'Dominate games' - Warning for Hartlepool United ahead of Boreham Wood trip
Warning for Hartlepool United ahead of Boreham Wood trip, writes Harry Johnson-Clark and Jay Nicholson.
One of DAZN’s top National League experts has warned that Hartlepool United may face more misery on Saturday - at the hands of a player destined for much higher things.
But Pools DO have a chance of springing a surprise on runaway leaders Boreham Wood, according to DAZN's social media content creator Dylan Parry. Pools face a promotion juggernaut in Hertfordshire, with The Wood 10 points clear and unbeaten at the top of the table as they bid to go one better than last season, where they lost in the National League promotion play-off final.
While Pools have picked up under new boss Pete Wild - with six points in their last three league games - goal difference is the only thing separating them from the relegation zone. And Wild has yet to taste victory against Boreham Wood, having overseen two draws and four defeats against while in charge of Halifax Town. Parry has highlighted the biggest single reason Boreham Wood will expect to inflict more pain on Pools and Wild this weekend.
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Parry said: "The stand-out player has to be Zak Brunt, with 19 combined goals and assists after 15 games this season. "He’s more than capable of playing at a higher level and he is always going to be the danger man when he’s on the pitch.” But Brunt – who was once offered a trial at Madrid – isn't the only threat posed by the National League leaders.
"They are a side that like to dominate games, " Parry added. "Luke Garrard demands a lot from his players both in and out of possession. They are the top scorers in the league with 40 goals so far, so expect goals in any game they play."
However, Parry did offer Pools some hope of springing a surprise on Saturday. "Boreham Wood have only kept four clean sheets this season, and often when they do concede they do so first.”
Boreham Wood’s squad is littered with talents, including Matt Rush, Chris Bush and former Pools midfielder Tom White. Pools didn’t manage to score in either of their fixtures against Boreham Wood last year, losing 3-0 at Meadow Park and drawing 0-0 at The Vic.
But Parry added: “Whatever happens it will be entertaining. I expect Boreham Wood to get at Hartlepool early doors and look to take control of the game. But, as I said, that sometimes leaves them prone to conceding early, which they have done a few times this season. If they do manage to establish control in the game, it will be hard to flip that momentum. So, Hartlepool just need to fight hard from the first whistle and not be afraid to get at the opposition.”