There is an old football joke about the bemused fan who, asking directions to the ground, is advised to follow the crowd, does so, and ends up in the supermarket.

Any Wood fans traversing the M25 this Saturday afternoon are well advised to heed this warning, as Makin's men take on Purfleet, whose Ship Lane premises are a mere goal kick across said motorway from the Lakeside mall at Thurrock, and with less than three weeks to go before Christmas too!

This fixture gives Wood their first opportunity of a league double this season, having recorded their first win of the term when the Essex side were beaten 2-1 at Meadow Park in September.

Purfleet are currently enjoying a good campaign, their win at Dulwich last Saturday elevating them to 6th in the table.

Scorer of their first goal last weekend was the prolific Paul Coombs, currently on loan from Basingstoke, where he remains that club's record goalscorer.

Only high flying Billericay have won so far this season at Ship Lane, and Wood will be hoping that injuries to Steve Sanders, Matt Brady and skipper Garry Nisbet will have eased in time for what could be a tough afternoon.

Midfielder Claudio De Vito, signed a month ago when released by Barnet, has suffered the same fate at Wood. He appeared in two cup matches, and sadly parallels will be drawn with other former professionals Paul Moran and Colin Simpson, who also both failed to impress at Meadow Park.

Wood's second round Puma Full Member's Cup tie at home to first division Canvey Island has been scheduled for Tuesday December 22.

Wood are without a midweek fixture next week.

The latest meeting of the Friends of BWFC is being held tonight (Thursday) in the Forest Rooms at Meadow Park, with an 8pm start.

As usual, the evening will be a football forum chaired by Team Manager Bob Makin and Club Chairman Phil Wallace, and new members are very welcome.

A free buffet will be provided.

The BWFC Players and Supporters' Christmas Dinner and Disco has been set for Saturday December 19. Ticket details from the club.

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