Sponsor THE ISUZU FA TROPHY | THIRD ROUND
TUESDAY 10T h DECEMBER
kI C k OFF: 19:45
LEWIS WAlkER
WElCOME
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we welcome Havant & Waterlooville to our first FA Trophy Fixture of the 24/25 season.
A trophy that needs no introduction, WFC hold the record for most FA Trophy successes since its inception, with legendary manager Geoff Chapple lifting the cup 3 times between 19941997. While it may have been over two decades since we first lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley,
today again marks what I hope will be another memorable occasion. As always, we need our Card army to make some noise and back the boys!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR MATCH & BALL
SPONSORS
Today’s Match Sponsor has been used to say a huge thank you to our Geoff Chapple Lounge Platinum Table. A permanent fixture on the lounge for many years, guests of Mayford
Motors and To You Loos support of the club is nothing short of incredible. From huge contributions to Gold Rush, supporting our Fan Wall, attending nearly every off-game event and partnering with us commercially - through the highs and lows, they’re testament of true Cardinals.
Our Match Ball has been sponsored by the Family Network West Surrey. Founded in 2006, The Family Network enables business owners from all walks of life the opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.
FIRST TEAM KITS NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER ONLINE
As promised in my last notes, first team kits are now available to purchase online ahead of Christmas! Currently only adult sizes are
available, however we hope to re-stock the store soon. To order, please head here
THE COMMUNITY COLUMN
The third edition of our community column is now online. Providing just a snapshot of the fantastic work our club are involved within the local community, please head here to see what my team and I have been up to this month.
As always, I am keen to hear from fans with any feedback (good or bad!), ideas of inspirations – drop me a note on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
Kind Regards, Simon Jones Business Development Director.
The winner of the game will play Radcliffe at home on Saturday 4th January 2025 in the Fourth Round
MICHAEL doYLE
2024/25 SE ASoN TiCKETS
IN SAfE HANdS
As a reminder, it is our goal to ensure that all supporters feel safe and welcome at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. To that end, on 11 December 2021, the Club launched the “In Safe Hands” programme to help our fans report racist, sexist, homophobic, or other abusive language simply and anonymously.
If you hear any abusive language, experience it yourself or if you or someone you see feels / looks threatened, you can text the Club anonymously and the message will be monitored by our Safety Officer during the match. Simply text WFC (followed by the nature of your concern and location) to 66777 and we will address your concerns. Example: If you hear racial abuse whilst sitting in the KRE, please send the following text to 66777: “WFC racial abuse centre section of KRE.”
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.
We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.
Search Football Foundation to find out more.
AHEAd of THE GAME
Woking enter the FA Trophy with the visit of Havant & Waterlooville to the Laithwaite on Tuesday.
The record three-time winners haven’t won a game in this competition since the 2020-21 season where Alan Dowson’s side succumbed to Hereford in the semi finals, so Michael Doyle will be hoping for a change in fortune on home turf.
OPPOSITION WATCH
A car crash of a 2023-24 season saw the Hawks relegated to Step 3 after going through managers Jamie Collins and Steve King by the start of December 2023. Finishing 13 points from safety, it was a shocking season considering the Hawks had finished just five points off the playoffs the season before, which was widely considered a failure given the strength of their squad.
Shaun North is now manager at Westleigh Park, and has the Hawks well placed in fourth, although they are already 11 points behind leaders Merthyr Town. Recognisable names include Woking academy product and member of the 300 Club Joe McNerney, who joined Havant after leaving the Cards in summer 2023.
Former Woking loanee Harvey Bradbury could lead the line alongside either one of Ryan Seager and Callum Kealy, both former Dorking strikers, with Bradbury and Seager both tied on ten league goals.
To get to this stage, Havant defeated Frome Town, Bristol Manor Farm and Welling United, all away from home.
Woking vs Havant & Waterlooville
FA Trophy - Third Round Tuesday 10th December
19:45 Kick-Off
AROUND THE GROUND
Tickets are available here
Gate 4 (The red and orange entrance) will be closed. As a result, all home supporters will need to enter the stadium via the main entrance (Gate 1).
Gate 1 will open at 12.30pm and Gate 2 (the away entrance) will open at 1pm.
The away end will be restricted to the Chris Lane Terrace only.
