saT ur D aY 15 T h FEB ruar Y
C k o FF: 15:00
NE AL ARDLEY
2024/25
SE ASON TiCKETS
IN SAfE HANDS
As a reminder, it is our goal to ensure that all supporters feel safe and welcome at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. To that end, on 11 December 2021, the Club launched the “In Safe Hands” programme to help our fans report racist, sexist, homophobic, or other abusive language simply and anonymously.
If you hear any abusive language, experience it yourself or if you or someone you see feels / looks threatened, you can text the Club anonymously and the message will be monitored by our Safety Officer during the match. Simply text WFC (followed by the nature of your concern and location) to 66777 and we will address your concerns. Example: If you hear racial abuse whilst sitting in the KRE, please send the following text to 66777: “WFC racial abuse centre section of KRE.”
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.
We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.
Search Football Foundation to find out more.
AHEAD Of THE GAME
Woking’s first home game in nearly a month sees them welcome Tamworth to the Laithwaite on the back of a fantastic win at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Victory over the Daggers saw the Cards move above their opponents, with Junior Morias scoring twice against his former side on full debut.
Neal Ardley will have something of a selection headache with Frank Vincent and Dale Gorman back in the frame, as well as an injury list slowly plateauing by the week.
Unbeaten in their last six at home, Ardley’s side will hope to keep momentum building and move further away from the wide open relegation battle.
OPPOSITION WATCH
With many writing Tamworth off before a ball was kicked in anger, the Lambs can consider themselves one of the league’s surprise packages this season. A ten point buffer to the relegation zone means it’s extremely likely that Tamworth will secure a second successive season of fifth tier football, which would be quite the achievement considering they were languishing around the bottom half of the Southern League Premier Central three years ago.
Woking vs Tamworth
Vanarama National League
Saturday 15th January 2025 15:00 Kick-Off
Recent results have been mixed, however, with one win in their last six in all competitions. That was a crucial 1-0 away win at Wealdstone, with Beck-Ray Enoru finally getting off the mark in the league after his man of the match display at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.
Top scorer Dan Creaney only managed nine in the league last season; he’s already past that tally with ten for the season including one in the reverse fixture at the Lamb Ground. Tamworth have conceded 31 times in 15 away games this season, including a 7-0 thumping at Barnet earlier this season.
AROUND THE GROUND
Ticket information is available here
LAST TIME OUT
Tamworth were 3-2 winners at the Lamb back in October, with goals from Nathan Tshikuna, Tom McGlinchey and Creaney enough despite a Max Dyche header and a late free kick from Dale Gorman.
Both sides have five wins apiece in this fixture, with just a solitary 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
@wokingfc
S OC IAL
@wokingfc @wokingfc Friday preparation.
@wokingfc
Woking Football Club would like to inform supporters that children under 14 must be accompanied at the Club at all times by an appropriate adult.
A huge thank you to over 70 of our commercial partners who attended last night's Sponsors Evening.
We’re proud to be teaming up with Woking FC to make live football more accessible!
All 72 Vanarama National League clubs support a letter to the EFL Board requesting a vote to create three promotion places into their league...
@wokingfc @wokingfc
Junior Morias, that is OUTRAGEOUS
SPONSOR
28. Ollie Webber
22. Will Jääskeläinen
3. Jacob Jones
2. Dan Moss
7. Harry Beautyman 8. Dale Gorman
5. Timi Odusina
6. Jamie Andrews 21. Ben Wynter 27. Dion Kelly-Evans
11. Dennon Lewis 16. Tunji Akinola
15. Adam Chicksen
4. Chinwike Okoli
20. Junior Morias Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available
26. Tom Dryer
19. Jokubas Mazionis
14. Tariq Hinds
20. Alan Judge
30. Frank Vincent
12. Inih Effiong
24. Rohan Ince
31. Aiden O'Brien
39. Leo Christophers
17. Matt Ward
10. Lewis Walker
23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Neal Ardley
Simon Bassey
Dan Rowe
Craig Mackail-Smith
Malcolm Jobling
ABOUT
The Cards Trust (Cardinals Supporters Society) has worked with the Club to represent fans for more than a decade. The Trust is a shareholder of the Club (and owns around a quarter of it) and has a representative on the Board to put forward the fans’ views.
