Woking FC v Barnet FC

W KING

SATURDAY 16TH MARCH 2024

KICK OFF: 15:00

Kevin Berkoe

Chief

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CEO NOTES

JoHN kATZ

Greetings and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as the Cards welcome our visitors from Barnet.

I’d like to welcome former Card Nicke Kabamba, along with members of the Barnet management team and Board of Directors.

It’s been a great run of form over the past 5 matches. The lads have taken 10 points from a possible 15, conceding just 1.1 goals per match. Despite having the better of the Dale for nearly the entire match, Tuesday’s defeat in Rochdale

“In the face of adversity, Doyler’s side has been resilient, has left everything on the pitch and has shown massive amounts of character.”

“Over the next 5 weeks, with 7 matches and 21 points to play for beginning today, we inch closer to maintaining our status in the division.”

was unfair on the lads as they did everything possible to get back into the game after a controversial red card was given against Dion Kelly-Evans.

Over the next 5 weeks, with 7 matches and 21 points to play for beginning today, we inch closer to maintaining our status in the division. After today, we face Southend (A), Eastleigh (H), Bromley (A), Dag & Red (H), York (A) and the season finale vs AFC Fylde (H).

This has been a trying season for the football club, but the keys to staying up are a solid management team and a changing room filled with players who understand exactly what

the next 5 weeks mean to this Club, our supporters and the community.

In the face of adversity, Doyler’s side has been resilient, has left everything on the pitch and has shown massive amounts of character. That character comes from the top – including the manager and his coaches, the senior players and even the newly-signed and loan players.

There’s a bit of momentum behind them, and I couldn’t be more pleased seeing Michael’s vision come to fruition (despite the injuries). Let’s continue to throw our support behind Doyler and the boys. They (and we) need you.

Thank you all, as always, for your continued support. It means the world to our entire Club.

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.

Best,

John Katz Chief Executive

MANAGER

MICHAEL doYLE

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 Premier League,

The FA and Government are together for football. Unlocking the power of pitches to transform lives and strengthen communities.

AHEAd of THE GAME

Woking vs Barnet

Vanarama National League

Saturday 16th March 2024

15:00 Kick-Off

Woking return to the Laithwaite on Saturday to host Barnet, following backto-back away games in the North West.

After late defeat at Rochdale, Michael Doyle will hope to have players back with his injury list mounting. New signing Finn Delap, on loan from Burton Albion could make his debut after Scott Cuthbert completed back-to-back 90 minutes, whilst Dion Kelly-Evans will be suspended after he saw red at Spotland on Tuesday night.

Jayden Luker, who missed the last two games with a knock, could be back in contention, whilst news will be awaited on the availability of Ricky Korboa, Tunji Akinola and Manny Oyeleke. Charley Kendall, with four goals in his last five, will hope to continue a rich vein of form against the Bees.

OPPOSITION WATCH

Dean Brennan’s Bees have built well on last season’s fifth placed finish, occupying a space in the top three for most of the season. However, recent injuries, namely to former Card Nicke Kabamba, who has 19 league goals so far this season, have derailed the promotion push somewhat.

A disappointing FA Trophy defeat at Bromley last weekend highlighted a recent wobble, as three defeats in their last six games has opened the door for the chasing pack below. However, Callum Stead has stepped up and has six goals in his last seven games, which has softened the blow of losing Kabamba.

Barnet currently sit second, two points ahead of Bromley in third, but with no chance of winning the league. In fact, a Woking win and a Chesterfield win at Oldham on Saturday would win the Spireites the title already. They have 68 points from 37 games, and have scored 69 goals and conceded 51.

LAST TIME OUT

A Zak Brunt double gave the dominant Bees all three points at the Hive in August, a 2-0 scoreline flattering Woking on that occasion.

It was the same scoreline at the Hive in August 2022 as well, although Woking were unlucky to be held to a 1-1 draw in March 2023, with Laurie Walker’s heroics twice denying Rhys Browne from the spot.

Overall, in 18 meetings between the sides since 2003, Woking have won four times, Barnet on five occasions, and there have been nine draws.

TICKET INFORMATION

Adults: £20

Concession: £15

Next-Gen (17-22): £12

Under 17 (14-16): £8

Under 14 (13 & under): £5

AROUND THE GROUND

Ticket information is available here.

LUCK OF THE IRISH

We will be celebrating the St Patrick's Day weekend with some special offers and an exclusive giveaway.

