Boreham Wood boss Allinson says promotion final win over Whitehawk would be club's biggest achievement

Wood are just one win away from accomplishing this feat as they prepare for tomorrow’s Conference South play-off final against Whitehawk at Meadow Park.

Allinson said: “As a manager it would be a great moment and up there as one of the top two or three moments during my career including as a player.

He added: “When we won promotion from the Ryman Premier Division in 2010 that was a big achievement but this would be the biggest for us and take us into unknown territory.

“It would be amazing for the town and club. We have had small gates but these have improved over the season and it shows what success can do to crowds.” Wood earned home advantage after finishing second to champions Bromley during the season but Allinson does not believe this makes them favourites in the final.

The Wood boss said: “I wouldn’t say we are favourites because there is so much at stake. It’s a one off game and we have to take the home factor out of the equation. You saw that last year when Ebbsfleet United lost at home to Dover Athletic so I think it goes out of the window.

“We have earned the right to play at home and from the fans’ point of view hopefully that helps us by having the advantage of their support.”

Whitehawk eased to a 3-0 home win over Wood back in February before the sides drew 2-2 in March’s return game. But Allinson is not concerned by the heavy defeat and is expecting a closely-contested final.

He said:“We don’t fear anyone but we respect teams and Whitehawk have very good players. Their form has been as good as ours.

“In the first game against Whitehawk we had just come off the back of a heavy 4-0 defeat at Basingstoke Town and we were trying out a different formation so we have put this defeat behind us.

“But I thought the second game was very evenly matched and I would expect this final to be quite open and a good spectacle.”

Wood came agonisingly close to winning the title before finishing two points behind Bromley.

But Allinson insists his side have always put any setbacks behind them this season and does not expect them to be overawed by the occasion.

“The players have been brilliant all season and have been focused on reaching the play-offs,” he said.

“There was slight disappointment we didn’t win the league because we came so close but well done to Bromley.

“Throughout the season we have had our knock backs but we have always recovered from them.

“We’ve lost once in ten games so our form is good and there are no excuses. Everyone will be prepared and we are used to facing the big games.”

Allinson has tried to keep his squad as relaxed as possible before the final and believes their experience of FA Cup ties against Brentford and Carlisle United in recent seasons will help his team.

The manager explained: “We’re just trying to keep their feet on the ground. As the game approaches the excitement will increase but we need to make sure we don’t play the occasion and let it affect our performance.

“We don’t want to put too much pressure on the players. They’ve played in front of 3,500 against Arsenal in pre-season and have had the experience of playing Carlisle and Brentford in big games so this should stand them in good stead for the final.”

Wood have already prepared for the possibility of extra time and penalties and Allinson, whose side defeated Bishop’s Stortford in a shootout last season to win the Herts Senior Cup, has every confidence if the final goes the distance.

He said: “I know my penalty takers and where they will put the ball. I’ve got a very good goalkeeper and eight or nine very good penalty takers so if the game goes that far then I’m confident we can get over the line.”