V. SOUTHEND UN i TED
TUESDAY 26 T h NOVEMBER
kI C k OFF: 19:45
WELCOME
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we welcome Southend United for match day 20 of the Vanarama National League.
We kick off a run of 4 home games in 12 days. A positive result today would see up leapfrog Southend in the league table. As always, we need our Cards Army to back the boys and bring the noise!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR MATCH & BALL SPONSORS
Todays match sponsor was donated by DoubleTree by Hilton Woking to raise funds for Woking & Sam Beare Hospice. Geoff Chapple Lounge regular and ardent supporter of both Woking FC and WSBH, John Moynihan of Concept Financial won the auction and we are delighted to host him and his guests this evening.
A massive thank you also to our Ball Sponsor, Menzies. Having deep roots in the local community, Menzies is a leading UK business advisory and accountancy firm with international reach, helping you accelerate your ambition, with a proven track record supporting both businesses and individuals to successfully reach their goals. Learn more here.
FA TROPHY & NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP
We welcome Fulham U21 in our 3rd fixture of the National League Cup on the 3rd December, before Havant & Waterlooville head to the LCS on the 7th December for our first FA Trophy fixture of the season. Tickets for both those games are available online here.
CARDINALS CHRISTMAS TREE!
Hopefully you’ll have spotted our new Cardinals Christmas Tree entering the ground as all 13 feet of it lights up the entrance. The Cardinals Bar has also had some added sparkle. A huge thank you to the team at Woking based Inno-Lite who very kindly donated these to support our December Community Initiatives and hopefully spread a bit of festive cheer. Learn more about Inno-lite here.
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.
EmaNUElE PallaDiNO
Welcome to the first of three games this week at the bustling Laithwaite Stadium, with two matches for the men's team and our FA Youth Cup fixture tomorrow night. The second round game tomorrow for our U18s is against Rising Ballers Kensington and is the furthest our boys have reached since 2020 when we lost to Brighton in the third round.
Academy manager Matt Winter has stressed to me how this game represents the pinnacle of the season for the team and playing here at the stadium is an opportunity to showcase themselves, with a win taking them to Stoke in the next round. So we would ask all our supporters to go along if they have some free time and support them.
Whilst we are celebrating success in the Academy, I also wanted to take a moment to highlight the success of our girls academy teams with several teams remaining unbeaten. Our women's team too have recently enjoyed
a run of wins, promising a pathway for future success for which we as a club will look to encourage and grow over the coming years.
With Christmas around the corner the football season never stops and we hope you enjoy sharing the festive season by visiting us as much as you can to enjoy the entertainment with families and friends. The business of a football club is like no other and our fans and community become an extended family.
We have a shareholders meeting on Monday night which we hope heralds in a new chapter in the club, taking the rich history of our past and combining it with fresh ideas. We exist because of our fans, and never have we felt your support more than we have in the last months and we want to thank you all.
Best wishes,
Emanuele
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 kick off a week of back-toback home matches with the visit of Southend United. Defeat at Barnet was a disappointment after getting back to winning ways against Boston United, but a return to the Laithwaite for their first midweek home game since September could prove to be just the tonic for Michael Doyle.
He will have Jamie Andrews back after serving a one-game ban for reaching five yellow cards, as well as Dan Moss subject to his fitness. There could be changes up front as well, with Jack Stretton and Tom Leahy both having started the last two games, as Woking look to keep players fresh ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.
OPPOSITION WATCH
Southend fans will very much feel as if they have already won a trophy this season, with the never ending saga around former owner Ron Martin finally done, as Justin Rees is now owner of the Shrimpers. It has been a far from straightforward run on the pitch, however, with Southend having won just five games this season, the same number as the Cards.
Kevin Maher was given the freedom of the city of Southend for his miraculous work in challenging circumstances, and he will still have the backing
Woking vs Southend United Vanarama National League Tuesday 26th November 2024
19:45 Kick-Off
of the majority of Shrimpers despite their recent form. Seven draws and seven defeats highlights the inconsistency thus far from a side still struggling to replace talisman Harry Cardwell after his departure to Forest Green Rovers for a six-figure fee.
