NeAl ArDLEY
2024/25 SeASoN 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.
AHe AD of THe GAMe
Woking’s third consecutive home game in a week comes with the visit of playoff pushers and fellow FA Trophy semi finalists in the form of Rochdale.
Saturday’s 2-1 win was vital for Neal Ardley’s side to stay above the drop zone, leading a group of six teams from 18th to 23rd, but a victory on Tuesday night would see the Cards move level on points with Braintree Town and Solihull Moors, the latter of which are currently 16th and have slipped down the table at an alarming rate.
Selection wise, Ardley may try and use players who are cup tied, such as Josh Osude and Sam Ashford, to rest some bodies ahead of what is a potentially season defining semi final at Aldershot on Saturday.
OPPOSITION WATCH
It’s been an interesting season at Spotland for boss Jim McNulty, with Rochdale having a chance to go to Wembley twice through the playoffs and FA Trophy. Despite that, expectations have sometimes seen him questioned, with Dale having won one of their last five, against Aldershot on Saturday.
When they win, they tend to win well, as their last three wins have been a 4-0 over Aldershot, 3-0 over Altrincham and 4-1 over Wealdstone. Their last six wins have all been at home, with no away wins in six league attempts in 2025, which will be crucial considering Dale can realistically finish no higher than fourth, so will have to play one, maybe two playoff games away from home.
Woking vs Rochdale
Vanarama National League
Tuesday 1st April 2025 19:45 Kick-Off
Misfortune has come at the wrong times as well, with loan signing Jay Bird getting off to a flyer after scoring four in seven, including three in three league games before he suffered an injury that will see him out for weeks. Bird was brought in to release the pressure on Kairo Mitchell, who has 14 for the season but just one in his last eight games.
Veteran legend Ian Henderson is still going strong at 40, netting double figures in all competitions, whilst former Card Tarryn Allarakhia has played 42 times this season, scoring five and assisting four.
AROUND THE GROUND
Ticket information is available here.
LAST TIME OUT
A comprehensive 3-0 rout of the Cards was carried out by Dale back in August 2024, with two from Mitchell and a goal from Aaron Henry capping off a fine display.
This was far less dramatic than the 2-1 win for Dale back in March 2024, when the ten man Cards went down to a Rochdale side who also went down to ten, before Jermaine Anderson controversially had a last minute equaliser ruled out.
The first ever meeting between these sides was a 3-2 Woking win at the Laithwaite in August 2023 thanks to goals from Scott Cuthbert and Reece Grego-Cox.
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
Beauts turns provider as his free-kick is glanced home by @tj_akinola!
H. Beautyman, 24’ (P) T. Akinola, 48’
A. Francis-Clarke, 70’
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
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
Dan Rowe
Malcolm Jobling
Oli Young
35. Charlie Sayers 29. Sha'mar Lawson
20. Sam Ashford
18. Joshua Osude Neal Ardley
Simon Bassey
Craig Mackail-Smith
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 subject to having enough bookings to run. The following trips are now on sale:
ALDERSHOT TOWN MAIDENHEAD
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
BIRTHDAYS
Finley Smith - 25th March - 7 years old
Isaac Ayadassen - 30th March - 7 years old
Brian Bowyer - 7th April - 75 years old
400 CLUB
February draw
£100 number 424 Emily Ramsbottom
£75 number 264 John McNerney
£50 number 372 Louie Adamson
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 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
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. We also held a productive introductory meeting with new members on March 20th at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
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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.
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 PAcKAGe S 24/25
Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm its matchday hospitality prices for 2024/25.
Enjoy VIP matchday hospitality for only £65 per person at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
You will be able to book in advance for all 24/25 fixtures online once the list has been released.
What’s included?
• Three-course meal* prepared by our in-house chef team using locally sourced ingredients supplied by Simmons Family Butchers and Boz’s Fruit & Veg.
• Executive leather padded seats in the Seymours Community Stand.
• Dedicated lounge emcee.