MEMBERSHIP
Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.
BOOST THE BUDGET
An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.
THE 400 CLUB
A prize draw with twelve draws per year. Around £20,000 has been given to support the Club and more than £12,000 in prizes.
GOLDRUSH
The prize draw that gives back 50% to the lucky winner with a draw at half-time on matchday, with a minimum stake of just £1. The prizes have recently been around £400 and the winning number is announced and displayed on the digital screen at half-time.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING
The Trust also organises social events and co-
ordinates the activities of volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to help on match days.
JUNIOR CARDS
A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.
PLAYER AWARD VOTES
The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.
AWAY MATCH TRAVEL
The Cards Trust arranges coach travel to away matches for supporters at the lowest cost possible. If you are an advertiser that would like to sponsor the travel, please get in touch.
Details of all coaches are available on the Trust website, where tickets can be booked online, usually up to 23:00 on the day before the match. Members and Junior Cards get discounted away match travel.
SUPPORTERS’ LIAISON GROUP
The SLG consults with fans (both Trust members and non-members) and the Club to improve the fan experience. Real change has been made based on ideas from the group including the successful Turner's Tannoy appeal which has financed the recent upgrade in the PA at the stadium.
THE CARDS TRUST
THIS WEEK'S UPDATES
SUPPORTERS COACHES
Supporters Coaches are subject to having enough bookings to run. The following trips are now on sale:
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10!
Please join up or renew CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Ernie Cordery - 5th February - 7 years old
Sammy Woods - 21st February - 5 years old
Grace Bowdery - 24th February - 14 years old
400 CLUB
January draw
£100 Number 180 Stephen King
£75 Number 405 Bob Cumming
£50 Number 41 Phillip Crawford
Congratulations to the winners!
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 this afternoon then you'll notice a striking new Fan Wall on the outside wall of the Legends Bar. The wall offers personalised plaques to purchase that enable you to celebrate your favourite player, record your first match, or of course remember a loved one - it is very fitting that Andy Turner has pride of place on the top left plaque. Developed by the Supporters Liaison Group within The Cards Trust, this fundraising initiative will be used by the trust to fund improvements to the spectator experience at the ground, as well as contributing to Boost The Budget and other initiatives to support Woking FC.
You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by visiting here (simple login-free access) or by speaking to any Cards Trust official at the game today.Anyone can purchase a plaque, you don't need to be a member of The Cards Trust, but please consider joining to actively support your club.This is also a great way for anyone who cannot get to The Laithwaite Community Stadium themselves to show their ongoing support for the club. Thanks to the generous support of The Platinum Table new plaques for Geoff Chapple, Barry Kimber and Colin Lippiatt have been placed at the heart of our Fan Wall.
A subset of the Cardinal Supporters Society/Trust is looking to recruit a mix of new members to help improve varying off-field matters within the club, and you do not have to be a Cards Trust member to apply. The Supporters’ Liaison Group is designed to act as the bridge between all Woking FC fans and Woking Football Club by:
Providing communication channels for ALL supporters (whether or not members of the Cardinals Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust) to give constructive comments about issues relating to fan experience for the attention of senior staff and owners of the Football Club.
OUR SUPPORTERS LIAISON GROUP IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
Convening regular liaison meetings directly with senior staff and owners of the Football Club to facilitate dialogue and ensure ALL fans have a voice on key matters affecting them (in addition to the existing route via the Cardinal Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust representative on the Football Club Board).
Encouraging fan consultation on issues affecting supporters.
Information on their 2025 members recruitment can be found here
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MATCHDAY & BALL SPONSORSHIP
Booking as part of a business, or simply looking to celebrate in added style? Why not take out a match or ball sponsorship?
You’ll receive all the incredible VIP Hospitality benefits, plus: Match Sponsorship - £1,150.00 + VAT
• Signed home shirt
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality for a table of ten (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
• Choose player of the match – read out on PA
• Executive VIP parking
Match Ball Sponsorship - £650.00 + VAT
• Signed match ball
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality experience for a table of six (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
The club are delighted to announce the Player Sponsorship package for the 24/25 season.
