Boreham Wood v Leighton Town

Pre-season friendly,

Sunday August 13, Meadow Park,

Kick off 1pm.

The poor state of Leighton's pitch has meant a late fixture swap for Wood as they complete their warm-up programme this weekend.

The St Albans City manager Kevin Mudd described the Bell Close surface as 'scandalous' after his team's friendly there was cancelled a mere 20 minutes before kick-off last week.

The match referee had advised a late inspection by both sides, and Mudd observed: 'It was more like an end of the season pitch ,, someone could have broken an ankle on it.'

Wood were due to travel to Bedfordshire on Saturday, but boss Colin Payne stated: 'We need the game, so we have rearranged it for our place on Sunday, with a lunchtime kick-off so that the fans will be able to watch the Chelsea/Manchester United Charity Shield match in the bar afterwards.

'We have also pegged the adult admission price to only £3, just to cover our costs, whereas all kids will be allowed in free.

'We realise that the supporters have had to shell out quite a bit for all the home friendlies we have had recently, and I hope that this will encourage a few more to come down to Meadow Park and support us on Sunday.'

Second division Leighton finished only two places clear of relegation last term, but Payne said: 'I know their manager Craig Johnstone quite well, and I am sure they will be no pushovers.

'It is likely that the team I will field on Sunday will be the one that will start the league season a week later.'

He added that his unexpected clear Saturday will give Payne the opportunity to run the rule over opening day opponents Bognor Regis Town, who meet Aldershot in a friendly that day.

The club will be running coaches free of charge for Wood fans wishing to travel to Bognor Regis on Saturday, August 19. Further details are available from Beth or Dennis, at Meadow Park, on 020 8953 5097.