Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard believes a victory over Woking in the FA Trophy can provide a catalyst to improve their form in the National League.

Wood are fourth bottom in the table but Garrard has been pleased with most of their recent performances and thinks a run in the FA Trophy can help give them a lift in the league.

Garrard said: “It’s the first round and the way I look at it there are only 16 ties after this stage so the carrot is Wembley. It is an illustrious competition and we have to put an emphasis on a cup run.

“Success in the competition will help bring a consistency in our results.

“Winning football matches gives you confidence. The performances have been there to a large extent but winning on Saturday would be the catalyst to drive us on in the league. Winning is a habit.”

Their first round opponents on Saturday are Woking and the two sides are no strangers to each other after meeting in a 1-1 league draw back in August.

Garrard has plenty of respect for the visitors but believes his side have to focus on their own strengths and seize the opportunity.

He said: “Woking have won three of their last four games so will come here with a lot of confidence. But we are at home and we need to dictate the game.

“They are a tough team. I went and saw them against Tranmere when they won 4-1. Garry Hill has got himself a good squad. I have a good working relationship with him and respect the job he’s done but it’s all about what we do.”

With the side currently at the wrong end of the table the priority remains staying in the division. But Garrard insists a cup run will not be a distraction and is adamant he has the squad to cope.

He said: “We have strength in depth to our squad and it won’t be a hindrance to have a cup run.

“There is a good balance to us and performances have been improving as the games are coming. The more we play the better we are playing.”

Wood’s game at Barrow was called off due to a waterlogged pitch while the squad were travelling up by train on Saturday.

Garrard said: “We got off at Crewe and then made our way back. Virgin put on an unplanned stop at Milton Keynes for some of our squad to get off which was very helpful.

“It was frustrating because we prepared all week for the game and had done in-depth work on the opposition.”