On paper, this side has the ability to do far, far better than their current standing of 16th, just two points and two places above the Cards, with their top scorer being one of the standout players in the league in Gus Scott-Morriss. The former Hemel man might be on a drought of eight games without a goal, but his nine goals so far this season is an outstanding feat considering he is a wing back.
AROUND THE GROUND
Tickets are available here
LAST TIME OUT
One of the least eventful games you're ever likely to see ended in a 0-0 draw at Roots Hall in March, with Southend victorious on their last visit to the Laithwaite last October by a 2-0 scoreline.
Interestingly, neither side has won at home in this league fixture in any of the six meetings between the sides, with Woking victorious once, Southend twice and 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
Frustrating afternoon.
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.
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A team you can count on
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For further information visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/woking or call 01483 227 800.
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 PaCK aGES 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
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
fIXTURES & RESULTS 2024
GUESS ThE PLAYERS
INTER aCTiVE QUiz
maSCOTS PaCKaGE
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 18th November 2024
WEDNESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
11:30 – Woking U17 v Dartford U17
National League U19 Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
12:00 – Dover Athletic U19 v Woking U19
National League U19 Academy South Division
Dover Athletic FC, Crabble Athletic Ground
THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
19:30 – Woking U21 v Cobham U21
Suburban Football League – Premier Division Knaphill FC, Redding Way
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 11th November 2024
Outstanding details from last bulletin
WEDNESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER
Welling United U19 4 - 3 Woking U19
National League U19 Academy
South Division, University of Greenwich (Avery Hill), Southwood Site, Avery Hill Road
Woking: Mikey Verga, Harrison Stevens, Tom Gardner, Aidy Silverstein (Jacob Farr 68), Louis Pask, Jermaine Junior Young (Ellis Byrne 55), Tommy Seale (Henry McDonald 65), James Orton, Lucas Boxall, Harvey Brook (Seyi Akinwalere 70), Stanley Kyle. Unused sub: Bob Honey (GK).
Goals: Kyle 20 (1-1), Boxall 38 (1-2), Akinwalere 77 (pen, 3-3).
WEDNESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
Bromley U17 3 - 0 Woking U17
National League U19 Alliance – Division E
Bromley FC, Hayes Lane
Woking: James Moore, Kai Baverstock, Mason Drew (Connor Thomas 46), Jack Owen (Jojo Ampah 46), George Mattingley (Luca Di Manno 60), Max Goldsworthy (Pranish Gurang 46), Brian Rai, Frankie Bushby, Joe Frawley, Hayden Vally, Tyrell Ejakita. Unused sub: Aaron Zziwa (GK).
Woking U19 3 - 3 Slough Town U19
National League U19 Academy
South Division, Westfield FC, Woking Park
With this result following last week’s 3 – 4 defeat at Welling United to a goal 2 minutes from time, Woking are leaving themselves with a lot to do if they wish to compete towards the top of the Alliance South Division.
Woking started well, and had the lead after 5 minutes, with Leo Christophers involved in the build-up, and Lucas Boxall with an astute pull back to Stan Kyle, who calmly shot right-footed into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Woking were on top of a rather uneventful game and nearly had a second on 25 minutes, Tommy Seale’s shot from the edge of the penalty area being well saved by Emerson Butcher as he adjusted to a deflection. But Slough were about to find their way back in to things.
After Armani Church’s cross-shot had gone narrowly wide Slough attacked again. Woking
failed to get in a decisive clearance and Balu Makumbi side-footed home from six yards. Woking struggled to regain the ascendency and although Aidy Silverstein headed over a half-chance it was Slough who would take the lead.
The strike which put Slough ahead on 41 minutes was another rather messy goal to concede from a Woking perspective. Another goalmouth scramble this time resulted in Armani Church looping home a header with Mikey Verga only able to help the ball on its way. Woking did seek to retaliate, but the physically stronger Slough side were reasonably comfortable in holding their lead until the break.
