Woking FC v Eastleigh FC

Al AN JUdGE

Farrell, George Burnett

Chief Executive Officer: John Katz

General Manager: Dave Curtis

Company Secretary: George Burnett

Honorary

President: Peter Jordan

Club Ambassador: Geoff Chapple

Commercial Director: Nick Bavin

Head of Food & Beverage: Simon Jones

Safety Officer: Amelia Tyson

Media Manager: Daniel O’Sullivan

Ticketing and Operations Executive: Sheena Nichol

Accounts and Finance Manager: Pam Stevenson

Shop Manager: Ben Cavey

CEO NOTES

JoHN kATZ

Greetings and welcome back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium as the Cards welcome our visitors from Eastleigh.

I’d like to welcome former Cards Solomon Nwabuokei and Jake Vokins, along with members of the Eastleigh management team and Board of Directors.

Our positive run of form has continued since last we met. Over the past 5 matches, the lads have again taken 10 points from a possible 15, conceding just 0.6 goals per match (3 goals conceded). After a

“Let’s all stay behind the boys and take another step closer to securing our future in the National League and building lasting foundations that will extend into the future.”

“The improvements since Doyler’s arrival have been measurable, and we are playing some lovely football.”

brilliant team win over Barnet, the Cards travelled to Southend and earned an extremely valuable away point.

Over the next 3.5 weeks, with 5 matches and 15 points to play for beginning today, we inch ever closer to maintaining our status in the division. After today, we face Bromley (A), Dag & Red (H), York (A) and the season finale vs AFC Fylde (H).

While our injured list has ebbed and flowed across the season, Michael Doyle’s Red & White Army have continued to produce results. We made a deadline day loan signing (8 minutes ahead of yesterday’s deadline) to add a bit of depth as we navigate the remainder of the season. The player

will be announced this weekend and will be available for selection on Monday.

We are currently sitting in 15th on the table, with 48 points and a goal differential of -7. Across our last 10 matches, we have earned 1.5 points per game. By contrast, our last 30 matches yielded just 1.07 points per game. The improvements since Doyler’s arrival have been measurable, and we are playing some lovely football.

Let’s all stay behind the boys and take another step closer to securing our future in the National League and building lasting foundations that will extend into the future.

Thank you all, as always, for your continued support. It means the world to our entire Club.

Always remember that the complaint (and compliment) line is always open. Just email me at john.katz@wokingfc.co.uk and we can take in your feedback. Or, as the kids say, you can slide into my DMs on Twitter at @jekatz33.

Best,

John Katz Chief Executive

MANAGER

MICHAEL doYLE

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 Premier League,

The FA and Government are together for football. Unlocking the power of pitches to transform lives and strengthen communities.

AHEAd of THE GAME

Woking vs Eastleigh Vanarama National League

Friday 29th March 2024

15:00 Kick-Off

Woking will look to kick off the Easter weekend in style when they host Eastleigh at the Laithwaite on Good Friday.

The Cards never really looked troubled during their 0-0 draw at Southend at Roots Hall last Saturday, which gave them back-to-back clean sheets; Michael Doyle’s side have conceded just seven in their last eight games.

With that in mind, Doyle moved to bring in two attacking players, with Alan Judge and Lee Angol both getting minutes against the Shrimpers, however, Angol was forced off after taking a knock.

OPPOSITION WATCH

Three managers, one of the best attacks in the division, but one of the worst attacks too, look away from Eastleigh at your peril this season, because there’s always something happening. Seemingly coasting to safety after an impressive 2-0 win against Bromley in front of the TNT cameras in

late February, just two points from five games has seen them looking over their shoulders once again.

Former Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was given the reins after Richard Hill was dismissed following a 3-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet last month that saw the Spitfires go eleven without a win in all competitions. 2024 has been disastrous so far for the club, as they’ve gone from a whisker away from the playoffs to joining the relegation battle.