• Exclusive bar and drinks options.
• Pre-match first-team management or player visit.
• Hear from the match sponsors’ player of the match after the game.
Single Match Pricing 24/25
VIP Hospitality: £65.00
STH VIP Hospitality: £50.00
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality**: £35.00
Hospitality Season Tickets
VIP Hospitality: £1,350 (£145 discount)
Platinum VIP Hospitality***: £1,750 (£205 discount)
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality: £750 (£90 discount).
Existing 2024/25 season ticket holders can enjoy a discount of £15pp for single-match hospitality. All payments for VIP matchday hospitality tickets shall be payable upon booking. Please note – cash is not accepted in the Geoff Chapple Lounge, and we will not accept cash payments on the day. Bookings are
only provisional until payment is made. All payments for hospitality season tickets shall be payable upon booking. If you have already purchased a 2024/25 season ticket**** and wish to upgrade to hospitality or platinum for the season, do so by calling the Club on 01483 772 470. Hospitality will be bookable online via the online ticketing platform or through the Club phone lines.
Other information
* Consisting of a main meal 1 hour before kick-off, a cold pudding at half-time and a cheeseboard for the table to share post-game. The main meal will either be a meat or vegetarian option (1 option of each) and will be sent out via email one week before the match. If you’d like to request an advance menu, please email tickets@wokingfc. co.uk. Please do not email menu choices in advance, as you will choose on the day. Please only email evie.carey@wokingfc.co.uk with allergen or dietary requirements.
** Under 14’s hospitality will enjoy all the benefits of a VIP Hospitality ticket; however, their main meal options are: Cheeseburger & Chips, Hotdog & Chips, Vegan Hotdog & Chips
*** The platinum package includes all the VIP perks, plus five drink vouchers to use per matchday at the Geoff Chapple Lounge bar, which may be redeemed for draught beer pints, 187ml wine by the glass, single spirits with mixers or soft drinks. Please note that platinum packages are only available for hospitality season ticket holders.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 10 Altrincham
Sat Aug 17 Gateshead
Tue Aug 20 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Aug 24 Ebbsfleet United
Mon Aug 26 Hartlepool United
Sat Aug 31 Rochdale
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sep 7 Braintree Town
Tue Sep 10 Wealdstone
Sat Sep 14 Oldham Athletic
Sat Sep 21 AFC Fylde
Tue Sep 24 Eastleigh
Sat Sep 28 Sutton United
OCTOBER
Sat Oct 5 York City
Sat Oct 12 Slough Town (FA Cup)
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 2 Cambridge United (FA Cup)
Sat Nov 9 FC Halifax Town
Sat Nov 16 Boston United
Sat Nov 23 Barnet
Tue Nov 26 Southend United
Sat Nov 30 Yeovil Town
DECEMBER
Tue Dec 10 Havant & Waterlooville
Sat Dec 14 Gateshead
Sat Dec 21 Altrincham
Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United
Sat Jan 4 Radcliffe (FA Trophy)
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Gainsborough Trinity (FA Trophy)
Sat Feb 8 York City
Tue Feb 11 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Wed Feb 19 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 Oxford City (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
JUNior cArDiNAl S
GueSS tHe playerS
INTer AcTiVe QUiz
MATcHDAY MAScoTS
Today's mascots are both under 11s, with boys from West Byfleet Primary School and girls from Hermitage Primary School.
They all proudly represented WFC in the National League Under 11 tournaments.
The boys went on to make it through to the next round, where the winner of the competition will have the incredible opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium!
MAScoTS PAcK AGe
There are two options available
Package One: Full Experience £120* (includes match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£108 total cost)
• 2024/25 match shirt
• Pre-match stadium tour
• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.
• Meet & Greet with photo opportunities with players
• Food & drink voucher.
• Kickabout pitch side as the players warm up.