Half-time: Woking 1 – 2 Slough Town
Woking had a chance to equalise within the first minute of the re-start, Harvey Brook running away from his marker, but Butcher was equal to the shot, saving with his legs. Slough then came forward, firstly with Seale needing to put in a good covering challenge, and then Nnaemeka Anyanwu’s shot on the turn was straight at Verga.
On 54 minutes Woking benefitted from a Slough mis-clearance, the ball fell to Christophers and his slight mishit found Boxall on the corner of the six-yard box, who firmly shot home, he tends not to miss from there. The opportunity was there for Woking to go on and win the game.
On 60 minutes Slough were able to block or save shots from Christophers, Kyle and Brook during the same sustained Woking attack. But it was Slough who would make the next breakthrough on 64 minutes, Owen Rennie had been involved in much of Slough’s good play, and his right-wing cross was met by Anyanwu with a far-post tap-in, with Woking’s concerted appeals for offside unheeded by the officials.
Woking looked to get back in to the game with a change of personnel and shape. Ryan
Scott was able to push further forwards and almost immediately scored the equaliser. On 76 minutes Christophers’ pass to Seyi Akinwalere set the move up, and Akinwalere’s very good cross from the left was headed back across the ‘keeper and in off the post by Scott.
In the time remaining both sides went in search of a winner, but even with the addition of 9 minutes at the end of the 90 neither could fashion more than a half-chance, and there was to be no further scoring. It was encouraging to see Ellis Byrne driving Woking forward as the substitute continued his rehabilitation from his injury problems. He will hope that both he and his team will grow stronger in the games ahead.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Harrison Stevens, Tom Gardner (c), Aidy Silverstein (Seyi Akinwalere 68), Tommy Seale (Ellis Byrne 63), Ryan Scott, Leo Christophers, Lucas Boxall, James Orton, Harvey Brook (Jack Lewis 75), Stanley Kyle. Unused sub: Harry White (GK).
Goals: Kyle 5, Boxall 54, Scott 76.
Slough Town: Emerson Butcher, Aaron White, Balli Makumbi, Chris Ozougwu, Armani Church, Reece Mather (c), Owen Rennie, Brian Nelson, Seamus Atem, William Marin, Nnaemeka Anyanwu. Subs: Alex Vick, Alfie Stephens, Noah Hay, Dante McEwan, Krystian Komosinski.
Goals: Makumbi 28, Church 41, Anyanwu 64.
Referee: Nick Pye.
THURSDAY 14TH NOVEMBER
Woking U18 6 - 1 South Park (Reigate) U18; Isthmian Youth League – Central Division Knaphill FC, Redding Way
With the Central Division having a clear divide between the top four teams and the other four teams, Woking will face greater
challenges than South Park, who they have now beaten 5 – 1 and 6 – 1, but the result is still an encouraging sign that this group of players are growing together as a team.
Woking started brightly, with Joel JennisonLeppa and Seyi Akinwalere connecting well in a sweeping back-to-front move, and Roshan Kigozi and Bruno Dackombe causing problems for their opponents. But Woking were to be reminded of the importance of concentrating at all times. A defensive mix-up left Archie Foss with a tap-in, and Woking needing to re-apply themselves to the task in hand.
Woking corrected their mis-start on 20 minutes, an excellent through-ball on the edge of the area from Akinwalere and Jalil Page ran on, having mastered the offside trap, to stroke confidently into the bottom corner.
Woking were soon ahead, making the most of a poor attempt to play out from the back, with Will Ledbury picking up the ball and playing in Akinwalere, to hit his left-footed finish emphatically into the bottom corner.
Woking were getting on top, but did not increase their lead until shortly before halftime. After Louie Boyle and Akinwalere had combined to win a corner, fine passing play between Ledbury and Kigozi fed the ball to Ollie Rigby, whose cleanly hit strike from the edge of the area flew into the net.