However, in serial goalscorer Paul McCallum, they have the league’s top scorer. 30 goals from 33 games after joining from Dagenham in the summer would normally be enough to have your side competing at the top end. But only Oxford City have conceded more than Eastleigh’s 81 goals, including ten in their last four games, which has been the Spitfires’ Achilles heel, and they will have to fix up at the back or risk the very real threat of relegation.

TICKET INFORMATION

Adults: £20

Concession: £15

Next-Gen (17-22): £12

Under 17 (14-16): £8

Under 14 (13 & under): £5

LAST TIME OUT

A breakaway goal from Dennon Lewis gave the Cards all the points at the Silverlake in a 1-0 win in October, which was also the scoreline in both fixtures last season, as both sides won their home games 1-0; Eastleigh in February 2023 thanks to Vincent Harper, and Woking in October 2022 thanks to Jahmari Clarke.

Of the 26 meetings between the sides, Woking have won nine, Eastleigh seven, and there have been ten draws.

AROUND THE GROUND

Ticket information is available here

Under 14s can attend with a paying adult or concession for just £1, more information is available here.

MATCHDAY GUIDE

Click here for information on gate opening times, food and drink facilities, the Club shop and other ticketing information.

DISABLED SUPPORTERS

Click here for more information.

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.

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 01483967229, or come to reception Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00, or matchdays, 09:00 - half-time.

Introducing

Kids

Welcome

Recruiting

Six

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

SC 4

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

@wokingfc

FidE eT diLiGENTiA

Woking FC 2023/24 Kits

Supplied by ProDirect Clubhouse, the shirts will be available in-store at the Laithwaite Community Stadium for the home match.

MATCH ACTIoN

A team you can count on

Our team of experts work every day to make the UK healthier, happier, fitter and stronger. At Nuffield Health Woking hospital, we take a personalised approach to help you see a consultant in as little as 24 hours.

Nuffield Health Woking Hospital are introducing robotic arm-assisted precision surgery for orthopaedic surgery.

Greater surgical precision, better outcomes and less time spent in hospital.

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.

SPONSORED BY Dr

PLAYER SPONSORS

fIRST TEAM 2023/24

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER

For sponsorship enquiries email admin@wokingfc.co.uk

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY The Huse Family

BY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR

14. Rhys Browne

16. Tunji Akinola SPONSOR AVAILABLE

15. Lee Angol SPONSOR AVAILABLE

4. Scott Cuthbert

2. Dan Moss

Rosemary Johnson & Matthew Erskine

17. Jim Kellermann

Katie Langhorn, Mortgage Advisor

AVAILABLE

18. Manny Oyeleke

6. Luke Wilkinson

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

22. Will Jääskeläinen

3. Josh Casey

1. Alexis Andre Jr.

Abess Taqi, Notary Public

9. Reece Grego-Cox

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

7. Ricky Korboa SPONSOR AVAILABLE

11. Dennon Lewis

AVAILABLE

10. Lewis Walker

SPONSORED

Manny Matern

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSORED BY

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSOR AVAILABLE

SPONSORED BY

Motorvation & the Langridge family

SPONSORED BY

33. Charley Kendell

Phil Marlow

Malcolm Jobling

Ben Turner

Michael Doyle

37. Paul Osew

29. Alfie Pavey

AVAILABLE

38. Kevin Berkoe

27. Dion Kelly-Evans

30. Josh Smith

31. Jayden Luker

32. Curtis Edwards

Marlon Beresford

21. Timi Odusina

20. Alan Judge

25. Finn Delap

28. Sam Habergham

24. Rohan Ince

23. Jermaine Anderson

Founded in 1946 as Swaythling Athletic, the club joined the Hampshire League in 1950. They moved to Ten Acres (now the Silverlake Stadium) in 1957, and were founding members of the Wessex League in 1986, finishing 8th in their first season.

A 4th placed finish in 1995-96 saw the beginning of an incredible rise, as Eastleigh were in the top seven of the division for the next six seasons until Paul Doswell took charge in 2002. Under his leadership, Eastleigh won the Wessex League in 2003, gaining promotion to the Southern League

Division One East. A 4th placed finish in 2003-04 was enough for promotion to the Isthmian Premier due to a restructuring of the leagues above, before a third placed finish in 2004-05 and playoff success over Leyton saw the club reach the Conference South for their third successive promotion.