Every attendee to the match will be entered into a draw for a FREE 2024/25 Season Ticket!

Guinness will be added to the ever-popular preand post-match Happy Hour offerings.

Ireland vs. Scotland in the Six Nations will be shown LIVE in Cardinals Bar.

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.

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.

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 01483967229, or come to reception Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00, or matchdays, 09:00 - half-time.

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

Introducing the Woking Weekender! We are excited to launch this year's three-day event!

Two legends in the lounge. Martin Tyler will be hosting our evening with Glenn Hoddle! He

backing.

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

FidE eT diLiGENTiA

Woking FC 2023/24 Kits

Supplied by ProDirect Clubhouse, the shirts will be available in-store at the Laithwaite Community Stadium for the home match.

MATCH ACTIoN

A team you can count on

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For sponsorship enquiries email admin@wokingfc.co.uk

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SPONSORED BY

14. Rhys Browne

16. Tunji Akinola SPONSOR AVAILABLE

4. Scott Cuthbert

2. Dan Moss

Rosemary Johnson & Matthew Erskine

17. Jim Kellermann

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18. Manny Oyeleke

6. Luke Wilkinson

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22. Will Jääskeläinen

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9. Reece Grego-Cox

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7. Ricky Korboa

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11. Dennon Lewis

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21. Timi Odusina

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Dan Rowe

33. Charley Kendell

Phil Marlow

Malcolm Jobling

Motorvation & the Langridge family

Ben Turner

Michael Doyle

Deanne Goring

37. Paul Osew

29. Alfie Pavey

AVAILABLE

38. Kevin Berkoe

27. Dion Kelly-Evans

30. Josh Smith

31. Jayden Luker

32. Curtis Edwards

Marlon Beresford

28. Sam Habergham

24. Rohan Ince

23. Jermaine Anderson

Barnet

Founded in 1888, Barnet FC ceased to exist in 1901, but a local club called Barnet Avenue FC took their name. In 1912, they would join the Athenian League as inaugural members after merging with Alston Works FC to become Barnet and Alston FC.

Following the end of the First World War, they changed their name back to Barnet FC, winning their first Athenian League championship in

1931, a feat that they would repeat the following season. They were founding members of the Alliance Premier League (now the National League) in 1979, and after several close calls finally won the division under the stewardship of Barry Fry, earning promotion to the Football League in 1991.

A ten year stay in the Football League was interrupted by relegation in 2001, but after narrowly missing out on promotion in the playoffs,

Barnet won the Conference in 2005 thanks in part to top scorer (and former Card) Giuliano Grazioli with 29 goals for the season.

An emotional season in 2013 ended with the last ever game at Underhill finishing 1-0 against Wycombe courtesy of Jake Hyde’s goal, but despite the signing of former Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids, the Bees were once again relegated. Their first season at the Hive was an instant success, as led by Martin Allen, Barnet won the Conference for a record third time.

However, relegation in 2017-18 meant National League football once again for the Bees, and they haven’t returned since. Spearheaded by Dean Brennan, last season ended in

disappointment in the eliminator against Boreham Wood, but with Barnet firmly in the top three, could this be the season where they return to the EFL? Captain Dale Gorman was managed by Darren Sarll at both Stevenage and Yeovil, but he’s yet to feature in 2024 after injury. Nicke Kabamba with 19 league goals so far this season will be a threat should he play, he’s currently recovering from injury as well.

In his absence, Callum Stead has stepped up. Signed from National League North playoff finalists Brackley Town, the versatile forward has 11 for the season, including 6 in his last 7. Danny Collinge, a former England U18 international has scored 6 so far this season from centre back, he’s one to watch.

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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 Hemel Hempstead (FAC)

Tue Oct 17 Hemel Hempstead (FAC)

Sat Oct 21 Dagenham & Redbridge

Tue Oct 24 Eastleigh

Sat Oct 28 Bromley

NOVEMBER

Sat Nov 04 Ramsgate (FAC)

Sat Nov 11 Oxford City

Sat Nov 18 Oldham Athletic

Tue Nov 21 Chesterfield

Sat Nov 25 Boreham Wood

DECEMBER

Sat Dec 09 Weston-super-Mare (FAT R3)

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

Tue Jan 23 Chesterfield

Sat Jan 27 Oldham Athletic

FEBRUARY

Sat Feb 03 Boreham Wood

Tue Feb 06 Oxford City

Sat Feb 10 Hartlepool United

Sat Feb 17 FC Halifax Town

Tue Feb 20 Ebbsfleet United

Sat Feb 24 Wealdstone

Tue Feb 27 Gateshead

MARCH

Sat Mar 02 Kidderminster Harriers

Sat Mar 09 Altrincham

Tue Mar 12 Rochdale

fIXTURES & RESULTS 2023/24

Tunji Akinola

Jermaine Anderson

Alexis Andre Jr.

