Woking FC v Altrincham FC by Hashtag Digital Media

SATURDAY 21 ST DECEMBER kI C k off : 15:00 V. ALT rI N ch AM

CEO NOTES

WELCoME

Welcome to our last home fixture of 2024. We hope you are wrapped up well as we extend a warm welcome to our new manager Neal Ardley in his first match at the Laithwaite.

Neal brings a wealth of experience across the leagues from National League up to League 1 and we'll be calling on all his experience today as the team comes off the back of an understandably unusual week of preparations.

Neal was only able to take his first session yesterday and with his assistant yet to be appointed, it will be a testing first game for Neal and his squad, but we will ensure they feel the force of our huge wave of support.

The club also wishes to offer a big thank you to our groundsman David Langheim who departs after today's match following 7 years of dedicated service to Woking FC.

He has been an incredibly invaluable part of our team, together with his loyal cockapoo Alfie, and we wish them both well in their new role.It has also been an important week off the pitch with our record-breaking Christmas project in conjunction with St Peter's Hospital and Royal Surrey County Council raising over £4,300.

We are proud to support our community and we look to continuing to work with all our partners in 2025.Thank you once again to all of you who have supported and stood with us in 2024.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes, Emanuele Palladino

NE AL ArDLEY

2024/25

SE ASoN TicKETS

IN SAfE hANDS

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.”

The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.

We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.

Search Football Foundation to find out more.

AhEAD of ThE GAME

Woking’s last game before Christmas comes with the visit of Altrincham to the Laithwaite on Saturday.

As the saying goes, a week is a long time in football, and Woking have certainly had a busy week. Following the departure of Michael Doyle and Ben Turner last Saturday, Neal Ardley was appointed manager on Wednesday, meaning this will be his first game in charge.

He may look to change a few things, but considering training on Tuesday was taken by Director of Football Jody Brown and performance coach Craig Mackail-Smith, drastic change isn’t expected just yet.

OPPOSITION WATCH

Altrincham, who were defeated in the playoffs last season by Bromley, sit in seventh place coming into this fixture with ten points from their last five games. Phil Parkinson needed players to step up and replace the output from Peterborough bound Chris Conn-Clarke, something which in-form striker Regan Linney has done brilliantly.

The former FC United striker has 14 goals in 16 games for the Robins thus far, a tally already better than the 13 he managed last season. At 27 years old, he could be a target for EFL clubs come January but with Alty only being defeated twice in 16 games, his goals could help keep Parkinson’s side in and around the playoff picture.

Woking vs Altrincham

Vanarama National League

Saturday 21st December

15:00 Kick-Off

It is on the road, however, where Alty have struggled. 12 points from 11 away games represents a key reason as to why they are clinging onto the playoff places as opposed to firmly in and around the promotion picture. With Forest Green, Barnet, Halifax and Rochdale all to play in their next eight in league and trophy, crunch time is nearly here for Altrincham, and they will hope that three points at the Laithwaite can take the pressure off before the visit of Halifax and a trip to Rochdale in their two festive fixtures.

AROUND THE GROUND

Tickets are available here.

Please note that Victoria Way is shut with diversions in place, so we advise fans to leave plenty of time to get to the ground on Saturday.

LAST TIME OUT

Despite going down to ten early on, Altrincham secured victory on the first day of the season in August at Moss Lane thanks to Tylor Golden’s first half strike.

Last season, Alty were victorious in August 2023 by a 3-2 scoreline at the Laithwaite, before a crucial game in March saw Ricky Korboa secure all three points with a breakaway goal at the death up in Altrincham to win the game 1-0.

Since 2005, the sides have faced off 21 times, with Woking winning ten times, Alty seven times and four draws.

TICKET INFORMATION

ONLINE & ADVANCE SALES VS. [MATCHDAY SALES]

Adults – £21 [£24]

Concessions – £16 [£19]

Next-Gen (17-22) – £13 [£16]

Under 17 (14-16) – £9 [£12]

Under 14 (13 & under) – £5

Family ticket* - £47.50 [online exclusively]

*Family ticket discount will be applied when two (2) adult tickets & two (2) under 14 tickets are selected and added to the basket for any home league match.

PURCHASE TICKETS

ARRIVING AT THE STADIUM

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.

FOOD & DRINK

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.

