WE d NE sdaY 19 TH FEB r U ar Y kI C k OFF: 19:45 V. SO lI HU ll M O ORS
NE Al ARDLEY
2024/25
SE ASON TiCKETS
IN SAfE HANDS
As a reminder, it is our goal to ensure that all supporters feel safe and welcome at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. To that end, on 11 December 2021, the Club launched the “In Safe Hands” programme to help our fans report racist, sexist, homophobic, or other abusive language simply and anonymously.
If you hear any abusive language, experience it yourself or if you or someone you see feels / looks threatened, you can text the Club anonymously and the message will be monitored by our Safety Officer during the match. Simply text WFC (followed by the nature of your concern and location) to 66777 and we will address your concerns. Example: If you hear racial abuse whilst sitting in the KRE, please send the following text to 66777: “WFC racial abuse centre section of KRE.”
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity.
We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.
Search Football Foundation to find out more.
AHEAD Of THE GAME
Woking host Solihull Moors at the Laithwaite this Wednesday night knowing that a busy midweek of National League football could see them either move further clear of the drop or be dragged back in towards the bottom four whirlpool.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tamworth was the Cards’ second 1-1 home draw in two home fixtures, as well as their third successful penalty in three home league games. The visit of Solihull presents a chance to make it seven points from three games in just over a week, and Neal Ardley will have dilemmas to make with several players back in contention.
OPPOSITION WATCH
The bridesmaids of last season, Solihull Moors were two successful penalty shootouts from being a League Two side and FA Trophy winners. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be and Solihull manager Andy Whing made his own way into the EFL last month by taking over at Barrow.
Wealdstone boss Matt Taylor was poached by the Moors, linking up with his former teammate and director of football Stephen Ward at the ARMCO Arena. His time at Solihull has got off to a rocky
Woking vs Solihull Moors
Vanarama National League
Wednesday 19th February 2025
19:45 Kick-Off
start, with just a point in his first four games away to Wealdstone, with Moors now just a point in their last seven.
This barren run has nearly killed off their hopes of a top seven finish, with a seven point deficit on Altrincham, who have also played a game less. It coincides with injury to Conor Wilkinson, who has 12 goals in 25 games this season, whilst match winner in the reverse fixture Jack Stevens is without a goal in seven, also absent in Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Barnet.
This game hence represents a big chance for the Cards to capitalise on Solihull’s woes, but this is still a top half side, so Woking will have to show more of a decisive edge to their game.
AROUND THE GROUND
Ticket information is available here
LAST TIME OUT
Solihull, thanks to Stevens, claimed all three points in October at Damson Park. Last season, they were 3-0 victors at home back in January 2024, with a 1-1 draw in September 2023 thanks to Padraig Amond.
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
S OC IA l
@mattyward03 and @jamieandrews._ rank legendary Premier League midfielders. Monday recovery session
Inih making no mistake from 12 yards. @wokingfc
One a piece at the end of the 90. Inih Effiong scored from the spot, before a late Tamworth equaliser.
@wokingfc
Friday preparation.
@wokingfc
@wokingfc
Jokubas Mazionis wins The Cards Trust Player of the Month award as he claims January's prize.
SPONSOR
28. Ollie Webber
22. Will Jääskeläinen
3. Jacob Jones
2. Dan Moss
7. Harry Beautyman 8. Dale Gorman
5. Timi Odusina
6. Jamie Andrews 21. Ben Wynter 27. Dion Kelly-Evans
11. Dennon Lewis 16. Tunji Akinola
15. Adam Chicksen
4. Chinwike Okoli
20. Junior Morias Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available Sponsor available
26. Tom Dryer
19. Jokubas Mazionis
14. Tariq Hinds
30. Frank Vincent
12. Inih Effiong
24. Rohan Ince
31. Aiden O'Brien 39. Leo Christophers
17. Matt Ward
10. Lewis Walker
23. Jermaine Anderson
John Keeley
Neal Ardley Simon Bassey
Dan Rowe
Craig Mackail-Smith
Malcolm Jobling
ABOUT
The Cards Trust (Cardinals Supporters Society) has worked with the Club to represent fans for more than a decade. The Trust is a shareholder of the Club (and owns around a quarter of it) and has a representative on the Board to put forward the fans’ views.
