SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023
KICK OFF: 12:30
V. YORK CITY FC 2023/24 #08 DaRRen SaRllSATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2023
KICK OFF: 12:30
V. YORK CITY FC 2023/24 #08 DaRRen SaRllGreetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium for this afternoon’s matchup between your Cards and our visitors from York City.
I’d also like to extend a special greeting to York City Manager Neil Ardley, whom I have known since my days as a fan at AFC Wimbledon.
Today, the Cards will be “back in black” as we take the pitch and unveil our amazing new third kit, featuring a black and grey vertical stripe top with black shorts and socks; the top and the shorts feature black and grey tonal badges.
Today, the Cards will be “back in black” as we take the pitch and unveil our amazing new third kit
Through the end of the 2022/23 season, Clubs in the National League were prohibited from wearing black kits. We worked with the League to get that rule changed, and we are happy to debut our kits today as a result of the efforts.
A new shipment of third and home kits arrived yesterday, so the shop will be wellstocked today!
While we will be away to AFC Fylde on the weekend, English football is set to unite again to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game. Led by The Football Association, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and will be supported this weekend across every level of English football, including the Vanarama National League, the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and across the grassroots game.
Always remember that the complaint (and compliment) line is always open. Just email me at john.katz@wokingfc.co.uk and we can take in your feedback. Or, as the kids say, you can slide into my DMs on Twitter at @jekatz33
While we will be away to AFC Fylde on the weekend, English football is set to unite again to promote Play Safe – a countrywide campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game
As a reminder, it is our goal to ensure that all supporters feel safe and welcome at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. To that end, on 11 December 2021, the Club launched the “In Safe Hands” programme to help our fans report racist, sexist, homophobic, or other abusive language simply and anonymously.
If you hear any abusive language, experience it yourself or if you or someone you see feels / looks threatened, you can text the Club anonymously and the message will be monitored by our Safety Officer during the match. Simply text WFC (followed by the nature of your concern and location) to 66777 and we will address your concerns. Example: If you hear racial abuse whilst sitting in the KRE, please send the following text to 66777: “WFC racial abuse centre section of KRE.”
Find out our plans for your area: footballfoundation.org.uk
from West Brom, prolific striker Dipo Akinyemi from Ayr United and centre back Tyler Cordner from Aldershot, the latter two both commanding six figure fees for their services.
Vanarama National League
23RD September 2023
12:30 Kick-Off
Woking will welcome the TNT Sports cameras to the Laithwaite for the first time this season when they welcome York City for an early 12:30 kick off.
After Tuesday night's eventful draw with Ebbsfleet United, it's now six unbeaten for the Cards, but of course all eyes will be on whether any injured players, in particular forwards, will be available for Saturday after Woking's lack of cutting edge costed them dearly against the Fleet.
Ticket pricing and other details are available here
Promoted through the National League North play offs in 2021/22, last season saw York narrowly avoid relegation in a season of turmoil off the pitch, with new owner Glen Henderson sacking popular manager John Askey in November 2022, which was followed by protests and a terrible run of form under manager David Webb, before Michael Morton eventually guided the club to a 19th placed finish.
Former Yeovil investor Matt Uggla bought the club in the summer and gave Morton an increased budget, with which City have signed too many players to list in this preview, but notable additions include creative midfielder Quevin Castro
However, Morton's days were numbered after no wins in York's first seven, and he has been replaced by the experienced Neal Ardley, who himself departed Solihull in the summer. Ardley's three games in charge so far have seen a win, a draw and a loss, with a 2-0 defeat to Oldham at Boundary Park on Tuesday meaning York will be expecting a reaction coming to the Laithwaite.
Akinyemi's four goals and numerous assists so far mean he's a key threat for the Minstermen, with York currently sitting 21st with 7 points from 10 games, winning once, drawing four times and losing five.
Woking were beaten twice by City last year, both by the same 2-0 scoreline, with a 2-0 win in December 2022 at the Laithwaite coming despite the Minstermen going down to 10 men when Fraser Kerr was sent off just after the hour. Second half goals from Sam Sanders and Lenell John-Lewis were enough to defeat the Cards.
