It’s all eyes on the league this week as Yeovil Town play host to table-topping Boreham Wood on Saturday afternoon.
FORM…
YEOVIL TOWN
The Glovers, on paper, come into this game in somewhat less than favourable form, having suffered back-to-back defeats against FC Halifax Town and Chesterfield.
If you take how they played in their last match in particular, however, the result doesn’t tell the full story. Yeovil played some really good football last time out, even if they were beaten 4-3.
First off, the resilience shown by the squad is something that can be admired, considering they were two goals down with just over 10 minutes to play. Billy Rowley’s side pulled themselves back into it and were unfortunate to concede in the 89th minute, missing out on a replay as a result.
Secondly, Chesterfield are a division above us, so to play that well for near on 90 minutes is a testament to the Glovers. Unfortunately, conceding four goals will almost certainly get you beaten. This issue could cause problems on Saturday, with Boreham Wood very much sitting in the free-scoring category.
BOREHAM WOOD
Boreham Wood are unstoppable. That’s the bottom line. They haven’t lost a game in 90 minutes in the league since the start of April last year, when Solihull dispatched them 4-1.
Even if you count their two defeats since then, there are some heavy caveats. The first came on penalties in last year’s play-off final, while the second was against Wigan last weekend in the FA Cup.
That game against the Latics was always going to be tough for The Wood. Wigan are two leagues above them, with much more money and firepower.
However, in the league, the London club are by far and away the best team in the division. They sit at the top on 44 points, having scored 44 goals and conceded just 17.
There isn’t really much else to say about this side, other than that they are a superb team. But every team has to lose at some point, so why can’t it be Yeovil?
KEY PLAYERS…
YEOVIL TOWN – SEB NAYLOR
The defender joined on loan from Bristol City and has so far looked solid at the back. In his first game against Hornchurch, the 21-year-old looked calm, composed and, most of all, comfortable at this level.
So far deployed at left-back by Billy Rowley, the youngster has all the attributes to succeed at the Glovers. He is a competent passer of the ball, having completed 91% of his pass attempts across his two games. Defensively, he has been stubborn, receiving just under 10 balls per game and only allowing opponents to dribble past him 2.5 times per 90 minutes.
His most recent game wasn’t his best, but with more time in the team, hopefully he can grow into a quality starting full-back for Yeovil.
BOREHAM WOOD – ZAK BRUNT
You could pick any Wood player and say they are integral to the squad. I’m focusing on the midfield maestro that is Zak Brunt, however. The 24-year-old has been at the forefront of everything good about Luke Garrard’s side this season.
Brunt has bagged six goals this season but, more impressively, he has 12 assists to his name. It doesn’t matter what league you’re in, having that many assists in November is unheard of.
The former Barnet man plays predominantly as a number 10, floating in behind the striker. If you look at his heat map for the season, it is almost exclusively red in the final third, showing where Boreham Wood like to spend most of their time.
If the Glovers can keep Brunt quiet, they’ve got half a chance of keeping the visitors quiet.
THE GAFFER…
Boreham Wood is all Luke Garrard has really known. In his playing career, the 41-year-old played mainly for the Wood, with spells at Swindon and AFC Wimbledon as well.
As a manager, the former defender has only ever managed at Meadow Park. His first stint was from 2015-2024 where he has overseen one of the most successful spells in Boreham Woods existence, with big scalps in the FA Cup.
However he has been unable to get them across the line when it comes to promotion to the football league. Garrard, was sacked in 2024 following relegation, he quickly returned though a couple months later has again seen his side push for promotion.
Garrard has faced off against Yeovil 10 times, winning five, drawing three and losing two.
WE’VE MET BEFORE…
In the previous fixture between these two, Yeovil were beaten 3-2 away from home. That day Boreham Wood’s three goals came through a Zak Brunt double with Aaron Henry scoring the winner in added on time. Yeovil had taken the lead through Jake Wannell, and then equalised after James Daly found the net in the 70th minute but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
In the last game the two sides played at Huish Park, The Wood dominated from start finish winning 0-3. Abdul Abdulmalik opened the scoring, before Matt Rush doubled it. The final goal came when Oluwafemi Ilesanmi found the net in the 63rd minute.
DON’T I KNOW YOU?
Just the one former Glover representing Boreham Wood this weekend.
Ben Whitfield – It’s been 10 years since the midfielder came to Huish Park (we know, where does the time go). Now 30 years of age, Whitfield joined the Glovers as a 20 year old on loan from Bournemouth. That season he was a mainstay in the squad playing 42 times for the Glovers, scoring three times.
THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE…
Craig Hicks will take charge of his second National League game this season when he comes to Huish Park. Read our Ben’s write-up – here.