W kING
MONDAY 26 th AUGUS t kI C k OFF: 15:00
Woking Football Club Limited is a private company limited by shares registered in England, company number 03329172. Material shareholders holding in excess of 10% of the Ordinary shares of Woking Football Club Limited are currently Mr. Peter Jordan, who controls 46%, The Cardinals Supporters’ Society (Chairman Mr. Rupert Phillips) which controls 23% and Final Third Sport UK (Shareholding Directors Mr. Dwight Volpe and Mr John Katz) and which controls 14% of the voting rights in the Company.
Board of Directors: Drew Volpe, John Katz, Dave Curtis, Gareth Farrell, George Burnett
Chief Operating Officer: Dave Curtis
Company Secretary: George Burnett
Honorary Vice President: Peter Jordan
Club Ambassador: Geoff Chapple
Business Development Director: Simon Jones
Accounts & Finance Manager: Pam Stevenson
Food & Beverage Manager: Evie Carey
Sales Administrator: Issac Allen-Harris
Media Lead: Jonnie Green
Safety Officer: Amelia Tyson
Ticketing & Operations Executive: Sheena Nichol
Shop Manager: Ben Cavey
Club Chaplain: Ian Nicholson
MANAGER
MICHAel DoYle
2024/25 SeASoN 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.
AHe AD of THe GAMe
Woking will look to make it three wins and three clean sheets in a row when they welcome Hartlepool United to the Laithwaite on Bank Holiday Monday.
In front of the DAZN cameras, Michael Doyle will look to rotate the team who comprehensively defeated Ebbsfleet United at the Kuflink Stadium on Saturday, with super subs Charley Kendall and Matt Ward potentially in line to start.
OPPOSITION WATCH
Woking vs Hartlepool United Vanarama National League
Monday 26th August 2024
15:00 Kick-Off
for Pools last season, and his partnership with hometown hotshot Joe Grey will be key should Pools want to taste success this season.
AROUND THE GROUND
Tickets are available to purchase here
Details on how season ticket holders can bring a friend for free are available here.
Details on how you can help support the recovery of Gateshead midfielder Greg Olley after his horrific injury last weekend are available here.
LAST TIME OUT
Woking rescued a point at the death in front of the TNT Sports cameras thanks to Lewis Walker’s finish cancelling out Joe Grey’s early opener.
Kevin Phillips’ departure from Pools took most people by surprise, enter Darren Sarll. The former Woking boss returned to management in the North East in late April, barely a week after the season had ended. Ten players have joined Pools since, including former loan Card Billy SassDavies, veteran striker Gary Madine, and Halifax midfielder Jack Hunter.
Results so far have been indicative of a Sarll team, with two wins and two draws including a 1-0 win over his former side, Yeovil Town, on opening day. Pools flattered to deceive on Saturday, rescuing a 1-1 draw at home to Wealdstone thanks to a 98th minute Mani Dieseruvwe goal. The striker bagged 23 times
The reverse fixture fell the way of the Cards thanks to two Ricky Korboa goals helping Woking to a 2-0 scoreline back in September 2023.
In eight games between the sides, Woking have won three, Hartlepool two and there have been three 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
So C IA l
A team you can count on
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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)
Pl AYeR 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.
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. Dion Kelly-Evans
Sponsor available
Sponsor available
Sponsor available
Sponsor available
Sponsored
Sponsor
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Sponsor
11. Dennon Lewis
9. Charley Kendall
26. Tom Dryer
Rohan Ince
17. Tom Ward
16. Tunji Akinola
10. Lewis Walker 14. Deon Moore
20. Josh Smith 23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Ian Hutton
Dan Rowe
Ben Turner
Michael Doyle
Malcolm Jobling
Thinesh
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HoSPiTAliTY PACKAGe S 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 Emirates FA Cup 4Q
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
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
Sat Dec 7 Isuzu FA Trophy 3
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
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 UPDATe S
UPCOMING AWAY COACH TRAVEL
Supporters Coaches
Please note that this season we have changed U16 prices to U18 prices
Supporters Coach to Altrincham sold out, Thank you to those that travelled.
