So, it’s all eyes on Wembley Stadium on Saturday as Tranmere and Boreham Wood battle for that elusive spot in the Football League.
It will be a nervy afternoon for everyone, and Boreham Wood will be as dangerous as anyone. They are a team filled with exciting young, pacey players that could potentially cause Tranmere big problems.
We’ve picked out five to keep an eye on:
Angelo Balanta – Colombian-born Angelo Balanta has proven himself to be one of the most effective players in the National League. A produce of QPR’s youth academy, Balanta played 25 first team games for the R’s before spending three loan spells at MK Dons and having brief spells with Bristol Rovers and Carlisle.
He joined Boreham Wood in 2016 and has been a key player for them. Capable of playing out wide or upfront, he’s mostly utilised as part of a two-man strike force by boss luke Garrard. He’s strong and fast, and a real handful.
Bruno Andrade – Another to come through the youth system at QPR, Andrade (pictured above) has been in terrific form this season. He has enjoyed several loan spells in the Football League earlier in his career and is typical of the young, hungry players Boreham Wood have available to them.
Usually deployed as a left-winger, Andrade weighs in with plenty of goals and assists and will almost certainly keep Tranmere’s right-side on their toes. He’s going to love the wide-open spaces on the Wembley pitch.
Morgan Ferrier – Big striker Morgan Ferrier certainly knows where the net is, and his size, strength and mobility make him a nightmare for centre backs. Ferrier was Wood’s top scorer last season but left to join Dagenham last season.
He was enjoying a fine season with the Daggers having scored 11 goals, but when their finances became stretched in the New Year, he was sold back to Boreham Wood for a club record fee. He has continued to score goals but has missed the last few games with injury. He is expected to be available on Saturday.
Scott Doe – Centre back Scott Doe is one of those defenders you would always trust to have on your side. Experienced, dogged and determined, Doe joined Wood from Dagenham like Ferrier earlier this season. He also played for the club recently, sandwiched between two spells at Dagenham, He likes a goal from a set-piece, as proven in the semi-final, and is an experienced campaigner who will lead by example at Wembley.
Danny Woodards – Rovers fans may recognise the name of Danny Woodards (above), the veteran full-back that spent time with Tranmere in the 2014-15 season. Woodards impressed Rob Edwards on trial to earn a deal at Prenton Park, but injury restricted him to just five appearances. He joined Boreham Wood and has since been a near ever-present.
He’s managed more than 100 appearances since joining in 2015 and offers a cool and experienced head at left-back. He will go forward when the opportunity presents itself and is a tremendous athlete given his age and injury history.
