Good afternoon and welcome to everyone from Brackley FC for this FA Cup tie.
The FA cup has always been special to lower league clubs and the momentum a good run can bring is amazing.
We will of course be putting everything into trying to create a cup run starting with today against a strong, well organised team, from our league.
Please get behind the boys and help us achieve a strong performance and hopefully a positive result.
Ards
THE MD'S DESK
WELCOME
The romance of the FA Cup returns to the Laithwaite Stadium this weekend.
We’re delighted to welcome Brackley Town as both teams pause National League action and turn their focus to the magic of the Cup.
With hopes of writing another memorable chapter in our club’s proud history, we look forward to an exciting clash.
Come along, get behind the team, and help make this a day to remember.
COYC!
Robin Byrne
MATch AcTIoN
WOKING
H. Beautyman (25', 89' pen)
W. Dean (77')
Z. Bell (87')
Woking hosted Truro City at the Laithwaite to kick off a busy October for the Cards. Neal Ardley left both his starting eleven and bench unchanged from the 3-0 win at Solihull Moors, as he hoped to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
The visitors, with the vastly experienced John Askey at the helm, had one ex Card in Shaun Donnellan, currently on loan with the Tinners from Livingston. He was named on the bench.
Woking’s first home fixture of October saw the Cards take on 23rd placed Truro City, without an away win all season and coming off the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Eastleigh. By contrast, Neal Ardley’s side saw off Solihull Moors with a convincing 3-0 win in midweek, and it was no surprise to see the Cards unchanged.
As strong winds frequented the Laithwaite Community Stadium, the visitors sought to make a fast start and inside a minute, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain had a shot blocked before the ball was recycled to Luke Jephcott, who fired over the bar from a tight angle.
Woking had struggled against the strong wind for much of the opening 25 minutes, but when Truro made a mess of clearing a Tariq Hinds cross, skipper Harry Beautyman controlled and half volleyed the ball into the corner from inside the penalty area to break the deadlock.
The Cards couldn’t quite believe they didn’t have a chance to double the lead from the spot when Chin Okoli was pulled down inside the box, but Callum Walchester saw nothing wrong with the challenge. Woking were good value for their half time lead.
Half time: Woking 1-0 Truro City
In a frantic start to the second half, Jaaskelainen was forced into a brilliant save from Jephcott’s low strike, when the forward
found space inside the box and hit a low effort that was clawed away, before a swift Woking counter ended in Olly Sanderson picking out Jamie Andrews inside the box, but he was denied by some brilliant defending from Sam Sanders.
Truro were wondering how they hadn’t scored again, twice, when Dom Johnson-Fisher broke away into the box, but Jaaskelainen parried into the path of Will Dean. Somehow, his goalbound effort was brilliantly denied by Jamie Andrews, who diverted away at full stretch before punching the air in delight.
Truro had their equaliser when the lively Johnson-Fisher delivered the perfect cross for Dean to fire into the roof of the net from inside the box, thirteen minutes from time.
Woking nearly provided a response straight from kick off when substitute Josh Kelly picked up the ball and drilled one low towards the corner, but Dan Lavercombe made a fantastic save down to his right. He then somehow collected Okoli’s header low down to his right hand side despite being under huge pressure from a number of players to gather.
Truro had a second goal with just three minutes left when Johnson-Fisher’s effort came back off the post, but Zac Bell prodded home the rebound to potentially give the Cornish side their first away win of the season.
Cue some late drama, as from kick off, Josh Osude latched onto a chipped through ball before being taken out by Lavercombe. Beautyman calmly put the ball down the middle of the goal from the resulting spot kick to level the scores once again.
In seven minutes of added time, Osude got in behind the Truro defence once again before being brilliantly denied by a combination of defender and Lavercombe. That was the last action of a topsy turvy game as the spoils were shared.
WoKING hIsToRY
The Cremators go down in flames
The Cardinal Tales by Mark Doyle
Saturday 7 October 1905
The English (FA) Cup 1st Qualifying Round New Crusaders 16 (sixteen) Woking 0
Despite the New Crusaders Football Club only being born on 1st September 1905, they had already put forty-six goals past their opponents in their first five games. So, one hundred and twenty years ago this week, in the same competition we’re competing in today, the omens were not looking favourable for the men in the Cardinal and White as they had to start this game with only nine men.
“The Cremators” as Woking were rather quirkily nicknamed (a reference to the UK’s first Crematorium in St Johns) were missing their prolific goal scorer Jack Kyle who arrived five minutes after kick-off, having got lost on his way to the ground and Woking’s goalkeeper, Mr H Davis eventually arrived at the New Crusaders ground at Sidcup College after the final whistle – having missed his
train. Consequently, left winger George Hutton, a cabinet maker who lived in St Johns Road, deputised in goal for the first half and Woking’s Honourable Secretary and Treasurer Mr E.T Engall took over between the sticks for the second period – by which time Woking were already eight goals to the bad.
