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
WELCoME
Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we host Sutton at the Laithwaite Community Stadium for Match Day 12. Today’s notes take a sombre tone, as it with great sadness I share the news of Dan Hall’s passing.
Many of you will have seen the statement published by the club this week, and the reaction and shared memories of Dan are a telling tribute to the man he was. Dan was a Cardinal through-and-through, the living embodiment of Woking FC, a true gentleman and THE Mr. Nice Guy.
During my time with the club, I have had the pleasure of meeting Dan’s wonderful daughter Jess, and seeing her grow into just an ardent a Card (if not more!), than Dan. Their infectious smile and ever presence home
or away, rain, sleet or shine, will be a source of inspiration for many. Dan and Jess made many wonderful memories together through a shared love of Woking FC, and as a club, we will continue to ensure Jess and the Hall family create many more for years to come.
We are joined today by Jess, Dans brother Andy, and Dans mother, Shelia. There will be a minutes applause prior to kick-off in memory of Dan, with future funeral and memorial dates to be released by the family in due course. I am sure many of my fellow Cards will have their own stories and memories of Dan, so let's raise the roof and make the Woking FC and Hall family proud.
Kind Regards,
Simon Jones Business Development Director
DAN hAll
1969 - 2024
Woking FC were so saddened to hear that long term fan Dan Hall passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 19th.
Born in Woking, Dan was Woking FC to the core and attended every game – home or away, sunshine or rain with his beloved daughter Jess; the Halls were always a regular fixture in the Geoff Chapple Lounge. Dan is also survived by his mother Sheila, brother Andrew and sister Jenny.
Andrew recalls 'we have so many great memories but I recall us reminiscing long
into the night about the special game when Woking came back from 2 – 0 down to beat Wealdstone in the promotion semi-final; a day never to be forgotten. Dan will never be forgotten and we will always love him.’
We are honoured to be joined by Sheila, Jesse and Andrew in the Geoff Chapple Lounge on Saturday and there will be a minutes applause for Dan before kick off
Dan’s funeral will be in October and details will be made available in due course.
RIP Dan Hall
MANAGER 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 vs Sutton United Vanarama National League
Saturday 26th September 2024
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking return to the Laithwaite after two consecutive away games to take on a Sutton United side back in the National League following relegation from League Two.
Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at Eastleigh was extremely encouraging for the Cards with an in-form side given a real test by Michael Doyle’s men. He will hope to keep things similar to the side that started at the Silverlake, but might have to rotate with this being the first of three home games in a week.
OPPOSITION WATCH
Sutton United were doomed when Steve Morison was poached from Hornchurch back in January, and despite briefly exiting the drop zone, he was unable to complete the great escape and thus the U’s are back in this league for the first time in three years.
Morison has put together an extremely youthful team, with just three players over 30 in his 20 man squad. A number of incomings has included former Wealdstone winger and Sri Lanka international Dillon De Silva, Aveley duo Siju Odelusi and Edu Vaz, former Woking loanee Nana Boateng as well as another former Card in Jayden Harris.
A mixed start of four wins, four draws and three losses has the U’s currently sitting ninth with 16 points from 11 games, one more than the Cards. This inconsistency can be summed up with the U’s having won 5-0 at home to Altrincham, but also lost 3-0 twice to Boston and Dagenham.
Josh Coley, one of few players to survive the cull over the summer is top scorer with four goals, with Will Davies and Ashley Nadesan on three each. One to watch is another former Woking loanee in Lewis Simper, who has been impressive by all accounts and was MOTM in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Yeovil.
AROUND THE GROUND
Tickets are available to purchase online here.
LAST TIME OUT
Sutton completed the double over the Cards in their promotion winning season with a 3-2 win in front of the BT Sport cameras, to go alongside a 1-0 win at the Laithwaite courtesy of a Harry Beautyman penalty.
In 14 games since Sutton were promoted to the Conference South in 2011, Woking have won seven, Sutton six and there has been one draw.
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
The club are delighted to announce Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care as our Charity of the Year.
scored his first Woking goal in the second half.
So C IAL
@bwynts scoring his first for the Cards.
Woking FC were so saddened to hear that long term fan Dan Hall passed away suddenly and unexpectedly...
to @mattyward03, who won the @cards_trust Player of the Month award for August.��
Wynter
T. Shade, 18’
C. Maguire, 80’
L. Walker, 39’
B. Winter, 57’
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)
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.
