Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor hails Boreham Wood duo Kabongo Tshimanga and Tyrone Marsh ahead of National League clash

The Wood currently sit third in the National League table and will be hoping to secure a play-off place for the second time in three seasons as they prepare to host Hartlepool United for a crunch clash at Meadow Park.

Garrard’s side were beaten at Aldershot Town in midweek to end a 15 match unbeaten run in the National League while Pools go into the game looking to make it three league wins in a row for the first time since September.

“They’re on a great run, they’ve lost one in 16 which goes back to before we played them,” Challinor said.

“I know Luke well and I speak to him more than any other manager in the league and he’ll meet us for a beer on Friday.

“We know it will be a tough game and we know that from the game at The Vic back in November when we drew 2-2.”

After making the play-off final in 2017-18, the Hertfordshire outfit finished 20th in the fifth tier last season.

Challinor has pointed to the form of Kabongo Tshimanga and Tyrone Marsh – who have 29 National League goals between them this season – as a key reason why

“They got themselves in the play-offs then lost their two strikers and struggled last season,” he added.

“Now they’ve found some strikers with Tshimanga and Marsh who have been brilliant that has put them in a really strong position.

“We know where their strengths are and we know we can cause them problems but I know Luke will be saying exactly the same about us.

“We can guarantee the pitch will be a carpet and it’s a really important game that we’re looking to go and win.

“They’re having a great season but we’re in a position now where we’re not too far behind them, they’re sat in third place and if they can’t directly win the league they’ll want to finish in one of those top two places and we can have a direct impact on that.”