Woking fans won't need reminding of the reverse fixture last year, with the first game of the season seeing a comfortable 2-0 win for York in August 2022. In fact, you have to go back to April 2008 for the last time Woking were victorious in this fixture, with a 3-2 win at Bootham Crescent.
The Cards have only won one of the eight games between the sides, with one draw and six York wins meaning that City could very much be considered a bogey team.
Adults: £20
Concession: £15
Next-Gen (17-22): £12
Under 17 (14-16): £8
Under 14 (13 & under): £5
Prices will increase on the turnstile and supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance.
Home supporters can purchase tickets here. Away supporters can purchase tickets here.
MATCHDAY GUIDE
Click here for information on gate opening times, food and drink facilities, the Club shop and other ticketing information.
DISABLED SUPPORTERS
Click here for more information.
OTHER INFORMATION
Supporters needing assistance with booking tickets can call the office on 01483 967 229, or visit between 10:00 – 16:00, Monday - Friday, excluding bank holidays.
ARRIVING AT THE
Kingfield Road turnstiles – blue and yellow entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Westfield Avenue turnstiles - red and orange entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Away supporter turnstiles - white entry opens two hours before kick-off, unless stated otherwise.
Supporters who have purchased a hospitality package will have green entry and should enter through the Guest Entrance, Kingfield Road.
Supporters are reminded to arrive at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in good time, and are not guaranteed to gain entry in time for kick-off when arriving less than 30 minutes before kick-off.
The Cardinals Bar is located at the front of the stadium.
The bar has full draught and bottle beer options. The Fan Zone is the newest addition for supporters and is located opposite the Cardinals Bar.
Moaners Corner Café is located next Moaners Corners Stand, with hot and cold drinks, plus snacks available. The Seymours Community Stand has hot food options and a last lane for beverages.
CLUB SHOP
The Club Shop is open two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, located by the Fan Zone. The shop is also open Mon - Fri, 10:00 - 16:00, upon check-in at reception.
At the end of this month, English football at every level will unite to promote Play Safe – a national campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game. Led by The Football Association, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and supported by every level of the game, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and right across the grassroots game.
We are proud to be supporting Play Safe on our website and social media channels – and by making an online Play Safe Pledge. Our pledge will see Club captain, Josh Casey, lead Woking Football Club out with the Play Safe armband.
Of course, safeguarding is everyone’s
responsibility, so if you haven’t already, why not make your own Play Safe Pledge? We encourage you to do so.
This year’s Play Safe weekend has two main messages:
• ‘Everyone, everywhere, every time’ should have an understanding of safeguarding in football;
• Everyone should ‘watch, listen, talk and act’ if they have any safeguarding concerns.
If you have a safeguarding concern, or would like some advice, the best contact at Woking is admin@wokingfc.co.uk.
Together, let’s create an ever-safer culture across the game we all love.
Our team of experts work every day to make the UK healthier, happier, fitter and stronger. At Nuffield Health Woking hospital, we take a personalised approach to help you see a consultant in as little as 24 hours.
Nuffield Health Woking Hospital are introducing robotic arm-assisted precision surgery for orthopaedic surgery.
With our highly experienced surgeons working in harmony with state-of-the-art equipment, the hip and knee replacement surgery we offer has evolved – bringing patients a range of enhanced benefits. The result: even greater surgical precision, leading to improved outcomes, decreased pain and faster patient recovery.
For further information visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/woking or call 01483 227 800.