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
18. Raheem Conte
Rohan Ince
17. Matt Ward
16. Tunji Akinola
10. Lewis Walker
14. Deon Moore
20. Josh Smith 23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Dan Rowe
Ben Turner
Michael Doyle
Malcolm Jobling
Thinesh
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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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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.
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 UPDATES
UPCOMING AWAY COACH TRAVEL
Supporters Coaches
Please note that this season we have changed U16 prices to U18 prices.
AWAY TRAVEL
Tamworth
CLICK HERE
Solihull Moors CLICK HERE
Halifax No Supporters Coach
Barnet
CLICK HERE
All coaches are subject to having enough bookings to run. Please book in advance!
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
Riley Kinge - 26th September - 14 years oldTheo Linnell - 28th September - 9 years old
400 CLUB
The August draw has been made using a random Number Calculator, (see below). The winning numbers are:
£100 Number 100 Matthew Erskine (Kindly donated to the Greg Olley fund)
£75 Number 60 Bill Sutton
£50 Number 354 Matthew Glide
Congratulations to the winners. To take part, contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
Cards Trust AGM
The Cards Trust AGM will take place at 19:30, Wednesday 2nd October in the Cardinals Bar. Members will receive an email or letter soon with further details.
MATCHDAY MASCoT
Hugo Bennet
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
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 23rd September 2024
WEDNESDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
12:00 – Chatham U17 v Woking U17
National League Alliance - Division E Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Bournville Avenue, Chatham
14:00 - Woking U19 v Eastleigh U19
National League Alliance Academy South Westfield FC, Woking Park
THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
19:30 – Woking U21 v Slough Town U21
The Michael Bidmead (League) Challenge Cup, 1st Round Redding Way, Knaphill
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
Week commencing 16th September
WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
Woking U17 2 – 3 Eastleigh Blues
National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
Eastleigh arrived top of the early league table due to an emphatic goal difference, and would prove to be a strong opposition for Woking’s first years, who did well to compete throughout with a side including many second years. Woking made one change to their starting XI, with Amario Malhotra returning for Luca Di Manno, who moved to the substitutes bench.
Eastleigh started well and were causing problems with their attacking passing, although Woking’s midfield were shielding their defence well, and Woking were getting forwards themselves and Jojo Ampah could have shot when he unselfishly passed to Roshan Kigozi, and Eastleigh recovered.
Woking were matching their opponents with great determination, Mason Drew blocking well when called upon, and Frankie Bushby relishing the challenge and showing fine competitiveness, although Coby Killick came close to putting Eastleigh ahead on 23 minutes, heading over from a few yards out at a corner.
With Pranish Gurang and Roshan Kigozi getting forwards well on the wings Woking were trading attacking passages of play with their opponents, and on 30 minutes Kigozi saw his shot blocked. Woking had done well to get to grips with Eastleigh’s offside trap, and on 39 minutes they had the lead. Woking’s short passing overcame Eastleigh’s offside plan, with Malhotra and Ampah involved in the move, and Hayden Vally continued his goalscoring form with a low drive from 10 yards.
Eastleigh responded well, and not for the last time Freddie Ingram hit a shot which Aaron Zziwa did well to save. Then Freddie Beale looked to have hit an equaliser, before Zziwa made a diving save to stop the ball from hitting the top corner of the net, leaving the disbelieving Beale with his head in his hands. From the resulting corner Charlie Luff’s chipped cross-shot somehow evaded everyone and went past the far post.
It looked like Eastleigh would have an equaliser before half-time, and Henry Miburu connected well from 25 yards, but his shot was straight at Zziwa. Then, on 45 minutes, Woking had a second, a superb through ball from Joe Scanlon releasing Vally on a run in to the penalty area, and the forward with the vision to knock the ball past the advancing ‘keeper to Ampah, who could enjoy taking a touch before blasting the ball in to the empty net from close range.
As Eastleigh goalkeeper Sam White received treatment and the other players took drinks it looked like that would be the end of the action for the half, but the break looked to affect concentration, and Ingram had time and space to hit an unstoppable drive in to the top corner
from 20 yards, giving Zziwa no chance.
HALF-TIME: WOKING 2 – 1 EASTLEIGH
Buoyed by the goal getting them back in to the game, Eastleigh started the secondhalf brightly, Beale volleying a half-chance wide. This was the start of something of an onslaught. Ingram’s shot was deflected for a corner, and after a goalmouth scramble Barney Stone saw his shot deflected wide. Chase Michel cut inside but saw his shot hit the far post and bounce across goal to safety.