Half-time: Woking 3 – 1 South Park (Reigate)
The game was over as a contest before the hour mark, with 2 Woking goals within 5 minutes. The first was a great move and finish. Page’s pass set Boyle on a run down the right-wing and Boyle did superbly well to hold off the defender and drill in a firm cross low to the near post, where Akinwalere’s flick, in the blink of an eye, had the ball in the back of the net before Kieran Bassom could react.
Woking’s fifth was made by another powerful
Akinwalere run and pass, with Dackombe’s strike hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing down and in, although there was some deliberation from the officials before they confirmed the ball had crossed the line.
Woking made changes to maintain their momentum, and the substitutes continued to press forwards, with Amario Malhotra continuing to prompt them with his excellent passing from midfield.
Aaron Zziwa did well to hold an Isaac Agyen free-kick on 78 minutes, but South Park were well beaten, and Woking added a sixth in added time, Calum Mathieson holding off the defender well and even as he was being forced wider managing to hit the ball back across himself low into the net.
Woking will hope they can continue to progress in the games ahead, and put themselves in a strong position to compete at the top of the table come the new year.
Woking: Aaron Zziwa, Ollie Rigby, Dillan Davies, Joel Jennison-Leppa, Amario Malhotra, Louie Boyle (c), Will Ledbury, Bruno Dackombe (Frankie Bushby 81), Roshan Kigozi (Jack Tricker 67), Seyi Akinwalere (Hayden Vally 81), Jalil Page (Calum Mathieson 61). Unused sub: Jack Roles (GK).
Goals: Page 20, Akinwalere 23, 53, Rigby 43, Dackombe 57, Mathieson 90+3.
South Park (Reigate): Kieran Bassom, Jayden Foss, Kyle Johnson-K, Bailey Woods (c), Seb Parsons, Frankie Lynn, George Kuniposcht, Ralph Cubbold, Archie Charge, Max Kuruc, Archie Foss. Subs: Jamie Gallon, Isaac Agyen, Josiah Harris-M, George Kierander, Aidan Hopkins.
Goal: A. Foss 13. Referee: Lee Murphy. Attendance: 27.
SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
Harrow Borough U23 2 – 1 Woking U21 Suburban Football League – Premier Division Harrow Borough FC, Earlsmead, Carlyon Avenue
Woking: Mikey Verga, Jack Lewis, Harrison Stevens, Tom Gardner, Louis Pask, Leo
Christophers, Henry McDonald, James Orton, Lucas Boxall, Jalil Page, Ryan Scott (Harvey Brook 65). Unused subs: Bob Honey (GK), Charlie Sweeney, James Clark.
Goal: Christophers 90+1.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER
Lui Edwards, Forward, 4th year – Westfield: Came on as a substitute in the 57th minute of the 1 – 2 defeat at Leatherhead in the Velocity Cup Third Round.
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd yearPetersfield Town: Played the full match in the Portsmouth Senior Cup fixture against United Services Portsmouth. The game finished 0 – 0 and went to penalties, McDonald scoring his penalty as his side progressed to the quarter finals after winning 5 – 3 in the shootout.
SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
Lui Edwards, Forward, 4th year – Westfield: Played the full match of the 1 – 2 defeat at Southall in the Isthmian League - South Central Division.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Played the first 63 minutes of the 1 – 3 defeat to Abbey Rangers in the Combined Counties Premier Division.
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
Turn your passion for football into a career with the University Campus of Football Business where you can study a wide range of courses with access to iconic stadiums and global summits . Scan here for more information and how to apply or visit UCFB.ac.uk
UCFB alumni have worked in each of the 20 Premier League clubs and over 50 of the 72 EFL clubs
The course has been exceptional for learning so many skills within the industry. The lecturers and module leaders have all really guided me on my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help that UCFB has given me.
Rio
Rosenberg
BA (Hons) Football Business and Media student and Women’s Content Creator at Chelsea FC
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