AWAY TRAVEL
Rochdale AFC CLICK HERE
Braintree Town CLICK HERE
Please contact adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk for queries
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10! Please join up or renew here: CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Max Bowyer - 16th August - 1 year old
Alfie Matthews - 18th August - 14 years old
Joseph Creaven - 19th August - 10 years old
400 CLUB
The June draw has been made using a random Number Calculator, (see below). The winning numbers are:
£100 Number 18 Wendy Denty
£75 Number 253 Andrew Laithwaite
£50 Number 439 Not renewed
REDRAWN
£50 Number 311 Marcia Northcote
Congratulations to the winners. To take part, contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
www.cardstrust.co.uk
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
GOOD START TO THE SEASON CONTINUES
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 26th August
Thursday 29th August
19:30 – Woking U21 v Metropolitan Police U21
Suburban Football League
Premier Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Sunday 1st September
14:00 – Wimborne Town Ladies v Woking Women
Southern Region
Women’s Football League Division One South
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter)
MATCH REPORTS
Week commencing 19th August
Monday 19th August
South Park Reigate U18 1 - 5 Woking U18
Isthmian Football League
Youth Central Division
King George’s Field, Whitehall Lane, South Park
After last season’s first years finished as Champions of the West Division, a reorganisation of the Divisions sees this years’ first years competing in the Central Division. This should be, overall, a sterner test, with more difficult opponents to follow. That said, this was still a very impressive performance from a new team playing their first competitive fixture together.
Unfortunately, the game did not get off to a good start, Woking’s Timothy Francis was chasing down the ball when, under a rather firm challenge, he twisted his knee, the injury forcing him from the field of play after 4 minutes, and to leave later on crutches, we wish him a speedy return to action.
The next minute brought loud appeals for a Woking penalty as Jayden Foss slid in to block a shot on the line, and this would not be the only contentious handball decision of the evening, but the turning down of the appeal only brought South Park brief respite, and Jayden Foss, having injured himself in the process, also had to leave the game a few minutes later.
On eight minutes Seyi Akinwalare, previously with Oxford United, forced a save from Kieran Bassom in the South Park goal. On 12 minutes he had his first goal. Substitute Calum Mathieson had taken no time to get in to the game, and his through ball was perfectly played across the artificial surface for Akinwalare to run on and finish emphatically.
Two minutes later Akinwalare had his second, with superb control, turn and hit across Bassom in to the bottom corner, too strong for the marking defender and too powerful for the ‘keeper.
Woking’s excellent passing game was a feature throughout, and a fine one-two between Mathieson and Louie Taylor-Boyle led to the former shooting wide. With Thomas Ward leading the passing from the back, and Will Ledbury and Bruno Dackombe combining well in midfield, Woking were enjoying an open game.
Woking did need to beware of being overconfident, and Isaac Agyen, Kyle JohnsonKamara, Archie Foss and Aidan Hopkins will all have felt they could have done better with the opportunities on goal that came their way.
Ledbury, who has come to Woking from QPR, was often the starting point for Woking’s attacks, and Ward and Mathieson both forced fine saves from Bassom. Whilst Akinwalare may have had a third if he had gambled on Bassom failing to block a cross.
South Park’s intention to play a ‘box’ formation in midfield had not created the space they would have hoped for, but this was largely due to excellent closing down from Woking’s hardworking midfield. With Taylor-Boyle and Jack Tricker as wing-backs both stopping their opponents’ attacks, and creating space for their teammates to play. As the half drew to a close Woking were rightly in the ascendency.
HALF-TIME: SOUTH PARK REIGATE 0 – 2 WOKING
South Park had the better of the opening exchanges in the second-half, Jack Roles, who seemed to be growing in confidence, called in to action in the Woking goal, and Agyen’s corner a danger.
Woking responded by increasing their lead on 56 minutes. Dackombe the beneficiary of Akinwalare’s set-up play, with a fine hit in to the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The confidence in the Woking squad as they celebrated is encouraging to see, hopefully it will stand them in good stead.