MEMBERSHIP
Supporters can join The Cards Trust for just £10 per year. Information about joining is on the Trust website.
BOOST THE BUDGET
An initiative to help the Club’s playing budget with regular contributions. More than £200,000 has gone to the Club throughout the scheme.
THE 400 CLUB
A prize draw with twelve draws per year. Around £20,000 has been given to support the Club and more than £12,000 in prizes.
GOLDRUSH
The prize draw that gives back 50% to the lucky winner with a draw at half-time on matchday, with a minimum stake of just £1. The prizes have recently been around £400 and the winning number is announced and displayed on the digital screen at half-time.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND VOLUNTEERING
The Trust also organises social events and co-
ordinates the activities of volunteers. Please get in touch if you would like to help on match days.
JUNIOR CARDS
A scheme with a range of activities for under 16s including stadium tours and competitions.
PLAYER AWARD VOTES
The Fans’ Player of the Month and Player of the Season polls are conducted by the Trust.
AWAY MATCH TRAVEL
The Cards Trust arranges coach travel to away matches for supporters at the lowest cost possible. If you are an advertiser that would like to sponsor the travel, please get in touch.
Details of all coaches are available on the Trust website, where tickets can be booked online, usually up to 23:00 on the day before the match. Members and Junior Cards get discounted away match travel.
SUPPORTERS’ LIAISON GROUP
The SLG consults with fans (both Trust members and non-members) and the Club to improve the fan experience. Real change has been made based on ideas from the group including the successful Turner's Tannoy appeal which has financed the recent upgrade in the PA at the stadium.
THE CARDS TRUST
THIS WEEK'S UPDATES
SUPPORTERS COACHES
Supporters Coaches are subject to having enough bookings to run. The following trips are now on sale: FOREST GREEN ROVERS
JUNIOR CARDS
Membership is open for season 2024/25 and still only £10!
Please join up or renew CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAYS
Sammy Woods - 21st February - 5 years old Grace Bowdery - 24th February - 14 years old
400 CLUB
January draw
£100 Number 180 Stephen King
£75 Number 405 Bob Cumming
£50 Number 41 Phillip Crawford
Congratulations to the winners!
To learn more and take part please contact john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk
THE CARDS TRUST LAUNCHES A FAN WALL NEW fAN WAll
If you're coming to the Laithwaite today then you'll notice a striking new Fan Wall on the outside wall of the Legends Bar. The wall offers personalised plaques to purchase that enable you to celebrate your favourite player, record your first match, or of course remember a loved one - it is very fitting that Andy Turner has pride of place on the top left plaque. Developed by the Supporters Liaison Group within The Cards Trust, this fundraising initiative will be used by the trust to fund improvements to the spectator experience at the ground, as well as contributing to Boost The Budget and other initiatives to support Woking FC.
You can find out more about how to get your own plaque by visiting here (simple login-free access) or by speaking to any Cards Trust official at the game today.Anyone can purchase a plaque, you don't need to be a member of The Cards Trust, but please consider joining to actively support your club.This is also a great way for anyone who cannot get to The Laithwaite Community Stadium themselves to show their ongoing support for the club. Thanks to the generous support of The Platinum Table new plaques for Geoff Chapple, Barry Kimber and Colin Lippiatt have been placed at the heart of our Fan Wall.
A subset of the Cardinal Supporters Society/Trust is looking to recruit a mix of new members to help improve varying off-field matters within the club, and you do not have to be a Cards Trust member to apply. The Supporters’ Liaison Group is designed to act as the bridge between all Woking FC fans and Woking Football Club by:
Providing communication channels for ALL supporters (whether or not members of the Cardinals Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust) to give constructive comments about issues relating to fan experience for the attention of senior staff and owners of the Football Club.
OUR SUPPORTERS LIAISON GROUP IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
Convening regular liaison meetings directly with senior staff and owners of the Football Club to facilitate dialogue and ensure ALL fans have a voice on key matters affecting them (in addition to the existing route via the Cardinal Supporters’ Society Ltd/Trust representative on the Football Club Board).
