RYMAN PREMIER DIVISION | Att:
Boreham Wood – 2 [West 45], [Dixon 60] Sutton United – 0
Our heroes poor form continued at Boreham Wood on Saturday, with the U’s going down 2-0 to an average Boreham Wood side lying back in 8th position in the Ryman Prem.
The game was pretty much a re-run of the FA Cup match up here before Christmas when the ‘Wood’ were 1-0 winners in a dire game that saw not one serious effort mustered on the hosts goal. Again, Sutton’s forward line was either very poorly supplied or the chances that did come their way were badly wasted.
Sutton started out with 5 at the back, it appeared as if a point from a dull draw was on the cards. Sadly the Sutton rearguard had other ideas. For the umpteenth time this season they were horribly exposed by quick counter attacks and long balls over the 2 centre backs. A serious injection of pace is required here if there is to be any hope of winning this division. Boreham Wood looked the livelier of the 2 sides for most of the afternoon as Sutton struggled to put their goal under any sort of pressure. A dire first-half saw my good self depart to the bar a little earlier than normal and as I disappeared behind the stand, the shout went up. Clearly too loud to be our travelling support, it was obvious that our creaking defence had conceded a goal right on the interval. And so it proved to be.
The second half saw the introduction of Naz for the ineffectual Steve Watson and began with Steve Harper earning himself a booking for a late challenge. Who, to be honest, if I hadn’t heard his name announced over the tannoy before the game, I wouldn’t have known he was playing such was his presence!
Our hosts extended their lead after about an hour when a long clearance into the corner is reached by a ‘Wood’ player first. His cross into the box is nodded down for the unmarked Kerry Dixon to stab home from six yards.
Still United toiled away looking for some way back into the game. Unfortunately Naz wasted a good chance with about 20 minutes to play when he found himself clean through on goal. But for some reason, he hesitates and the chasing defender makes a last ditch challenge. Chance gone.
So, another poor performance sees any real hopes of making the Conference all but disappear with both Aylesbury & St Albans winning. Money needs to be spent as the side desperately needs at least 1 new pacy centre back and a 25-30 goal a season striker in the mould of an Abbot or a Leworthy. Someone who will put chances away when they are most needed.
Man of the Match : None. No-one remotely worth it.
Entertainment Value : 4. Bloody negative, tedious rubbish.
FIRKIN PUB COUNT : 1. Home base. The Fielder!