There are also changes to the food and drink vendors for Saturday, information is below.
• Moaners Corner shut
• Kingfield Street shut
• The Madri Bar is now permanently shut until we see an uptick in form.
• The Cards, Legends & Fan Zone Bar will be open for drinks
• The Fan Zone Kitchen and SCS Hatch will be open for food
LAST TIME OUT
Woking have come out on top five times out of seven in meetings between these sides, with two draws.
The last meeting between the sides was a pre-season friendly in July 2023, with Woking 3-1 winners.
The last competitive meeting between the two was a 4-3 Woking win at Westleigh Park as the Cards would go on to be promoted as champions.
TICKET INFORMATION
ONLINE & ADVANCE SALES
Adults £14, Concessions £10, Next-Gen £8, Under 17 (14-16) £8, Under 14 £1
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 IAL
After twelve goals and two penalty shoot-outs in our opening two group games, join us tomorrow night for our third National League Cup group... Join us today for the @seymours_ wokingproperty & LinkAble Christmas Fair Family Fun Day! ��
SPONSOR
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
11. Dennon Lewis
9. Charley Kendall
26. Tom Dryer
29. Tom Leahy
19. Jack Stretton
18. Raheem Conte
20. Alan Judge
Rohan Ince
17. Matt Ward
16. Tunji Akinola
10. Lewis Walker 14. Deon Moore
15. Adam Chicksen 23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Dan Rowe
Craig Mackail-Smith
Ben Turner
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
John Munn sadly passed away on Tuesday 3rd December at Woking Hospice. John was Woking through and through and would travel to every away game on the Supporters Coach.
His biggest highlights were 2 of the FA Trophy wins that he saw with his family and the subsequent open top bus parades. He was so proud of the club.
Johns funeral is on Monday 23rd December at Woking Crematorium at 16:00.
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10! Membership would be a great Christmas present for a young cards fan! Please join up or renew here: CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Marnee Kinge - 4th December - 13 years old
Henry Ayadassen - 8th December - 10 years old
Eleanor Potter - 8th December - 13 years old
CHRISTMAS BUCKET COLLECTION
There was a bucket collection at the Yeovil match for the clubs Christmas activities such as hospital visits and food bank donations. Your generosity really is fantastic as we reached £800 in total while there have been quite a few online donations. We have already exceeded our initial target (£1500) and are now heading towards a new goal of £2500! In addition we are very grateful to Mr J Horstead who won the 400 club recently and donated his full £100 winnings to the pot. In addition Junior Cards have kindly contributed £50. We are so grateful to both. Thank you to the army of bucket collectors who gave their time. The online fundraiser is HERE and every contribution will make a big difference
400 CLUB
November Draw:
£100 number 25 John Dowling
£75 number 443 Jamie Bullen
£50 number 71 Mick Fidler
Congratulations to the winners!Next week the Christmas draw will be made, with a top prize of £500! Units are just £12 each. To learn more and take part please contact john.hooker@ cardstrust.co.uk
THE CARDS TRUST LAUNCHES A FAN WALL NEW fAN WALL
If you're coming to the Laithwaite today then you'll notice a striking new Fan Wall on the outside wall of the Legends Bar. The wall offers personalised plaques to purchase that enable you to celebrate your favourite player, record your first match, or of course remember a loved one - it is very fitting that Andy Turner has pride of place on the top left plaque. Developed by the Supporters Liaison Group within The Cards Trust, this fundraising initiative will be used by the trust to fund improvements to the spectator experience at the ground, as well as contributing to Boost The Budget and other initiatives to support Woking FC. You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by 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.
UPDATE - Thanks to the generous support of The Platinum Table new plaques for Geoff Chapple, Barry Kimber and Colin Lippiatt have been placed at the heart of our Fan Wall.
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MATCHdAY & BALL SPoNSoRSHIP
Booking as part of a business, or simply looking to celebrate in added style? Why not take out a match or ball sponsorship?
You’ll receive all the incredible VIP Hospitality benefits, plus: Match Sponsorship - £1,150.00 + VAT
• Signed home shirt
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality for a table of ten (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
• Choose player of the match – read out on PA
• Executive VIP parking
Match Ball Sponsorship - £650.00 + VAT
• Signed match ball
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality experience for a table of six (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
PLAYER SPoNSoRSHIP
The club are delighted to announce the Player Sponsorship package for the 24/25 season.