The club have reviewed the price and enhanced the offer to make supporting your favourite 1st team management or player more accessible and rewarding.
From the 24/25 season, player and management sponsors will receive:
• Signed match worn home and away jerseys near the start of the season presented at our Player & Management Sponsors dinner.
• Dedicated video shout-out from the player on signing and/ or on your birthday/special event (or a significant others).
• 2 x hospitality tickets during the season and the opportunity to meet your sponsored player after/before the game.
• Option to attend manager/player meet and greet throughout the season.
• Pre-game scoreboard reel with players and your name/ logo next to them.
Price for 24/25 player sponsorship is £900 + VAT. To sponsor a player, please email Simon, the club's Business Development Director, on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk.
HOSPiTALiTY PACKAGES 24/25
Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm its matchday hospitality prices for 2024/25.
Enjoy VIP matchday hospitality for only £65 per person at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
You will be able to book in advance for all 24/25 fixtures online once the list has been released.
What’s included?
• Three-course meal* prepared by our in-house chef team using locally sourced ingredients supplied by Simmons Family Butchers and Boz’s Fruit & Veg.
• Executive leather padded seats in the Seymours Community Stand.
• Dedicated lounge emcee.
• Exclusive bar and drinks options.
• Pre-match first-team management or player visit.
• Hear from the match sponsors’ player of the match after the game.
Single Match Pricing 24/25
VIP Hospitality: £65.00
STH VIP Hospitality: £50.00
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality**: £35.00
Hospitality Season Tickets
VIP Hospitality: £1,350 (£145 discount)
Platinum VIP Hospitality***: £1,750 (£205 discount)
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality: £750 (£90 discount).
Existing 2024/25 season ticket holders can enjoy a discount of £15pp for single-match hospitality. All payments for VIP matchday hospitality tickets shall be payable upon booking. Please note – cash is not accepted in the Geoff Chapple Lounge, and we will not accept cash payments on the day. Bookings are
only provisional until payment is made. All payments for hospitality season tickets shall be payable upon booking. If you have already purchased a 2024/25 season ticket**** and wish to upgrade to hospitality or platinum for the season, do so by calling the Club on 01483 772 470. Hospitality will be bookable online via the online ticketing platform or through the Club phone lines.
Other information
* Consisting of a main meal 1 hour before kick-off, a cold pudding at half-time and a cheeseboard for the table to share post-game. The main meal will either be a meat or vegetarian option (1 option of each) and will be sent out via email one week before the match. If you’d like to request an advance menu, please email tickets@wokingfc. co.uk. Please do not email menu choices in advance, as you will choose on the day. Please only email evie.carey@wokingfc.co.uk with allergen or dietary requirements.
** Under 14’s hospitality will enjoy all the benefits of a VIP Hospitality ticket; however, their main meal options are: Cheeseburger & Chips, Hotdog & Chips, Vegan Hotdog & Chips
*** The platinum package includes all the VIP perks, plus five drink vouchers to use per matchday at the Geoff Chapple Lounge bar, which may be redeemed for draught beer pints, 187ml wine by the glass, single spirits with mixers or soft drinks. Please note that platinum packages are only available for hospitality season ticket holders.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 10 Altrincham
Sat Aug 17 Gateshead
Tue Aug 20 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Aug 24 Ebbsfleet United
Mon Aug 26 Hartlepool United
Sat Aug 31 Rochdale
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sep 7 Braintree Town
Tue Sep 10 Wealdstone
Sat Sep 14 Oldham Athletic
Sat Sep 21 AFC Fylde
Tue Sep 24 Eastleigh
Sat Sep 28 Sutton United
OCTOBER
Sat Oct 5 York City
Sat Oct 12 Slough Town (FA Cup)
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 2 Cambridge United (FA Cup)
Sat Nov 9 FC Halifax Town
Sat Nov 16 Boston United
Sat Nov 23 Barnet
Tue Nov 26 Southend United
Sat Nov 30 Yeovil Town
DECEMBER
Tue Dec 10 Havant & Waterlooville
Sat Dec 14 Gateshead
Sat Dec 21 Altrincham
Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United
Sat Jan 4 Radcliffe (FA Trophy)
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Gainsborough Trinity (FA Trophy)
Sat Feb 8 York City
Tue Feb 11 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Wed Feb 19 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 Oxford City
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Wed Apr 1 Rochdale
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
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
MATCHDAY MASCOTS
I support Woking as it is my local club and I have been coming to watch with my Dad since I was 4! My favourite player is Mazionis
I support Woking as I think the players are all really cool and hope I can play for them one day.