Kevin Berkoe

Rhys Browne

Josh Casey

Scott Cuthbert

Curtis Edwards

Reece Grego-Cox

Sam Habergham

Rohan Ince

Will Jaaskelainen

Jim Kellermann

Dion Kelly-Evans

Charley Kendall

Ricky Korboa

Dennon Lewis

Jayden Luker

Dan Moss

Timi Odusina

Paul Osew

Manny Oyeleke

Alfie Pavey

Josh Smith

Lewis Walker

Luke Wilkinson

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

UPCOMING AWAY COACH TRAVEL

The Cards Trust would like to run coaches to all matches in 2024. Unfortunately increased costs mean that we are unable to run coaches to Altrincham.

Remember, members and Junior Cards save money on bookings with their membership.

SUPPORTERS COACHES

SOUTHEND UNITED

Saturday 23rd March

Coach leaves Woking FC at 11:00

BOOK HERE

BROMLEY

Monday 1st April (Easter Monday)

Coach leaves Woking FC at 11:30

BOOK HERE

Trust Members: Adults £22, U16's & Junior Cards £17

Non Members: Adults £27, U16's £22

Outward Only £15, Return Only £15

If you have any questions then please drop me an email at: adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk

BOOST THE BUDGET

Boost the Budget has been able to support the Club by funding the loan of Jayden Luker to the end of the season.

You can take part online here or get a form from the Trust office on a match day. All monies raised go towards supporting Woking FC.

400 CLUB

The 400 Club had its February draw on Monday 26th. The winners were:

£100 - Number 54 – Phillip Crawford

£75 - Number 65 – Rupert Phillips

£50 - Number 60 – Bill Sutton

Contact John. hooker@cardstrust.co.uk to take part or get additional numbers.

RACE NIGHT

The Trust is repeating its very popular RACE NIGHT on Saturday 16th after the Barnet game in the Cardinals' Bar. Admission is £1.00 in advance and tickets and race and runner sponsorships can be booked on the Cards Trust website.

GOLDRUSH

Today’s Goldrush will be a hybrid of online and ‘at the ground’ sales.

JUNIOR CARDS BIRTHDAYS

Nthanda Chinere - 18th March - 10 years old

MATCHdAY MASCoTS

CHARLIE CHESNAIS, 8

Happy 8th birthday Charlie! Charlie Is football crazy….plays for Farncombe youth and Surrey Nomads and spends any free moment out the front with his brother playing football. Charlie is a massive Woking fan and attends as many games as possible with his dad, brother, pop's, uncles and cousins. COME ON YOU CARDS!!

SURREY ~ SUSSEX ~ HAMPSHIRE

Portable Toilet Unit Hire for all Construction Sectors

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

Portable Toilet Unit Hire for Public & Private Events

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.

CARDS INTO CHAIRMAN'S CUP SEMI FINALS

WOKING FC WOMEN 4 3

WINCHESTER CITY FLYERS

Woking took another step closer to retaining their SRWFL Chairman’s Cup title thanks to a hard-fought victory at Sheerwater’s Eastwood Centre against tier-five side Winchester City Flyers. A late second-half strike, added to a dominant first 45 minutes, was enough for the squad of 11 to get over the line and into the Semi-Final.

The Cards got off to a flyer in the first five minutes when Bianca Underhill’s corner from the left-hand side was headed into the back of the net by a visiting player, and then two minutes after that, it was two. This time, a piece of incredible skill by Gaby Hobday allowed her to find Charlotte Keenan at the back post who played the ball

back to Trudy Bryan-Kerr to tap home from close range. This was Trudy’s 11th goal of the season and her 9th in cup competitions.

Winchester’s first chance came when an audacious attempt from the halfway line was just pushed away from danger by Amy Jenkins in goal. The resulting corner was also cleared.

Within 20 minutes of the game, the hosts had taken the South Coast team to the cleaners and made it three to the good. This time Helen Ogle made a super run on the left and found a cross into the box which deflected into the path of Sheena Nichol and was fired home into the roof of the net. The number 8 who turns 26 on Tuesday continued

where she left off on this pitch, with another great strike on the edge of the box.