The direction of play continued, Ben Beard shot over, Luff shot wide and Beale shot at Zziwa. On 54 minutes Woking did create a chance for Vally to shoot, but it was brief moment of respite. Michel was causing problems, especially with his pace, and Ingram grew stronger, driving his team forward. And Beale couldn’t quite get on the end of Michel’s cross shot.
On 59 minutes came Eastleigh’s best chance to equalise yet. Kigozi was beaten by Chase’s pace and his late challenge saw the referee point to the penalty spot. Ingram could have hit his spot-kick more cleanly and Zziwa was equal to it, diving to his right to make the save.
After receiving treatment for cramp Vally was replaced by Tyrell Ejakita, who was quickly in to the game, his pace winning a corner. However, Woking were soon on the backfoot again, their defence stretched and Zziwa called in to more action. Beale and Michel had switched flanks to great effect, and were to combine for the equaliser on 71 minutes. Beale’s run and cross from the left met by Michel coming in from the right to finish emphatically with a fierce shot from 6 yards.
Eastleigh had chances to make it 3 – 2 before they did score their winner on 80
minutes, their play between the lines adding to the pressure. The decisive goal came from a fine through ball from Stone, Zziwa misjudged his coming out to clear, and Ingram got to the ball first and was able to knock the ball past the onrushing ‘keeper and in to his goal. A goalkeeper’s lot is not a happy one, this was a fine game for Zziwa, but he will remember his expensive misjudgement.
Eastleigh’s domination continued and they looked the more likely to add another goal, although Woking didn’t make the most of an 89th minute free-kick, and Gurang did well in added-time to create a chance for himself with his dribbling skill, but could not get enough power in his shot to beat White.
Woking battled well against one of the stronger teams in the league, and should be encouraged that Eastleigh had to be at their best to beat them, and will grow from games against such opposition.
WOKING: Aaron Zziwa, Connor Thomas (c), Mason Drew, Kai Baverstock, Roshan Kigozi (Jack McGibbon 79), Amario Malhotra, Joe Scanlon, Pranish Gurang, Frankie Bushby (Luca Di Manno 79), Hayden Vally (Tyrell Ejakita 60), Jojo Ampah. Unused subs: James Moore (GK), Jack Owen.
GOALS: Vally 39, Ampah 45.
EASTLEIGH: Sam White, Ben Beard (George Cole 74), Coby Killick (c), Thomas Farnsworth, Henry Mubiru (Henry Barham 90+1), Freddie Beale, Ethan Jones (Nick O’Carroll 87), Charlie Luff, Chase Michel (Harley Russell 84), Freddie Ingram, Barney Stone. Unused sub. Oscar Maule (GK).
GOALS: Ingram 45+2, 80, Michel 71.
REFEREE: Charles Sherrard.
Aldershot U19 0 – 3 Woking U19 (HT: 0 – 0) - National League Alliance Academy South SB Stadium, Bottom Meadow Yorktown Road, Sandhurst
Woking: Lewis Mouland, George GaleaElston, Tom Gardner (c), Aidy Silverstein, Louis Pask, Tommy Seale, Henry McDonald, Sam Brittain, Lucas Boxall, Stanley Kyle, Stefan van Wijngaarden. Subs: Mikey Verga (GK), Jermaine Junior Young, Harvey Brook, Harrison Stevens, Jacob Farr.
Goals: Van Wijngaarden 49, McDonald 55, Gardner 60.
SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER
St Albans Reserves 3 - 3 Woking U21s Suburban Football League Premier Division Clarence Park, St Albans
The Woking squad arrived no doubt buoyed by their midweek win at Aldershot, and battled well to maintain their unbeaten run. The two clubs finished on equal points last season, and St Albans had also started this season strongly.
The first ten minutes were St Albans, Kye Scott and Taylor Mahoney with attempts on goal, before Mahoney’s shot hit the post after good pressing from his teammates. Woking responded and JJ Young was able to get a shot away as the Cards got their passing game going, and
Aidy Silverstein, up from defence for a corner, saw his shot well tipped over the bar by Josh Dunton.
On 21 minutes Scott had another chance, but shot straight at Mikey Verga. Then Woking took the initiative, Louis Pask’s excellent dribbling winning the first of four consecutive corners. Young’s delivery was causing problems and Tommy Seale, Sam Brittain and Silverstein all threatened the St Albans’ goal.