The club have reviewed the price and enhanced the offer to make supporting your favourite 1st team management or player more accessible and rewarding.
From the 24/25 season, player and management sponsors will receive:
• Signed match worn home and away jerseys near the start of the season presented at our Player & Management Sponsors dinner.
• Dedicated video shout-out from the player on signing and/ or on your birthday/special event (or a significant others).
• 2 x hospitality tickets during the season and the opportunity to meet your sponsored player after/before the game.
• Option to attend manager/player meet and greet throughout the season.
• Pre-game scoreboard reel with players and your name/ logo next to them.
Price for 24/25 player sponsorship is £900 + VAT. To sponsor a player, please email Simon, the club's Business Development Director, on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk.
HoSPiTALiTY PACKAGES 24/25
Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm its matchday hospitality prices for 2024/25.
Enjoy VIP matchday hospitality for only £65 per person at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
You will be able to book in advance for all 24/25 fixtures online once the list has been released.
What’s included?
• Three-course meal* prepared by our in-house chef team using locally sourced ingredients supplied by Simmons Family Butchers and Boz’s Fruit & Veg.
• Executive leather padded seats in the Seymours Community Stand.
• Dedicated lounge emcee.
• Exclusive bar and drinks options.
• Pre-match first-team management or player visit.
• Hear from the match sponsors’ player of the match after the game.
Single Match Pricing 24/25
VIP Hospitality: £65.00
STH VIP Hospitality: £50.00
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality**: £35.00
Hospitality Season Tickets
VIP Hospitality: £1,350 (£145 discount)
Platinum VIP Hospitality***: £1,750 (£205 discount)
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality: £750 (£90 discount).
Existing 2024/25 season ticket holders can enjoy a discount of £15pp for single-match hospitality. All payments for VIP matchday hospitality tickets shall be payable upon booking. Please note – cash is not accepted in the Geoff Chapple Lounge, and we will not accept cash payments on the day. Bookings are
only provisional until payment is made. All payments for hospitality season tickets shall be payable upon booking. If you have already purchased a 2024/25 season ticket**** and wish to upgrade to hospitality or platinum for the season, do so by calling the Club on 01483 772 470. Hospitality will be bookable online via the online ticketing platform or through the Club phone lines.
Other information
* Consisting of a main meal 1 hour before kick-off, a cold pudding at half-time and a cheeseboard for the table to share post-game. The main meal will either be a meat or vegetarian option (1 option of each) and will be sent out via email one week before the match. If you’d like to request an advance menu, please email tickets@wokingfc. co.uk. Please do not email menu choices in advance, as you will choose on the day. Please only email evie.carey@wokingfc.co.uk with allergen or dietary requirements.
** Under 14’s hospitality will enjoy all the benefits of a VIP Hospitality ticket; however, their main meal options are: Cheeseburger & Chips, Hotdog & Chips, Vegan Hotdog & Chips
*** The platinum package includes all the VIP perks, plus five drink vouchers to use per matchday at the Geoff Chapple Lounge bar, which may be redeemed for draught beer pints, 187ml wine by the glass, single spirits with mixers or soft drinks. Please note that platinum packages are only available for hospitality season ticket holders.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 10 Altrincham
Sat Aug 17 Gateshead
Tue Aug 20 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Aug 24 Ebbsfleet United
Mon Aug 26 Hartlepool United
Sat Aug 31 Rochdale
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sep 7 Braintree Town
Tue Sep 10 Wealdstone
Sat Sep 14 Oldham Athletic
Sat Sep 21 AFC Fylde
Tue Sep 24 Eastleigh
Sat Sep 28 Sutton United
OCTOBER
Sat Oct 5 York City
Sat Oct 12 Slough Town (FA Cup)
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 2 Cambridge United (FA Cup)
Sat Nov 9 FC Halifax Town
Sat Nov 16 Boston United
Sat Nov 23 Barnet
Tue Nov 26 Southend United
Sat Nov 30 Yeovil Town
DECEMBER
Tue Dec 10 Havant & Waterlooville
Sat Dec 14 Gateshead
Sat Dec 21 Altrincham
Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Tue Jan 14 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Rochdale
Sat Feb 8 York City
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Tue Feb 18 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 FC Halifax Town
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Sat Apr 5 Oldham Athletic
Sat Apr 12 AFC Fylde
Fri Apr 18 Maidenhead United
Mon Apr 21 Aldershot Town
Sat Apr 26 Eastleigh
MAY
Mon May 5 Sutton United
PLAYER STATS
CARdiNALS
INTERACTiVE QUiz
Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season, click here to test your knowledge...