But to Mr Engall’s credit, it was reported in the Woking News and Mail that his trademark bowler hat had remained firmly on his head throughout his stint as custodian!
Although the New Crusaders had only been in existence for just over a month, they had already established themselves as one of the strongest amateur clubs of the time. Their line up included six Farnfield brothers, five of whom were eventually going to figure on the score sheet that afternoon – scoring all sixteen goals between them. Ironically the Farnfields were all born in Guildford and were the sons of Samuel Farnfield, the Headmaster and Proprietor of Sidcup College.
All six brothers won football Blues; a family feat unparalleled in the annals of the Cambridge University A.F.C, with Algernon Farnfield winning a full international cap against Germany in 1901, while Herbert, Percy and Bernard were all Amateur Internationals with six caps between them. Archibald and Gilbert were educated at Castle College. Samuel Farnfield in fact went on to run Castle School and play cricket for Guildford Cricket Club. This was despite losing an arm in an agricultural accident some years before; apparently despite his disability he was a fine lob bowler, and a more than useful bat! Two of the other brothers went on to play county cricket (for Essex and Worcestershire) in the 1920s.
Right from the start Woking were swamped by the Farnfield tide as waves of New Crusaders attacks bore fruit. Apart from three magnificent shots from Woking which all hit the cross bar, the New Crusaders Kent County wicket keeper and goal keeper, Huish, had next to nothing to do all afternoon. The New Crusaders second goal was of particular merit and saw Herbert Farnfield win the ball from Woking’s kick off on the half-way line and ran straight though to score the second of his five goals.This humiliating English (FA) Cup match was to be a record defeat for Woking and thankfully for “The Cremators” the New Crusaders did not reform after the Great War.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The will be the first time that Woking and Brackley have met in any competition
Woking have rarely played any Northamptonshire side other than Kettering, and Rushden & Diamonds.
League 22 4 Home wins, 5 draws
Away wins, 2 draws
League Cup 2 1 h win
& Diamonds matches
AhEAD oF ThE GAME
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
Stadium 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.
Woking vs Brackley Town
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Saturday 11th October 2025
15:00 Kick-Off
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.
TICKETS
Adults – £22
Concessions – £17
Next Gen (17-22) – £13
Under 17 – £9
Under 14 – £5
Carer – £0
BUY TICKETS
NATIoNAL LE AGUE
PLAYER sTATs 2025/26
Fix TURE s & RE sULTs
Sat Aug 9
Wed Aug 13
Sat Aug 16
Tue Aug 19
Sat Aug 23
Mon Aug 25
Sat Aug 30
Wed Sep 3
Sat Sep 6
Sat Sep 13
Tue Sep 16
Sat Sep 20
Tue Sep 23
Sat Sep 27
Tue Sep 30
Sat Oct 4
Sat Oct 11
Sat Oct 18
Tue Oct 21
Sat Oct 25
Carlisle United West Ham u21s
Scunthorpe United
United
City
Halifax Town
Yeovil Town Southampton u21s
Green
Solihull Moors Truro City
Brackley (FA Cup 4Q)
Altrincham Fulham u21s
Wed Nov 5
Sat Nov 8
Sat Nov 15
Sat Nov 22 Tue Nov 25 Sat Nov 29
Southend United
United
Town
u21s
Town
Sat Dec 6
Sat Dec 13
Sat Dec 20
Fri Dec 26
Tue Dec 30
Sat Jan 3
Sat Jan 17
Tue Jan 20
Sat Jan 24
Sat Jan 31
Carlisle United Isuzu FA Trophy R3
Scunthorpe United Eastleigh
Braintree Town
Hartlepool United Wealdstone
Sutton United Yeovil Town
Forest Green
Sat Feb 7
Tue Feb 10
Sat Feb 14
Sat Feb 21 Wed Feb 25 Sat Feb 28 Sat Mar 7 Sat Mar 14 Sat Mar 21 Wed Mar 25 Sat Mar 28 Fri Apr 3
Mon Apr 6
Sat Apr 11
Sat Apr 18 Sat Apr 25
Boreham Wood
Truro City
Altrincham
Rochdale
Solihull Moors
Boston United Tamworth
Brackley Town
Aldershot Town
Southend United York City Eastleigh
Braintree Town
Morecambe
Gateshead FC Halifax Town
22. Will Jääskeläinen
3. Caleb Richards
7. Harry Beautyman 8. Dale Gorman
6. Jamie Andrews Sponsored by Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsored by Sponsor available Sponsored by
4. Chinwike Okoli Sponsor available
9. Inih Effiong 10. Aiden O'Brien Sponsored by
2. Aaron Drewe Sponsored available
31. Tom Norcott Sponsored available
13. Craig Ross Sponsored by Rosemary & Matthew Johnson
5. Timi Odusina Sponsor available
12. Joshua Osude
Sponsor available
14. Tariq Hinds
Sponsor available
Sponsor available
20. Sam Ashford
Neal Ardley
Simon Bassey Malcolm Jobling
11. Matt Ward
19. Jake Hyde
30. Olly Sanderson
18. Jack Turner Sponsor available Sponsored by Sponsored available Sponsored available LAMA
Sponsor available
Sponsor available
16. Tunji Akinola
23. Timmy Akinola
25. Jake Forster-Caskey 21. Josh Kelly Sponsored by Sponsor available
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 UPDATE s
SUPPORTERS COACHES
Supporters Coaches are available for the following trips:
TAMWORTH
8th November 2025
ALDERSHOT TOWN 22nd November
CARLISLE UNITED
6th December 2025
EASTLEIGH
26th December 2025
TRURO 10th February 2026
(SPECIAL OFFER, LIMITED SEATS REMAINING)
For any queries, please email adam. bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk
BUY TICKETS
JUNIOR CARDS
The Junior Cards returns for the new season! Still just £10 to join! Members receive a Goody Bag or Renewal gift with lots of exciting events and opportunities throughout the season!
