s ATURDAY 15 T h M AR ch kI ck OFF: 15:00 V. BARNET
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
After a run of four straight away games, with three draws and success on penalties at Oxford City, Woking return home, where they are unbeaten in eight, but will surely face their toughest test yet as rampant table toppers Barnet visit the Laithwaite.
Neal Ardley will hope to have an array of names off the treatment table and onto the pitch as soon as possible, but Saturday might come too soon for a number of players with just a week’s recovery since Boston.
It was around this time last season that an unlikely home win over Barnet dragged Woking clear of danger, so a repeat would be most welcome with Ardley hunting down the 50 point mark.
OPPOSITION WATCH
A shock 4-0 playoff defeat against Solihull Moors last season convinced Dean Brennan to go for the jugular this time around, moving on several big names such as Dale Gorman to the Cards. The league sensed that Brennan was hoping for third time lucky in the push for promotion, and reinforcements have continued all season long, with the impromptu departure of Nicke Kabamba for a large fee enabling Lee Ndlovu and Dom Telford to join the Bees.
Ndlovu is in fine form, with five goals in twelve games not telling the story of his importance.
Woking vs Banret Vanarama National League
Saturday 15th March 2025 15:00 Kick-Off
The Bees have had to ‘find a way’ as title winning teams do, and his 20 minute cameo ended with a last gasp winner against struggling Dagenham and Redbridge, who looked like they were going to be the first side to keep a clean sheet against Barnet since Boston last month.
With their last league defeat coming in late October last year, Brennan’s side have built up an 11 point gap, meaning that ultimately, extending that unbeaten run into April should theoretically clinch the title.
AROUND THE GROUND
Ticket information is available here
LAST TIME OUT
Goals from former Card Rhys Browne and Bailey Hobson either side of half time secured a comfortable 2-0 win for Barnet back in November, with this being their third 2-0 home win over the Cards in as many games.
Last season, a Kevin Berkoe goal defeated the promotion chasing Bees 1-0 at the Laithwaite, with the reverse coming in August 2023 at the Hive as previously mentioned.
Since the Cards were promoted in 2019, the sides have met eleven times, with Woking winning four, Barnet five and two 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.
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
So C IAL
SUNDAY 4TH MAY
Woking
END OF SEASON - FAMILY FUN DAY
SUNDAY 4th MAY - 10am-6pm
SPONSOR YOUR
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 27. Dion Kelly-Evans
11. Dennon Lewis 16. Tunji Akinola
15. Adam Chicksen
4. Chinwike Okoli
20. Junior Morias Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available
26. Tom Dryer
19. Jokubas Mazionis
14. Tariq Hinds
30. Frank Vincent
12. Inih Effiong
24. Rohan Ince
31. Aiden O'Brien 39. Leo Christophers
17. Matt Ward
10. Lewis Walker
23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Neal Ardley Simon Bassey
Dan Rowe
Craig Mackail-Smith
Malcolm Jobling
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
SUPPORTERS COACHES
Supporters Coaches are subject to having enough bookings to run. The following trips are now on sale:
WEALDSTONE
ALDERSHOT TOWN
For more information, email adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10!
Please join up or renew CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Nthanda Chinere - March 18th - 11 years old.
400 CLUB
February draw
£100 Number 249 George Burnett
£75 Number 392 David Morris
£50 Number 88 Brian Avery
Congratulations to the winners!
The 400 club units are just £12 each per year.
To learn more and take part please contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
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.
THE CARDS TRUST LAUNCHES A FAN WALL NEW fAN WALL SLG
The Supporters’ Liaison Group is designed to a ct as the bridge between all Woking FC fans and Woking Football Club by:
Providing communication channels for ALL supporters (whether or not members of the Cardinals Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust) to give constructive comments about issues relating to fan experience for the attention of senior staff and owners of the Football Club.
Convening regular liaison meetings directly with senior staff and owners of the Football Club to facilitate dialogue and ensure ALL fans have a
You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by clicking here (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.
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.
OUR SUPPORTERS LIAISON GROUP IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
voice on key matters affecting them (in addition to the existing route via the Cardinal Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust representative on the Football Club Board).
Encouraging fan consultation on issues affecting supporters.
We were delighted to recently welcome new members to the SLG and a very positive Zoom meeting was held with the clubs majority shareholder. Our first meeting is 20th March at The Laithwaite Community Stadium.
