Greetings, and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as we host Halifax Town for another “Laithwaite Under The Lights”.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR MATCH SPONSOR
I am delighted to welcome local managed print specialist BAC Office as our match sponsor this evening. Marcus and the team at BAC have been long-time partners of the club, and supply WFC with all our print and digital needs. You can learn more about BAC here.
CHANGES TO CLUBS MATCHDAY CATERING OPERATION
The club are pleased to welcome Peaks Catering Ltd, who will be overseeing the food and drink operation at The Laithwaite Community Stadium for the foreseeable future. Based locally, the family run business will run our matchday concession areas and bars. The club will continue to run our popular Geoff Chapple Hospitality Suite. To learn more about Peaks Catering Ltd, you can view their website here
WFC VS. ALDERSHOT TICKETS - VNL
Tickets for our penultimate home VNL fixture, against Aldershot on 21st April went on sale at lunch time today. All available tickets have been released to public domain and when they’re gone, they’re gone! Head over to our ticketing website to secure your spot in what is sure to be another sold out derby.
I am keen to hear from fans with any feedback (good or bad!), ideas or inspirations – drop me a note at simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
Kind regards,
Simon Jones Business Development Director
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 begin a run of three home games in a week with the visit of playoff contenders FC Halifax Town.
A last gasp defeat at Wealdstone dented the Cards’ hopes of survival, but with their fate still lying firmly in their own hands, Neal Ardley will hope that a first win in six could turn the tide and stop Woking from nervously looking at other results as the season nears crunch time.
He will have a new option up front in Sam Ashford, who joined the Cards from Wealdstone and will hope to make his mark in a second spell in red and white, whilst news is awaited on whether the likes of Tariq Hinds can return after injury.
OPPOSITION WATCH
A problematic off field situation has been brewing at the Shay for a while, with Huddersfield Giants looking to take over the ground and become the second rugby league team to share with FC Halifax. That could make promotion via the playoffs impossible due to stringent EFL rules regarding groundsharing.
Nonetheless, this won’t take the shine off what has been another superb campaign for Chris Millington’s side, who have a six point cushion inside the playoffs in fifth despite an injury crisis that saw another two players in Sam Johnson and Festus Arthur potentially suffering season ending injuries at Oldham. Back-to-back defeats against the Latics and a surprise home loss to Dagenham & Redbridge ended an impressive run of three
Woking vs FC Halifax Town
Vanarama National League
Tuesday 25th March 2025
19:45 Kick-Off
straight wins, but the Shaymen have the third best away form in the division.
The mark of a good side is having a number of players to watch, and that’s exactly the case with Halifax. Adam Senior is a staple at the back having played 35 times this season, whilst creative midfielder Florent Hoti will provide a spark, the Kosovan having nine contributions this season.
AROUND THE GROUND
Ticket information is available here, as part of our Two for Tuesdays offer.
LAST TIME OUT
Angelo Cappello’s first half goal at the Shay was enough for all three points back in November, with Halifax victorious on both occasions last season as well by 2-1 margins.
Tylor Golden’s injury time goal stole the points for the Shaymen at the Laithwaite back in October 2023, as Tunji Akinola’s first half stoppage time goal was cancelled out by a fine strike from Golden after Angelo Cappello’s penalty levelled the game.
The last time Woking beat FC Halifax was at the Shay in October 2022, they were 4-0 victors thanks to two from Reece Grego-Cox, a Kian Spence own goal and a James Daly strike.
Of the 31 meetings between the two, 12 have gone the way of the Shaymen, with 9 Woking wins and 10 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.
ARRIVING AT THE STADIUM
Kingfield Road turnstiles – blue and yellow entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Westfield Avenue turnstiles - red and orange entry opens two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, unless otherwise stated.
Away supporter turnstiles - white entry opens two hours before kick-off, unless stated otherwise.
Supporters who have purchased a hospitality package will have green entry and should enter through the Guest Entrance, Kingfield Road.
Supporters are reminded to arrive at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in good time, and are not guaranteed to gain entry in time for kick-off when arriving less than 30 minutes before kick-off.
FOOD & DRINK
The Cardinals Bar is located at the front of the stadium.
