TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom discusses the key points

MASSIVE GAME

Saturday’s game could not have gone any better for Paul Wotton and his team (well apart from the lack of a Sonny Fish goal!). United tore a tragic Eastbourne team to shreds and for an hour or so, scored at will. Now we move onto what will be an entirely different challenge against the form team in the division, a team that won’t allow us acres of space to move into. But United have confidence running through their veins and they have a warm feeling that every shot could bulge the net – in a very tasty looking clash this could be the difference and it adds up to the most anticipated fixture of the season so far. This is truly a chance for United to show they are title contenders, and PW will be desperate for them to grasp it.

THE LINE-UP

Whilst Worthing will present more problems in every area of the pitch, it would be hugely surprising if Paul Wotton made any changes from the line-up that sparkled on Saturday afternoon. What we will have to be careful of is over-committing and getting caught out by the away team, especially on the counter attack, and players like Dylan Morgan and Matt Jay will have to make sure they do their defensive duties (something that wasn’t required a few days ago). Overall it’s important to keep the attacking mindset from Saturday, whilst also being ready to stand firm and be organised defensively when Worthing have periods of possession. Find the right balance and United have the firepower to keep all 3 points.

HAYFIELD IS BACK

Dan Hayfield was never going to command a place in the starting line-up like last season, and he must have found it frustrating to be continually used as a substitute. But credit to the tenacious midfielder, he’s knuckled down and worked hard when called upon. On Saturday he was fantastic, pushing forward with oodles of enthusiasm and reminding us of his box to box capabilities that made him an important member the 2024-25 team. Like the rest of the Gulls his defensive capabilities will be more tested on Tuesday night, and the ability of both him and Everton to win battles in midfield and feed the on-form attack, could have a strong influence on the outcome.

THE OPPOSITION

Last season Luke Garrard returned to Boreham Wood and used his knowhow to take the Wood back up to the NL (sorry for the reminder), and Adam Hinshelwood is trying to replicate this on his re-introduction as Worthing manager, with great results so far! The Rebels are on a hot streak of 9 wins in a row, and won 2-1 on Saturday at Slough with 2 goals from top goal-scorer Brad Dolaghan. So they will enter this fixture feeling invincible and could well press hard in the early minutes. Hinshelwood certainly likes his team to play fluid attacking football, can we stand up to it and prevent them from making it a perfect 10? Let’s hope so!