The club continued to progress, finishing 8th in their first season at step two, before defeat in the playoffs to Hayes & Yeading after a third placed finish in 200809. In late 2011, the club was taken over by Stewart Donald’s Bridle Insurance, leading to another playoff defeat in 2012-13, this time to Dover Athletic, before

gaining promotion to the Conference after winning the 2013-14 Conference South by five points.

Eastleigh’s first season in the Conference saw them progress to the FA Cup second round for the first time after Ben Strevens’ last minute winner saw off Lincoln City, and despite a 2-1 loss at Southport in the next round, the club finished 4th and made the playoffs, but Grimsby Town were too strong for them, winning 5-1 on aggregate.

Another FA Cup run was to follow in 2015-16, with Strevens once again the hero, this time from the spot as Eastleigh claimed their first scalp over an EFL side, with a 1-0 away win at Crewe. A 2-0 win at Stourbridge booked the Spitfires into the third round for the first time in their history, where Bolton would beat them in a replay.

After Donald left to take over Sunderland, the club made the playoffs once again in 2018-19 with Strevens as manager. A 7th placed finish saw the club travel to Wrexham, winning 1-0 after extra time thanks to Danny Hollands, but penalty heartbreak followed at Salford in the semi final.

Donald would return as owner in May 2023, seeing an influx of signings at the Silverlake including former Notts winger Enzio Boldewijn and striker Paul McCallum. With 30 goals so far this season, McCallum is top scorer in the league, but a dire defensive record has seen 81 conceded in 40 games, forcing manager Lee Bradbury and then Richard Hill out of the club. Kelvin Davis has been given the task to keep the Spitfires in the division, currently sitting 18th, three points above the drop.

MARTiN T YLER & BRiAN FiNn

At last Friday’s Evening with Glenn Hoddle, hosted by Martin Tyler, Brian Finn was in attendance. Brian is the Club’s record appearance holder, featuring 632 times for the Cardinals across 11 seasons and, at one point, played in 216 consecutive matches.

The event with Hoddle was a resounding success, with the Geoff Chapple Lounge packed and stories enjoyed from his illustrious footballing career.

Kick off your career in the sports industry

Turn your passion for football into a career with the University Campus of Football Business where you can study a wide range of courses with access to iconic stadiums and global summits .

Over 90%* of UCFB graduates find fulltime employment within 6 months of graduating with two thirds of those working in football and sport

* UCFB internal Graduate Census undertaken 6-9 months after course completion (45% response rate)

UCFB alumni have worked in each of the 20 Premier League clubs and over 50 of the 72 EFL clubs

The course has been exceptional for learning so many skills within the industry. The lecturers and module leaders have all really guided me on my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help that UCFB has given me.

Rio Rosenberg

BA (Hons) Football Business and Media student and Head of Women’s Football at Hayters TV

Scan here for more information and how to apply or visit UCFB.ac.uk

CHAPLAIN'S CoLuMN

A GOOD FRIDAY REFLECTION

‘Christmas is important, but Easter is decisive!’

This quote was not uttered by any Pope or Archbishop from a pulpit, but came from an unlikely source; Arsene Wenger. To be fair, I imagine he wasn’t thinking far beyond Arsenal’s hopes for Premier League success but, as we celebrate Good Friday, he unwittingly uttered a lot of truth beyond football.

On a football level, I am sure there will be high hopes and perhaps even a few prayers that this Easter will be decisive for the Cards. This campaign has been pretty gruelling and nerve shredding but the rise up the table in the last few weeks has lifted spirits. Not far to go now!

However, on this Good Friday it is worth remembering, beyond football, that, in the Christian calendar, the Easter weekend is THE decisive event of all events. It is no exaggeration to say that if true, as millions believe, it is everything or, if untrue, nothing.