Encouraging fan consultation on issues affecting supporters.
Information on their 2025 members recruitment can be found here
www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk
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MATCHDAY & BAll SPONSORSHIP
Booking as part of a business, or simply looking to celebrate in added style? Why not take out a match or ball sponsorship?
You’ll receive all the incredible VIP Hospitality benefits, plus: Match Sponsorship - £1,150.00 + VAT
• Signed home shirt
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality for a table of ten (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
• Choose player of the match – read out on PA
• Executive VIP parking
Match Ball Sponsorship - £650.00 + VAT
• Signed match ball
• Half-page programme promotion
• PA promotion
• Social media and website promotion
• Access to our “Partner Perks” for the 24/25 season
• Full matchday hospitality experience for a table of six (add additional guests for only £50 per person)
Pl AYER SPONSORSHIP
The club are delighted to announce the Player Sponsorship package for the 24/25 season.
The club have reviewed the price and enhanced the offer to make supporting your favourite 1st team management or player more accessible and rewarding.
From the 24/25 season, player and management sponsors will receive:
• Signed match worn home and away jerseys near the start of the season presented at our Player & Management Sponsors dinner.
• Dedicated video shout-out from the player on signing and/ or on your birthday/special event (or a significant others).
• 2 x hospitality tickets during the season and the opportunity to meet your sponsored player after/before the game.
• Option to attend manager/player meet and greet throughout the season.
• Pre-game scoreboard reel with players and your name/ logo next to them.
Price for 24/25 player sponsorship is £900 + VAT. To sponsor a player, please email Simon, the club's Business Development Director, on simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk.
HOSPiTAliTY PACKAGES 24/25
Woking Football Club is pleased to confirm its matchday hospitality prices for 2024/25.
Enjoy VIP matchday hospitality for only £65 per person at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.
You will be able to book in advance for all 24/25 fixtures online once the list has been released.
What’s included?
• Three-course meal* prepared by our in-house chef team using locally sourced ingredients supplied by Simmons Family Butchers and Boz’s Fruit & Veg.
• Executive leather padded seats in the Seymours Community Stand.
• Dedicated lounge emcee.
• Exclusive bar and drinks options.
• Pre-match first-team management or player visit.
• Hear from the match sponsors’ player of the match after the game.
Single Match Pricing 24/25
VIP Hospitality: £65.00
STH VIP Hospitality: £50.00
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality**: £35.00
Hospitality Season Tickets
VIP Hospitality: £1,350 (£145 discount)
Platinum VIP Hospitality***: £1,750 (£205 discount)
Under 14’s VIP Hospitality: £750 (£90 discount).
Existing 2024/25 season ticket holders can enjoy a discount of £15pp for single-match hospitality. All payments for VIP matchday hospitality tickets shall be payable upon booking. Please note – cash is not accepted in the Geoff Chapple Lounge, and we will not accept cash payments on the day. Bookings are
only provisional until payment is made. All payments for hospitality season tickets shall be payable upon booking. If you have already purchased a 2024/25 season ticket**** and wish to upgrade to hospitality or platinum for the season, do so by calling the Club on 01483 772 470. Hospitality will be bookable online via the online ticketing platform or through the Club phone lines.
Other information
* Consisting of a main meal 1 hour before kick-off, a cold pudding at half-time and a cheeseboard for the table to share post-game. The main meal will either be a meat or vegetarian option (1 option of each) and will be sent out via email one week before the match. If you’d like to request an advance menu, please email tickets@wokingfc. co.uk. Please do not email menu choices in advance, as you will choose on the day. Please only email evie.carey@wokingfc.co.uk with allergen or dietary requirements.
** Under 14’s hospitality will enjoy all the benefits of a VIP Hospitality ticket; however, their main meal options are: Cheeseburger & Chips, Hotdog & Chips, Vegan Hotdog & Chips
*** The platinum package includes all the VIP perks, plus five drink vouchers to use per matchday at the Geoff Chapple Lounge bar, which may be redeemed for draught beer pints, 187ml wine by the glass, single spirits with mixers or soft drinks. Please note that platinum packages are only available for hospitality season ticket holders.