Keeping
Unit 17-19 Wolsey Walk, West Mall, Wolsey Place Shopping Centre, Woking, GU21 6XU
SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER
For sponsorship enquiries email admin@wokingfc.co.uk
16 Tunji Akinola SPONSOR AVAILABLE 5 Greg Taylor SPONSOR AVAILABLE SPONSOR AVAILABLE 8 Robbie Willmott 4 Scott Cuthbert SPONSOR AVAILABLE 28 Sam Habergham SPONSOR AVAILABLE 2 Dan Moss SPONSORED BY Rosemary Johnson & Matthew Erskine SPONSORED BY 17 Jim Kellermann Katie Langhorn, Mortgage Advisor SPONSOR AVAILABLE 18 Manny Oyeleke 6 Luke Wilkinson SPONSOR AVAILABLE SPONSOR AVAILABLE 12 Matt Robinson 22 Will Jaaskelainen SPONSORED BY 3 Josh Casey SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY 24 Rohan Ince 21 Timi Odusina SPONSOR AVAILABLE 1 Alexis Andre Jr. SPONSOR AVAILABLE 7 Ricky Korboa SPONSOR AVAILABLE Dan Rowe SPONSOR AVAILABLE 11 Dennon Lewis SPONSORED BY Phil Marlow SPONSOR AVAILABLE 23 Jermaine Anderson SPONSOR AVAILABLE Malcolm Jobling Motorvation & the Langridge family Ian Dyer SPONSOR AVAILABLE Deanne Goring SPONSOR AVAILABLE 9 Reece Grego-Cox SPONSOR AVAILABLE 19 Charlie Wakefield SPONSOR AVAILABLE 10 Padraig Amond SPONSORED BY Manny Matern 26 Nana Boateng SPONSORED BY 14 Rhys Browne SPONSORED BY Marlon Beresford SPONSORED BY Darren Sarll SPONSORED BYwww.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk
The present club was formed in 1922 and prior to their election to Division Three North of the Football League in 1929 played in the Midland League. They remained in the Northern Section until 1958 when they became one of the original members of the Fourth Division. Over the next 45 seasons (19582004) the club won promotion six times. In 1958/59 and 1964/65 they moved up to the third tier only to suffer immediate relegation. York achieved their best run in the FA Cup in 1954–55, when they lost to Newcastle United in their replayed semi-final. City again gained promotion in 1970/71 and in 1974 reached the Second Division (Championship) for the first and to date only time in their 91-year history. They stayed for two seasons and in 1974/75 achieved their highest ever League placing of 15th. The following campaign, however, they were relegated and by 1977 were back in the Fourth Division.
In 1983/84 they won their first major honour when they finished runaway Fourth Division champions
with 101 points becoming the first club in Football League history to reach three figures.
City’s last promotion success in the League was via the play-offs in 1992/93 when on the club’s first ever visit to Wembley Stadium they beat Crewe Alexandra in a penalty shoot-out.
On the other side of the coin City suffered relegation six times and over the years had to make seven applications for re-election back to the League. In 2004 the club finished bottom of Division Three (League Two) and dropped down to the Conference, ending 75 years membership of the Football League. During that time they had spent two seasons in the second tier and 16 in the third.
In eight years in the Conference City reached the promotion play-offs three times. In 2006/07 they lost at the semi-final stage and in 2009/10 went down to Oxford United in the final; before beating Luton Town 2-1 at Wembley in 2012. This latter game marked the club’s 4th appearance at the national stadium in four years and completed a league and cup double that season as the FA Trophy became
the first national knockout competition won by York, with a 2-0 victory over Newport County AFC. After four years back in the Football League, York dropped back into the Conference finishing in 24th place in League 2 in 2015/16. The following season City were relegated again - to the National League North, competing in regional non-league football in 2017/18 for the first time since 1929; however, they ended the season with a 3–2 win over Macclesfield Town at Wembley Stadium in the 2017 FA Trophy Final.
The club was promoted back to the National League at the end of the 2021–22 season via the play-offs, with a 2–0 victory over Boston United in the final. The Supporters’ Trust purchased JM Packaging's 75% share of the club in July 2022 to regain its 100% shareholding, before transferring 51% of those shares to businessman Glen Henderson, who took over as chairman of the club. This 51% ownership was transferred to 394 Sports Ltd (Matthew Uggla and Julie-Anne Uggla) in June 2023. On 6th September 2023 Neal Ardley replaced Mikey Morton (who was relieved of his duties on 28th August), as First Team Manager, with Neil Cox
as his assistant. York finished last season in 19th place, just three points clear of relegation. York are nicknamed the Minstermen, after York Minster, and the team traditionally play in red kits. They played at Fulfordgate from 1922 to 1932, when they moved to Bootham Crescent, their home for 88 years. They moved into their current ground, the York Community Stadium, in January 2021. The stadium holds an all-seated capacity of 8,500. York's record appearance holder is Barry Jackson, who made 539 appearances, while their leading scorer is Norman Wilkinson, with 143 goals.