Christians pause on Good Friday (ironically at 3 pm!) to recall the moment of Christ’s death on the cross as He prayed ‘Father forgive them’

and declared ‘It is finished’. The Christian belief is that He expressed God’s love as He took the evil, pain and depravity of the world upon Himself and breathed His last. The sky went pitch black and any lingering hope for humankind was extinguished. That however was not the end as, on Easter Sunday morning the tomb was empty and a new era of hope was born, as people met and were changed through the resurrected Jesus.

Since then, ‘the greatest story ever told’ and, more importantly, the personal experience of that story has been a source of hope and confidence for many millions, if not billions. The Christian hope on Good Friday is that however dark the situation and overwhelming the struggle we are facing hope can always be found in the resurrection of the Easter events.

In writing this column I am very aware that not all who read it will be Christians but hope that for all there is an opportunity for reflection. If Easter is decisive then hope is never lost – there is always a positive future to be searched out if we look in the right place. Have a wonderful Easter everyone and Come On You Cards – let’s do this!

AUGUST

Sat Aug 05 Kidderminster Harriers

Sat Aug 12 Altrincham

Tue Aug 15 Rochdale

Sat Aug 19 Barnet

Sat Aug 26 Gateshead

Mon Aug 28 Dorking Wanderers

SEPTEMBER

Sat Sept 02 Maidenhead United

Sat Sept 09 Solihull Moors

Sat Sept 16 Hartlepool United

Tue Sept 19 Ebbsfleet United

Sat Sept 23 York City

Tue Sept 26 Wealdstone

Sat Sept 30 AFC Fylde

OCTOBER

Tue Oct 03 FC Halifax Town

Sat Oct 07 Southend United

Sat Oct 14 Hemel Hempstead (FAC)

Tue Oct 17 Hemel Hempstead (FAC)

Sat Oct 21 Dagenham & Redbridge

Tue Oct 24 Eastleigh

Sat Oct 28 Bromley

NOVEMBER

Sat Nov 04 Ramsgate (FAC)

Sat Nov 11 Oxford City

Sat Nov 18 Oldham Athletic

Tue Nov 21 Chesterfield

Sat Nov 25 Boreham Wood

DECEMBER

Sat Dec 09 Weston-super-Mare (FAT R3)

Sat Dec 16 Dorking Wanderers

Sat Dec 23 Maidenhead United

Tue Dec 26 Aldershot Town

JANUARY

Mon Jan 01 Aldershot Town

Sat Jan 06 Solihull Moors

Tue Jan 23 Chesterfield

Sat Jan 27 Oldham Athletic

FEBRUARY

Sat Feb 03 Boreham Wood

Tue Feb 06 Oxford City

Sat Feb 10 Hartlepool United

Sat Feb 17 FC Halifax Town

Tue Feb 20 Ebbsfleet United

Sat Feb 24 Wealdstone

Tue Feb 27 Gateshead

MARCH

Sat Mar 02 Kidderminster Harriers

Sat Mar 09 Altrincham

Tue Mar 12 Rochdale

fIXTuRES & RESuLTS 2023/24

Tunji Akinola

Jermaine Anderson

Alexis Andre Jr.

Lee Angol

Kevin Berko

Rhys Browne

Josh Casey

Scott Cuthbert

Finn Delap

Curtis Edwards

Reece Grego-Cox

Sam Habergham

Rohan Ince

Will Jaaskelainen

Alan Judge

Jim Kellermann

Dion Kelly-Evans

Charley Kendall

Ricky Korboa

Dennon Lewis

Jayden Luker

Dan Moss

Timi Odusina

Paul Osew

Manny Oyeleke

Alfie Pavey

Josh Smith

Lewis Walker

Luke Wilkinson

ABOUT

The Cards Trust (Cardinals Supporters Society) has worked with the Club to represent fans for more than a decade. The Trust is a shareholder of the Club (and owns around a quarter of it) and has a representative on the Board to put forward the fans’ views.

MEMBERSHIP

Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.

BOOST THE BUDGET

An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.

THE 400 CLUB

A prize draw with twelve draws per year. Around £20,000 has been given to support the Club and more than £12,000 in prizes.