The Saints responded and it was their turn to be in the ascendency, first Scott’s shot brought Verga in to action, and then the Woking ‘keeper made two fine saves from Mahoney, before making another save from Scott, Verga a big reason why it remained 0 – 0.
But as the half drew to a close St Albans had the lead, their press forcing another corner, which Woking couldn’t clear, despite a Verga save and a Seale block, with the ball eventually falling to Gabe Ward, who knocked home from short range. Pask did win his side another freekick but Young’s free kick was headed over by Silverstein and the half ended with the hosts in the lead.
HALF-TIME: ST ALBANS 1 – 0 WOKING
Woking started the second-half well, Brittain winning a corner, but on 50 minutes they found themselves two behind. Dylan Joyce finishing a move he had started with a firmly hit shot from the edge of the area which flew in to the Woking net.
As St Albans continued to create more chances than Woking, it was time for a change to the cards’ midfield. Lucas Boxall replaced Seale, with Young dropping deeper and Boxall looking to get forward. Verga was still called upon to
make another save, but St Albans play was becoming a little scrappy.
On 65 minutes Harvey Brook replaced Byron Mitchell, who had worked tirelessly without reward. Within a minute Brook battled hard to win a throw-in, and when the ball broke to Van Wijngaarden from the resulting goalmouth scramble, he was able to find the back of the net from the corner of the six-yard box to half the arrears.
The equaliser came six minutes later, although St Albans did hit the post in the interim. A long ball forwards found Van Wijngaarden on the rightwing, and his excellent cross to the near post was met by Brook who headed unstoppably past the ‘keeper.
Woking’s final substitution saw Jacob Farr replace Brittain, feeling discomfort in his right ankle, and although the left-side is less familiar to Farr, he was still to have an impact.
There were still twists to come, and now against the run of play, a long ball forward evaded the Woking defence, and Mahoney was able to run in and knock the ball past the advancing Verga to put St Albans back in the lead. 3 – 2 to the saints after 75 minutes.
Scott had another shot straight at Verga before Woking pressed again. Henry McDonald and Boxall forced saves from Dunton, but time looked to be running out. That was until the first minute of added time, and a fine piece of work from Farr. As he dribbled in the box it looked like he had left it too late to pass, but he fed the ball to Brook who smashed home the equaliser from a few yards out.
Woking went in search of a winner, whilst mindful not to suffer a sucker-punch, but could
not create another clear chance, and the game drew to a close. Whilst Woking may have had a sense that this was a match they could have won, St Albans were clearly the more disappointed as they headed to the dressing rooms. St Albans, as a club, to be commended for their friendliness and hospitality.
ST ALBANS: Josh Dunton, Fatjon Uke (Chris Coulouby 70), Gabe Ward (Ollie Siggers 70), James Beasley, Max Scott, Durnell Taylor (Feroz Hamzie 78), Sam Cooper (Joe Beardon 62), Dylan Joyce (c), Alex Penn, Kye Scott, Taylor Mahoney: Unused subs: Harry Pattrick (GK), Lockie Kennedy.
GOALS: Ward 44, Joyce 50, Mahoney 75.
WOKING: Mikey Verga, George GaleaElston, Tom Gardner (c), Aidy Silverstein, Louis Pask, Tommy Seale (Lucas Boxall 55), Henry McDonald, Sam Brittain (Jacob Farr 73), Jermaine Junior Young, Byron Mitchell (Harvey Brook 65), Stefan van Wijngaarden. Unused sub: Oliver Kabeer (GK).
GOALS: Van Wijngaarden 66, Brook 72, 90+1.
REFEREE: David Goater.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER
LUI EDWARDS, Forward, 4th year –Westfield: Played the full game in the 0 – 2 defeat at Farnham Town in the Isthmian League - South Central Division.
BEN MITCHELL, Forward, 3rd yearKnaphill: Played 56 minutes in the 5 – 3 victory at Epsom & Ewell in the Combined Counties Premier Division South. Mitchell scored penalties in the 40th and 55th minutes before being substituted with his side 3 – 0 to the good.
OLLIE MASON, Centre Midfield, 3rd year –Ascot United: Came on as a 78th minute substitute in the 2 - 1 victory over Sutton Common Rovers in the Velocity Cup Second Round. Ascot’s winner scored by ex-Card Aiden Payne-James.
SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER
LUI EDWARDS, Forward, 4th year–Westfield: Played the first half of the 1 - 3 defeat to Thame United in the FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round.
BEN MITCHELL, Forward, 3rd yearKnaphill: Played the full game of the 0 – 2 defeat at Billingshurst in the FA Vase Second Qualifying Round.