Harry Edwards
I love my local team Woking FC. I come to the games with my dad and friend Aria. My favourite player is Harry Beautyman, the assist king. I want to play for Woking one day!
I support Woking just like my dad who has always been a big fan
TJ said he supports Woking because it’s his hometown and enjoys coming to watch games regularly.
Loves Woking FC and one day wants to be their striker!
Seve Trovato-Hamouda
Loves Woking FC because they are fun and exciting.
Santino Trovato-Hamouda
Loves Woking FC as it brings the community together, sharing the passion for the game as well as celebrating the wins!
Elliott Butler
he scored a hat trick for Meadows Sports Under 7s in only their second game last Saturday (hence the trophy) and is really excited to be a mascot for Woking this weekend!
ACADEMY
The Woking FC Academy has been operating in its current format for over a decade with the aim of helping talented young footballers make progress into the club's first team set up or in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies.
For the 2024/25 season, the youth and academy setup runs in three stages; a pre-academy for six to nine-year-olds, a youth academy for nine to 16-year-olds, and a full-time academy for talented young players above the age of 16, including an education plan.
The Academy works with the Football Club's partner charitable and community organisation, Cardinals in the Community (CITC).
Notable academy graduates in recent history include Woking legends Craig Ross and Joe McNerney, Wrexham's Ollie Palmer, and exChelsea and now-Reading's Jayden Wareham.
PRE-ACADEMY
The Pre-Academy is for the very youngest players, covering U7s, U8s and U9s. Meeting once a week, players train and learn in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of our coaches. Players that show real talent have the opportunity to progress to Woking FC Academy Youth.
The Pre-Academy trains at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:00.
YOUTH ACADEMY
Starting with U9s and progressing through the age groups right up to U16s, players train with our Academy coaches and have the opportunity to play competitively in the Junior Premier League. Training is held twice weekly at CITC’s sports hub, within the grounds of Woking College, and matches are played on Saturdays. At this level, players are able to continue playing for their grassroots clubs.
As with the main Academy, players receive a progress report twice per season, which helps identify areas of their game to work on and improve. U16s players are assessed throughout the season with a view to being invited to join Woking FC Academy.
WOKING FC ACADEMY
Woking FC Academy is a National League licensed academy. We aim to develop each and every player to reach their full potential, instilling ambition and a professional attitude. We work as closely as possible to Category 3 Academy standards, creating a professional environment in which players thrive.
Players train 5-6 hours per week at CITC’s sports hub. Their development is supported by video analysis of training and matches, group workshops and strength and conditioning sessions. One-to-one reviews are held twice every season, along with player reports so that both the coaching staff and the players themselves have a clear focus on individual development.
Woking FC Academy plays competitive matches in the U18 Isthmian League, U19 National League and also have the opportunity to play in U23 fixtures. Players in our Elite Development Plan (EDP) compete in the Tactic League and National B League. Cup competitions are a feature of the fixture calendar. Pre-season training includes friendlies and there are opportunities to travel abroad for football tours and tournaments, including the Gothia Cup.
Our football timetable is planned in conjunction with players’ education. Academy players can
choose to attend Woking College or focus on gaining the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, which is delivered by SCL Education at Westfield FC. Players on the EDP pathway study towards the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 3 A levels) with SCL.
AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS
Under 23s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
Play in: Suburban Football League - Premier Division
Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Under 19s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
National League U19 Alliance - Academy South Division
Home games: Westfield FC, weekdays, daytime
Under 19B - predominantly U17s - first years
National League U19 Alliance - Division E Woking College, weekdays, daytime
Under 18s - predominantly U17s - first years
Pitching In Isthmian Football League - Youth West Division
Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Players will also have the chance to represent the academy in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
ACADEMY BULLETIN
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 10th February 2025
WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY
14:00 – Woking U19 v Dover Athletic U19
National League Academy – South Division
Woking College, Rydens Way
14:00 – Dartford Reds v Woking U17
National League Alliance – Division E
Princes Park Stadium, Dartford, DA1 1RT
THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY
19:30 – Woking U21 v Abbey Rangers U21
Suburban Football League
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 AND TEAM DETAILS Week commencing 3rd February 2025
WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY
Slough Town U19 1 – 0 Woking U19
National League Academy – South Division Arbour Park Community Sports Stadium, Stoke Road
Slough Town inflicted the u19’s first defeat of 2025 at Arbour Park on Wednesday afternoon, with an early effort being all that was needed to settle the tie.
A 1st minute effort from Alizaie, taken from the edge of the box, was curled in at the far post after a well-worked move from Slough, giving the fourth-placed team an early advantage.
In a positive response from Woking, Pask went close in the 4th minute, with an effort which fired against the post, as the Cards looked to cancel the early opener.
In the 9th minute, Dryer put a promising ball into the box, which Kyle could not get a head to, and the follow-up shot from Scott did not have the accuracy to trouble Butcher.
The closest that Slough came to a second in the first-half was with a free-kick on 15 minutes from the edge of the box, which almost squeezed into the bottom right corner. Although goalscorer Alizaie’s shot may have already been destined to edge just wide from a deflection, Verga did well to get down to his left and meet the shot with his fingertips, which ensured the effort stayed out of the net.
Just moments after, Dryer went on a great run forward and nearly cancelled out Slough’s early lead. With incredible speed, his run saw him edge away from the tracking back defence, and a great touch saw him take the ball around Butcher, but the subsequent shot was fired into the side netting, and the search for the equaliser continued.
Yet another big chance to equalise fell in the 22nd minute, with an excellent through ball from Kyle which found the run of Dryer. Dryer aimed to slot past Butcher, but the effort across goal, bound for the bottom corner, was saved by the outstretched leg of the home keeper, and the scoreline remained unchanged.
The chances kept coming for Woking despite the early setback, with Pask the next to go close in the 28th minute. A great move forward from the Cards saw Pask’s shot fired over the bar, but, aside from the first minute of the game, Woking were creating the better chances by far. Moments later, Dryer had a shot which took a deflection and went wide, but Woking continued to create a threat throughout the remainder of the first 45.
The next big chance for the travelling side fell in the 35th minute when Kyle was taken down by Mather on the edge of the box. Pask took the free kick, which cleared the defence, but the
effort went into the gloves of Butcher, having not created too much of a threat.
In the closing stages of the first half, Woking once again created a number of threats as they looked to get level before the break. In the 3rd minute of injury time, Kyle got himself touch tight with the keeper and got the first touch on the delivery. Butcher, however, was once again equal to the effort, this time getting his body in the way of the shot. Moments later, Dryer put a dangerous ball into the box, but it was deflected out with nothing from the corner that resulted, which left the Cards a goal down at the break.
Tom Dryer in the centre of the action at Slough Tom Dryer in the centre of the action at Slough Izzinfilm
HALF-TIME: SLOUGH TOWN 1 – 0 WOKING
Woking began the second half in a positive fashion, with the majority of the play inside the Slough half, but unfortunately with no real threat created on Butcher’s goal. Another effort from Dryer came in the 52nd minute. He connected with the ball well, getting a strong shot away on the edge of the area, but, as with most of the first half, the shot was met by Butcher.
Slough grew into the second 45, with their first real chance of the half in the 55th minute. A counterattack for the home side ended with a miss-hit cross, which rolled across an empty box and was controlled by an unthreatened Verga. Moments later, the home side came closer to a doubled advantage, with an over-the-top cross and a subsequent shot which went just wide having troubled the Woking defence.
Page went close to making the perfect start from the bench in the 61st minute, with a closerange shot which looked dangerous. The effort, however, was blocked by the keeper, and the Cards entered the final 30 minutes still with an uphill climb.