GOLDRUSH

The prize draw that gives back 50% to the lucky winner with a draw at half-time on matchday, with a minimum stake of just £1. The prizes have recently been around £400 and the winning number is announced and displayed on the digital screen at half-time.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING

The Trust also organises social events and co-

ordinates the activities of volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to help on match days.

JUNIOR CARDS

A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.

PLAYER AWARD VOTES

The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.

AWAY MATCH TRAVEL

The Cards Trust arranges coach travel to away matches for supporters at the lowest cost possible. If you are an advertiser that would like to sponsor the travel, please get in touch.

Details of all coaches are available on the Trust website, where tickets can be booked online, usually up to 23:00 on the day before the match. Members and Junior Cards get discounted away match travel.

SUPPORTERS’ LIAISON GROUP

The SLG consults with fans (both Trust members and non-members) and the Club to improve the fan experience.

Real change has been made based on ideas from the group including the successful Turner's Tannoy appeal which has financed the recent upgrade in the PA at the stadium.

THE CARDS TRUST THIS WEEk'S uPdATES

UPCOMING AWAY COACH TRAVEL

BROMLEY

Monday 1st April (Easter Monday)

Coach leaves Woking FC at 11:30

BOOK HERE

Trust Members: Adults £22, U16's & Junior Cards £17

Non Members: Adults £27, U16's £22

Outward Only £15, Return Only £15

YORK CITY - SPECIAL OFFER!

Saturday 13th April

Until Monday 1st April all coach tickets to York City are just £30! This is limited to 1 coach only and the offer is open to all, regardless of Cards Trust membership status. U16's must be accompanied by a paying adult.

TO BOOK PLEASE EMAIL adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk

From April 1st normal prices will resume, they are:

Cards Trust Members - Adults £45, U16's £40 Non Members - Adults £50, U16's £45

BOOST THE BUDGET

Boost the Budget has been able to support the Club by funding the loan of Jayden Luker to the end of the season.

You can take part online here or get a form from the Trust office on a match day. All monies raised go towards supporting Woking FC.

400 CLUB

The 400 Club had its February draw on Monday 26th. The winners were:

£100 - Number 54 – Phillip Crawford

£75 - Number 65 – Rupert Phillips

£50 - Number 60 – Bill Sutton

Contact John. hooker@cardstrust.co.uk to take part or get additional numbers.

GOLDRUSH

Today’s Goldrush will be a hybrid of online and ‘at the ground’ sales.

JUNIOR CARDS BIRTHDAYS

Elana King, 28th March, 13 years old

Isaac Ayadassen, 30th March, 6 years old

www.cardstrust.co.uk

SURREY ~ SUSSEX ~ HAMPSHIRE

Portable Toilet Unit Hire for all Construction Sectors

Principal Contractors ~ General Builders ~ Roofers ~ Landscapers ~ Plumbers ~ Joinery & Carpenters ~ Homeowners

TO YOU LOOS LIMITED provide site toilets with the following :-

 Flushing chemical portable toilets (no mains required) with sinks or sanitiser units

 Toilets are emptied and cleaned by ourselves weekly as standard, inclusive of chemicals and consumables, with additional services available on request

Portable Toilet Unit Hire for Public & Private Events

TO YOU LOOS LIMITED provide toilets for Fetes, Parties, Shows, Weddings, Horse Trials and all manner of Public and Private events with the following:-

 Modern flushing chemical portable toilets with hand sanitiser units, accessible units with baby change and urinal modules also available

 Comprehensively prepared units before delivery and full set up on site in agreed location / locations, inclusive of consumables and chemicals

 Attendance / additional servicing during the event to keep units fresh and clean where requested

 Full Public Liability Insurance

Please note the toilet units must be located no more than 8m from where the truck can park in order to be serviced and each unit is circa 1.2m square (4’ x 4’) so please check the access route to where you wish the unit to be sited.