AUGUST
Sat Aug 10 Altrincham
Sat Aug 17 Gateshead
Tue Aug 20 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Aug 24 Ebbsfleet United
Mon Aug 26 Hartlepool United
Sat Aug 31 Rochdale
SEPTEMBER
Sat Sep 7 Braintree Town
Tue Sep 10 Wealdstone
Sat Sep 14 Oldham Athletic
Sat Sep 21 AFC Fylde
Tue Sep 24 Eastleigh
Sat Sep 28 Sutton United
OCTOBER
Sat Oct 5 York City
Sat Oct 12 Slough Town (FA Cup)
Sat Oct 19 Tamworth
Tue Oct 22 Solihull Moors
Sat Oct 26 Forest Green Rovers
NOVEMBER
Sat Nov 2 Cambridge United (FA Cup)
Sat Nov 9 FC Halifax Town
Sat Nov 16 Boston United
Sat Nov 23 Barnet
Tue Nov 26 Southend United
Sat Nov 30 Yeovil Town
DECEMBER
Tue Dec 10 Havant & Waterlooville
Sat Dec 14 Gateshead
Sat Dec 21 Altrincham
Thu Dec 26 Aldershot Town
JANUARY
Wed Jan 1 Maidenhead United
Sat Jan 4 Radcliffe (FA Trophy)
Sat Jan 11 Yeovil Town
Sat Jan 18 Ebbsfleet United
Sat Jan 25 Hartlepool United
FEBRUARY
Sat Feb 1 Gainsborough Trinity (FA Trophy)
Sat Feb 8 York City
Tue Feb 11 Dagenham & Redbridge
Sat Feb 15 Tamworth
Wed Feb 19 Solihull Moors
Sat Feb 22 Forest Green Rovers
MARCH
Sat Mar 1 Oxford City
Tue Mar 4 Southend United
Sat Mar 8 Boston United
Sat Mar 15 Barnet
Sat Mar 22 Wealdstone
Sat Mar 29 Braintree Town
APRIL
Wed Apr 1 Rochdale
Sat Apr 5 Oldham Athletic
Sat Apr 12 AFC Fylde
Fri Apr 18 Maidenhead United
Mon Apr 21 Aldershot Town
Sat Apr 26 Eastleigh
MAY
Mon May 5 Sutton United
JUNiOR CARDiNAl S
GUEss THE PlaYErs
ANSWERS
PLAYERS: Martin Ødegaard Kevin De Bruyne Oxford United
INTERACTiVE QUiz
Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season, click here to test your knowledge...
BADGE:
MASCOTS PACK AGE
There are two options available
Package One: Full Experience £120* (includes match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£108 total cost)
• 2024/25 match shirt
• Complimentary match day tickets for 1 adult and 1 child.
• Pre-match stadium tour
• Meet & Greet with photo opportunities with players
• Food & drink voucher.
• Kickabout pitch side as the players warm up.
• Digital programme feature
• Tannoy announcement
• Walk out with the players
• Picture with team captains and match officials
• A Woking FC representative present throughout
Package Two: Full Experience £80* (does not include match shirt)
*Current season ticket holders receive a 10% discount (£72 total cost) Includes all the above
A training top will be lent to the mascot to wear during the pitch-walk in the case that you do not have the current 24/25 match shirt.
Team Mascot Packages are available – please contact the club for more information.
Please note fixtures are subject to availability, If you have any further questions or special requests email simon.jones@wokingfc.co.uk
ACADEMY
The Woking FC Academy has been operating in its current format for over a decade with the aim of helping talented young footballers make progress into the club's first team set up or in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies.
For the 2024/25 season, the youth and academy setup runs in three stages; a pre-academy for six to nine-year-olds, a youth academy for nine to 16-year-olds, and a full-time academy for talented young players above the age of 16, including an education plan.
The Academy works with the Football Club's partner charitable and community organisation, Cardinals in the Community (CITC).
Notable academy graduates in recent history include Woking legends Craig Ross and Joe McNerney, Wrexham's Ollie Palmer, and exChelsea and now-Reading's Jayden Wareham.
