PLAYER PREVIEW: "Excited More Than Anything Else" - Woodman

CENTRE-HALF Deon Woodman - a model of consistency in the middle of the Wealdstone defence this season - says there's one overriding emotion among the playing squad ahead of the Isuzu FA Trophy Semi-Final against Marine.

"We know what's at stake; you're 90 minutes away from possibly playing at Wembley," said the commanding 23-year-old, talking at the club's Brunel University training base.

He smiled: "I think we're excited more than anything else. "It's exciting times for the club, for all the fans and for us players as well."

He's played in all four previous Trophy ties this campaign, so how does Woodman assess the journey - which has seen Stones negotiate their way past Cheshunt, Dagenham & Redbridge, Forest Green Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers. 

"For Cheshunt and Dagenham we were favourites, but with Forest Green everyone had us written off but we went there and caused an upset," recalled the towering centre-half.

"But then at Kiddy with the drama with the penalties; it's been really exciting."

Woodman has brought considerable presence - both physical and vocal - to the Stones' rear-guard this term, and he knows he'll need that again if the hosts are to overcome the in-form National League North Mariners.

"It's a massive part of the game, communication. Everyone's got to be on it, not just the centre-backs. 

"You're 90 minutes away from Wembley so it's really important everyone communicates well together, sticks together as well."

Woodman believes this cup run has added to the share of challenges faced by the Stones' squad.

He explained: "We've had a few blips in form this season so we've been tested, but in terms of character in must-win games we've done that.

"We've showed we can come from behind to win as well, both early on in the season and more recently."

It's been a campaign that's seen a change in the managerial hotseat, too, with Sam Cox being replaced by Gary Waddock - confirmed just ahead of the Trophy quarter-final penalty shootout triumph at Kidderminster, in fact.

"I think the players have adjusted really well to the change to be fair," reflected Stones' No. 5.

"It's not easy when there is a change in manager. Everyone can have their opinion about what's happened, but we've come through well and we've enjoyed working with the new gaffer.

"Now it's about trying to get us all to Wembley. It'll mean everything to the club."

A club that hasn't visited since that famous day in 1985 - also, of course, in the FA Trophy.

"You dream of playing there. When you're young, growing up, that's what you want to do.

"Everyone really, really wants to play at Wembley and I think our character can see us through. But we know it'll be tough."