Wood will not be easy – Parker

BOURNEMOUTH v BOREHAM WOOD

BOURNEMOUTH boss Scott Parker has warned his troops not to expect an easy ride when they take on National League high-flyers Boreham Wood this evening. Wood, unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions, deservedly took the scalp of League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon in the third round, triumphing 2-0 at home. It’s earned them a shot at Parker’s Championship promotion contenders tonight and the former Fulham boss has insisted his side need to be on their mettle. Parker can also point to yesterday’s dramatic tie at Kidderminster as a warning, with the National League North side coming within a whisker of dumping out Premier League West Ham.

Parker said: “The players understand that any sort of complacency isn’t a way to go and get a result. Boreham Wood have done a fantastic job this year and have one of the best defensive records in their division.

“They have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and they will come with added energy. There is a difference in levels, but that’s not what wins you football matches. My players are under no illusions about what we need to bring to the game and hopefully our quality will prevail.”

Parker has to decide which of his new signings to throw straight into the fray. Late decisions will be made on keeper Freddie Woodman, defender Nat Phillips and midfielder Todd Cantwell.

“We’re just going to have to see where we are with them,” he added. “Kieffer Moore won’t be available and (Siriki) Dembele is obviously cuptied. Ethan Laird still won’t be available.” Wood striker Adrian Clifton, who came off the bench to score against St Albans in round two and repeated the trick against the Dons, is upbeat. The 33-year-old said: “I’m not expecting us to have a lot of the ball, but that’s how we play. We’re an out-of-possession team. Playing against a team like Bournemouth will suit us and we’ll rise to the occasion.”