PRE-ACADEMY
The Pre-Academy is for the very youngest players, covering U7s, U8s and U9s. Meeting once a week, players train and learn in a fun and friendly environment under the watchful eye of our coaches. Players that show real talent have the opportunity to progress to Woking FC Academy Youth.
The Pre-Academy trains at The Winston Churchill School in Woking, Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:00.
YOUTH ACADEMY
Starting with U9s and progressing through the age groups right up to U16s, players train with our Academy coaches and have the opportunity to play competitively in the Junior Premier League. Training is held twice weekly at CITC’s sports hub, within the grounds of Woking College, and matches are played on Saturdays. At this level, players are able to continue playing for their grassroots clubs.
As with the main Academy, players receive a progress report twice per season, which helps identify areas of their game to work on and improve. U16s players are assessed throughout the season with a view to being invited to join Woking FC Academy.
WOKING FC ACADEMY
Woking FC Academy is a National League licensed academy. We aim to develop each and every player to reach their full potential, instilling ambition and a professional attitude. We work as closely as possible to Category 3 Academy standards, creating a professional environment in which players thrive.
Players train 5-6 hours per week at CITC’s sports hub. Their development is supported by video analysis of training and matches, group workshops and strength and conditioning sessions. One-to-one reviews are held twice every season, along with player reports so that both the coaching staff and the players themselves have a clear focus on individual development.
Woking FC Academy plays competitive matches in the U18 Isthmian League, U19 National League and also have the opportunity to play in U23 fixtures. Players in our Elite Development Plan (EDP) compete in the Tactic League and National B League. Cup competitions are a feature of the fixture calendar. Pre-season training includes friendlies and there are opportunities to travel abroad for football tours and tournaments, including the Gothia Cup.
Our football timetable is planned in conjunction with players’ education. Academy players can
choose to attend Woking College or focus on gaining the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, which is delivered by SCL Education at Westfield FC. Players on the EDP pathway study towards the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (equivalent to 3 A levels) with SCL.
AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS
Under 23s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
Play in: Suburban Football League - Premier Division
Home games: Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Under 19s - Second and third years (and progressing first years)
National League U19 Alliance - Academy South Division
Home games: Westfield FC, weekdays, daytime
Under 19B - predominantly U17s - first years
National League U19 Alliance - Division E Woking College, weekdays, daytime
Under 18s - predominantly U17s - first years
Pitching In Isthmian Football League - Youth West Division
Knaphill FC, Thursdays, 19:30
Players will also have the chance to represent the academy in the prestigious FA Youth Cup.
ACADEMY BULLETIN
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Week commencing 17th February 2025
MONDAY 17TH FEBRUARY
12:00 – Dover Athletic U19 v Woking U19
National League Academy – South Division
The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, ME13 8RZ
19:30 - Chipstead U18 v Woking U18
Isthmian League – Central Division High Road, Chipstead, Coulsdon, CR5 3SF
WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY
14:00 – Woking U19 v Southend United U19
National League Academy – South Division Westfield FC, Woking Park
THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY
19:30 – Woking U18 v Metropolitan Police U18
Isthmian League – Central Division Knaphill FC, Redding Way
For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy X (twitter) page.
Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website.
MATCH REPORTS & TEAM DETAILS
Week commencing 10th February 2025
WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY
Woking U19 3 - 3 Dover Athletic U19
National League Academy – South Division
Woking College, Rydens Way
Report from Holly Porter
A hard-earned point in the National League Academy on Wednesday afternoon, as the u19s faced Dover Athletic, with the reverse fixture falling on Monday amidst a congested fixture schedule.
Both teams started the game well, with Verga called into early action to deny the visitors the advantage in just the 4th minute. Having got down to his right to keep the initial effort out, the ball was spilt into the penalty area, with Verga reacting well to dive onto the ball before a second threat could be initiated.
The Cards also enjoyed some positive play in the opening stages and went closest in the first 10 minutes with an edge-of-the-box effort from Page which almost sneaked through the legs of Davidson.
With both sides searching for the opener, there was plenty of possession throughout the first half, with a lack of clear-cut chances for both sides. Another big chance for the home side to take the lead fell in the 16th minute when Holden conceded a foul midway into his own half.