BADGE:
PLAYERS: Cole Palmer Bruno Fernandes Forest Green Rovers
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
ACAdEMY BULLETIN
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 2nd December 2024
WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER
Woking U17 v Dorking Wanderers U17
National League Alliance – Division E
Kick-off time and venue to be confirmed
14:00 – Oxford City U19 v Woking U19
National League Academy – South Division Oxford City FC, Court Place Farm
THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER
19:30 – East Grinstead Town U18 v Woking U18
Isthmian Youth Football League
Central Division, East Court College Lane, East Grinstead
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.
Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website.
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
Week commencing 25th November 2024
WEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
Woking U18 P - P
Rising Ballers Kensington U18
FA Youth Cup - Second Round Proper
Postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at The Community Stadium, Kingfield.
THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
Woking U18 3 - 0 Chipstead U18
Isthmian Youth Football League Central Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
The first years are getting stronger as a team in this league, and this solid performance now puts them top of the standings as we head towards the mid-season point, although their rivals in the top half of the table will see their games-in-hand as opportunities to regain the lead.
Woking did have the majority of attacking opportunities throughout, but could have got off to a bad start if Chipstead had not put a half-chance wide in the second minute. Will Ledbury, Hayden Vally, Callum Mathieson and Joe Frawley had all brought saves out of the Chipstead ‘keeper before Woking were given a reminder of the need to concentrate on 26 minutes with Aaron Zziwa called on to make a good save.
Jack Tricker’s shot to the top corner was tipped over and Frankie Bushby was frustrated by a diving save, before a great Woking move earned them the lead on 38 minutes. Joe Frawley played the ball nicely down the line to Vally, and his excellent wing play and cross was met by Mathieson moving smartly away from his marker and tucking the ball neatly in to the bottom corner from 8 yards.
Woking doubled their lead within 5 minutes. Tricker and Amario Malhotra exchanged passes and Tricker
drew a double save before Vally was able to bundle in the rebound from a couple of yards, receiving a whack in the face for his troubles.
Woking had got to grips well with a physically strong and apparently older opponent, and established their lead with skilful play, going to the break two goals to the good.
HALF-TIME: WOKING 2 – 0 CHIPSTEAD
Woking had the better of the second-half, and controlled proceedings well. Although, as in the first-half they did have to survive an early Chipstead chance, Thomas Ward reading the play well and making a telling interception.
Woking did have to make a change to their goalkeeper as a minor injury saw Zziwa replaced by Jools Lacey, but the confident deputy meant the Cards continued with a solid last line of defence.
Much of Woking’s good play involved Mathieson, and it was he who sealed the victory with Woking’s third goal in the 68th minute. Substitute Bruno Dackombe pulled the ball back to Tricker and his ball in was met with a neat finish across the ‘keeper into the bottom corner. From this point the game was played out without any further significant action as Woking consolidated their victory.
With a number of players unavailable as they prepared for the following evening’s FA Youth Cup fixture, this was a very good performance and one which bodes well as the season goes forward.
Woking: Aaron Zziwa (Jools Lacey 64), Thomas Ward (Kai Baverstock 81), Ollie Rigby, Joel Jennison-Leppa, Amario Malhotra, Jack Tricker, Will Ledbury, Frankie Bushby (Bruno Dackombe 62), Joe Frawley (Pranish Gurang 81), Callum Mathieson, Hayden Vally (Jojo Ampah 69).
Goals: Mathieson 38, 68, Vally 42. Referee: Paz Morreale.
FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
Woking U18 3 - 2 Rising Ballers Kensington U18 FA Youth Cup - Second Round Proper Sandhurst FC, Bottom Meadow
Following the postponement of the game on Wednesday, Sandhurst stepped in to host the rearranged fixture. This was another dramatic night of FA Youth Cup action, which was to be decided with the penultimate kick of the match.