TICKETING INFORMATION

All Woking FC Season Ticket holders can use their Season Ticket card to enter Laithwaite Community Stadium for all Vanarama National League matches.

Supporters with individual match tickets can use the e-ticket they purchased which was emailed from noreply@ktckts.com. Such tickets can be scanned on a smartphone or when printed.

Any assistance needed for matchday please contact tickets@wokingfc.co.uk, call 01483 772470, or come to reception Mon - Fri, 09:0017:00, or matchdays, 09:00 - half-time.

OTHER INFORMATION

Away supporter information can be found here. Directions to the ground are available here. Disabled access information is available here

Working towards a busy festive period.

Defeat in the North East. Oseni added a fourth early in the second half for Gateshead, who also saw Luke Hannant miss...

@wokingfc

Woking Football Club is delighted to announce a record-breaking Christmas project, raising over £4,300!

Woking Football Club can confirm that Charley Kendall is joining National League side Southend United for an undisclosed fee.

@wokingfc

@wokingfc @wokingfc

are back in action in the FA Trophy on Saturday 4th January, against National League North side Radcliffe FC.

Woking Football Club has made the decision not to renew the contract of striker Deon Moore, which expires on January 1st, 2025.

4 Cian Harries

28. Ollie Webber

22. Will Jääskeläinen

3. Jacob Jones

2. Dan Moss

7. Harry Beautyman 8. Dale Gorman

5. Timi Odusina

6. Jamie Andrews

21. Ben Wynter 35. Max Dyche 27.

11. Dennon Lewis 16. Tunji Akinola 15. Adam Chicksen Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available

Sponsor available

ABOUT

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.

MEMBERSHIP

Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.

BOOST THE BUDGET

An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.

THE 400 CLUB

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.

GOLDRUSH

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.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING

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.

JUNIOR CARDS

A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.

PLAYER AWARD VOTES

The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.

AWAY MATCH TRAVEL

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.

SUPPORTERS’ LIAISON GROUP

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

ThIS WEEK'S UPDATES

JUNIOR CARDS

UPCOMING AWAY COACH TRAVEL

Supporters Coaches ALDERSHOT TOWN

26th December 2024 | Boxing Day Limited seats remaining CLICK HERE

YEOVIL TOWN 11th January 2025 TBC

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 14th January TBC

If you are interested in travelling to an away game via the coach then please contact adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk.

Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10! Membership would be a great Christmas present for a young cards fan! Please join up or renew CLICK HERE

BIRTHDAYS

Freddie Oakley - 21st December - 10 years old Beau Syebbings - 28th December - 12 years old

Please note that the Junior Cards Christmas party will be on hiatus this year and will not take place as previously advertised.

400 CLUB

December draw

£100 Number 34 Don Irwin

£75 Number 119 Derek Stevenson

£50 Number 295 Jana Phillips

Congratulations to the winners!

To learn more and take part please contact john. hooker@cardstrust.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DRAW

The lucky winner is Jennifer Tombs who takes home the £500 prize! Congratulations!

400 club units are just £12 each. To learn more and take part please contact john.hooker@cardstrust. co.uk

NEW fAN WALL

THE

CARDS TRUST LAUNCHES A FAN WALL

If you're coming to the Laithwaite this afternoon then you'll notice a striking new Fan Wall on the outside wall of the Legends Bar. The wall offers personalised plaques to purchase that enable you to celebrate your favourite player, record your first match, or of course remember a loved one - it is very fitting that Andy Turner has pride of place on the top left plaque. Developed by the Supporters Liaison Group within The Cards Trust, this fundraising initiative will be used by the trust to fund improvements to the spectator experience at the ground, as well as contributing to Boost The Budget and other initiatives to support Woking FC.

You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by visiting https://www.cardstrust. co.uk/fanwall (simple login-free access) or by speaking to any Cards Trust official at the game today.Anyone can purchase a plaque, you don't need to be a member of The Cards Trust, but please consider joining to actively support your club.This is also a great way for anyone who cannot get to The Laithwaite Community Stadium themselves to show their ongoing support for the club. Update - Thanks to the generous support of The Platinum Table new plaques for Geoff Chapple, Barry Kimber and Colin Lippiatt have been placed at the heart of our Fan Wall.

CARDS TRUST CHRISTMAS SALE

Visit the Cards Trust office today and pick up a bargain!