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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 4 Radcliffe (FA Trophy)
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Gainsborough Trinity (FA Trophy)
Sat Feb 8 York City
Tue Feb 11 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Wed Feb 19 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 Oxford City (FA Trophy QF)
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Tue Mar 25 FC Halifax Town
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Wed Apr 1 Rochdale
Sat Apr 5 Aldershot Town
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 STATS
INTERACTiVE QUiz
MATCHDAY MASCoTS
He is 12 years old and has been a Woking supporter since myself and his Nan took him to matches. As I have been a Woking supporter since I was about 3 years old. My dad took me to matches, so as a Grandad I started taking Jimmy. Also my other 3 Grandsons.
Benjamin is a defender for the Woking U11 Youth Academy and is a big fan of Woking FC. He can’t wait to walk out onto the pitch with the team.
Happy 9th birthday Charlie, Charlie has been a big Woking fan since the age of 5 and follows them home and away, his favourite play is Will Jääskeläinen, and in the future Charlie hopes to be Woking number 1.
Zac is 9 years old and is following in his Grandads footsteps supporting The Cards. His favourite player is Dan Moss and hopes he will be playing today. Zac wishes the team good luck today and will be cheering them on this afternoon, along with Grandad (& the rest of the family)
Robert has a passion for football and loves Woking football club hes favourite player is Lewis walker and his score prediction is 2-1
BENJAMIN ROBERT
CHARLIE
JIMMY
ZAC
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday to a wonderful Uncle (Noff) – enjoy your day!
Here’s to many more games, celebrations, and fun moments shared. With love and best wishes from your Nephew Romeo
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
• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.
• Pre-match stadium tour
• 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
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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.
ACADEMY BULLETIN
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 3rd March 2025
WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH
11:30 – Woking U17 v Bromley U17
National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
14:00 – Maidstone United U19 v Woking U19
National League Academy – South Division
The Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone ME14 1LQ
FRIDAY 7TH MARCH
19:45 – Bromley U23 v Woking U21
Suburban League – Premier Division Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF
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.The Academy website - wokingcitc.org
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
WEDNESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY
Woking U19 5 - 1 Maidenhead United U19; National League Academy – South Division Woking College, Rydens Way
This was a game that Woking should have been expecting to win, and they ultimately secured a victory, although the scoreline was a little harsh on a Maidenhead side which certainly gave the hosts some uncomfortable moments.
Indeed, the visitors took the lead after 4 minutes. A goal which followed a scramble where Mikey Verga in the Woking goal looked to have claimed the ball, only for the challenge on him to be allowed, resulting in Ethan Kitching being able to knock the ball in from a few yards out.
Of greater concern to Woking was an injury to the right side of the shin to Jacob Farr sustained in the scramble, Jacob left the field of play limping very heavily and supported by colleagues, it appears to be soft tissue bruising rather than anything more, and we wish him a speedy recovery. James Orton, who had started the previous Academy South game, came on as a direct replacement on the left side of the back four.
Woking sought to re-exert control and the game became rather locked in a midfield tussle. Although Woking were relieved to see the offside flag when Maidenhead had the ball in the net on 22 minutes.
As Woking became more dominant, they took the game to their opponents well, and the first clear chance came on 37 minutes. Henry McDonald, who had started ahead of Ollie Mason as Mason had played for Ascot United the previous evening, got an excellent touch on a Ryan Scott cross, and it looked like the ball was over Joseph Hybert before the ‘keeper got an excellent touch to tip it over the bar.
Tom Gardner was called on to provide defensive cover, but he was about to play a significant role in the game being turned around before half-time. Woking were to make the most of the time added on, largely for the treatment of Farr, and were level on 45+1 minutes. A neat passing move involving Orton and Jojo Ampah gave Leo Christophers the chance to hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the penalty area past Hybert and into the roof of the net.
On 45+4 minutes the turnaround was complete. Scott delivering a pinpoint corner kick to the far post, where Gardner rose to power home his header.
Half-time: Woking 2 – 1 Maidenhead United
The Cards continued where they had left off, and extended their lead on 51 minutes. A fine cross from Jack Lewis, overlapping on the right-hand side, was met six yards out by Ampah, who hit the ball low and hard, earning a just reward for his persistent running in to good positions.