The bar has full draught and bottle beer options. The Fan Zone is the newest addition for supporters and is located opposite the Cardinals Bar.
Moaners Corner Café is located next Moaners Corners Stand, with hot and cold drinks, plus snacks available.
The Seymours Community Stand has hot food options and a last lane for beverages.
CLUB SHOP
The Club Shop is open two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, located by the Fan Zone.
The shop is also open Mon - Fri, 10:00 - 16:00, upon check-in at reception.
TICKETING INFORMATION
All Woking FC Season Ticket holders can use their Season Ticket card to enter Laithwaite Community Stadium for all Vanarama National League matches.
Supporters with individual match tickets can use the e-ticket they purchased which was emailed from noreply@ktckts.com. Such tickets can be scanned on a smartphone or when printed.
Any assistance needed for matchday please contact tickets@wokingfc.co.uk, call 01483 772470, or come to reception Mon - Fri, 09:0017:00, or matchdays, 09:00 - half-time.
OTHER INFORMATION
Away supporter information can be found here. Directions to the ground are available here. Disabled access information is available here
So C IA l
@wokingfc
Defeat.
@wokingfc
Due to recent injuries, the first-team has called upon some of our most promising academy players in order to bolster the squad for the upcoming fixture...
Woking Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Sha’mar Lawson.
upporters can watch Woking against both Halifax Town and Rochdale for the price of one match, with the Two for Tuesdays bundle.
The Club is pleased to confirm a further 370 tickets have been made available for our Isuzu FA Trophy Semi-Final against Aldershot Town...
@wokingfc @wokingfc
Non-League Day 2025 is almost here! A huge thank you to the guards and staff at Woking station for showing their support ahead of our...
SUNDAY 4TH MAY
Woking
END OF SEASON - FAMILY FUN DAY
END OF SEASON FAMILY DAY RETURNS TO THE LAITHWAITE COMMUNITY STADIUM
SUNDAY 4th MAY - 10am-6pm
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 Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available
29. Sha'mar Lawson
20. Sam Ashford
19. Jokubas Mazionis
14. Tariq Hinds
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
SUPPORTERS COACHES
Supporters Coaches are subject to having enough bookings to run. The following trips are now on sale:
ALDERSHOT TOWN
For more information, email adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10!
Please join up or renew CLICK HERE
400 CLUB
February draw
£100 Number 249 George Burnett
£75 Number 392 David Morris
£50 Number 88 Brian Avery
Congratulations to the winners!
The 400 club units are just £12 each per year.
To learn more and take part please contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
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.
THE CARDS TRUST LAUNCHES A FAN WALL NEW FAN WAll SlG
The Supporters’ Liaison Group is designed to a ct 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.
Convening regular liaison meetings directly with senior staff and owners of the Football Club to facilitate dialogue and ensure ALL fans have a
You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by clicking here (simple login-free access) or by speaking to any Cards Trust official at the game today. Anyone can purchase a plaque, you don't need to be a member of The Cards Trust, but please consider joining to actively support your club.
This is also a great way for anyone who cannot get to The Laithwaite Community Stadium themselves to show their ongoing support for the club.
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.
OUR SUPPORTERS LIAISON GROUP IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
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.
We were delighted to recently welcome new members to the SLG and a very positive Zoom meeting was held with the clubs majority shareholder. Our first meeting is 20th March at The Laithwaite Community Stadium.
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Nuffield Health Woking Hospital are introducing robotic arm-assisted precision surgery for orthopaedic surgery.
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With our highly experienced surgeons working in harmony with state-of-the-art equipment, the hip and knee replacement surgery we offer has evolved – bringing patients a range of enhanced benefits. The result: even greater surgical precision, leading to improved outcomes, decreased pain and faster patient recovery.
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)
Pl AYER SPoNSoRSHIP
The club are delighted to announce the Player Sponsorship package for the 24/25 season.
The club have reviewed the price and enhanced the offer to make supporting your favourite 1st team management or player more accessible and rewarding.
From the 24/25 season, player and management sponsors will receive:
• Signed match worn home and away jerseys near the start of the season presented at our Player & Management Sponsors dinner.
• Dedicated video shout-out from the player on signing and/ or on your birthday/special event (or a significant others).
