National League Promotion Final: Boreham Wood and Tranmere’s key men
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An exciting weekend of National League play-off action saw Boreham Wood and Tranmere Rovers win through to Saturday’s promotion final.
The pair will meet at 3pm under the Wembley arch to decide who takes the final step into the Football League.
Can Rovers return to the EFL for the first time since 2015? Or will the 92 welcome the Wood for the first time in their history?
As the official betting partner of the play-offs, we’ve looked at three players from each side who could be key to Saturday’s final…
Andy Cook (Tranmere Rovers)
Where better to start than the National League top-scorer? Andy Cook has bagged 26 in the league this season to add to his 23 from the last campaign.
He’s powerful, difficult to mark and crucially – he’s clinical.
If Boreham Wood fail to keep the 6ft ace under wraps, they could pay the price. He’s scored three goals in his last four appearances against the Hertfordshire side.
James Norwood (Tranmere Rovers)
Complimenting Cook is James Norwood. The ex-Forest Green Rovers man has 22 goals to his name in all competitions this season.
He bagged twice against Ebbsfleet United in the semi-final and has struck nine times in his last 10 matches in total.
That record belies the fact that his finishing can sometimes be wayward. But he gets into the right positions.
His nimble footwork creates plenty of opportunities and if there’s a dead ball about, he’s your man.
Adam Buxton (Tranmere Rovers)
Rovers’ versatile defender has been suffering from a stomach injury of late. But he should be fit for the final.
The Liverpool-born right-back has been rock-solid in a defence which conceded just 46 goals in the regular season.
And Buxton’s right-foot is a real danger to the Wood defence if he’s given space down the flanks.
Grant Smith (Boreham Wood)
All good sides need a top-quality goalkeeper. And they don’t come much better than Wood ‘stopper Grant Smith.
The 24-year-old hasn’t missed a minute of National League action since the start of the 2016-17 season.
He’s kept 18 clean sheets already this campaign. If he can shutout Tranmere on Saturday, the Wood will fancy their chances of an historic promotion.
Bruno Andrade (Boreham Wood)
If Tranmere fail to stop Bruno Andrade, they’re in trouble. In his second season at Meadow Park, the ex-QPR man has shone.
He’s netted 21 goals in 29 appearances in total. That tally includes a strike in both previous meetings with Saturday’s opponents.
The Portuguese forward is in the form of his life and will relish the chance to return to the Football League after a disappointing initial five years at Loftus Road.
Morgan Ferrier (Boreham Wood)
It’s touch-and-go whether wide-ace Morgan Ferrier will be fit enough to take part in Saturday’s showpiece.
The 23-year-old picked up an injury prior to Boreham Wood’s play-off eliminator against AFC Fylde and has not featured since.
Luke Garrard’s side have lost just four times since Ferrier rejoined the club from Dagenham & Redbridge in February.
He’s tricky, lightning quick and leaves defenders in knots. A total of 15 goals and 13 assists this season is hard to argue with in terms of importance.
Click here for the latest National League promotion final odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