• Digital programme feature
• Tannoy announcement
• Walk out with the players
• Picture with team captains and match officials
• A Woking FC representative present throughout
Package Two: Full Experience £80* (does not include match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£72 total cost) Includes all the above
A training top will be lent to the mascot to wear during the pitch-walk in the case that you do not have the current 24/25 match shirt.
Team Mascot Packages are available – please contact the club for more information.
Please note fixtures are subject to availability, If you have any further questions or special requests email simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
AcADeMY
the Woking FC Academy has been operating in its current format for over a decade with the aim of helping talented young footballers make progress into the club's first team set up or in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies.
For the 2024/25 season, the youth and academy setup runs in three stages; a pre-academy for six to nine-year-olds, a youth academy for nine to 16-year-olds, and a full-time academy for talented young players above the age of 16, including an education plan.
The Academy works with the Football Club's partner charitable and community organisation, Cardinals in the Community (CITC).
Notable academy graduates in recent history include Woking legends Craig Ross and Joe McNerney, Wrexham's Ollie Palmer, and exChelsea and now-Reading's Jayden Wareham.
PRE-ACADEMY
The Pre-Academy is for the very youngest players, covering U7s, U8s and U9s. Meeting once a week, players train and learn in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of our coaches. Players that show real talent have the opportunity to progress to Woking FC Academy Youth.
The Pre-Academy trains at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:00.
YOUTH ACADEMY
Starting with U9s and progressing through the age groups right up to U16s, players train with our Academy coaches and have the opportunity to play competitively in the Junior Premier League. Training is held twice weekly at CITC’s sports hub, within the grounds of Woking College, and matches are played on Saturdays. At this level, players are able to continue playing for their grassroots clubs.
As with the main Academy, players receive a progress report twice per season, which helps identify areas of their game to work on and improve. U16s players are assessed throughout the season with a view to being invited to join Woking FC Academy.
WOKING FC ACADEMY
Woking FC Academy is a National League licensed academy. We aim to develop each and every player to reach their full potential, instilling ambition and a professional attitude. We work as closely as possible to Category 3 Academy standards, creating a professional environment in which players thrive.
Players train 5-6 hours per week at CITC’s sports hub. Their development is supported by video analysis of training and matches, group workshops and strength and conditioning sessions. One-to-one reviews are held twice every season, along with player reports so that both the coaching staff and the players themselves have a clear focus on individual development.
Woking FC Academy plays competitive matches in the U18 Isthmian League, U19 National League and also have the opportunity to play in U23 fixtures. Players in our Elite Development Plan (EDP) compete in the Tactic League and National B League. Cup competitions are a feature of the fixture calendar. Pre-season training includes friendlies and there are opportunities to travel abroad for football tours and tournaments, including the Gothia Cup.
Our football timetable is planned in conjunction with players’ education. Academy players can
choose to attend Woking College or focus on gaining the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, which is delivered by SCL Education at Westfield FC. Players on the EDP pathway study towards the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 3 A levels) with SCL.
AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS
Under 23s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
Play in: Suburban Football League - Premier Division
Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Under 19s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
National League U19 Alliance - Academy South Division
Home games: Westfield FC, weekdays, daytime
Under 19B - predominantly U17s - first years
National League U19 Alliance - Division E Woking College, weekdays, daytime
Under 18s - predominantly U17s - first years
Pitching In Isthmian Football League - Youth West Division
Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Players will also have the chance to represent the academy in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
AcADeMY BULLETIN
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 31st March 2025
WEDNESDAY 2ND APRIL
14:00 – Eastleigh U19 v Woking U19
National League Academy - South Division Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh SO50 9HT
14:00 – Woking U17 v Chatham Town Youth
National League Alliance – Division E Woking College, Rydens Way
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.
Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website.
The Academy website, where you can also find details of the Elite Development Squad launch, is wokingcitc.org
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
Week commencing 24th March 2025
WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH
Eastleigh Blues 2 – 1 Woking U17
National League Alliance – Division E Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh
Woking: James Moore, Max Goldsworthy, Ollie Rigby (Kai Baverstock 80), Thomas Ward, Roshan Kigozi, Will Ledbury, Joe Scanlon (Brian Rai 70), Jack Tricker, Zack Rhioui (Tyrell Ejakita 46), Frankie Bushby (Pranish Gurung 80), Hayden Vally.