Fridge Magnets (Club Badge)

£2

Cards Trust/Junior Cards pens £1

Pin Badge (Club badge) £5

Pin Badge (100 Years at Kingfield) £5

Red Poncho £2

Woking FC, Diary of a season, 1907/08

£5

Junior Cards Guide to Football £2

Never Lost At Wembley, 4 Coaster Set £6

Card Holder (For Season Ticket Cards, Cards Trust Membership Cards etc) 50p

Wall Plaque (Special Price for today only) £60

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Cards Trust Membership

£10, Junior Cards Membership £10, £400 Club £12 per unit.

The Cards Trust office accepts Cash & Card

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MATchDAY & BALL SPoNSorShIP

Booking as part of a business, or simply looking to celebrate in added style? Why not take out a match or ball sponsorship?

You’ll receive all the incredible VIP Hospitality benefits, plus: Match Sponsorship - £1,150.00 + VAT

• Signed home shirt

• Half-page programme promotion

• PA promotion

• Social media and website promotion

• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season

• Full matchday hospitality for a table of ten (add additional guests for only £50 per person)

• Choose player of the match – read out on PA

• Executive VIP parking

Match Ball Sponsorship - £650.00 + VAT

• Signed match ball

• Half-page programme promotion

• PA promotion

• Social media and website promotion

• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season

• Full matchday hospitality experience for a table of six (add additional guests for only £50 per person)

PLAYEr SPoNSorShIP

The club are delighted to announce the Player Sponsorship package for the 24/25 season.

The club have reviewed the price and enhanced the offer to make supporting your favourite 1st team management or player more accessible and rewarding.

From the 24/25 season, player and management sponsors will receive:

• Signed match worn home and away jerseys near the start of the season presented at our Player & Management Sponsors dinner.

• Dedicated video shout-out from the player on signing and/ or on your birthday/special event (or a significant others).

• 2 x hospitality tickets during the season and the opportunity to meet your sponsored player after/before the game.

• Option to attend manager/player meet and greet throughout the season.

• Pre-game scoreboard reel with players and your name/ logo next to them.

Price for 24/25 player sponsorship is £900 + VAT. To sponsor a player, please email Simon, the club's Business Development Director, on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk.

hoSPiTALiTY PAcKAGES 24/25

Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm its matchday hospitality prices for 2024/25.

Enjoy VIP matchday hospitality for only £65 per person at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

You will be able to book in advance for all 24/25 fixtures online once the list has been released.

What’s included?

• Three-course meal* prepared by our in-house chef team using locally sourced ingredients supplied by Simmons Family Butchers and Boz’s Fruit & Veg.

• Executive leather padded seats in the Seymours Community Stand.

• Dedicated lounge emcee.

• Exclusive bar and drinks options.

• Pre-match first-team management or player visit.

• Hear from the match sponsors’ player of the match after the game.

Single Match Pricing 24/25

VIP Hospitality: £65.00

STH VIP Hospitality: £50.00

Under 14’s VIP Hospitality**: £35.00

Hospitality Season Tickets

VIP Hospitality: £1,350 (£145 discount)

Platinum VIP Hospitality***: £1,750 (£205 discount)

Under 14’s VIP Hospitality: £750 (£90 discount).

Existing 2024/25 season ticket holders can enjoy a discount of £15pp for single-match hospitality. All payments for VIP matchday hospitality tickets shall be payable upon booking. Please note – cash is not accepted in the Geoff Chapple Lounge, and we will not accept cash payments on the day. Bookings are

only provisional until payment is made. All payments for hospitality season tickets shall be payable upon booking. If you have already purchased a 2024/25 season ticket**** and wish to upgrade to hospitality or platinum for the season, do so by calling the Club on 01483 772 470. Hospitality will be bookable online via the online ticketing platform or through the Club phone lines.

Other information

* Consisting of a main meal 1 hour before kick-off, a cold pudding at half-time and a cheeseboard for the table to share post-game. The main meal will either be a meat or vegetarian option (1 option of each) and will be sent out via email one week before the match. If you’d like to request an advance menu, please email tickets@wokingfc. co.uk. Please do not email menu choices in advance, as you will choose on the day. Please only email evie.carey@wokingfc.co.uk with allergen or dietary requirements.

