Boreham Wood v Hastings United - Saturday 15th August 2009

Pre Match Report

“I’m Roger Sinden here at  Meadow Park Boreham Wood where Hastings United visit Boreham Wood

There is a familiar ring about the Hastings squad which begins a new Ryman Premier League campaign this afternoon at Boreham Wood. Not only has Hastings manager Tony Dolby retained the services of most of last season’s squad but he also welcomes back four former old boys who have been favourites in previous seasons. Defenders Sean Ray and Jimmy Elford return from neighbours Ashford Town whilst striker Ade Olorunda and his brother Tim make the return journey from Tonbridge.

One genuine new face however is Liam Upton who was released from Brighton and Hove Albion and he faces the daunting prospect of trying to fill the void left by the departure of leading scorer Frankie Sawyer to Carshalton Athletic. The strengthening of the United defence frees up Scott Ramsey to return to a striking role after having spent so much time for United playing at the back.

On paper this season’s squad looks more experienced than last year’s and a greater physical presence should mean that they will be less likely to be muscled off the ball, as did happen last year. Regrettably injury keeps influential midfielder Mike Phillips out of the starting line up this afternoon and Josh Jirbandey,
 is on a week's trial with Borussia Dortmund .
Manager Tony Dolby declares that this is the strongest squad that has been at the Pilot Field in the last two or three years so perhaps there is cause for optimism in this campaign.

Match Report

Boreham Wood  ( 0 ) Hastings United ( 0 )

Hasting United kicked off their campaign with a well earned point against a Borehamwood side that has play off aspirations this season. The home side started like an express train and last season’s defence might have buckled  under the early pressure.

The arrival of Sean Ray and Jimmy Elford has added steel and composure in defence and Ray was a towering influence at the back. Hastings finished the half more strongly after an uncomfortable half an hour and Liam Upton had a goal bound header of 36 minutes well saved by Tony Tucker, set up by a piercing cross from Sam Adams.

A goal less first half with Borehamwood shading possession was followed by a second half in which Hastings were dominant. For long periods Borehamwood were penned in their own half and a succession of opportunities fell to United. The most  clear cut fell to Lee Carey on 84 minutes when marked in the penalty area but his tame side foot shot went straight at Tucker. Just before the end Scott Ramsey cushioned the ball with his chest, swivelled and with all the time in the world shot over the bar to the despair of Manager Dolby.

Borehamwood did muster one decent effort in a one sided half with Mario Noto’s long range effort swerving and striking a post before rebounding to safety. Borehamwood will not be looking to give away much at home this season and that, I am afraid, extends to basic courtesy and hospitality to visiting reporters.

Roger Sinden at Meadow Park, Boreham Wood for Saturday Sport where it finished

Boreham Wood ( 0 ) Hastings United ( 0 )