CARDS INTO CHAIRMAN'S CUP FINAL

Woking secured back-to-back Chairman’s Cup final appearances thanks to a brilliant performance against Division One North league leaders Long Crendon. The Cards will now face Beaconsfield Town Ladies in the Final at Reading City FC on April 28th, at 11:00am.

Gaby Hobday had the game's first chance inside ten minutes, but her effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

Kaitlin Howard and Ellie Boddy made longawaited returns to the side on either side of the half-hour mark, replacing Hayley Giles and Laura Mitchell.

Shortly before half-time, a moment of pure magic from Bianca Underhill saw her score directly from a corner on the left-hand side to put her team in front. The number two was in pure disbelief before being congratulated by her teammates.

It could have been two just before the break when Kaitlin fired a shot towards goal, but she was unlucky to see it rebound off the bar.

Trudy Bryan-Kerr was forced off seconds before the whistle due to an injury outside the box and was replaced by Caitlin Burnett, making her senior debut after being promoted from the Development Team.

HT: Woking 1-0 Long Crendon

In the second half, the visitors slowly found their way into the game, but couldn’t quite get into positions to test the returning Amy Jenkins.

Bianca went on a brilliant run down the right during a Woking spell that lasted a few minutes and found Charlotte Keenan who placed a great cross into Kaitlin, but her header was saved. Kaitlin had another chance just a minute later when she spectacularly tried to

lop the ‘keeper from 20-yards out, but just saw her effort go over the crossbar.

Hayley and Laura both returned in the 70th minute, swapping with Caitlin and Sophie.

The Cards doubled their lead five minutes later thanks to a fantastic ball in behind from Bianca putting the goalkeeper under pressure, allowing a small touch to fall to Kaitlin who smashed home from an angle.

The visitors grabbed a consolation almost immediately after a mistake from Amy in goal, parrying the ball into the ball of a Crendon player, but it didn’t matter because Woking restored their two-goal lead right away. An electric run from Gaby down the left allowed her to pass to Charlotte who scored on her second attempt to put the game to bed.

FT: Woking 3-1 Long Crendon

An immense occasion for all involved, as the team now have the chance to retain the trophy that they won just 12 months ago. This time, however, the journey to the final has been much better and the trophy is in reaching distance.

Woking Starting XI: Jenkins, Burgess (70), Mitchell (35) (70), Cotter ©️, Underhill (89), Theocharous, Nichol, Bryan-Kerr (45+4), Hobday (80), Giles (28) (70), Keenan

Subs: Boddy (35), Howard (28), Burnett (45+4) (70) (80), Brown, Marr (89)

Attendance: 54

Player of the Match: Bianca Underhill

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 2023/24 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

U18S EXTEND LEAD AT TOP OF THE LEAGUE

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Week commencing 25th March 2024

WEDNESDAY 27TH MARCH

11:30 – Woking U17 v Dartford U17 National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way

14:00 – Woking U18 v Cloughbawn AFC Friendly, Woking College, Rydens Way

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH

19:30 - Woking U23 v St Albans City U23 Suburban Football League Knaphill FC, Redding Way

For up-to-date information on fixtures refer to the Woking Football Club Academy Twitter page.

MATCH REPORTS

Week commencing 18th March

MONDAY 18TH MARCH

Hampton & Richmond U18 2 - 3 Woking U18

Isthmian Football League – Youth West Division; Bedfont Sports FC, Hatton Road, Feltham

Woking put further pressure on Camberley Town by extending their lead at the top of the league table to five points.

Hampton & Richmond are a tougher opponent than their league table position suggests and took the lead through Isaac Taylor Brown on 24 minutes. With Byron Mitchell getting Woking’s equaliser on 37 minutes, to make the scores level at half-time.

Louis Pask gave Woking the lead on 60 minutes, but Hampton were not yet beaten and equalised through Joseph Knight on 74 minutes.

It took a fantastic goal from Sam Brittain on 83 minutes to win the game for the Cards. The clearance from a corner fell to Brittain, whose first touch took the ball past his nearest marker, before he hit a 25-yard rocket in to the top corner, the ‘keeper beaten all-ends-up.