• 2 x hospitality tickets during the season and the opportunity to meet your sponsored player after/before the game.
• Option to attend manager/player meet and greet throughout the season.
• Pre-game scoreboard reel with players and your name/ logo next to them.
Price for 24/25 player sponsorship is £900 + VAT. To sponsor a player, please email Simon, the club's Business Development Director, on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk.
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 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 (FA Trophy QF)
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Tue Mar 25 FC Halifax Town
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Wed Apr 1 Rochdale
Sat Apr 5 Aldershot Town (FA Trophy SF)
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
GUESS THE PlaYERS
ANSWERS
INTERACTiVE QUiz
Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season, click here to test your knowledge...
BADGE:
PLAYERS: Luis Diaz
Mattheus Cunha Brighton & Hove Albion
mASCoTS PACK AGE
There are two options available
Package One: Full Experience £120* (includes match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£108 total cost)
• 2024/25 match shirt
• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.
• Pre-match stadium tour
• Meet & Greet with photo opportunities with players
• Food & drink voucher.
• Kickabout pitch side as the players warm up.
• Digital programme feature
• Tannoy announcement
• Walk out with the players
• Picture with team captains and match officials
• A Woking FC representative present throughout
Package Two: Full Experience £80* (does not include match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£72 total cost) Includes all the above
A training top will be lent to the mascot to wear during the pitch-walk in the case that you do not have the current 24/25 match shirt.
Team Mascot Packages are available – please contact the club for more information.
Please note fixtures are subject to availability, If you have any further questions or special requests email simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
ACADEmY
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). wokingfc.co.uk
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 17th March 2025
TUESDAY 18TH MARCH
19:30 – Hartley Wintney U21 v Woking U21
Suburban League Cup Plate - Quarter-Final
Hartley Wintney Memorial Ground, Green Lane, Hartley Wintney RG27 8DL
WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH
11:00 – Dartford U19 v Woking U19
National League Academy - South Division Princes Park Stadium, Dartford DA1 1RT
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.
The Academy website, where you can also find details of the Elite Development Squad launch, is wokingcitc.org
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
Week commencing 10th March 2025
MONDAY 10TH MARCH
Walton & Hersham U18 2 - 1 Woking U18 Isthmian League – Central Division Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex, Waterside Drive
With Walton & Hersham having won 3 – 0 at Woking last month, this promised to be another stern test for Woking’s first years, and so it proved to be, although Woking did compete well, especially in the second-half.
The warning signs were there for the visitors as early as the fourth minute, Jack Kimber with the chance from a familiar Walton long ball, and Aaron Zziwa, back from meeting up with the Uganda U19 squad, making the save.
However, the early breakthrough was only delayed for a few minutes, James Hall side-footing home from six yards, the Woking defence opened up too easily. Hall could have had another, shooting wide from the edge of the penalty area.
Woking did respond well, Roshan Kigozi with a shot well saved by Danny Ball, and Amario Malhotra’s cross from the resulting corner was met by Ollie Rigby at the far post with a volley which called for another smart save from Ball.
Walton then had a period in the ascendency, Zziwa saving well from Harry Schramm, Josh Shears’ range of passing from centre-back catching the eye, and Kai Cooper causing problems attacking from midfield.
With 39 minutes played it looked as if Woking would have a chance from a corner-kick, but it was the hosts on the break who were more threatening,
Joe Frawley doing well to cover the counter-attack.
Woking finished the half-well, but could not find the telling pass they were looking for, and Walton maintained control going into the break.
Half-time: Walton & Hersham 1 – 0 Woking
Woking continued to attack, and Hayden Vally’s ball to Calum Mathieson led to a fine cross into the box which Kigozi unfortunately headed wide. But as in the first-half, Walton had an early goal, Liam O’Neill finishing a period of pressure with a fine low drive from the edge of the area into the bottom corner.
Woking were under pressure, but had an opportunity to get back into the game on 61 minutes. Louie Boyle’s overlapping run into the box was brought to an end, with the linesman advising the
referee that he should award a penalty. Jojo Ampah took responsibility, but Ball read his intention, falling to his left to make the save.