Goal: Tricker 80.
Woking U19 0 – 2 Aldershot Town U19
National League Academy - South Division Westfield FC, Woking Park
Report from Holly Porter
After a strong second-half performance against Dartford last week, the u19s took to Westfield FC in the local derby, searching for a similar result to the 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Lewis initiated Woking’s first chance of the half in just the 2nd minute, with a charging run down the right wing and a threatening cross into the box, which called Knight into early action. The travelling ‘keeper did well to get to the ball first and punched the threat away, which prevented an early chance for the Cards.
The strongest chance in the opening 10 minutes fell Aldershot’s way, with a 7th minute effort from range which went narrowly wide of the bottom left corner.
In the 11th minute, the home side strung together another strong move forward, this time with Lewis’ ball finding Mitchell before falling to Boyle on the edge of the area. The shot was well closed down and blocked by Aldershot, but moments later it was Boyle who arrived in the box yet again, this time, although a promising run, he could not get the contact on the delivery.
Immediately after, Aldershot were able to break forward with a ball through the defence, but Gardner did extremely well and tracked back after a heavy touch took the ball away from the Aldershot attack, which allowed the skipper to force the play backwards.
In the 32nd minute, the travelling side looked set to take the lead after a strong move saw them play around the Woking backline, and split the defence with a ball into the box. The final touch, however, was heavy, which allowed Honey to react and collect without too much trouble.
A couple of chances in the 37th minute presented an opportunity for Woking to take the lead. Firstly, Mitchell did well to win the ball back in the midfield and break into the box, but his pass to Christophers who was waiting in a promising position was intercepted. Moments later, Scott took a free-kick just inside the Aldershot half, which looped towards the goalmouth, but Knight was there once again and punched away the threat.
In the 43rd minute, Scott stood over yet another free-kick, this time just outside the box. His initial delivery was defended back out to him for a second attempt, and the ball fell to Smith on the second time of asking. Smith, by cutting onto his left foot, allowed the defence time to adjust, however, and his effort was blocked.
Just as the game looked set to reach the break on level footing, Aldershot broke into the box, after a great touch which freed them from the
defence, and Nelson fired a shot into the roof of Honey’s net to take a crucial half-time advantage.
Half-time: Woking 0 – 1 Aldershot
It wasn’t long into the second-half when Aldershot doubled their advantage after a penalty kick was awarded for a challenge just inside the area. Hills took the kick, and although Honey dived the right way, the ball squeezed in on his right in the 54th minute.
Woking looked to get one back straight away, with Scott stood over another free-kick in a promising position, this time just outside the box. Gardner rose to the delivery, but the ball just evaded his head, and the follow-up shot from Christophers did not have the accuracy to trouble Knight in the Aldershot net.
Straight back down the other end, in the 59th minute, Aldershot were able to break forward and pass through the defence and into the box, but Honey reacted first and cleared the ball under pressure to deny the visitors a chance at a third.
Involved again, Scott played a great ball over the top to Boxall in the 64th minute. Boxall’s touch took him into the box, but he was quickly closed down by the Aldershot defence, and his effort was blocked. Moments later, Scott took an effort from range, but the shot rose above the crossbar and Woking remained in their two-goal deficit.
Christophers had the same luck in the 70th minute, with his shot also being fired over the bar. Just a minute later, Mitchell had the ball pulled back to him in the box, but his close-range effort went wide.
In the 81st minute, Aldershot had the ball in the back of the net again after a decent move forward, but the offside flag limited the damage, and the scoreline remained unchanged.
The closest that the Young Cards came in the closing stages was a first time-effort from Boxall in the first minute of injury time. The close-range shot, however, was met by the reactive save of Knight, who retained his clean sheet and saw Woking suffer a derby defeat.