Gaby had been running rings out on the lefthand side all game and had an opportunity to grab a fourth but forced a great diving save from the goalkeeper.

Winchester came close on a handful of occasions and was denied by Amy but had an even greater chance that should have been converted, but instead, was smashed against the crossbar.

Just before half-time, Winchester’s number 10 was booked for dissent towards the referee.

HT: Woking 3-0 Winchester City Flyers

In the second half, the visitors had the luxury of making roll-on-roll-off substitutions and it caught the home side out. They pulled a goal back in the early stages of the second half after a misstimed pass from Amy at the back.

Bianca nearly added to her goal tally straight from kick-off when her cross-shot from the right agonisingly hit the bar before being booted away.

The visitors were applying plenty of pressure and had got a second goal in the 70th minute with a loose ball being punished. The starting XI were on course for 180 minutes in the space of a week without any substitutions available and it started to show towards the end of the game. However, the players dug deep and showed their commitment to the badge when they found a fourth five minutes later. Sheena played an excellent pass in behind the defence which Gaby tucked away first time to restore a twogoal advantage.

Winchester did grab a third right at the death but ultimately it was the Cards who marched on into the last four of the competition.

FT: Woking 4-3 Winchester City Flyers

A spectacular performance with the circumstances surrounding the team starts the month of March with a great win against a team in the division above. Whilst promotion is off the table this season, the team will be looking to finish inside the top three with two league games left and of course, this Semi-final that is soon to come.

Starting XI: Jenkins, Mitchell, Cotter ©, Burgess, Underhill, Theocharous, Nichol, Ogle, Hobday, Bryan-Kerr, Keenan

Attendance: 27

Players of the Match: Efrosyni Theocharous & Gaby Hobday

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 2023/24 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.

ACAdEMY BULLeTIN

EMPHATIC WINS AND LATE WINNERS

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Week commencing 11th March 2024

TUESDAY 12TH MARCH

19:45 – Marlow U23 v Woking U23

Suburban League Cup Plate, Quarter – Final Alfred Davis Memorial Ground, Oak Tree Road

WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH

11:30 – Woking U17 v Hertford Town Whites National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way

14:00 – Woking U19 v Dover Athletic U19

National League Alliance – Academy South Westfield FC, Woking Park

THURSDAY 14TH MARCH

19:30 – Haywards Heath Town U18 v Woking U18, Isthmian Football League – Youth West Division; Hanbury Park, Allen Road

FRIDAY 15TH MARCH

19:45 – Aldershot Town U23 v Woking U23, Suburban Football League SB Stadium, Bottom Meadow, Sandhurst

For up-to-date information on fixtures refer to the Woking Football Club Academy Twitter page.

MATCH REPORTS

Week commencing 4th March

WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH

Southend United U19 0 – 5 Woking U19

National League Alliance Academy South; Bowers & Pitsea FC

With 4 wins and 3 draws from their previous 7 games Woking were confident going in to this fixture against one of their mid-table rivals, and rightly so.

Southend missed their best chance to take the lead, when on 22 minutes they were awarded a penalty as Joe Poxon was brought down just inside the area. Lewis Mouland guessed correctly and turned away Beau MacDonald’s low penalty to his lefthand side.

Woking were in the ascendancy and Luke Cerullo spilt a cross before immediately atoning for the mistake by saving at the feet of Ben Mitchell. And on 38 minutes the pressure finally told on the Blues back-line and when the defence failed to clear a cross,

Harry Newbould was on hand to fire a fine leftfooted strike into the net.

Woking were getting to grips with how to play against the very high Southend back line, and on 44 minutes Ryan Scott doubled the advantage for Woking. Hitting a free-kick from right on the edge of the penalty area into the corner of the net. The free kick won by Woking playing in to the space behind their opponents defence, with the chasing defender fortunate not to be dismissed for the foul challenge.

Half-time: Southend United U19 0 – 2 Woking U19

Southend started the second-half well, Woking perhaps still thinking about the visit from a rat to their changing room during the break, and Blake dragged a shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post. But on 56 minutes Tom Dryer added a third for Woking, tapping in to an empty net following a misunderstanding between Cerullo and Oscar Jones.

Both sides had chances to score the next goal, but any hopes Southend had that they might be able to stage a comeback were ended on 81 minutes. Having already had one further attempt cleared off the line, Woking stretched further clear through substitute Sam Brittain, who slotted home beyond Cerullo after beating the offside trap.

