Preview: Boreham Wood vs. Torquay United - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts currently occupy the final playoff place in the National League, while Torquay are languishing in the relegation zone after picking up two points from their last eight matches.

Match preview

After a run of five consecutive victories was ended by a 2-0 away defeat to Solihull Moors, Boreham Wood were looking to return to winning ways when they played host to Eastleigh on Saturday.

As it proved, the Wood had to be content with a point after they played out a goalless draw, which extended their unbeaten home run to 10 matches.

Seventh-placed Boreham Wood finished the weekend with a seven-point cushion to the teams chasing from behind.

As a result, the Wood look well set to finish in the National League playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season, but with eight games still to go, Luke Garrard will be warning his side against complacency.

Having conceded 32 goals in 38 games this season, Boreham Wood boast the best defensive record in the fifth tier, and they have been impossible to break down in recent matches at Meadow Park, having kept four consecutive home clean sheets.

Torquay, meanwhile, are in the midst of their fourth consecutive season in the fifth tier after winning promotion from the National League South in the 2018-19 campaign.

However, their time in the National League appears to be coming to an end, with Gary Johnson's side seven points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.

The Torquay boss will have to pick his side up for the midweek contest after they conceded in stoppage time to lose against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

Aaron Jarvis gave the Gulls the lead on the stroke of half time, before Inih Effiong restored parity from the penalty spot in the 78th minute, and the Dagenham & Redbridge striker found the net again in the fifth minute of additional time to condemn Torquay to their fourth consecutive 2-1 home defeat.

Having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 National League games, Torquay will know that they need to improve defensively if they are to mount a great escape.

Boreham Wood National League form:

W

W

W

W

L

D

Torquay United National League form:

L

D

L

L

D

L

Team News

The hosts could be without the services of Erico Sousa, who missed Saturday's goalless draw with a groin injury.

After dropping down to the bench at the weekend, Tyrone Marsh could be called to the starting lineup to partner Lee Ndlovu in the frontline.

As for the visitors, Dean Moxey has returned from injury to feature in the backline for the last two games and the experienced defender is expected to retain his place for the midweek encounter.

After coming off the bench to make his debut on Saturday, new arrival Frank Nouble could be presented with his first Torquay start.

Boreham Wood possible starting lineup:

Ashmore; Fyfield, Bush, Agbontohoma; Coxe, Payne, Broadbent, Ilesanmi; Ndlovu, Lewis

Torquay United possible starting lineup:

Halstead; Donnellan, Marshall, Lawrence, Moxey; Stobbs, Dawson, Hall, Evans; Nouble, Jarvis

We say: Boreham Wood 2-1 Torquay United

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