OLLIE MASON, Centre Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: Was substituted after 56 minutes, having earlier been cautioned, of the 1 – 0 victory over Margate in the FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round.
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.
All matches in one place, live, on-demand and on any device
WoMEN'S REPoRT
CARD'S HELD LEVEL AT THE LAITHWAITE COMMUNITY STADIUM
Woking FC Women v Abbey Rangers Ladies Sunday 8 September 2024
The Laithwaite Community Stadium 15:00 KO
MATCH REPORT
Woking FC Women had the privilege of hosting nearby Abbey Rangers Ladies on the grass pitch of the Laithwaite Community Stadium for their local derby. The match ended with both teams taking a share of the points, an ordinarily suitable result in a fierce derby match but again Woking FC Women will feel as if they’ve missed an opportunity to take all three points.
FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHTS
The cardinals started strongest. After Abbey kicked the game off it was all Woking for the first 10 minutes. Jasmina Vanvooren made an early run down the left hand side carrying the ball well, before floating a cross through the box but there was no one attacking it. Louise Curr pounced on a loose ball from Abbey in the midfield and shot early from outside the box, her curling effort just wide of the left hand upright. Vanvooren and Alicia Christie both jumped on misplaced goal kicks; Vanvooren shooting herself and missing by a matter of inches, Christie playing in Rebecca Tiney whose early shot was straight at Abbey’s keeper and well-held.
Abbey made rare forays forward in the first half, but when they did our defenders were there to clear. First it was captain Fran Cotter coming across from central defence to slide in and clear big on the right, then it was Laura Mitchell blocking a switch on the left and getting to the second ball first to clear upfield.
Shortly afterwards in the 34th minute, Nicola Marr played a superb through ball to put Beth Anders in one-on-one with the Abbey Rangers goalkeeper. Anders remained calm and placed a right footed shot just inside the right-hand upright to score Woking FC Women’s first goal of the 2024/25 SRWFL season and take the lead in the match. It was welcome relief for the coaches on the bench who had seen two earlier one-on-one chances barely miss earlier in the half.
The half ended with Abbey Rangers taking a corner from the right-hand side. The corner was well met, and a shot was drilled towards the goal, Amy Jenkins was beat in goal but Jasmina Vanvooren was parked on the line to clear with her head. Her brilliant clearance ensured we entered the sheds at halftime with the lead.
HALF-TIME: Woking FC Women 1 – 0 Abbey Rangers Ladies
SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHTS
The second half started with neither side stamping their authority. The ball changed possession many times as the first five minutes was battled in the middle third of the park. The game threatened to break open when Jasmina Vanvooren was played in by Rebecca Tiney, Vanvooren then attempted an audacious left-footed dink over the Abbey Rangers keeper but she was up well and pushed the ball onto the crossbar for an incredible save.
On the 58th minute, Abbey Rangers FC equalised with a lobbed finish after pouncing on a loose pass in the final third. Woking FC were seemingly taken off guard by the equaliser, falling to regain the control they had in the first half. Abbey Rangers dominated the next phase
of play possession wise, but ultimately were unable to create any good chances.
Going into the final 20 minutes of the match, both teams were showing a desire to go and get all three points. The pace and ferocity increased. It was Woking FC who would pile on the pressure the most, with Tiney going in one-on-one at the 75th minute but her right foot shot rolling painfully wide of the right hand upright, the home crowd had begun cheering as they thought it was in but play restarted with a goal kick.
In the 84th minute Ellie Roch broke free down the right, as she made her run up the wing she was pulled at once, the referee played advantage as Roch continued on but she was eventually brought down by an illegal sliding challenge. The Woking FC bench thought it was a penalty and was asking the question, however the referee determined the contact occurred outside the box. Play was stopped for a while whilst Ellie Roch was tended too.
Alicia Christie stood over the dead ball, 20 yards out to take the free kick. The Woking FC bench watched with bated breath, but her shot sailed just high and wide of the left hand upright.
The final 5 minutes of the match were played out without any real threat at either end and the referee called full-time with the scores level at one a piece.
FULL-TIME: Woking FC Women 1 – 1 Abbey Rangers FC Ladies
NEXT MATCH: Woking FC Women’s season continues this weekend when they travel to Bournemouth to take on Bournemouth Sports Reserves FC.
Bournemouth Reserves v Woking FC Women Sunday 15 September 2024 14:00 KO - Bournemouth Sports Development Club, BH23 6BL