York City FC were delighted to announce the appointment of vastly experienced Neal Ardley as the club’s new first team manager on a three-year deal in September 2023.
The former player spent large parts of his playing days at Wimbledon, where he racked up over 200
appearances between 1991-2002, leaving as one of their longest serving players by the time of his departure.
A switch to Watford followed, where Ardley secured over a century of games at Division One level for the Hornets.
He also played for Cardiff City and Millwall shortly after his Watford stint, being capped at England U21 level numerous times too.
A career in management was soon upon Ardley, diving into Cardiff City’s academy as a manager following retirement in 2007.
AFC Wimbledon secured the services of their former player in October 2012 after a poor start, where the now 51-year-old spent over 300 games in charge between 2012 to 2018.
Ardley guided the Dons to League Two safety numerous times (including in his first season) before steady progress was met with promotion via the play-offs to League One in 2016.
Neal picked up two Manager of the Month awards during his time down south, securing League Two Manager of the Month in December 2014 and April 2016.
Ardley moved on to Notts County in 2018, where he managed just shy of 100 games across League Two and the National League. During his National League tenure, County put together a side looking to bounce back to the Football League, reaching the play-off final in 2020. He also picked up numerous awards throughout his time at County too, picking up the Manager of the Month award in December 2019, January 2021 and October 2021.
Neal departed County with the side placed inside the National League play-offs and several games in hand, later joining Solihull Moors in the summer of 2021.
After an impressive October in his inaugural season with the Moors where Solihull picked up four wins and two draws from six, whilst only conceding one, Ardley picked up the league’s Manager of the Month award.
The campaign saw Solihull Moors complete their second-highest finish in the club’s history as they finished third, falling just short in the play-off final to then former League Two side Grimsby Town. Ardley managed just shy of a hundred games for the West Midlands-based side before departing in this summer by mutual consent.
DIPO AKINYEMI
Age: 26
Number: 14
Position: Forward
Former clubs: Potters Bar Town, Stevenage, Aldershot Town (loan), St Neots Town (loan), St Albans City (loan), Billericay Town (loan), Bishops Stortford (loan), Dulwich Hamlet (previously loan), Cheshunt (loan), Braintree Town, Welling United, Ayr United
Akinyemi joined for an undisclosed fee from Ayr United this summer after finishing last season as the Scottish Championship top scorer and Player of the Year. The 6ft 0in forward having been linked with many clubs in the EFL after his impressive season in Scotland.
Dipo started his senior career at Potters Bar Town, debuting as a 17-year-old, before joining Stevenage a couple of months later.
London-born Akinyemi joined Dulwich Hamlet, where he’d previously played on loan, on a free transfer in 2018 and he went on to score 13 goals in 42 appearances in National League South.
Via short spells with Cheshunt and Braintree Town, the frontman joined Welling United where he scored 28 National League South goals in 62 appearances over two and a half seasons.
This form earned interest north of the border and he completed his move to Scottish Championship Ayr United ahead of 2022/23, where his goalscoring became even more prolific.
In all competitions, he made 45 appearances and scored 24 goals, also assisting 11 times, with 20 goals and 8 assists coming in the SPFL Championship. This form won Akinyemi two league Player of the Month awards before he was also named Player of the Season.
On joining the Minstermen, Akinyemi said: “I’m happy to be here. It happened pretty quickly, I spoke to Dave [Stockdale, Head of Recruitment] and there’s a lot of ambition in the club at the moment with the new owner coming in. It looks like the club wants to go in the right direction.”
Dipo has certainly been going in the right direction, with four goals in his first eight appearances, and defenders struggling to contain his pace and movement.
Woking v York City is a relatively new rivalry, Jon Woozley starts by taking us back to the 2004/05 season.