For much of the remainder of the half, despite a lot of good spells of possession for both sides, there lacked a wealth of clear-cut chances.
In the 73rd minute, Page played a great ball over the top of the box to Boxall, who hit the ball first time, but the shot was fired over the bar in Woking’s best chance in at least 10 minutes.
In the 78th minute, Scott took a free kick which was headed goalward, but fell straight into the gloves of Butcher, as Woking entered the last 10 minutes without having created the same wealth of chances that they did in the first 45.
Another free kick in the 88th minute presented yet another chance for the Cards to get themselves level, this time with Kyle set to take. The effort, however, took a deflection and, as with many chances in the 90 minutes, the ball fell into the gloves of Butcher in what was Woking’s last real chance of the half.
After a short spell of injury time at the end of the 90, Woking suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of that first-minute goal from Alizaie.
Reflecting on the game, Academy Manager Matt Winter said: “Disappointed, very disappointed. We’ve got an extremely frustrated and disappointed dressing room. Fair play to Slough and full credit to them, they capitalised early and scored a well-worked goal [...] First half I was really pleased, bar that first minute I thought we were excellent, and we created numerous opportunities, but we weren’t clinical. The message at half-time was more of the same, keep pushing, but we were a little bit flat the second half.”
Slough Lineup: Emerson Butcher, Horatio Fowler © (Seamus Atem 72’), Armani Church, Reece Mather (Pietro Saletti 77’), Aaron White (Balu Makumbi 46’), Chris Ozougwa, Mo Alizaie (Dante McEwan 62’), Alex Vick, Guy Davies, Noah Hay, Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Temi Olaleye 82’)
Goalscorer: Alizaie (1’).
Woking Lineup: Mikey Verga, Jack Lewis, Ryan Scott, Ollie Mason (Jermaine Junior Young 77’), Tom Gardner, Aidy Silverstein, Louis Pask (Jalil Page 60’), Leo Christophers (Henry McDonald 85’), Stanley Kyle, Lucas Boxall, Tom Dryer. Unused Substitutes: Charlie Sweeney, Harvey Brook.
Barking Whites 6 – 2 Woking U17
(Half-time: 4 – 0); National League Alliance –Division E, Barking Abbey School (Longbridge Campus)
Woking: James Moore, Jack Owen, Max Goldsworthy, Mason Drew, Pranish Gurang, Joe Scanlon, Will Ledbury (George Mattingley 60), Jack Tricker (Zackaria Rhioui 55), Frankie Bushby (Luca Di Manno 60), Tyrell Ejakita, Jojo Ampah.
Goals: Rhioui 70, Ejakita 80.
THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
Woking U18 0 - 3 Walton & Hersham FC U18 Isthmian League – Central Division Knaphill FC, Redding Way Report from Ian Tilley
This result moved Walton & Hersham to the top of the league table, and leaves Woking hoping for an unlikely series of results in other teams’ fixtures if they are to get back in to contention. Hopefully, competing in a stronger league will stand this season’s first years in good stead for the years ahead.
Woking started competitively, looking to press high, and impose themselves on the game. But
the first sign of what was to come came as soon as the fourth minute. Joe Fisher being played in but shooting wide of the Woking goal. Two minutes later Woking were under pressure again, James Hall winning the ball from Joel Jennison-Leppa and setting up Fisher, who this time hit a good shot on target, only to be foiled by an equally good Jools Lacey’ save.
Woking did have chances of their own. A crisply hit Amario Malhotra corner finding its way straight through the six-yard box without any of his teammates attacking it. Hayden Vally delaying his shot for just a fraction too long and lifting it high in an attempt to beat the defensive block. And a fine 20-yard strike from Louie Boyle hitting the crossbar.
But amongst these chances was another opportunity for Fisher, a long ball (a tactic which caused the Woking defence problems on a number of occasions), finding its way through to the Walton forward, who looked sure to score, but was again wide of the target with his shot.
Although JJ Young (an Academy second year) was prompting his colleagues with his progressive passing from midfield, a clear-cut chance could not be fashioned, and the Walton coach’s encouragement to Fisher to keep trying because the next one would go in was soon to come true.
