Hello again - missed me?
In the weeks since we last spoke, it's been a rollercoaster time for Wood. The fantastic winning streak came to an end, one of our midfielders played in a World Cup qualifier, the Inih Effiong saga was FINALLY resolved and one of our highly rated youngsters is on the verge of joining a top end Championship team. Crazy times indeed. Let's get down to business.
How have Wood been getting on in the league?
Well, since we last spoke...
+ Wood had two wins on the bounce, a 2-1 victory over Bromley at home, followed by a cracking 4-2 win against Saturday's opponents Dover. Bromley were dispatched with goals from David Bryant (who had picked up his BSS Player of the Month award before the game) and Luke Wilkinson. Bromley responded with a 35 yard howitzer from Danny Waldren. I brought a record EIGHT friends along with me to the game. Murray demanded I mentioned his Hot Dog. There you go.
+ The 4-2 win against Dover was highlighted by an impressive hattrick from young striker Michael Thallasitis, who had hit a hattrick the previous week for the reserves. Joining on the score sheet was, you guessed it, David Bryant. The pair have struck up quite the partership in their brief time together, with Thallasitis' ability to drag defences out of position crucial in helping Bryant add to his goal tally. Wood played the majority of the game with 10 men after Luke Wilkinson's dismissal in the 17th minute. Club Captain Luke Garrard made his first team return after 3 months out injured which was a big boost to the side.
- Sadly the good run had to come to an end, and after 5 successive wins (and eight games unbeaten overall) in the league, Wood went down 2-0 away at Welling United. To lose to a team who are second in the league and are unbeaten at home all season is no disgrace, and with Wood's side learning with every game, there were plenty of positives to take out of the game. Lee Clarke grabbed both goals for the home side.
The defeat at Welling was followed with a battling 1-1 draw away at Basingstoke. Both teams had good chances to take all 3 points, so by all accounts a draw away at a team who were sitting in sixth in the league (and have a 14 match unbeaten run in the league!) is nothing to be sniffed at, and shows the continued improvement in the side since the poor start to the season - much like Arsenal! Wood fell behind to a Toby Little screamer, only to snatch a deserved point through returning Captain Fantastic Luke Garrard, whose good finish from 10 yards gave Wood a valuable point and the man himself a rare appearance on the scoresheet. Welcome back, Luke!
Has it all been league action?
No! Wood made their first appearance of the season in the Hertfordshire FA Senior Challenge Cup, sneaking a 2-1 win after extra time against Hertford Town. Wood fell behind to a Mark Draper goal (no, not THAT Mark Draper), but were soon on level terms with a Chez Isaac penalty. 90 minutes could not separate the two teams, but in the 99th minute, 17 year old Dean Rubinia latched onto a long ball and cooly finished to send Wood through to the next round.
Any comings or goings in the team?
Good news from Meadow Park is that Chez Isaac, Simon Cox and Michael Thallasitis, who have all been very instrumental in recent good performances, have agreed to extend their recent loan spells at Wood. Joining them is Inih Effiong, who has returned from his spell at Concord Rangers, and is immediately back in first team plans. Let's hope his spell away did him good. There has also been a significant move made for one of the stars of the season, Pelly Ruddock.
Oh really, where is he off to?
Well, he has had a trial at West Ham, with rumours of interest from Crystal Palace and QPR. The trial was initially meant to only be for a week, but The Hammers were so impressed they extended it by another week, and a deal has been 'Agreed in Principle' for Ruddock to join an as yet undisclosed team, who must be West Ham. This is a fantastic move for both player and club, and again goes to show how fruitful the Wood PASE scheme has been, developing exciting and talented youngsters for a career at a higher level. This deal is really a credit not only to the player, but everyone involved in his development. Best of luck, Pelly - I'll keep an eye out for you!
Back to Inih Effiong - has that whole saga been resolved?
Yes, at long last - after a tribunal held at Wembley, Boreham Wood FC were said to have been very pleased by the 'fairness shown' by the FA in their verdict, which turned out to be a £1,500 fee with a 20% sell on fee. Ian Rodley, chairman of St Albans, had been looking for £5,000 and 50%, so I imagine he wasn't leaving the home of English Football best pleased. In a statement, Wood Chairman Danny Hunter drew a line under the matter, saying the following
“As I said clearly in my only statement on this way back on August 3rd. St Albans City’s Chairman Mr Ridley, will not be judged by making huge issues or unrealistic demands over Inih Effiong that’s just a distraction. He’ll be judged by the St Albans City supporters on what he achieves on and off the field over the coming years and by the success he brings to them and the appointments he makes.”
“However, contrary to what some people think, I genuinely wish the Saints board and their supporters well. People should remember my father Micky Hunter managed St Albans City in the 70’s for a short time. Although Dad tried very hard, he couldn’t be the success he or we as a family, had hoped he’d be at Clarence Park and this obviously cost him his job, but that’s football.
"I now live in the St Albans area, as do my kids, my brother, my nephews and nieces and a good working relationship with St Albans is great for everyone, so let me emphasise again, let this now be the end of the matter and let’s hope both clubs have a successful end to the season”
What's this I hear about a Wood player playing in a World Cup Qualifier?
Justine Cochrane, who returned to Meadow Park this season, flew out to Antigua and Barbuda to represent his adopted nation in their big qualifying match against Haiti. The Antiguan minnows actually ran out 1-0 winners in a famous victory. If selected, Cochrane could now go on to face Jamaica, Mexico and the USA in the next round. Everyone at Wood is very proud to have a full international in the squad.
I hear there is yet another PASE success story?
You don't miss much, do you? Indeed, Charlie Hunter and Ruddock Yala are both through to the final trials of the English College selection process. Both players are in a 18 man squad which will go to Lilleshall between 9-11th December, where the full squad will be picked. Best of luck to both lads involved - do us proud! Cameron Baker-Owens and Harvey Scott-Morris were also selected for trials. Again, a wonderful advert for the PASE scheme.
Finally - what is this about a blog who have taken on Wood as their team to follow? I hear that you are on a podcast as well?
Oh you. Yes, the guys over at Dodgy Knees and Dirty Balls have taken on Boreham Wood as their chosen team - 'All aboard the Boreham Bus'! We also have a fortnightly podcast where I update the team on Wood's latest goings on, as well as giving my forthright views on other matters. Our last podcast got up to second in the amateur sports podcast, behind the Alan Davies fronted 'The Tuesday Club', which is an Arsenal podcast and has the weight of the star of QI behind it. Our pod can be found on itunes or on the blog itself, so please help support us! We even have a day out at a Wood game planned, which should be a decent drink up to say the least!
WAIT! Are Wood playing today?
Yes! We are at home to Dover in the FA Trophy. COME ON WOOD!
That's it from me - again, apologies for a lack of updates recently - personal matters sometimes come in the way of these things. I can be found here in the comments section, on twitter @wearethewood and via @DodgyKneesBlog as well (I don;t man it, but can be found in and around there). Please continue to share, RT etc - I really appreciate it.
Until next time.....
WE ARE THE WOOD!
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