Maidenhead responded with a triple substitution, but it would be Woking who maintained the upper hand with a tactical change of their own. Louie Boyle coming on in a more forward position than usual, allowing Woking to play a more fluid style, along the lines of 3-4-3.
However, although Woking were largely in control, Maidenhead did have an opportunity from the penalty spot to half the deficit. Unfortunately for Soul Hale, who was having a strong game as an attacking full-back, his kick the bar, and was cleared by Gardner as it came back into play.
Woking maintained control, and as the visitors looked to be tiring, went forward in search of more goals. On 83 minutes they had one of real quality. A team passing move ended with Christophers playing the ball to Stanley Kyle, who put it on a plate for Lucas Boxall to hit a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner.
Maidenhead did respond, Aidy Silverstein doing well to deal with the threat of Senna Anagho, but Woking were to put the icing on the cake on 87 minutes. Boxall broke up the opposition play and a great through ball from Kyle put Boyle in to finish across the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner, for the first year’s first national academy league goal for the club.
Silverstein nearly put the cherry on top in added time, acrobatically getting a shot away which Hybert did well to tip over the bar. A pleasing result as Woking look to end the season strongly, with a tough visit to second place Maidstone United next on the fixture list.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Jack Lewis, Tom Gardner ©, Charlie Sweeney (Aidy Silverstein 70), Jacob Farr (James Orton 8), Ryan Scott, Leo Christophers, Henry McDonald (Tommy Seale 76), Lucas Boxall, Ben Mitchell (Louie Boyle 54), Jojo Ampah (Stanley Kyle 70).
Goals: Christophers 45+1, Gardner 45+4, Ampah 51, Boxall 83, Boyle 87.
Maidenhead United: Joseph Hybert, Anton Watson, Ethan Kitching © (Finnley Viotto 52), Harry Pashley, Soul Hale, Nathan Long, Ethan Holliday (Jay Mason 52), Kian Mirnam (Rio McFarlane 73), Nuno Cook (Senna Anagho 73), Ryo Kanishiro (Joe Reid 52), Quaye Vine.
Goal: Kitching 4.
Referee: Lee Murphy.
THURSDAY 27TH FEBRUARY
East Grinstead Town U18 P - P Woking U18; Isthmian League – Central Division
Postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at East Court College Lane, East Grinstead
FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
Bracknell Town U23 4 - 1 Woking U21 Suburban League – Premier Division Bottom Meadow, Sandhurst
on 90+8 minutes, and this was to prove another difficult evening.
A concerning trend for Woking’s older academy players of conceding early goals continued in the second minute, Ryan Lopes finishing off a flowing move. The lead was doubled on 9 minutes, Zach Cox setting up DaQaio Stewart, with Woking again opened up more easily than they would like.
Woking were finding it difficult to threaten Bracknell’s goal, and on 27 minutes Brighton Morrison, who was controlling things in midfield alongside Zach Cox and Luka Smirnoff, nearly added a third, an audacious long-range lob going narrowly wide, with questions arising about who was meant to be marking him.
On the half-hour mark Jermaine Young and Louis Pask did combine to give Stanley Kyle a halfchance, but it was Bracknell who would score the next goal, to increase their advantage. Cox finding space to drive the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
The response of Woking’s management team was to make all 5 permitted substitutions on 40 minutes. On 44 minutes Calum Mathieson’s cross set up Henry McDonald for a shot which Nkenge Durham was equal to, but at least Woking had something positive to end the half with.
Half-time: Bracknell Town 3 – 0 Woking
Woking have struggled for consistency in the Suburban League, and although Bracknell lie below them in the table, the return fixture saw Woking only secure a draw with a Louis Pask goal
Having made the 5 substitutions, the break gave Woking the opportunity to further reorganise, and they were much more the equals of Bracknell in the second-half, with the addition of an extra man, in McDonald, in centre-midfield subduing the influence of Morrison, Cox and Smirnoff.
It was now an evenly contested match, and
Woking nearly had one back on 67 minutes. Ryan Scott’s corner headed firmly towards the top corner by Tom Gardner, only for Durham to tip over.
Bracknell then sought to strengthen their midfield, with Gavin Stagg coming on alongside Morrison, and the move looked to have them back in control, but it was Woking who would get the next goal on 85 minutes. A fine through ball from McDonald played in Mathieson, continuing his return from a 2-month absence with a hip injury, who ran in on goal and finished well with a low, hard shot from 15 yards.