On 24 minutes a defence-splitting pass from Ryan Danso put Fisher through on goal and this time he made no mistake, finishing low and hard from 10 yards, giving Lacey no chance of making a save.
Woking responded well, a Roshan Kigozi cross put Walton on the defensive, and then a good winning tackle and pass from Malhotra set Seyi Akinwalere up to bring a, albeit comfortable, save out of Shaw Simler. Whilst good play from Jalil Page threatened Walton until Oscar Dempster made a good covering challenge.
Woking were not overrun, but looked vulnerable to long balls played over their defensive line, and could not gain enough forward momentum to find an equaliser before half-time.
HALF-TIME: WOKING 0 – 1 WALTON & HERSHAM
Captain Boyle drove his team forward as they sought to start the second-half in the ascendency, and fired in a firm shot from the edge of the 18yard box which went narrowly over. But as the half went on neither side could mount any sustained pressure, although on 61 minutes Danso forced Lacey in to a good save at his near post.
On 68 minutes Walton doubled their lead. Jack Kimber hit a free-kick well and it was deflected on to the cross bar, before falling to Harry Foxon who drilled home a low shot from 10 yards. Kigozi responded with a good, dribbling run, but shot over, and matters were to get worse for the Cards.
On 74 minutes Danso, capping off a good evening’s work, was on hand when Lacey’s save saw the ball spin up in to the air, to run in and knock it over the line. Five minutes later it looked like being 4, but James Hall saw his shot go narrowly wide.
Woking tried changes to personnel and individual positions, but Walton were as likely as the hosts to get the next goal, and were able to see out their victory in relative comfort, emphasising the greater strength of the Central Division.
Woking: Jools Lacey, Louie Boyle ©, Ollie Rigby, Joel Jennison-Leppa, Joe Frawley, Amario Malhotra, Roshan Kigozi (Frankie Bushby 80), JJ Young (Will Ledbury 80), Hayden Vally (Jojo Ampah 55), Seyi Akinwalere (Jack Tricker 66), Jalil Page. Unused substitute: Aaron Zziwa (GK).
Walton & Hersham: Shaw Simler, Max Seddon, Oscar Dempster, Michael Donnelly, Ibrahim Nawaz, Ryan Danso, Liam O’Neill, Jack Kimber, James Hall, Harry Foxon, Joe Fisher (Jack Lay 58). Unused substitute: Joshua Shears.
Goals: Fisher 24, Foxon 69, Danso 74. Referee: Kevin Batten, Assistants: Charles Sherred, Daniel Bright.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY
Ellis Byrne, Central Midfield, 2nd year - Knaphill: Played the first 72 minutes of the 0 – 6 defeat at Hartley Whitney in the ADFA Saturday Senior Cup Quarter-Final.
Tom Dryer, Forward, 2nd year – Westfield: Came on as a 65th minute substitute in the 2 – 1 victory at Leatherhead in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4). Tom was significantly involved in both the equaliser and winner which turned the game around.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Played the full game in the 0 – 6 defeat at Hartley Whitney in the ADFA Saturday Senior Cup Quarter-Final.
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Started on the substitutes’ bench for the 3 – 3 draw against Spelthorne Sports in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Tommy Seale, Central Midfield, 2nd yearBroadbridge Heath: Came on as a 79th minute substitute in the 0 - 2 defeat to Steyning Town in the Isthmian League - South East Division (Step 4).
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game of the 3 – 3 draw against Spelthorne Sports in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY
Bob Honey, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Kingstonian: The match against Guernsey in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4) was postponed.
SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY
Lucas Boxall, Midfield, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Came on as an 82nd minute substitute in the 2 – 0 victory over Tadley Calleva in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Sam Brittain, Midfield, 2nd year - Virginia Water: Made his debut, coming off the bench, in the 0 - 0 draw at Reading City in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division North (Step 5).
