Boreham Wood v Hampton &

Richmond Borough

Ryman League Premier Division

Saturday, October 27

Kick Off 3pm, Meadow Park

Napoleon had it about right when he stated that it was better to have lucky generals than good ones, and new Wood manager Tommy Sampson certainly enjoyed his good fortune at Croydon last Saturday as his men recorded the club's highest away win in the league since winning 5-0 at Billericay on 1st December 1987.

The boost for sagging morale will be massive,however, and Sampson goes into his first match before the Meadow Park faithful this weekend on the crest of wave.

The Beavers will be eager to repeat the 4-0 victory recorded on their last visit two years ago, but after Wood's sharpshooting display at Croydon, it is more likely to be the hosts that are gunning for glory.

Like Wood, Hampton made an early exit from the FA Cup, and are placed two rungs below Sampson's strongmen in twelfth place.

Last Saturday a goal from former Orient and Southampton striker Craig Maskell gave Hampton a point in a 1-1 home draw with Bedford. But the Beavers have recently lost two key defenders, and may struggle to repeat last term's finish in ninth place.

Hampton's club president is famous screen writer Alan Simpson, who together with partner Ray Galton penned the likes of Steptoe & Son, as well as working with comic genius Tony Hancock in the sixties. His favourite football team could do with similar inspiration on Saturday.

Wood may welcome back injury victim Micky Engwell, but Phil Mason will be struggling to make the line-up. Highly rated, (although seldom delivering,) winger Matt Brady has been placed on the transfer list, and midfielder Kieran Gallagher is likely to have played his last game for Wood.

The former Aylesbury man was on a three month loan at Meadow Park,but has been recalled by his club Dagenham & Redbridge as it is likely a transfer has been arranged to first division Slough Town.

Basingstoke Town v

Boreham Wood

Ryman League Premier Division

Tuesday, 30th October.

Kick Off 7.30pm.

The Camrose Ground, Western Avenue, Basingstoke, Hants.

Wood better watch out for JasonWood make the long midweek trip to darkest Hampshire next Tuesday for what could prove a tough assignment.

Stoke received a 5-1 mauling at Canvey Island last weekend, but although in mid-table they have a good home record.

Wood's last three visits to the Camrose have ended in draws, the most recent two years ago when Mike Bignall scored their goal in a 1-1 stalemate in which striker John Lawford make his debut for the club.

Former England non-league international striker Jason Eaton once faced Wood in Cheltenham's colours in the epic FA Cup meetings between the sides, and he will have to be watched closely.

Forthcoming fixtures:

Saturday November 3: Purfleet (A) FA Umbro Trophy 1st Round.

Tuesday November 6: Hitchin Town (H).

October 24, 2001 11:29