So, two games left for Woking, and three for Camberley, with the final fixture of the season, between the top two, currently scheduled for 15th April, looking like it may well be a title decider. Updates on both teams progress can be found on isthmian.co.uk and fulltime.thefa.com

Hampton & Richmond Borough: Denzel BaxterAlleyne, Nicolas Bostan, Isaac Taylor-Brown, Noah Davies, Makai Gayle, Leo Goma-Weinberg, Frederick Greenstreet, Joshua Kelly, Joseph

Knight, Marcus Rodgers, Ryan Price: Subs: Jayden Afanyedey, Rylee Blagrove, Uthman Hassan.

Goals: Taylor Brown 24, Knight 74.

Woking: Mikey Verga, Louis Pask (Alvaro Picon 90), Ben Smith, Aidy Silverstein, James Orton; Tommy Seale, Tom Dryer, Lucas Boxall, Stanley Kyle (c) (JJ Young 84), Sam Brittain, Byron Mitchell (Harvey Brook 90 + 2). Subs: Bob Honey, Jayden Smith.

Goals: Mitchell 37, Pask 60, Brittain 83.

Attendance: 29

WEDNESDAY 20TH MARCH

Maidenhead United U19 6 - 0 Woking U19 National League Alliance – Academy South Berkshire College of Agriculture, Hall Place, Burchetts Green Road

A score to reflect the ups-and-downs of football, especially at Academy level. The under 19s went in to this game against the team immediately above them in the table on the back of a 5 – 0 win at Southend. Most of them had also been involved in last week‘s under 23s last minute defeat to Aldershot. As well as a number of changes due to absentees, and the focus given to Monday evening’s under 18s game, events did seem to conspire against the Cards.

Woking could have had the lead on 5 minutes, Jamie Hilton hitting the outside of the post after good build-up play from Aiden Payne-James and Lui Edwards. But matters were soon to go against the Cards.

With 8 minutes gone Tom Gardner gave away a penalty, and was, perhaps a little surprisingly, also given a yellow card, a caution that was shortly to become more significant. Jamie Davies dispatched the spot-kick emphatically.

On 18 minutes a booking for Jamie Hilton, apparently falling a little too dramatically for the

referee’s liking, meant that some of the edge was taken off his usual tenacious manner. A minute later Maidenhead were two ahead. Finding more space in midfield than Woking would want him to, Alex Groom played in Enzo Pashaj, who took the chance well. With the Referee calling “same again lads”, to encourage the Maidenhead players to return to their own half as quickly as they had after their first goal. But perhaps a little too much familiarity from a referee who regularly officiates at this venue.

Woking’s task grew more difficult on 23 minutes. One has become rather accustomed to Referee’s giving a ‘final warning’ when a player already on a caution commits another foul, so it was a surprise to see Gardner dismissed, even if it was a challenge he should have resisted making. Woking reorganised, with Ollie Mason moving to centre-back alongside Charlie Robertson, but Maidenhead clearly had the upper hand.

Payne-James and Ben Mitchell had half-chances for Woking but couldn’t make the most of them, and then some treatment for Payne-James gave Woking time to change to a 3-4-2 formation for the last ten minutes of the half.

The change in approach was effective and on the stroke of half-time Woking nearly had one back, Oliver Burger-Williams saving with his legs as Edwards sought to direct the ball in to the bottom corner, following Alex Rihoy’s astute through pass.

Half-time: Maidenhead 2 – 0 Woking

To guard against going down to 9 men, Lucas Boxall replaced Jamie Hilton for the start of the second-half. Maidenhead felt they could continue with a 3-1-4-2 formation to make the most of their numerical advantage, and this was to prove to be the case.

Woking were not yet out of it, Aiden Payne-James twice taking aim from 25 yards, but both efforts going comfortably over from Burger-Williams' perspective. Woking were competing well, but could not apply any real pressure on their opponents goal.

However, it would not be long before the game got away from Woking. On 58 minutes Pashaj scored with a powerful header from Bradley Mapfumo’s cross after a Woking mistake had cost them possession, and it was four on 62 minutes, Davies arriving unmarked at the far post to slot home.