Pask took the free kick, with the set piece being played wide to Boxall, however, the next phase of play was poorly executed, and Dover were able to defend the ball into the box easily and regained possession.
Dover were able to threaten from a free-kick of their own just minutes later, with the set-piece being taken from just outside the box. The 19thminute threat, however, was eliminated with a strong header away from the Woking defence, and the Cards were able to play forward once again.
The rest of the first half continued in much the same fashion as the opening 20 minutes, with clear chances on goal being scarce.
A dangerous-looking free-kick from Dover in the 35th minute begged for a final touch, with both teams in search of the first contact on a ball
which looped towards the far top corner. Dover successfully made the first contact but lacked the accuracy to trouble Verga and the effort went out for a goal kick.
Boxall went close minutes later, with a ball in from Mitchell having found the forward in front of goal. The 39th-minute first-time shot, however, went just wide as the search for the advantage continued.
This search ended in the 42nd minute, with an excellent individual effort from Lewis which put the Cards ahead. Lewis chased down the first loose ball, doing well to get the first touch on the ball just inside the Dover half, playing it into his path. The second touch was equally as impressive, having taken the ball around the second Dover player who had attempted to close down the ball, but not having put too much pace on the ball that it rolled through to the keeper. To finish his charge forward, the effort from close range was met by the keeper, but it wasn’t enough to keep the ball out of the net, and the home side went into the break with a narrow lead.
Half-time: Woking 1 – 0
Dover Athletic
The momentum from the late goal in the first half carried into the opening stages of the second half, with the Cards starting the better side. Silverstein showcased his ability to pick good balls forward from the outset, having picked out Page, but the cross from Page was easily blocked by Dover’s defence.
Moments later, in the 49th minute, Pask had a shot from range, but the effort went just wide as a highpaced start to the second 45 couldn’t be topped off with a doubled advantage.
The travelling side grew into the second half, and two goals in quick succession gave them the lead in the fixture. Jeffries got his first of the afternoon from the penalty spot in the 57th minute, having sent Verga the wrong way, which cancelled out Lewis’ first-half lead.
Within 5 minutes, Jeffries had doubled his tally for the afternoon, having turned in the box and placed an effort into the inside of the side netting, out of Verga’s reach, to put his side ahead for the first time in the clash.
This did not last long, however, as Gardner drew Woking level in the 64th minute, the perfect response to Dover’s double. Pask’s corner was excellently headed back across the ‘keeper from the far post by the skipper, with a third goal in less than 10 minutes in the competitive fixture meaning the sides were level once again.
Woking continued to apply the pressure after the leveller and went close to edging ahead in the 67th minute. A fine passing move between Silverstein, Boxall and Christophers saw the latter make a great run into the box, with a strong first-time effort being made on goal, but the shot was well saved by Davidson in the Dover net.
An eventful final 10 minutes played out at Woking College as both teams searched for the winner. In the 85th minute, Dover were presented with a golden opportunity to settle the tie, with a second
penalty of the afternoon for Jeffries following a second yellow card for goalscorer Lewis.
No mistake from Jeffries, who fired the spot-kick into the Woking net to give his side one hand on all three points in the high-scoring fixture, and in doing so secured his hat-trick.
This was not to be, however, as the Cards took the fight until the end. With the final chance of the game, Young’s corner was placed into a dangerous position at the back post, and in the scramble to try and clear their lines, Dover turned the ball into their own net 6 minutes into injury time, and the points were shared after a busy second half in Woking.
Academy Manager Matt Winter reacted to the game, stating: “We’re delighted to get a point out of the game at the end. We’re disappointed after a really good first half, with some really excellent football, we managed to get the goal, and a little bit similar to last week against Slough where we weren’t able to replicate our first-half performance in the second half, but I can’t fault our players today, I thought we were excellent.”
Woking Lineup: Mikey Verga, Jack Lewis, Tom Gardner ©, Aidy Silverstein, Ryan Scott, Ollie Mason (Henry McDonald 85), Leo Christophers, Lucas Boxall, Ben Mitchell, Jalil Page (Jermaine Junior Young 90+4), Louis Pask (Harvey Brook 90+1). Unused substitutes: Charlie Sweeney, Harry White (GK).