But Bracknell would have the final word, a short corner routine setting up Giovanni Martino for an emphatic volleyed finish. Bracknell had seen the game out well, and there’s certainly work for the Cards to do, starting with addressing the unwanted pattern of conceding early goals.
Bracknell Town: Nkenge Durham, Nwaebube Iheaku, Malachi Henry, Jake Hunter, Julien Guzman, Brighton Morrison, Zach Cox, Luka Smirnoff, Oliver Henry, Ryan Lopes, DaQaio Stewart. Substitutes: Giovanni Martino, Gavin Stagg, Felicien Leger, Aidan McGuire, Razvan Roman.
Goals: Lopes 2, Stewart 9, Morrison 38, Martino 87.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Ryan Scott, George Galea-Elston (Tom Gardner 40 ©), Aidy Silverstein, James Orton (Jayden Smith 40), Louie Boyle, JJ Young, Tommy Seale, Louis Pask (Calum Mathieson 40), Harvey Brook (Henry McDonald 40), Stanley Kyle © (Seyi Akinwalere 40).
Goal: Mathieson 85.
Referee: David Cox.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY
Oliver Mason, Central Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Played the full match in the 3 – 2 victory at Westfield in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4). Westfield led 2 – 0 in this match.
Louis Pask, Midfielder, 2nd year – Camberley Town: An unused substitute for the 2 – 1 victory at Chipstead in the Combined Counties League –Premier Division South (Step 5). Camberley had a man sent off on 36 minutes and scored their winner on 90+6 minutes.
SATURDAY 1ST MARCH
Sam Brittain, Midfield, 2nd year – Virginia Water: Came on as a 71st minute substitute in the 1 – 3 defeat to Edgware & Kingsbury in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division North (Step 5).
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as a 71st minute substitute in the 2 – 0 victory over Balham in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Oliver Mason, Central Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Came on as a 65th minute substitute in the 0 – 3 defeat at Leatherhead in the Isthmian LeagueSouth Central Division (Step 4). Ollie came on when the score was already 0 – 3.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Came on as a 71st minute substitute in the 2 – 1 victory over Epsom & Ewell in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5). Ben came on when the score was 1 – 1 (with Sid Cannon scoring the winner on 75 minutes), but was sent off for a second caution on 88 minutes.
Louis Pask, Midfielder, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Started and played 63 minutes of the 2 – 0 victory over Balham in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
WOkING Fc bARNET Fc
MANAGER: NEAL ARDLEY
DAN MOSS
JACOB JONES
CHINWIKE OKOLI
TIMI ODUSINA
JAMIE ANDREWS
HARRY BEAUTYMAN
DALE GORMAN
AIDEN O'BRIEN
LEWIS WALKER
DENNON LEWIS
INIH EFFIONG
TARIQ HINDS
ADAM CHICKSEN
TUNJI AKINOLA
MATT WARD
JOKUBAS MAZIONIS
JUNIOR MORIAS
BEN WYNTER
WILL JÄÄSKELÄINEN
JERMAINE ANDERSON
ROHAN INCE
DION KELLY-EVANS
OLLIE WEBBER
FRANK VINCENT
LEO CHRISTOPHERS
MANAGER: DEAN BRENNAN
TOBY SAVIN
REECE HALL-JOHNSON
BEN COKER
DANNY COLLINGE
JEROME OKIMO
RHYS BROWNE
LEE NDLOVU
CALLUM STEAD
IDRIS KANU
HARRY CHAPMAN
OWEN EVANS
DOM TELFORD
RYAN GLOVER
ZAK BRUNT
ANTHONY HARTIGAN
MARK SHELTON
BILLY CLIFFORD
ADEBOLA OLUWO
JOE GRIMWOOD
NIKOLA TAVARES
MYLES KENLOCK
SHANE MAROODZA
JOE KIZZI
RICHARD NARTEY
JORDAN CROPPER
MAX RINDER
ROHAT MATYAR
AARON LIWALA
PABLO KALAMARAS
PEDRO BUBURUZAN
GIOSUE BELLAGAMBI
UP NEXT AT HOME
FC HALIFAX TOWN
25TH MARCH | 19:45