Woking maintained the upper-hand, Vally dribbling skilfully before getting a shot away. Woking made changes to personnel and shape, changing to a back three, pushing forwards more, and immediately got their breakthrough. Vally’s pass playing in Mathieson on the right of the area, to shoot across the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner.
After those frantic minutes the game settled down a little, but Woking now looked like they could find an equaliser, Malhotra’s free-kick just evading Thomas Ward at the far post. Woking continued to press but could not create a clear-cut opportunity, and Walton were able to see the game out, the Cards having given themselves too great a mountain to climb.
With Woking having played all but one of their fixtures in the Central Division it looks like they will have to settle for fourth position, whilst Walton compete with Metropolitan Police, and Kingstonian, for the league title.
Woking U21 8 - 0 Cobham U23 Suburban League – Premier Division Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Whilst the sides relative league positions going into the game suggested a Woking win, the margin of victory was even more emphatic than anticipated.
Woking nearly took the lead within the first minute, Harvey Brook shooting wide. Five minutes later they were up and running, a fine passing move between first years Amario Malhotra and Leo Christophers setting up Jayden Smith for a driven finish from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner.
For 20 minutes Cobham looked to be in the game, their high line catching Woking offside, whilst Goua Ogodon and Patrick Yawson both had shooting opportunities. Until, on 27 minutes, Malhotra dribbled into the box and won a penalty. He took it himself, and when Shai Ivey saved, there was no pressure from defenders to stop Malhotra side-footing home the rebound.
Cobham were too careless in possession, and were made to pay again on 38 minutes. A fine passing move started with Malhotra, before the returning Harrison Stevens, running forwards from defence, fed Ryan Scott, whose cross was side-footed home from six yards by Christophers.
There was time for two more before half-time. Woking’s passing again too good for Cobham as Scott’s ball to the far post was neatly tucked away by Smith. Then Tom Gardner headed a corner against the bar, and George Galea-Elston's follow-up shot was blocked by a handball. Gardner stroked the resulting spot-kick firmly into the bottom corner, Ivey well beaten once again.
Half-time: Woking 5 – 0 Cobham
Woking’s sixth came within a minute of the restart, Smith turning provider with good wing play to cross the ball in for JJ Young, who beat a defender with his first touch before shooting past the ‘keeper from eight yards.
Cobham did have a couple of half-chances, which helped re-focus Woking, along with the introduction on the hour of Jojo Ampah’s skill and energy. Woking continued in control, the defence effective when called upon, and midfield composed with good short and longer passing, although it was 83 minutes played before goal number seven came.
Harvey Brook had shown his usual skill and endeavour throughout, and his cross set up Smith to beat his marker, and fire home for his hat-trick. Ampah did have the ball in the net, but the offside flag was already up, so goal number eight would fall to Cobham’s unfortunate Janiah Boyd.
Ampah played the ball to Smith, and his cross was deflected into his own goal by Boyd, to round off a miserable evening for him and his teammates. Both Ampah and Brook came close to making it nine, whilst a chance for consolation passed Cobham by with a free-kick hit over the crossbar.
Woking may well now finish second in the Premier Division behind clear leaders Bromley, although Harrow Borough may yet have a say in the matter.
Sam Brittain, Midfield, 2nd year – Virginia Water: Played the first 81 minutes of the 1 – 4 defeat to Burnham in the Combined Counties League –Premier Division North (Step 5).
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Came on as a 71st minute substitute (when the score was 2 – 1) in the 3 – 1 victory over Fleet Town in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Saturday 15th March
Sam Brittain, Midfield, 2nd year – Virginia Water: Played the full game in the 2 – 1 defeat at Risborough Rangers in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division North (Step 5).
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as a 69th minute substitute in the 2 – 1 defeat at Jersey Bulls in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year –Camberley Town: Played the full game in the 2 –1 defeat at Jersey Bulls in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Came on as an 84th minute substitute in the 2 – 1 victory at Balham in the Combined Counties League –Premier Division South (Step 5).
Byron Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Came on as a 64th minute substitute in the 0 – 3 defeat to AFC Whyteleafe in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Louis Pask, Midfielder, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as a 69th minute substitute in the 2 – 1 defeat at Jersey Bulls in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