Goalscorers: Jack Lewis 42, Tom Gardner 64, OG 90+6. Red Card: Jack Lewis 84.
Dover Athletic Lineup: Kye Davidson, Zak Hammond, Leo Moore, Essa Jadama, Jake McCarthy, Fenn Roberts, Danny Annis, Tristan Holden ©, Kaeden Jeffries, Ethan Cole, Harvey Griffin. Substitutes: Mees Knappin, Chigozirim Iwanyawu, Noah Coleman.
Goalscorer: Kaeden Jeffries 57 (pen), 62, 85 (pen). Referee: Charles Sherrard.
Dartford Reds 2 - 2 Woking U17
National League Alliance – Division E Princes Park Stadium, Dartford
Goal times:
3’ Hayden Vally for Woking, 0 – 1
30’ Gurpreet Benning for Dartford, 1 – 1
53’ Jack Tricker for Woking, 1 – 2
90’ Harjeevan Benning for Dartford, 2 – 2
Woking: Jack Roles, Jack Owen, Max Goldsworthy, Thomas Ward, Tyrell Ejakita (Pranish Gurang 70’), Zackaria Rhioui (Luca Di Manno 82’), Joe Scanlon (George Mattingley 65’), Will Ledbury, Jack Tricker, Frankie Bushby, Hayden Vally. Unused substitute: Brian Rai.
THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY
Woking U21 3 - 2 Abbey Rangers U21 Suburban Football League Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Woking welcomed debutant Aaron Sings, the firstyear goalkeeper having signed from Dorking, for a game which looked like it might be straightforward for the Cards, given the teams’ league positions, and it was relatively so, apart from a late comeback from the visitors.
Sings was to show his ability as soon as the 8th minute, coming out quickly to neatly gather a through ball. However, whilst the expectation was that Woking would go on to dominate the game, it took them some time to get in to their stride.
There was good attacking passing from the Cards, but it was Abbey who came closest to a goal in the early exchanges, House hitting the top of the bar with a lob shot. Woking responded, Seyi Akinwalere, James Orton, Harvey Brook and Jojo Ampah all threatening their opponent’s goal, with JJ Young’s passing prompting a lot of Woking’s intent.
It would take Woking until added time at the end of the half to make the breakthrough, Brook setting off on a fine dribbling run which took him to the Abbey bye-line, where he was able to pull the ball back to give Ampah a tap-in from a few yards out.
Half-time: Woking 1 – 0 Abbey Rangers
The second-half began with Woking continuing in control. Louie Boyle replaced James Orton, who had injured his hand, and was quickly in to the action. Amario Malhotra played in a great through ball, and Boyle’s pace gave him the chance to fire in a shot which was well saved by Presad.
Woking nearly doubled their lead on the hour mark, George Galea-Elston unlucky to see his header from Young’s corner go straight at the ‘keeper. Within two minutes they had their second, Young’s free kick to the far post rather bundled over the line by Charlie Sweeney, but they count whether they go in from two or twenty yards.
Abbey did rally, Komolape unlucky to see his drive hit the bar and bounce down the wrong side of the line from his perspective. But the game looked to be over on 72 minutes, a great turn and pass from Jacob Farr released Roshan Kigozi down the left wing, and his excellent cross was met by Brook, heading home at the far post to earn a fitting reward for his skill and endeavour.
A Kigozi pass to Boyle saw the Cards come close to making it four, but at the other end Sweeney was called on to make a battling defensive challenge, as the game moved to a somewhat surprising finale.
On 79 minutes Davis scored what looked to be no more than a consolation, seizing on some defensive hesitancy to slot the ball neatly into the bottom corner. But within three minutes he had another, once again finishing neatly from close range. A change in formation and tactics had Woking on the backfoot, but the visitors could not fashion a clear-cut chance with which to draw level.
With tensions rising, Woking safely negotiated the seven minutes of additional time, during which Abbey had a player sent off for kicking out at an opponent, to clinch what had not been such a straightforward victory after all.