York City were relegated, along with Carlisle, to the Conference after finishing bottom of the Third Division in the 2003/04 season, ending 75 years of Football League membership. In January, the Minstermen had been 10th, before only collecting five points from their last twenty matches. They joined a Woking side that had turned full-time a year earlier for the first time and were now competitive. York had already sacked Player/Manager
Chris Brass by the time they came to Kingfield in November but retained him as a player! His Assistant, Viv Busby stepped up to become Caretaker Manager. York City were flirting with the relegation places, and a Scott Canham goal kept them there. The shortest player on the pitch headed a cross into the top corner to lift
the Cards to a mid-table position. In February, York City had just completed the purchase of their stadium for £2.1m and moved their priorities to on pitch activities. Billy McEwan had just been named Manager of York, for his first game he welcomed Glenn Cockerill’s Woking side to ‘KitKat Crescent’ for the first time. Woking produced one of their best performances of the season, dominating the game from the start, with Justin Richards scoring twice as the Cards maintained their play-off hopes in 4th place. Those hopes were dashed at the end of March, with defeats to Aldershot and Stevenage who both leap-frogged the Cards, leaving them 8th.
York were much improved for the 2005/06 season after a summer re-build and continued an unbeaten start to the season with victory in Yorkshire. Richards scored again, before giving away a penalty for top scorer Andy Bishop to equalise, then James Dudgeon headed the
winner. Revenge was gained in Surrey, with Richards yet again and a 20-yard volley from Steve Ferguson clinching the points, to leave both clubs safely in mid-table. Both sides maintained those places without troubling the play-offs, but Woking did progress to their fourth FA Trophy final, losing to Grays at West Ham. Both clubs started the following season in a similar vein, occupying the 6th and 8th places, but this time York obtained their first win in Surrey after a poor first-half performance from the home side. McEwan’s improvement of his Club continued, and they occupied 4th spot towards the end of the year. However, the Cards ruined their festivities with a hard-fought win in York, Jamie Taylor scoring the winner – a non-contract signing from Horsham! A large turnover of players at Woking in January resulted in one win in thirteen matches and Cockerill losing his job. York maintained a play-off spot to the end of the season but lost to Morecambe who gained promotion.
Frank Gray was appointed Manager of Woking in the Summer of 2007 and recruited a younger squad due to a smaller budget. York themselves had a disappointing start to the season but ended Woking’s unbeaten home record in October with a convincing victory. A month later McEwan was sacked with York in 19th place. One win in eleven matches consigned Gray to the same fate, he was sacked four days before the Cards trip to KitKat Crescent. Colin Lippiatt and the late Justin Edinburgh took charge of Woking. The match in York was the 50th anniversary of the FA Amateur Cup Final victory, and it was an extraordinary game. A defensive mix-up gave Onome Sodje a tap-in, equalised by a Jason Norville header. Then after half-time, Sodje accepted another gift to restore the home sides lead. Darren Craddock was then dismissed for a foul on Marvin Morgan, with Gez Sole scoring the resulting penalty. The keeper Tom Evans was then sent off for another foul on Morgan, Sole scored another penalty. Stuart Elliott then clashed with Sole and was sent-off – The Minstermen were down to eight
men. Despite that York nearly equalised but Woking held on.
Another year, another three managers - each. Kim Grant’s reign as Woking Manager was ended three days before Woking’s trip to KitKat Crescent, mirroring Frank Gray’s fate the season before, but this time it was still September! With no wins from seven games, Woking were 23rd and Assistant Phil Gilchrist stepped up to become Manager. By contrast York were unbeaten but had become draw specialists. The match went true to form, Daniel McBreen giving the home side the lead before Woking’s Danny Bunce scored an impressive header – unfortunately into his own net! York then went on a run of six matches without a win, plummeting down the table. This run was ended at Kingfield in October with a repeat of the result in York. Only one further win in four matches then saw Colin Walker sacked at York. Neil Redfearn managed one match before being replaced by Martin Foyle. Not to be outdone, Woking had a third manager during the season too, when Gilchrist was dismissed on April Fools’ Day! Graham Baker taking over as Caretaker Manager. Two wins out of four matches under Baker found Woking above the relegation places on goal difference with two games remaining. York City were a point behind in 23rd, but with two games in hand. Despite Woking’s credible draw against Mansfield, York beat Eastbourne and FGR, Grays beat Crawley, so the Cards were relegated before their last match of the season, ending a seventeenyear run at that level. Despite a disappointing league season, York made it to Wembley in the FA Trophy before losing to Stevenage.