** Under 14’s hospitality will enjoy all the benefits of a VIP Hospitality ticket; however, their main meal options are: Cheeseburger & Chips, Hotdog & Chips, Vegan Hotdog & Chips

*** The platinum package includes all the VIP perks, plus five drink vouchers to use per matchday at the Geoff Chapple Lounge bar, which may be redeemed for draught beer pints, 187ml wine by the glass, single spirits with mixers or soft drinks. Please note that platinum packages are only available for hospitality season ticket holders.

AUGUST

Sat Aug 10 Altrincham

Sat Aug 17 Gateshead

Tue Aug 20 Dagenham & Redbridge

Sat Aug 24 Ebbsfleet United

Mon Aug 26 Hartlepool United

Sat Aug 31 Rochdale

SEPTEMBER

Sat Sep 7 Braintree Town

Tue Sep 10 Wealdstone

Sat Sep 14 Oldham Athletic

Sat Sep 21 AFC Fylde

Tue Sep 24 Eastleigh

Sat Sep 28 Sutton United

OCTOBER

Sat Oct 5 York City

Sat Oct 12 Slough Town (FA Cup)

Sat Oct 19 Tamworth

Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors

Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers

NOVEMBER

Sat Nov 2 Cambridge United (FA Cup)

Sat Nov 9 FC Halifax Town

Sat Nov 16 Boston United

Sat Nov 23 Barnet

Tue Nov 26 Southend United

Sat Nov 30 Yeovil Town

DECEMBER

Tue Dec 10 Havant & Waterlooville

Sat Dec 14 Gateshead

Sat Dec 21 Altrincham

Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town

JANUARY

Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United

Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town

Tue Jan 14 Dagenham & Redbridge

Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United

Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United

FEBRUARY

Sat Feb 1 Rochdale

Sat Feb 8 York City

Sat Feb 15 Tamworth

Tue Feb 18 Solihull Moors

Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers

MARCH

Sat Mar 1 FC Halifax Town

Tue Mar 4 Southend United

Sat Mar 8 Boston United

Sat Mar 15 Barnet

Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone

Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town

APRIL

Sat Apr 5 Oldham Athletic

Sat Apr 12 AFC Fylde

Fri Apr 18 Maidenhead United

Mon Apr 21 Aldershot Town

Sat Apr 26 Eastleigh

MAY

Mon May 5 Sutton United

PLAYEr

GUESS ThE PLAYERS

INTEr AcTiVE QUiz

Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season, click here to test your knowledge...

MATchDAY MAScoT

Hadley - 8

Hadley is 8 years old and is being a mascot for his birthday which was on the 20th of December. He has been to see Woking play a few times now with his dad and is football crazy! He very much enjoys supporting his local team, along with Portsmouth (his dad’s team) and Liverpool (his grandad’s team!). Hadley plays for his local football team, Mayford Athletic under 8’s Sharks. He also does Chelsea football after school once a week. He loves to collect football kits from different clubs, of players he loves

Dylan - 10

Dylan is a season ticket holder and an avid supporter of Woking FC. He loves the thrill of watching live football and following the team as they journey through the season. He's also goalie for Woking Town Warriors. Today's match is especially important as his grandad is from Altrincham so there's family rivalry at play!

MAScoTS PAcK AGE

There are two options available

Package One: Full Experience £120* (includes match shirt)

*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£108 total cost)

• 2024/25 match shirt

• Pre-match stadium tour

• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.

• Meet & Greet with photo opportunities with players

• Food & drink voucher.

• Kickabout pitch side as the players warm up.

• Digital programme feature

• Tannoy announcement

• Walk out with the players

• Picture with team captains and match officials

• A Woking FC representative present throughout

Package Two: Full Experience £80* (does not include match shirt)

*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£72 total cost) Includes all the above

A training top will be lent to the mascot to wear during the pitch-walk in the case that you do not have the current 24/25 match shirt.

Team Mascot Packages are available – please contact the club for more information.

Please note fixtures are subject to availability, If you have any further questions or special requests email simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk

AcADEMY BULLETIN

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Week commencing 16th December 2024

WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2024

14:00 - Oxford City U19 v Woking U19

National League Academy Cup – First Round Court Place Farm, OX3 0NQ.

The next Academy fixture after this is on Monday 6th January 2025 when the U18s travel to Metropolitan Police in the Isthmian LeagueCentral Division.

For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.

Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website.

MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS

Week commencing, 9th December 2024

MONDAY 9TH DECEMBER

Stoke City U18 3 - 0 Woking U18 FA Youth Cup, Third Round Proper St. George’s Park, Burton upon Trent

After Louis Pask’s 94th-minute winner against Rising Ballers in the Second Round Proper, a trip to St. George’s Park to face Stoke City was on the cards.

With just one change to the starting 11 from the Second-Round fixture, Tom Dryer returned from injury to replace Seyi Akinwalere who moved to the bench. With further changes on the bench where Roshan Kigozi and James Orton were absent, and Sam Brittain returned after serving his suspension for being sent off in the replayed fixture against Bromley in the First Round.

Woking nearly got off to a flying start in the game, with Lucas Boxall shooting on the turn within the opening 60 seconds. The shot from

the edge of the penalty area, however, went just wide of the right post to deny the young Cards the perfect start.

Stoke City applied the pressure from the outset and thought they had opened the scoring in the 4th minute. A ball through the defence was passed back out to Joshua Maskall, whose cross was turned in by Pedro Nzau, but the flag went up, signalling offside, and Woking got away with a warning.

In the 13th minute, Stoke City put yet another good ball forward, which Harrison Stevens stepped in to make a crucial tackle in the box to stop Verga being tested.

A critical touch from Verga in the 16th minute denied the final touch on a strong move from the Potters. With two players charging into the box in an attempt to get a foot to a low cross that flashed across the goal mouth, a diving Verga diverted the ball just out of their path, which kept the scoreline level.

The plethora of chances that Stoke created in the opening 20 minutes continued for much of the remaining 25. Leo Christophers was the next to make a critical defensive move, with a clean header out of a crowded box to meet another Stoke City cross in the 21st minute.

Minutes later, a penalty appeal from City was waved away by the referee, but it did not take the Potters long to establish a lead after this. In the 26th minute, Maskall’s delivery was converted by a first-time finish from Lewis Bailey, to give City the advantage.

Woking had the perfect opportunity to respond to this just after the 30-minute mark, with Boxall standing over a corner kick. A one-two with Pask, before a cross into the box, presented an opportunity to convert the set piece and wipe Stoke’s advantage, but the cross was met by Michel Zeitzen, and the scoreline remained unchanged.

City doubled their lead before half-time, with Verga doing well to save the initial shot from Nzau, with an

outstretched arm that pushed the ball back into the box. The ball, however, fell to the Stoke City attack, which was played back out to Maskall who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

After the restart, Woking went close to getting one back, Pask drove towards goal and switched the ball across the field to Jalil Page. Page, however, didn’t get the connection he wanted and fired over the bar in Woking’s last chance of the half.

HALF-TIME: STOKE CITY U18 2 – 0 WOKING U18

With no changes for either side at half-time, the game got back underway in a similar fashion to how the first half played out.

In the 50th minute, Stoke made a similar move to how they scored their opener, but on this occasion, the first-time shot was not as accurate, and the attempt was well defended. The resulting corner was another chance that the Potters almost capitalised on, with the header being fired just over the bar.

Another couple of corners in quick succession saw another effort over the crossbar, and another ball into the box that went all the way over the penalty area and out, with City threatening to make it three.

And they managed this on the 60-minute mark, just after a ball over the top from Stevens was chased down by Lewis, but Zeitzen got there first and regained possession for the Potters. Back down the other end, a through ball split the defence and fell nicely for Bailey who struck the ball against the underside of the bar and into the back of the net to get his second of the night.

Carrying momentum, Stoke City nearly had a fourth as Tommy Seale lost out in midfield, and Stoke drove forward to fire a ball just wide of Verga’s goal.

Woking created a number of chances of their own in the closing stages, firstly with a great touch to manoeuvre through the Stoke midfield and a switch of play from Akinwalere looking to make for a promising move. The move, however, was blocked

by City before it became too much of a threat on Zeitzen’s goal.

Stanley Kyle went the closest to getting one back in the 78th minute, where he linked up with fellow substitute Jermaine Young, who had made a good move into the box and spotted Kyle’s run to set him up just in front of goal. The effort, which looked set to hit the back of the net, was defended well by Stoke captain Freddie Anderson, to maintain his side’s clean sheet.

A dangerous cross from Stoke in the 84th minute looked to be curling towards the back post, with a great defensive header from Lewis which directed the ball away from goal and over the heads of the City attack eliminating the immediate threat.