Woking: Aaron Sings, George Galea-Elston, Tom Gardner ©, Charlie Sweeney, Jermaine Junior Young, James Orton (Louie Boyle 52), Amario Malhotra (Bobby Lawrence 71), Jermaine Junior Young, Jacob Farr, Harvey Brook, Jojo Ampah, Seyi Akinwalere (Roshan Kigozi 64). Unused Sub: James Clark.
Goals: Ampah 45+2, Sweeney 62, Brook 72.
Abbey Rangers goals: Davis 79, 82. Referee: Tony King.
LOAN (DUAL REGISTERED PLAYERS) WATCH:
TUESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY
Tom Dryer, Forward, 2nd year – Westfield: Played the full game in the 2 – 2 draw at Metropolitan Police in the Isthmian LeagueSouth Central Division (Step 4).
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: Came on as a 79th minute substitute in the 1 –2 defeat to Redhill in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
SATURDAY 15TH FEBRUARY
Lucas Boxall, Midfield, 2nd year –Sheerwater: An unused substitute for the 1 – 0 victory at Camberley Town in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Tom Dryer, Forward, 2nd year – Westfield: Started, but was replaced on 46 minutes of, the 2 – 0 defeat at Hanworth Villa (who had ex-Woking Captain Josh Casey in their ranks), in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Bob Honey, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Kingstonian: Was not involved in the 1 – 1 draw with Hayes & Yeading United in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Stanley Kyle, Forward, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Was not involved in the 1 – 1 draw against Corinthian Casuals in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5).
Oliver Mason, Central Midfield, 3rd year
– Ascot United: Came on as a 66th minute substitute in the 1 – 1 draw at Moneyfields in the Isthmian League - South Central Division (Step 4).
Henry McDonald, Centre Midfield, 3rd year
– Sheerwater: An unused substitute for the 1 – 0 victory at Camberley Town in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Ben Mitchell, Forward, 3rd year - Knaphill: An unused substitute for the 0 – 0 draw at Guildford City in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Byron Mitchell, Forward, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Was not involved in the 1 – 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 a 60th minute substitute in the 0 – 1 defeat to Sheerwater in the Combined Counties League – Premier Division South (Step 5).
Aidy Silverstein, Central Defence, 2nd year - Hamble Club: Awaiting information on Aidy's involvement in the 3 - 3 draw at Bournemouth in the Wessex League - Premier Division (Step 5).
Harry White, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 1 – 1 draw against Corinthian Casuals in the Combined Counties League - Premier Division South (Step 5). Sandhurst led from 17 minutes to 90+8 minutes.
WOkING FC s OlIHUll M OOrs
MANAGER: NEAL ARDLEY
DAN MOSS
JACOB JONES
CHINWIKE OKOLI
TIMI ODUSINA
JAMIE ANDREWS
HARRY BEAUTYMAN
DALE GORMAN
AIDEN O'BRIEN
LEWIS WALKER
DENNON LEWIS
INIH EFFIONG
TARIQ HINDS
ADAM CHICKSEN
TUNJI AKINOLA
MATT WARD
JOKUBAS MAZIONIS
JUNIOR MORIAS
BEN WYNTER
WILL JÄÄSKELÄINEN
JERMAINE ANDERSON
ROHAN INCE
DION KELLY-EVANS
OLLIE WEBBER
FRANK VINCENT
LEO CHRISTOPHERS
MANAGER: MATT TAYLOR
LAURIE WALKER
AARON FLAHAVAN
JAMES CLARKE
JOE NEWTON
ALEX WHITMORE
KYLE MORRISON
MARCEL OAKLEY
OLIVER TIPTON
JORDAN TUNNICLIFFE
JACOB PINNINGTON
FINN HOWELL
JOEL SHAMBROOK
KADE CRAIG
JAMEY OSBORNE
SAM BOWEN
MATTY WARBURTON
BRADLEY STEVENSON
JOHN BOSTOCK
JOSS LABADIE
JOHN BENTON
MORGAN OWEN
FIN HOLMES
KIAN RYLEY
ACKEME FRANCIS-BURRELL
JACK STEVENS
TAHVON CAMPBELL
CONOR WILKINSON
JAMES GALE
TYLER BRUCK
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