Reacting to the game, Academy Manager Matt Winter said: “Incredibly tough, an important game for us, an important game for the football club, and I feel like we just fell a little bit short in all areas. As staff, we held our hands up for the first-half, we set the boys up wrong, and we admitted that at half-time. To be honest if we’d have got through to half-time at nil-nil the game plan would have kind of been working the way we wanted it to, and given us an opportunity to really go at it a little bit more in the second half. We conceded around half-time which was disappointing and then we came out in the second-half and still felt we could really create the opportunities to get us back in the game, but we shot ourselves in the foot and the second goal really is a killer and gives us a mountain to climb.”
Woking: Bob Honey, Jack Lewis (Louis Pask 57’), Tom Gardner ©, George Galea-Elston (Jojo Ampah 78’), Ryan Scott, Louie Boyle, Leo Christophers, Henry McDonald (Jermaine Junior Young 66’), Jayden Smith, Lucas Boxall, Ben Mitchell. Unused subs: Mikey Verga (GK), Stan Kyle.
Aldershot: Louis Knight, Harrison Davey, Joshua Dayne, Kaden Hughes, Lucas Turner, Callum Kent, Lewis Hillary ©, Tommy Nelson (Savion Shah 60’), Felix Hills (Thomas Neail 72’), Gabriel Wall (Max Walker 72’), Kian Dugdale. Unused substitutes: Euan Moss, Keanu Black.
Goals: Nelson 45+2, Hills 54.
Referee: Paz Morreale.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
Saturday 29th March
Sam Brittain, Midfield, 2nd year – Virginia Water: Played the first 72 minutes of the 1 – 5 defeat to Broadfields in the Combined Counties League –Premier Division North (Step 5).
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as a 66th minute substitute in the 0 – 2 defeat to Knaphill in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year –Camberley Town: Played the first 66 minutes of the 0 – 2 defeat to Knaphill in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Played the first 70 minutes in the 2 – 0 victory at Camberley Town in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Louis Pask, Midfielder, 2nd year – Camberley Town: Came on as an 80th minute substitute in the 0 – 2 defeat to Knaphill in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Mikey Verga, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Westfield: Played the full game in the 1 – 1 draw at Guernsey in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 2 – 3 defeat to Alton in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5). Harry returning from his Division Two trials.
WOkING FC rOC HDa le a FC
MANAGER: NEAL ARDLEY
DAN MOSS
JACOB JONES
CHINWIKE OKOLI
TIMI ODUSINA
JAMIE ANDREWS
HARRY BEAUTYMAN
DALE GORMAN
AIDEN O'BRIEN
LEWIS WALKER
DENNON LEWIS
INIH EFFIONG
TARIQ HINDS
ADAM CHICKSEN
TUNJI AKINOLA
MATT WARD
JOSHUA OSUDE
JOKUBAS MAZIONIS
SAM ASHFORD
BEN WYNTER
WILL JÄÄSKELÄINEN
JERMAINE ANDERSON
ROHAN INCE
DION KELLY-EVANS
OLLIE WEBBER
SHA’MAR LAWSON
FRANK VINCENT
CHARLIE SAYERS
LEO CHRISTOPHERS
MANAGER: JIMMY MCNULTY
KYRON GORDON
RYAN EAST
ETHAN EBANKS-LANDELL
TARRYN ALLARAKHIA
HARVEY GILMOUR
KAIRO MITCHELL
DEVANTE RODNEY
BRADLEY KELLY
SAM WALLER
TOBI ADEBAYO-ROWLING
LEON AYINDE
AIDAN BARLOW
JAKE BURGER
CONNOR MCBRIDE
COREY EDWARDS
LIAM HOGAN
JACK KINGDON
JID OKEKE
JILI BUYABU
CHARLIE WESTON
ISAAC BURGESS
SAM BECKWITH
IAN HENDERSON
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