And one minute later the Cards add a quickfire fifth through Mitchell, who completed an incisive break by cutting inside the retreating defender and knocking the ball in to the bottom corner.

A satisfying day, with Woking extending their winning run to three games, and now belonging in mid-table, and looking to finish as high as possible.

Woking: Lewis Mouland, Ryan Scott, Tom Gardner, Ethan Gold, Charlie Robertson (Aidy Silverstein); Ollie Mason, Alex Rihoy (Lucas Boxall), Harry Newbould; Ben Mitchell, Lui Edwards (Lewis Myrtollari), Tom Dryer (Sam Brittain). Unused Sub: Harry White (GK).

Goals: Newbould 38, Scott 44, Dryer 56, Brittain 81, Mitchell 82.

Southend: Luke Cerullo, Oscar Jones, Jake Huet, Archie McGonigle (Aidon Shehu 64), Thato Molefi (Louis Bragg 64), Joshua Jackson (Lorenzo Saponara 64), George Pulham (Cameron Hall 79), Beau MacDonald, Obinna Okafor, Ronnie Blake, Joe Poxon.

Eastleigh Blues U17 4 – 1 Woking U17 National League Alliance – Division E Ganger Farm Sports Ground, Romsey

Although this was a game against Eastleigh’s very strong second years’ side, it could have seen a very different scoreline if Woking had not been so profligate with their chances, and careless in some of their defensive work.

Woking competed well, and sought ways to combat Eastleigh’s very effective closing down of the Cards passing game, but Louie Sullivan had already made one very good save when the Blues took the lead on 26 minutes. Woking were slower than they would like to be in closing down their opponents corner routine, and Billy Brackley was able to head home relatively comfortably at the far post.

Woking found it difficult to gain the upper hand, and were let down more than once by their passing not being as sharp, or as accurate, as they would aspire to. A number of yellow cards were indicative of the Cards struggles, but they were still in the game at the half-time break.

Half-time: Eastleigh 1 – 0 Woking

Woking started the second-half well, and should have at least drawn level, if not gone ahead. Tommy Seale, Alvaro Picon, Harvey Brook, JJ Young, Jayden Smith and Byron Mitchell were

all involved in creating and trying to execute chances. Mitchell coming painfully close on 50 minutes with a deft flick past the advancing Oliver Harrison which ran agonisingly wide.

Eastleigh made the most of their repreive. Sam Godfroy had already forced Sullivan in to a good stop, when he then scored the second on 53 minutes, confidently applying the finishing touch to a very good passing move.

Still Woking looked for a way back in to the game, Seale and Mitchell both coming close to scoring. And then on 67 minutes a chance for Mitchell following excellent buil-up play from substitute Roshaun Cooper. A goalmouth scramble looked as if it would fall invitingly but the striker saw his effort to divert the ball goalwards come back off the post.

Eastleigh had ridden their luck a little, and made it 3 – 0 on 74 minutes. Sullivan misjudged his coming out of his penalty area, and Joe Ryan rounded the ‘keeper and tapped the ball home.

There was hope for the Cards on 78 minutes, a good run and cross from Brook finished by Mitchell, the pair with at least something to show for their tireless running. But another defensive lapse exposed the Cards again on 87 minutes, Connor Underhill making the most of the confusion in the Woking ranks.

The closing stages did raise a familiar question about players who have already been cautioned not being cautioned again when they commit an offence that would usually see a yellow card. Eastleigh’s Joe Mahony the beneficiary of the referee’s good nature on this occasion. Although Woking were not without similar blemish themselves.

So, a game that will provide valuable lessons as these young Cards forge their futures in the game.

Eastleigh: Oliver Harrison, Sam Godfroy, Zac Ford, Sam Aitken, Billy Brackley (Bobby Gorman 62);

Yuvras Landa, Joe Mahony; Luke Pothas (Josh Bristow 69), Lewis Puleo (Ethan Duell-Merritt 66), Joe Ryan (c), Connor Underhill. Unused Sub: Ellis Aldridge.

Goals: Brackley 26, Godfroy 53, Landa 74, Underhill 87.

Woking: Louie Sullivan, Alvaro Picon, Ben Smith, Charlie Sweeney (George Elston 78), Sean Bull; Tommy Seale (c), Harvey Brook, Finn Lawrence (Roshaun Cooper 62), JJ Young (Saadiq BanguraKerr 62), Jayden Smith (Ollie Saword 78), Byron Mitchell. Unused sub: Mikey Verga (GK).