The Cards pressed for a fourth. Ledbury’s corner somehow evading a finishing touch, and Akinwalere just unable to reach the ball with an outstretched leg. On 64 minutes Tricker forced a diving tip around the post, and two minutes later the lead was extended. Akinwalere with a dynamic run to the bye-line, and the awareness to pull the ball back to give Mathieson a tap-in.
Two minutes later came the second, and somewhat bewildering, significant handball decision of the evening. Dillan Davies stumbled as he controlled the ball and put his arm to the ground to steady himself, and after some thought the referee ruled that the ball then hitting his arm should lead to a penalty. Phillip Glen took the chance well, Roles diving the wrong way.
This briefly unsettled Woking, and South Park rallied, but Roles was able to steady the ship, and Woking resumed control as the game moved to a fitting finale, their passing once more to the fore.
The 90th minute brought Woking their fifth, and Akinwalare his hat-trick. Once again Ledbury was involved in the build-up, his great pass found Mathieson, whose quality wing-play saw the ball pulled back to Akinwalare, who finished neatly from six yards. A fine team-goal to round off a very good night’s work for the Cards.
South Park: Kieran Bassom, Aidan Hopkins, Kyle Johnson-Kamara, Jayden Foss (c) (Harvey Simmons 9), George Kumposcht, Seb Parsons (Michael Nelson 63), Archie Charge, Isaac Agyen (Oliver Findlon 63), Phillip Glen, Archie Foss, Josh Sinclair. Sub not used: Charlie Ellis (GK).
Goal: Glen 68 pen.
Woking: Jack Roles, Thomas Ward (c), Dillan Davies, Joel Jennison-Leppa (Kai Baverstock 66), Louie Taylor-Boyle, Will Ledbury, Joe Scanlon (Amario Malhotra 62), Jack Tricker (Frankie Bushby 75), Bruno Dackombe, Seyi Akinwalare, Timothy Francis (Calum Mathieson 4). Sub not used: James Moore (GK).
Goals: Akinwalare 12, 14, 90; Dackombe 56; Mathieson 66.
Referee: Thomas Murray.
THURSDAY 22nd AUGUST
Woking U21 0 - 0 Bromley U23
Suburban Football League
Premier Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Although Bromley finished above Woking in last season’s final league table, both games between the two finished in a draw, including a memorable 5 – 5 at Bromley. This was to be another closely fought game, with Woking matching opponents who usually select from an older squad, and one that is now part of the setup of a League Two club.
Woking’s only change to their starting line-up from the 3 - 0 win at Cobham in their previous outing was Harry White taking Mikey Verga’s place in goal. Harry was to play a significant role in the securing of the well-earned point.
The Woking ‘keeper was quickly in to the action, with Bromley starting strongly and Emmanuel Deh forcing White in to a good save at his near post. David Barrie-Diaz had made the chance with a strong run through the midfield, and his skill and industry would keep the Woking defence on their toes throughout. Within the first ten minutes each of the three centre-backs was to the fore. George GaleaElston with a fine interception, Aidy Silverstein seeking to launch attacks from the back, and Tom Gardner reading the game well, making strong clearances and holding the defensive line.
Woking’s team ethic was evident, with Harvey Brook the first line of defence as he closed down the opposition from his forward position. Galea-Elston's and Gardner’s sound reading of the game was evident again, and with Henry MacDonald playing a little deeper in midfield, Woking were exerting more control.
Bromley were not easily deterred and on 23 minutes White made a superb point-blank save following a corner. Whilst Silverstein was also called upon with a dominant defensive header. The defender was also involved in a good passing move with Brook and Louis Pask as Woking sought to counter, with Pask on the right and Sam Brittain on the left giving Woking width and balance. As the game passed the half-hour mark, Woking were getting closer to a breakthrough, Stefan Van Winjgaarden going close with a snap-shot after good work from Brook, and Pask’s free-kick bringing a good diving stop out of Monty Conway in the Bromley goal. The free-kick resulting from a challenge that saw Juan Manrique booked and Tommy Seale requiring treatment, and a replacement jersey without a blood stain.