Woking nearly had a consolation on 74 minutes, Louis Pask almost diverting Keion Vassell’s fine header across goal, in to the net. And Pask was involved again, with Harry Newbould, in good Woking play that at least reminded the players of how well they can play.

But Maidenhead were to finish in style, two great strikes from outside the area from Sam Sanderson sealing an emphatic victory. The result a come down after the high of Monday evening for Pask, Boxall and Brittain, and a reminder to all of how consistency is born of hard work and application.

Maidenhead: Oliver Burger-Williams, Bradley Mapfumo (Kane Ainsworth 62), Ethan Kitching, Josh McMenemy, Joe Ulasi; Joseph Reid, Luca Lombardi (Sam Sanderson 71), Soul Hale (Finlay Vioto 71); Alex Groom (Marco Skivington 62), Enzo Pashaj, Jamie Davies.

Goals: Davies 8 (pen), 62, Pashaj 18, 58, Sanderson 79, 88.

Woking: Lewis Mouland, Louis Pask, Tom Gardner, Charlie Robertson, Jayden Wynter; Ollie Mason (c), Alex Rihoy (Harry Newbould 63), Jamie Hilton (Lucas Boxall 46); Ben Mitchell (Keion Vassell 69), Lui Edwards, Aiden Payne-James (Sam Brittain 63).

Unused sub: Harry White (GK).

THURSDAY 21ST MARCH

Woking U23 v AFC Dunstable U23 Suburban Football League; Knaphill FC, Redding Way

Match postponed due to floodlight failure before kick-off.

LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:

TUESDAY 19TH MARCH

Aiden Payne-James. Forward, 2nd year

– Sevenoaks Town: Came on as a late substitute in 4 – 2 defeat at Broadbridge Heath.

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH

Owen Crawford, Goalkeeper, 3rd year –Camberley Town: Played the full game in the 0 – 0 draw with Alton Town.

Jack Matton, Centre Back, 2nd year –Binfield: Has now been transferred from Woking to Wycombe Wanderers, ending his registrations with both Woking and Binfield.

Ollie Mason, Centre Midfield, 2nd year

– Ascot United: Came on as 68th minute substitute in 2 – 1 defeat at Marlow.

Lui Edwards, Forward, 3rd year – Sandhurst Town: Did not play in 2 – 1 defeat at Tooting & MItcham.

Harry White, Goalkeeper, 1st year –Sandhurst Town: Did not play in game at Tooting & Mitcham.

Ben Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year - Guildford City: Scored both his sides goals in 3 – 2 defeat at Fleet Town. The first from the penalty spot, and the second that put Guildford ahead on 80 minutes, only for them to concede in 90 + 3, and 90 + 9.

Jamie Hilton, Centre Midfield, 3rd yearGuildford City: Played in 3 – 2 defeat at Fleet Town.

Keiondre Ellis-Vassell, Forward, 2nd year –Guildford City: Did not play in 3 – 2 defeat at Fleet Town.

Bob Honey, Goalkeeper, 1st year –Spelthorne Sports: No fixture.

WOKING FC EASTLEIGH FC

MANAGER: MICHAEL DOYLE

SPONSORED BY SEYMOURS

ALEXIS ANDRÉ JR.

DAN MOSS

JOSH CASEY (C)

SCOTT CUTHBERT

LUKE WILKINSON

RICKY KORBOA

REECE

MANAGER: KELVIN DAVIS

JOE

BRENNAN

RYAN CLAMPIN

NIGEL ATANGANA

AARON MARTIN (C)

LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE

BEN REEVES

JAKE TAYLOR

PAUL MCCALLUM

AIDAN BARLOW

GEORGE LANGSTON

TOMMY SCOTT

LEE HODSON

LUKE CROLL

SOLOMON NWABUOKEI

CHRIS MAGUIRE

DAVID

SCOTT QUIGLEY

OSCAR

BEN GREENWOOD

HARLEY STOCK

MALACHI DOTSE