Both clubs made the play-offs the following season, Woking missed out on an immediate return by losing at Bath in the South Final. York massively improved to finish 5th, after beating Luton home and away they then lost to Oxford United at Wembley in front of 42,669. It took another two years for Woking to win the
Conference South title and return to the Premier Division. That same season York made the play-offs for a third time, this time beating Luton at Wembley to regain their place in the Football League after an eight-season absence. Unbelievably York went to Wembley again, beating Newport to win the FA Trophy, after knocking out Luton in the two-legged semi-final!
A four year stay in the Football League ended in 2015/16 season as York finished bottom, returning to the National League where Woking had consolidated. The Board at York set a top-five target for the 2016/17 season, but they started the season poorly. That improved with a convincing home victory over a struggling, winless Woking. Gozie Ugwu gave the Cards an early lead, but Richard Brodie, a Yan Klukowski 30-yarder, Jake Wright, and Aidan Connelly all scored for the Minstermen with only a quarter of the game played. They then just saw out the win. This was a brief bright spot for York as their disappointing start continued, in October both clubs sat just above the relegation places, one point apart.
This led to Jackie McNamara being replaced by Gary Mills, returning for a second spell as Manager of York. Results failed to improve and both clubs struggled along until they met again, at Kingfield in late-April. With only two matches remaining York were above the relegation places by one point, having recently been bottom before some good results lifted them four places. Torquay, below them, were in the middle of their own great-escape routine. Woking were three points above their visitors, with a similar goal-difference, and on a four-match unbeaten run of their own which had lifted them out of the relegation places. A win for York would take them above their hosts and they started with a barrage of crosses, aimed at the huge Jon Parkin. For the third consecutive match Ugwu scored a penalty to give the Cards the lead. Within seven minutes Parkin took one of his chances to equalise and put the Woking goal under concerted pressure – one goal would have kept them up, but Woking held firm to share the points.
With Torquay winning York dropped into the relegation zone. On the final day of the season York obtained a credible draw with promoted FGR,
but it was not enough – Guiseley’s draw with Solihull consigned the Minstermen to consecutive relegations by a point. Scant consolation followed as York went to Wembley yet again, this time beating Macclesfield, as Gary Mills won the FA Trophy for the second time with the club.
York City were in the National League North for five seasons, missing out to Altrincham in the playoffs in 2020, before finally achieving promotion in 2022, in John Askey’s first season as manager, overcoming Boston in the play-off final. Woking were relegated a year after York, in 2019, but bounced back at the first attempt and are now re-established as a full-time club at the national level.
York had moved to a new stadium in January 2021, and the Cards’ first visit to the LNER Community Stadium was for the opening match of the 2022/23 season. A new side, under a new manager, failed to live up to their promise, and the hosts took advantage, winning comfortably in front of a fixture best attendance, with goals from Maz Kouhyar and Michael Duckworth. In November York controversially changed their manager, despite comfortably consolidating in mid-table, parting company with John Askey by ending his contract of employment. With new manager David Webb in hospital, his assistant Michael Morton was in charge for the return fixture in December. York’s tactics again proved effective, and they won 2-0 with second half goals from Sam Sanders and ‘The Shop’ - Lenell John-Lewis.
To find out more, scan our QR code
WOMEN'S
The game's first chance fell to the Cards after a deflection found captain Kaitlin Howard at the back post, but despite her stretched leg, she just missed the ball.
Sunday 17th September
Back-to-back league defeats against AFC
Portchester saw Woking still yet to get points on the board this season. Two goals on either side of the half were enough on the day for the visitors.
Arguably the best chance came when Sheena Nichol found Charlotte Keenan with a great forward pass and played her through one versus one, but the former’s effort was brilliantly saved. The Royals’ first moment followed shortly after when they hit the post from a direct corner before the ball was eventually cleared.
The opposition were growing into the game with confidence and tried their luck with much quicker passes. They had a great chance to go in front after splitting the defence, but Laura Mitchell stood her ground and intercepted the ball with a perfect tackle inside the box.
However, just three minutes later, AFC Portchester took the lead after a cross towards the back post evaded the Woking defence and found their number 9 who tapped home.