Woking’s defensive line held well, with Bromley finding it hard to get in behind, and their long, diagonal balls being effectively dealt with. Deh was a powerful opponent but Woking were closing him down well, and he was often not able to bring his teammates in to play. As Bromley looked like they might finish the half the stronger, covering challenges and interceptions from Seale and Silverstein kept Woking secure, with White quick off his line when required, whilst Seale, MacDonald and Van Wijngaarden were involved in promising attacking play. With Brook and JJ Young also looking to influence the play.
With the half drawing to a close Manrique was to regret his earlier caution, as a bad challenge on MacDonald saw a second caution, and his dismissal from the field of play.
Half-time: Woking 0 – 0 Bromley
Bromley’s response to going down to 10 men was to continue to attack, Deh seeing another effort deflected wide. But Woking were not to be beaten. As the game reached the hour mark Woking replaced MacDonald, Brook and Van Wijngaarden with Lucas Boxall, Stanley Kyle and Byron Mitchell. The changes enabled them to continue to compete in a fast, open game, and Pask won a free-kick, but his own effort was effectively blocked by the Bromley defensive wall.
Bromley also made changes, with Deh perhaps reflecting that he could look to bring others in to the game more. Increasingly Bromley were leaving one-up and Woking were still getting forward. Elston found himself called upon in both attack and defence, as the game looked like either side could find a winner.
Woking came close on 76 minutes, Young’s cross met by Kyle, whose header went narrowly over. Then, on 80 minutes, Bromley looked sure to score, but could not find a finish, with more good work from White keeping them at bay.
On 85 minutes the game became 10 v 10. JJ Young, who may have had a quieter match than he would hope for, made a sliding challenge in midfield that was adjudged to be a second caution, and saw him leaving the pitch early. There was still time for late goal chances. With Kyle playing his part in helping out the defence, as Bromley came close to a winner through Nathan Paul-Lavaly, who put a very good opportunity wide. Mitchell also put a chance wide when he may have been better advised to pass to the overlapping Pask.
The final action came in the 93rd minute. Kyle winning a free-kick, which he took himself. But the wall was able to block, somewhat due to them only being 5 yards away. So, a hard-fought and even contest was done, with a good-spirit and mutual appreciation shared by all at the final whistle.
Woking: Harry White, George Galea-Elston (Harrison Stevens 82), Tom Gardner (c), Aidy Silverstein, Louis Pask, Tommy Seale, Henry MacDonald (Lucas Boxall 58), Sam Brittain, Jermaine Junior Young, Harvey Brook (Stanley Kyle 58), Stefan Van Wijngaarden (Byron Mitchell 58). Subs not used: Lewis Mouland (GK), Jayden Smith, Bobby Lawrence.
Bromley: Monty Conway, Freddie Fletcher, Oscar Williams (Dennis Kelmendi 73), Dylan Cave, Jadon Amoah (Nathan Paul-Lavaly 63), Will Gutierrez, Joe Aris (c) (George Penn 88), Marc Nouble (Frankie Moralee 73), David Barrie-Diaz, Juan Manrique, Emmanuel Deh (Danai Hassan 65). Subs not used: Rex Porter (GK), Kassim Dagher. Referee: Neil Rolland.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
SATURDAY 24th AUGUST
Lui Edwards, Forward, – Westfield: Played 76 minutes of the Isthmian League South Central Division match at Uxbridge, scoring the first goal in a 4 – 3 victory. Lui now has 3 goals in 2 games.
Please note that on Monday 26th August Westfield have a 12:30 kick off against Leatherhead at Woking Park.
Ollie Mason, Centre Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Played 73 minutes of the FA Trophy Preliminary Round match against Ashford Town, which Ascot won 4 – 3 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1 – 1 draw.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd yearKnaphill: Came on as a 57th minute substitute in the Combined Counties Premier Division South 3 – 2 win over Horley Town. The rebound from Mitchell’s saved shot being netted for the winner by James Glover.
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: DARREN SARLL
JOEL DIXON
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MATCHDAY OFFICIALS
Referee: Ruebyn Ricardo
Assistants: Jonathan Block, James Hurst
4th Official: Ryan Whitaker
Wealdstone Sat 10th Sept | 19:45 UP NEXT AT HOME