Woking made one change to the team that had won through the previous round at Bromley, with Seyi Akinwalere rewarded for his stunning extra-time winner with a place in the starting line-up, and Roshan Kigozi moving to the substitutes bench. Jack Lewis, who would have an excellent game, continued on the right-side of a back four, allowing Louis Pask to get forward to even greater effect.
RB Kensington started well and established a lead after just 2 minutes. Mekhi Savage clipping a great ball in behind Woking’s back line, and George Brooke running through to drill the ball into the bottom corner. RB were then nearly two to the good, Mikey Verga saving well from Chester Isaacs.
On 15 minutes Pask drew a good save from Kyle Defraine, after Lewis had won the ball, and a minute later Pask had the equaliser. Following some excellent wing play from Akinwalere, Lucas Boxall had two shots parried, and Pask’s courage and determination allowed him to get to the rebound first and knock the ball home from close range.
Woking had now settled well, and were to have the upper-hand as the half progressed, although there was still the concern that a defensive error could prove costly. The Cards midfield were working effectively, and their forward line causing problems for the RB defence.
As the half drew to a close a good covering challenge from Tommy Seale ensured that the scores would be level at half-time.
HALF-TIME: WOKING 1 – 1
RB KENSINGTON
Within five minutes of the restart Woking had the lead. Boxall’s ball in following a corner was not cleared and Jalil Page, who had been dangerous throughout, was in the right place to get a telling touch towards goal, although he may be hard pushed to claim the goal as his as a final touch off an unfortunate defender redirected the ball over the line.
Woking now looked the more likely to score the next goal, and Page may have done so on 65 minutes if he had run in on goal with conviction, rather than being concerned about an offside flag which was not forthcoming. Dillan Davies and Jacob Farr did have to make good defensive covering challenges, but it looked like Woking would be more dangerous on the counter-attack as RB pressed forward for an equaliser.
Pask was frustrated on 78 minutes, after his fine interception gave him a chance to run through on goal, but a moments’ hesitation saw the chance gone. However, this would not be his lasting, telling memory of the game.
It looked like Woking were seeing out the victory until RB won a corner in the 88th minute. A fine delivery in to the heart of the six-yard box was met with a great flick-header from Abiodun Onasoga which flew in to the net. The RB coaches sought to calm their players by telling them they did not have to win the game in normal time, but the final, decisive blow came at the other end.
With four minutes of added time already played, and things looking very much like Woking would play extra-time once again in this cup run, the Cards won a throw in on the left wing. RB challenged well but the ball fell to Boxall on the corner of the penalty area, and his cross in was met by the ever-determined Pask, who once again got the decisive touch from a few yards out.
There was just time for RB to kick-off again, but the ball went straight out of play, and the final whistle began the Woking celebrations. A time for the Cards to
enjoy, before thoughts turn to the Third- Round game, away to Stoke City, to be played at St George’s Park. Woking’s last visit to the ThirdRound having been at Brighton four years ago.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Jack Lewis, Harrison Stevens, Dillan Davies, Jacob Farr ©, Louis Pask, Leo Christophers, Tommy Seale, Seyi Akinwalere, Lucas Boxall (Aidy Silverstein 90+5), Jalil Page. Unused subs: James Orton, Harry White (GK), Stanley Kyle, Roshan Kigozi, Louie Boyle, JJ Young.
Woking goals: Pask 16, 90+4, Page 49.
RB Kensington goals: Brooke 2, Onasoga 88. Attendance: 83.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 1 – 7 defeat at Cobham in the Combined Counties League. Harry continued his good form, and was credited as ‘Man of the Match’ for preventing a score that could have run in to double-figures.
SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
Lui Edwards, Forward, 4th year – Westfield: Played the first 66 minutes of the 1 – 2 defeat at Badshot Lea in the Isthmian League - South Central Division.
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year - Petersfield Town: Was an unused substitute for the 3 – 2 victory over Bexhill United in the Southern Combination - Premier Division.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: No fixture this weekend.
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 0 – 1 defeat at AFC Whyteleafe in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South.
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.
Over 90%* of UCFB graduates find fulltime employment within 6 months of graduating with two thirds of those working in football and sport * UCFB internal
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UCFB alumni have worked in each of the 20 Premier League clubs and over 50 of the 72 EFL clubs
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