2021/2022 National League Matchday 29 Preview – London & South East

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With eight National League sides featuring in the FA Trophy 5th Round, only four of the region’s sides will be in league action this game week. 

Barnet v Wealdstone – 

Barnet will aim to bounce back from their disappointing 6-1 loss at Meadow Lane against a Wealdstone side buoyed by a huge midweek win over Yeovil Town. 

The Bees were unable to build on their impressive win over Aldershot Town last weekend and were simply outclassed by an impressive Magpies side. As such, Dean Brennan’s side will be focused on setting the records straight and earning just their second win in ten matches. 

Meanwhile, their London rivals will aim to earn back-to-back wins for just the second time this season. Top scorer Joshua Umerah got back on the scoresheet against Yeovil and will hope he can get his season back in full flow. Additionally, new signing Nathan Ferguson could feature for the first time, after signing on a Free Transfer from Southend United. 

Victory for either side would help maintain the buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. 

Woking v Southend United – 

Woking and Southend United set for BT Sport clash, with an excellent cause at the heart of the fixture. 

The Cards will face off with in-form Southend United at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in a 5:20 pm kick-off in front of the cameras, but the game also is an advert for Woking’s partnership with the ‘Her Game Too’ campaign. 

‘Her Game Too’ was set up in 2021 with the aim to raise awareness of and eradicate sexism in football. In just under a year, the initiative has received recognition and partnerships with professional clubs around the UK, with the Surrey club being a recent addition to that list. As such, this game will be free to all women and girls who attend. 

Woking’s consistent inconsistency has ultimately proved to undermine any hopes of a play-off push, and as such Alan Dowson’s side would need to go on a remarkable run to push for the top seven from now. 

On the other hand, the Shrimpers have seen a complete turnaround in their season, and are now unbeaten since the 11th December. 

A play-off push may have previously been a long shot, but if this form continues then Southend could very well be on for a late charge to make the postseason. 

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