It should be noted that the entirety of the first half was played in quiet treacherous conditions and at times it was impossible to hear anything on the pitch other than the downpour of rain. Therefore, this made it a lot harder to communicate with one another on the pitch.
A change at half-time saw young 16-year-old Gracie Price replace Alicia Christie in midfield as the Cards looked to get back on level terms. Another substitution followed later on, this time it was Gaby Hobday replacing Efrosyni Theocharous.
On the hour mark, despite the little action, the visitors doubled their lead after beating debutant Amy Jenkins in goal. A shot from the left-hand side found its way into the bottom right corner after it initially wriggled past two defenders.
Sophie Burgess came on for her first appearance of the season after replacing Fran Cotter at the back and this saw a few movements elsewhere across the pitch.
There were little and far between chances for both sides in the second half, but after finding space outside the box, Sheena took on one of her customary long-range efforts, however, she was unable to really test the goalkeeper as it was caught well.
Sian Hardaker was another player to register her first appearance of the season as she replaced Bianca Underhill with 15 minutes to go. Then five minutes later Woking made their fifth and final sub as Trudy Bryan-Kerr replaced Keenan in their final through of the dice.
With time running out, Portchester nearly added a third but a great stop from Amy prevented it from happening, as she got down low to make a fantastic save.
To some up the day, Sheena had a free kick from around 35 yards out beat the wall but saw her effort punched over the bar by the ‘keeper, in what was the last chance before the referee called time.
Despite the two league defeats, it’s difficult to evaluate the position of the team amongst others in the league as they’ve faced the same opposition twice. AFC Portchester have shown they will be a team near the top come the end of the season and for Woking it’s now about turning their attention the next Sunday’s travels, as they’ll face Eastleigh in the Community Ladies Reserves.
Woking Starting XI: Jenkins, Boddy, Underhill (73), Mitchell, Cotter (63), Nichol, Ogle, Theocharous (56), Howard, Keenan (80), Christie (46)
Subs: Burgess (63), Hobday (56), Bryan-Kerr (80), Hardaker (73), Price (46)
Attendance: 33
Player of the Match: Laura Mitchell
Woking Football Club is proud to announce the launch of a hidden disability initiative for matchdays at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Globally, one in six of us live with a disability. Whilst some disabilities are visible, many have non-visible disabilities that are not immediately apparent to others; the most widely known being Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge, or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with an invisible disability. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone with a non-visible disability or condition genuinely needs support.
There will be a stall within the Fan Zone at this Saturday's fixture against Solihull Moors for supporters to access further information about the programme, raise awareness, and ask any questions.
The Cards Trust has kindly provided 100 sunflower lanyards that will be made available free of charge to any supporters or their carers that request one, to help encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. The lanyards will first be available within the Fan Zone and then from the club shop and reception.
A sunflower suggests happiness, positivity, and strength as well as growth and confidence. The lanyards are universally known and supporters will already be aware of their promotion at airports, railway stations, shopping centres and more.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 05 Kidderminster Harriers
Sat Aug 12 Altrincham
Tue Aug 15 Rochdale
Sat Aug 19 Barnet
Sat Aug 26 Gateshead
Mon Aug 28 Dorking Wanderers
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sept 02 Maidenhead United
Sat Sept 09 Solihull Moors
Sat Sept 16 Hartlepool United
Tue Sept 19 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Sept 23 York City
Tue Sept 26 Wealdstone
Sat Sept 30 AFC Fylde
OCTOBER
Tue Oct 03 FC Halifax Town
Sat Oct 07 Southend United
Sat Oct 14 TBC
Sat Oct 21 Dagenham & Redbridge
Tue Oct 24 Eastleigh
Sat Oct 28 Bromley
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 11 Oxford City
Sat Nov 18 Oldham Athletic
Tue Nov 21 Chesterfield
Sat Nov 25 Boreham Wood
DECEMBER
Sat Dec 02 Gateshead (FAT R3)
Sat Dec 09 TBC
Sat Dec 16 Dorking Wanderers
Sat Dec 23 Maidenhead United
Tue Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Mon Jan 01 Aldershot Town
Sat Jan 06 Solihull Moors
Sat Jan 20 Oxford City
Tue Jan 23 Chesterfield
Sat Jan 27 Oldham Athletic
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 03 Boreham Wood
Sat Feb 10 Hartlepool United
Sat Feb 17 FC Halifax Town
Tue Feb 20 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Feb 24 Wealdstone
MARCH
Sat Mar 02 Kidderminster Harriers
Sat Mar 09 Altrincham
Tue Mar 12 Rochdale
Sat Mar 16 Barnet
Sat Mar 23 Southend United
Fri Mar 29 Eastleigh
APRIL
Mon Apr 01 Bromley
Sat Apr 06 Dagenham
The Cards Trust (Cardinals Supporters Society) has worked with the Club to represent fans for more than a decade. The Trust is a shareholder of the Club (and owns around a quarter of it) and has a representative on the Board to put forward the fans’ views.
Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.
An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.
A prize draw with twelve draws per year. Around £20,000 has been given to support the Club and more than £12,000 in prizes.
The prize draw that gives back 50% to the lucky winner with a draw at half-time on matchday, with a minimum stake of just £1. The prizes have recently been around £400 and the winning number is announced and displayed on the digital screen at half-time.
The Trust also organises social events and co-
ordinates the activities of volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to help on match days.
A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.
The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.
The Cards Trust arranges coach travel to away matches for supporters at the lowest cost possible. If you are an advertiser that would like to sponsor the travel, please get in touch.
Details of all coaches are available on the Trust website, where tickets can be booked online, usually up to 23:00 on the day before the match. Members and Junior Cards get discounted away match travel.
The SLG consults with fans (both Trust members and non-members) and the Club to improve the fan experience. Real change has been made based on ideas from the group including the successful Turner's Tannoy appeal which has financed the recent upgrade in the PA at the stadium.
The Cards Trust are running coaches to the matches against Wealdstone and AFC Fylde.
Remember, members and Junior Cards save money on bookings with their membership!
For more information
CLICK HERE
All travel with the Cards Trust is subject to the Cards Trust Travel Policy which is informed by legal and other restrictions. e.g. no alcohol is allowed on coaches. The policy can be viewed online on the website.
Any queries should be sent to adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk
Today’s Goldrush will be a hybrid of online and ‘at the ground’ sales.
For the game against Ebbsfleet, the prize was £300.50 the winning ticket number 01311 and the winner John Scriver from Guildford.
400 CLUB AUGUST WINNERS
£100 Number 77 - Eddie Buckler
£75 Number 190 - Bill Sutton
£50 Number 76 - Derek Stevenson
To get involved contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk.
Happy birthday from Woking Football Club, to…
September 26th - Riley Kinge - 13 years old
LOUIE ADAMSON, 3
This will be his first Woking game and is excited to surprise his grandad on his 70th birthday!
FREDDIE BRIGHT, 11
TODAY! When he's not playing football, he loves nothing more than coming to watch Woking and his favourite players are Scott Cuthburt and Rohan Ince
THEO LINNELL, 7
First season watching Woking and favourite players are Josh Casey and Ricky Korboa
Principal Contractors ~ General Builders ~ Roofers ~ Landscapers ~ Plumbers ~ Joinery & Carpenters ~ Homeowners
TO YOU LOOS LIMITED provide site toilets with the following :-
Flushing chemical portable toilets (no mains required) with sinks or sanitiser units
Toilets are emptied and cleaned by ourselves weekly as standard, inclusive of chemicals and consumables, with additional services available on request
TO YOU LOOS LIMITED provide toilets for Fetes, Parties, Shows, Weddings, Horse Trials and all manner of Public and Private events with the following:-
Modern flushing chemical portable toilets with hand sanitiser units, accessible units with baby change and urinal modules also available
Comprehensively prepared units before delivery and full set up on site in agreed location / locations, inclusive of consumables and chemicals
Attendance / additional servicing during the event to keep units fresh and clean where requested
Full Public Liability Insurance
Please note the toilet units must be located no more than 8m from where the truck can park in order to be serviced and each unit is circa 1.2m square (4’ x 4’) so please check the access route to where you wish the unit to be sited.
Click here an hour before kick-off for the starting XI