marsh
Boreham Wood forward Tyrone Marsh was sharp in pre-season, creating lots of chances and scoring goals. He finished last season with just 5 goals following a 14 goal tally the season before. But with talisman Tshimanga leaving Boreham Wood for Chesterfield, there will be pressure on the forward line to reciprocate the departed forward’s goal tally.
HEAD TO HEAD
Last year’s meetings between The Terras and Boreham Wood ended in defeats so with the added element of the crowd, Brian Stock’s side will be looking for revenge and the first 3 points on the board to start the season in the best possible way.
Supporter information:
Supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid queuing on matchday at the club ticket office.
Advanced Ticket Prices: Online Tickets
Adult: £16.00
Concession: £11.00
Carers: £0.50
16-19: £7.00
Under 16: £4.00
Under 7: £0.50
Matchday Ticket Office Prices:
Adult: £18.00
Concession: £13.00
16-19: £7.00
Under 16: £4.00
Under 7: £1