Stoke ended the second half in the same way that they started the first, with a goal that was overturned by the offside flag. Another threatening cross was turned in by Elliot Fearn, but the goal did not stand and, after 4 minutes of stoppage time was played out, the clash ended in a 0 - 3 loss for the young Cards. With Stoke through to host West Bromwich Albion in the next round.

Goals: Bailey 26, 60, Maskall 40.

Woking: Mikey Verga, Jack Lewis, Jacob Farr ©, Tommy Seale, Harrison Stevens, Dillan Davies (Aidy Silverstein 62’), Louis Pask (Sam Brittain 79’), Leo Christophers, Jalil Page (Stanley Kyle 62’), Lucas Boxall (Jermaine Young 76’), Tom Dryer (Seyi Akinwalere 62’). Unused subs: Louie Boyle, Harry White (GK).

THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER

Abbey Rangers U21 1 - 3 Woking U21

Suburban Football League – Premier Division

Abbey Rangers FC Development

Addlestone Moor

This was not as straightforward an evening as it might have been for Woking, and Abbey Rangers were left to rue what might have been.

The early exchanges gave both teams reason for optimism. Harvey Brook and Byron Mitchell combining well up front for Woking, and James Orton required to cover well when Abbey progressed beyond Woking’s centre-backs.

Abbey looked to have the upper-hand when Henry McDonald was given a temporary dismissal after 25 minutes, but were not able to capitalise on the ten-minute one-man advantage.

It looked like half-time would come without the deadlock being broken, until Mitchell did really well to win the ball and find Ryan Scott with a cross-field pass. Scott’s control and turn were excellent, and were matched by a fine left-foot strike in to the far corner from 15 yards.

HALF-TIME: ABBEY RANGERS U21 0 – 1 WOKING U21

Although both sides had half-chances, Woking had the upper-hand, and doubled their lead after 62 minutes. Brook and Mitchell were involved in the build-up, Scott played a smart ball low across the area, and Brook was quickly across his marker to side-foot home from 6 yards.

Woking did require another excellent covering challenge from Orton, but continued to press forwards, Brook and Jalil Page both winning corners, Mitchell getting a neat flick on to a Scott cross which Daniel Cruz was grateful went straight at him, and Scott close himself with a headed chance.

On 79 minutes Jools Lacey made a great save as Rangers sought to get back in to the game, but on 84 minutes he could not keep out a 30-yard freekick from Stuart Mortimer, getting a good hand to the ball, but the power on the strike was enough to take it into the net.

Woking responded well, trialist Samuel Tesfu coming off the substitutes bench, his runs testing the Abbey defence, and teeing up fellow substitute Bobby Lawrence, who drove the ball superbly towards the top corner from the edge of the area, drawing a very good save from Cruz.

An 89th minute Woking corner resulted in an injury for Charlie Sweeney, and with Woking having made all their outfield substitutions Sweeney continued valiantly, despite now running with a limp. Whilst the 8 minutes of added time would not have been welcomed by Sweeney, especially when he was called in to action, it did provide more highlights.

Rangers sought an equaliser, but were thwarted by some excellent break-up play from Brook. Then Page won the ball well 30 yards from goal, but having elected to gain some ground before shooting, found Cruz back in position to gather the effort.

The game had a fitting finale, Tesfu holding the ball up well and setting up Brook for an excellent strike from the edge of the area into the top corner. Brook had played well throughout and rightfully enjoyed his match-winning contribution.

A result which sees Woking lead the pack behind Bromley at the top of the league, and Abbey Rangers unable to lift themselves off the bottom.

Abbey Rangers: Daniel Cruz, Jack Lynch, Dom Richards, Braydon Tanner, Oscar House, Nahum Davies, Diego Bruno, Stuart Mortimer, Justice Amuzu, Bailey Tanner (c), Breece Lendo. Subs: Rob Hilson, Rufus Lewis, Mohamed Defairi, Ache Atem, Tchoumou Gbegbo, Ryan Bulingo.

Goal: Mortimer 84.

Woking: Jools Lacey, Louie Boyle (George GaleaElston 77), Tom Gardner (c), Charlie Sweeney,

James Orton, Ryan Scott, Henry McDonald (Bobby Lawrence 77), Jermaine Young, Seyi Akinwalere (Jalil Page 64), Harvey Brook, Byron Mitchell (Samuel Tesfu 77). Unused sub: Mikey Verga (GK).