BIRTHDAYS
12th October - Arlo Jespersen - 4 years old
12th October - Harry Simmonds - 9 years old
12th October - Freya Hall - 9 years old
16th October - Zach Hall - 15 years old
400 CLUB
September Draw:
£100 Number 444 Peter Jordan
£75 Number 431 Roger Bathurst
£50 Number 349 Louie Adamson
Congratulations to the winners!
To find out more about the 400 Club, please contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
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 www.cardstrust. co.uk/fanwall (simple login-free access) or by speaking to any Cards Trust official at the game today.
FAN WALL sUPPoRTERs LiAsoN GRoUP
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 he club.
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. 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.
To contact us, please email slg@wokingfc.co.uk
JUNioR cARDiNAL s
GuESS THE pLAYERS
PLAYERS: WHOSE BAdGE?
ANSWERS
BADGE:
INTERAcTivE QUiz
Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season, click here to test your knowledge...
Top: Nick Woltemade -
Bottom: Liam Delap
Middlesborough
BRAcKLEY ToWN
MEET ThE Boss
Gavin Cowan took over as manager in May 2023 after Gareth Dean stepped down as interim manager having led the team to the Promotion Final. As a central defender, Cowan enjoyed a successful playing career at clubs including Shrewsbury Town, AFC Telford United, and Nuneaton Town before stepping into management at National League North AFC Telford from 2018 to 2021.
oNE's To WATch
Captain and stalwart defender with over 270 appearances for Brackley, Dean was formerly of Nuneaton Town and Solihull Moors. He scored Brackley’s most famous goal equalising in added time at Wembley in the 2018 FA Trophy final. Named in the National League North team of the season again last season.
Gavin Cowan
Gareth Dean
A s T 5
Wiew Brackley Squad List
Riccardo Calder oNE's To WATch
Graduate of the academy at Aston Villa, Riccardo joined Brackley in pre-season from Rushall Olympic after loan spells at Scottish Premiership side Dundee, Doncaster Rovers and Lincoln City before turning out 33 times for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and further short spells at several National League North clubs including Kettering Town. As a defender or midfielder Riccardo has a big opportunity to make an impact at St James Park.
25 YEARS CHAMPIONING GRASSROOTS
25 YEARS CHAMPIONING GRASSROOTS
Shout it from the terraces, it’s our anniversary! Since 2000, we’ve been transforming lives, giving every community great places to play sport. We're not finished yet, so here's to more game-changing investment.
Shout it from the terraces, it’s our anniversary! Since 2000, we’ve been transforming lives, giving every community great places to play sport. We're not finished yet, so here's to more game-changing investment.
Search Football Foundation to find out more
Search Football Foundation to find out more
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.”
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Healthcare you can trust
Healthcare you can trust
Get the personalised care you deserve, with industry-leading orthopaedic treatment at Nuffield Health Woking Hospital.
Get the personalised care you deserve, with industry-leading orthopaedic treatment at Nuffield Health Woking Hospital.
From diagnosis to treatment, our expert services include:
• Hip and knee replacement surgery
• Foot and ankle surgery
• Spinal surgery
• Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery
• Minimally invasive procedures with robotic arm-assisted surgery
Spread the cost of treatment over 8, 10, 12 or 24 months with a 0% interest-free payment plan.*
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 25/26 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.
To sponsor a player, please email Ben Stone: ben.stone@wokingfc.co.uk
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)
• 2025/26 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 please email us.
WOKING’S GO-TO FOR DINING, DRINKS & EVENTS
From rooftop drinks at LOFT Sky Bar to relaxed daytime bites on the Glow Lounge & Terrace, and evening dining at OXBO, Hilton Woking brings fresh energy to the heart of town.
Hosting an event? We’ve got flexible spaces perfect for meetings, training days, and local business gatheringsall with Hilton hospitality.