Tom Dryer, Forward, 2nd year – Westfield: The quality of Tom’s recent substitute appearances gave him a place in the starting XI for the 2 – 1 victory over Moneyfields in the Isthmian LeagueSouth Central Division (Step 4). Playing on the right side of the attack in a 3 – 4 – 3 formation, this was a performance of typical endeavour and flair, combined with his usual willingness to work back and support the defence. Tom opened the scoring, his first goal for Westfield, on 29 minutes - Jack Beadle played Tom in and from the corner of the six-yard box he powered his finish past the diving ‘keeper at waist height. A reorganisation on 70 minutes saw Tom switch to the left-side of the attack, and then, his work for the afternoon well done, Tom was replaced on 77 minutes.
Lui Edwards, Forward, 4th year – Westfield: Having started on the substitutes bench for the 2 – 1 victory over Moneyfields in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4), Lui was called in to action after 37 minutes, an injury leading to a reshuffle and Lui taking up his role as the spearhead of the attack. He nearly combined with Dryer to create a chance on 44 minutes, before the chance to shoot was closed down, created a chance for Beadle, and would play a significant role in Westfield’s winning goal. Moneyfields had equalised on 50 minutes, before Westfield won a free-kick on 55 minutes. Lui was called on to take it and his beautifully flighted ball was knocked down by Kyle Bailey and knocked in, on the slide, by Billy Nutbeam.
Bob Honey, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Kingstonian: The match at Badshot Lea in the Isthmian LeagueSouth Central Division (Step 4) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Came on as a 76th minute substitute in the 0 – 1 defeat at Balham in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Oliver Mason, Central Midfield, 3rd year – Ascot United: An unused substitute in the 3 – 4 defeat against Horndean in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year –Sheerwater: Came on as a 76th minute substitute (with the score at 1 – 0) in the 2 – 0 victory over Tadley Calleva in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5). Henry quickly made an impact, scoring the goal on 80 minutes which gave the Sheers’ victory.
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Came on as a 57th minute substitute (with the score at 0 – 0) in the 2 – 0 victory over Spelthorne Sports in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Byron Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Came on as a 66th minute substitute (with the score at 1 – 0) in the 2 – 0 victory over Tadley Calleva in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Louis Pask, Midfield, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as a 29th minute substitute (for an early injury) in the 0 – 0 draw at Abbey Rangers in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Tommy Seale, Central Midfield, 2nd yearBroadbridge Heath: Was not involved in the 0 - 0 draw at Herne Bay in the Isthmian League - South East Division (Step 4).
Aidy Silverstein, Central Defence, 2nd year - Hamble Club FC: Awaiting information on Aidy's involvement in the 4 - 1 victory at United Services Portsmouth in the Wessex League - Premier Division (Step 5).
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 0 – 1 defeat at Balham in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Wo kING FC Ta MWorT h FC
MANAGER: NEAL ARDLEY
DAN MOSS
JACOB JONES
CHINWIKE OKOLI
TIMI ODUSINA
JAMIE ANDREWS
HARRY BEAUTYMAN
DALE GORMAN
AIDEN O'BRIEN
LEWIS WALKER
DENNON LEWIS
INIH EFFIONG
TARIQ HINDS
ADAM CHICKSEN
TUNJI AKINOLA
MATT WARD
JOKUBAS MAZIONIS
JUNIOR MORIAS
BEN WYNTER
WILL JÄÄSKELÄINEN
JERMAINE ANDERSON
ROHAN INCE
DION KELLY-EVANS
OLLIE WEBBER
FRANK VINCENT
LEO CHRISTOPHERS
MANAGER: ANDY PEAKS
JAZ SINGH
MATT CURLEY
CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT
TOM TONKS
KENNEDY DIGIE
ALEX FLETCHER
KYLE FINN
BEN MILNES
DAN CREANEY
LUKE FAIRLAMB
CHRIS WREH
JACK HITCHMAN
KAI WILLIAMS
GEORGE MORRISON
BEN ACQUAYE
JAMIE WILLETS
JORDAN CULLINANE-LIBURD
TOM MCGLINCHEY
NATHAN TSHIKUNA
LEON PHILLIPS
BECK-RAY ENORU
KAI LISSIMORE
HAYDN HOLLIS
MUNASHE SUNDIRE
ZACH MCKENZIE
RONAN MAHER
BEN CROMPTON
JORDAN PONTICELLI
ARJAN RAIKHY
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19TH FEB | 19:45