Goals: Scott 45+2, Brook 62, 90+8. Referee: Thomas Murray.

LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:

Tuesday 10th December

Byron Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Started and scored on 29 minutes (to make it 1 – 2) in the 1 – 3 defeat at Abbey Rangers in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).

Saturday 14th December

Lui Edwards, Forward, 4th year – Westfield: Played 89 minutes of the 2 –2 draw against Raynes Park Vale in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).

Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Was substituted after 69 minutes, having scored after 32 minutes to make it 1 – 1, of the 2 – 2 draw at Sandhurst in the Combined Counties League –Premier Division South (Step 5).

Byron Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Came on as a 76th minute substitute (with the score at 3 – 0) in the 5 – 0 win over Alton in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).

Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game of the 2 – 2 draw against Knaphill in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).

AcADEMY

The Woking FC Academy has been operating in its current format for over a decade with the aim of helping talented young footballers make progress into the club's first team set up or in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies.

For the 2024/25 season, the youth and academy setup runs in three stages; a pre-academy for six to nine-year-olds, a youth academy for nine to 16-year-olds, and a full-time academy for talented young players above the age of 16, including an education plan.

The Academy works with the Football Club's partner charitable and community organisation, Cardinals in the Community (CITC).

Notable academy graduates in recent history include Woking legends Craig Ross and Joe McNerney, Wrexham's Ollie Palmer, and exChelsea and now-Reading's Jayden Wareham.

PRE-ACADEMY

The Pre-Academy is for the very youngest players, covering U7s, U8s and U9s. Meeting once a week, players train and learn in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of our coaches. Players that show real talent have the opportunity to progress to Woking FC Academy Youth.

The Pre-Academy trains at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:00.

YOUTH ACADEMY

Starting with U9s and progressing through the age groups right up to U16s, players train with our Academy coaches and have the opportunity to play competitively in the Junior Premier League. Training is held twice weekly at CITC’s sports hub, within the grounds of Woking College, and matches are played on Saturdays. At this level, players are able to continue playing for their grassroots clubs.

As with the main Academy, players receive a progress report twice per season, which helps identify areas of their game to work on and improve. U16s players are assessed throughout the season with a view to being invited to join Woking FC Academy.

WOKING FC ACADEMY

Woking FC Academy is a National League licensed academy. We aim to develop each and every player to reach their full potential, instilling ambition and a professional attitude. We work as closely as possible to Category 3 Academy standards, creating a professional environment in which players thrive.

Players train 5-6 hours per week at CITC’s sports hub. Their development is supported by video analysis of training and matches, group workshops and strength and conditioning sessions. One-to-one reviews are held twice every season, along with player reports so that both the coaching staff and the players themselves have a clear focus on individual development.

Woking FC Academy plays competitive matches in the U18 Isthmian League, U19 National League and also have the opportunity to play in U23 fixtures. Players in our Elite Development Plan (EDP) compete in the Tactic League and National B League. Cup competitions are a feature of the fixture calendar. Pre-season training includes friendlies and there are opportunities to travel abroad for football tours and tournaments, including the Gothia Cup.

Our football timetable is planned in conjunction with players’ education. Academy players can

choose to attend Woking College or focus on gaining the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, which is delivered by SCL Education at Westfield FC. Players on the EDP pathway study towards the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 3 A levels) with SCL.

AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS

Under 23s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)

Play in: Suburban Football League - Premier Division

Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30

Under 19s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)

National League U19 Alliance - Academy South Division

Home games: Westfield FC, weekdays, daytime

Under 19B - predominantly U17s - first years

National League U19 Alliance - Division E Woking College, weekdays, daytime

Under 18s - predominantly U17s - first years

Pitching In Isthmian Football League - Youth West Division

Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30

Players will also have the chance to represent the academy in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

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MANAGER: NEAL ARDLEY

DAN MOSS

JACOB JONES

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JAMIE ANDREWS

HARRY BEAUTYMAN

DALE GORMAN

LEWIS WALKER

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MATT WARD

RAHEEM CONTE

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ALT R IN C hA M fC

MANAGER: PHIL PARKINSON

ETHAN ROSS

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EDDY JONES

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JAKE COOPER

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ISAAC MARRIOTT

REGAN LINNEY

ALEX NEWBY

JUSTIN AMALUZOR

MATTY KOSYLO

JAMES JONES

LUCAS WEAVER

OWEN GERMAN

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