Goal: Mitchell 78.

THURSDAY 7TH MARCH

Woking U23 1 – 0 Hartley Wintney U23 Suburban Football League, Knaphill FC, Redding Way

On an evening of missed chances it was Woking who found a winner in the fourth of six minutes added on at the end of the ninety.

With games coming thick and fast those who had come on as substitutes at Southend the previous day - Silverstein, Boxall, Myrtollari and Brittain - all took their places in the starting line-up. Encouraging too, that a number of first years are featuring at this level.

In an open attacking game, with both sides wanting to get the ball down and play, it was Harry White in the Woking goal who was the busier of the goalkeepers, certainly in the first-half, and earnt a well deserved clean sheet.

Many chances ultimately went over the bar, but on 21 minutes White made a very good save

from Sam Bartlett, who had hit his shot well, and towards the bottom corner, but not beyond the Woking stopper.

CJ Fubler in the Hartley Wintney goal was called in to action five minutes later, when Louis Pask’s free–kick cross/shot nearly found its way all the way in and needed tipping around the post.

On 35 minutes White again thwarted Bartlett, with another close range save, as both sides struggled to make a breakthrough.

Half-time: Woking 0 – 0 Hartley Wintney

If Hartley had edged the first-half, then it was Woking in the ascendency in the second. The referee waving away appeals for a penalty for a challenge on Myrtollari after 52 minutes. And as the half progressed, Silverstein, Pask, Stanley Kyle and Jamie Hilton all saw chances come and go.

Woking had to make a change on 64 minutes as Jayden Wynter caught a stray arm in the eye, and could not continue. Substitute Charlie Robertson was quickly in to the game and the Cards momentum was not broken, and fellow substitute Matt Farrelly put a difficult chance over the bar.

Woking won a number of corners, with Owen Sims pressing forward very effectively from right full-back, but they could not make the most of these, and the game seemed to be heading for a stalemate.

Then, with 94 minutes on the clock the breakthrough came. Another corner found its way to the left hand side of the box, where Jack Matton, with a Cruyff turn, was able to dribble to the by-line and pull the ball back for Kyle, six yards out, to control with his left foot and deftly flick home with the outside of his right, just inside the foot of the post. With what was to prove to be the late winner much celebrated by all in the Woking camp. Two more minutes were played, and the victory was secure.

Woking move up to a commendable fourth place and will look to catch Bromley in third.

Woking: Harry White, Owen Sims (c), Jack Matton, Aidy Silverstein, Jayden Wynter (Charlie Robertson 64) ; Jamie Hilton (Jamie Hilton 85), Lucas Boxall, Stanley Kyle; Louis Pask (Kjay Bailey 68), Lewis Myrtollari (Matt Farrelly 73), Sam Brittain: Unused sub: Louie Sullivan (GK).

Goal: Kyle 90 + 4.

Hartley Wintney: CJ Fubler, Paolo Baiati, Jake Hunter, Arokya Shrestea, Alex Livingston; Lukas Weyler (Hershel Mukaro 80), Mateo Jelicich (Anas Moussaid 90 + 2), Razvan Roman (c) (Qailo Stewart 59); Sam Bartlett, Aaron Gardiner, Isaiah Blankental (Kamal Scott 68). Unused sub: Hugh Scott (GK).

Referee: Ian Kitchen.

Attendance: 24.

MANAGER: MICHAEL DOYLE

ALEXIS ANDRÉ JR.

DAN MOSS

JOSH CASEY (C)

SCOTT CUTHBERT

LUKE WILKINSON

RICKY KORBOA

REECE

DENNON

JIM

CURTIS

DEAN BRENNAN

LAURIE

REECE

BEN

DANNY COLLINGE

MARVIN ARMSTRONG

JEROME OKIMO

COURTNEY SENIOR

DALE GORMAN

NICKE KABAMBA

CALLUM STEAD

IDRIS KANU

LUKE FREEMAN

HARRY PRITCHARD

JORDAN MAGUIRE-DREW

JACK BLOWER

ANTHONY HARTIGAN

GATLIN O'DONKOR

CONNOR STEVENS

BEN WYNTER

ADEBOLA OLUWO

ADAM THOMPSON

PATRICK MATEJKO

JOSH KEELEY

GARY HOOPER

EVRIPIDIS GRIGORIOU

JORDAN CROPPER

ZAK BRUNT