9^th JULY  2017

                  WOKING  1       WATFORD  1

Pre-Season Friendly  Saturday 8^th July 2017

            Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

                      Attendance: 1.227

New Manager Anthony Limbrick’s first game in charge saw the Cards earn a well-deserved draw against Watford at a very warm Laithwaite Stadium on Saturday.

New signing Bobson Bawling’s strike earned a share of the spoils after the visitors had gone ahead through Alex Jakubiak’s tap in.

The first match under Limbrick’s reign saw Woking field eight debutants. One of those Joe Ward had the first chance of the match when his 25-yard curling shot was a whisker away from the goal. Joey Jones then had a shot from 20 yards out comfortably saved by visitor’s stopper Sam Howe. The deadlock was broken in the 36^th minute following a cross from the left-hand side into the area saw Alex Jakubiak bundle the ball past Nathan Baxter. Not to be denied, Woking levelled almost straight from the restart. A ball over the top found debutant Bobson Bawling who calmly chested the ball down before sending a volley past Howe.

Within six minutes of the second half the visitors almost retook the lead when Jakubiak’s shot was well saved by Baxter, the stopper pushing the ball out, with the ball looking to squeeze over the line, it was Nathan ralph who came to the rescue for the Cards as he cleared the ball of the line.

In the 68^th minute it was the turn of the Cards to almost grab a second goal. A fine cross from ralph was headed onto the bar from Fabio Saraiva. With just three minutes remaining substitute for Watford Ivan Nsimbi almost stole victory for the visitors, but he pulled his shot across goal.

On a warm afternoon, the home fans can be pleased with what they saw during ninety minutes. The Cards played some pleasant football on the eyes, showed resilience when falling behind and overall put up a fine performance against a very good young Watford side, which will offer plenty of encouragement to Cards fans.

 

                        

                             6^th JULY   2017

 

Woking will commence their forthcoming Vanarama National League campaign with a home fixture against Gateshead at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday 8^th August.

In the course of five days the Cards will face two long away trips to Tranmere Rovers and Barrow immediately after the Gateshead game. New boys Leyton Orient will visit the Laithwaite on Saturday 19^th August, with the other former Football League side Hartlepool United making the long trip south on the 30^th September.

The traditional Christmas local derby will once again happen this season when the Cards make the short distance to face Aldershot on Boxing Day, with the Shots visiting Woking on New Year’s Day.  In February Woking will take the long trip to Hartlepool on the 17^th February, with a visit to face Leyton Orient in March.

The Cards will finish their league campaign with a trip to Guiseley on the 21^st April before Dover Athletic visit the Laithwaite on Saturday 28^th April for the final League game of the season. 

 

 

 

                       30^th  JUNE  2017

Woking FC have signed 23-year-old midfield player Jordan Wynter.

Wynter, started his career in the youth team at Arsenal. The following season Jordan joined Bristol City on a two-year deal. The versatile player then went on to sign for League Two side Cheltenham Town in February 2015, where he had loan spells at Farnborough and AFC Telford, before joining Bromley in November 2016. Wynter, can also play as a right-back.

The Cards have also announced who will be Anthony Limbrick’s right hand man. Jason Goodliffe has joined the club as Assistant Manager.

The 43-year-old Joined Stevenage as first team coach in May 2013, before re-joining Boreham Wood as Assistant Manager the next season.

                  

                   27^th   JUNE   2017

Woking have signed 21-year-old central defender Josh Staunton. The youngster,  can also play at right back or as a defensive midfielder.

Staunton, started his career at Gillingham and moved to Charlton Athletic in 2015 where he captained the under 21 team. The youngster spent a month on loan at St. Albans City in the Vanarama National League South. Last summer he joined Dagenham & Redbridge, where he made 36 league appearances for the Daggers.

The club have also confirmed two more home pre-season friendlies ahead of the new campaign.

The Cards will face League Two outfit Cambridge United at the Laithwaite Stadium on Tuesday 25^th July with a 7.45 kick off. Four days later Woking will entertain League Two side Swindon Town, with the game kicking off at 3 PM on Saturday 29^th July.

The Cards have also announced the signing of Jason Banton. The 24-year-old came through the Arsenal Academy before leaving to join Blackburn Rovers. He spent time at Liverpool, Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Banton, has also featured for MK Dons on loan before rejoining Plymouth Argyle permanently in 2014. Jason joined Wycombe the following season, where he had loan spells at Hartlepool and Notts County. Last summer Banton joined Crawley Town, making 19 appearances in the first half of the season before joining Partick Thistle on loan in January.

 

 

 

 

                                             

                           22^nd  JUNE   2017

Woking have confirmed three more pre-season friendlies ahead of the new season. The Cards will travel to Bostik Premier Division side Leatherhead on Tuesday 11^th July with a 7.45 kick off. The following Tuesday 18^th July, Woking will travel to Basingstoke Town of the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division. The game will kick off at 7.45. Wingate and Finchley will be the opponents for Woking on Saturday 22^nd July, with a 3 pm kick off at The Maurice Rebak Stadium.

      

                 

                      21^st  JUNE  2017

 

Double delight for Cards fans today as the club announced two new additions to the playing squad ahead of the new season.

21-year-old Joe Ward has signed a two-year deal with the club. Ward, is a winger who started his career at Chelmsford City before joining Brighton in 2015. Joe, played four times for the Football League side in the Football League Trophy last season, before signing for Lincoln City on loan in January. He scored three goals for Lincoln as they made it through to the semi-finals, before his loan was cut short due to injury.

Ward, returned back to Brighton, and scored in the Sussex Senior Cup Final against Crawley at the Amex in May.

The Cards have also signed Goalkeeper Nathan Baxter on a season- long loan from Chelsea from the 1^st of July.

Baxter, is just 18 and has won an FA Youth Cup winners medal in 2015/16, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Vanarama National League side Solihull Moors, where he kept 6 clean sheets in 17 league games.

 

                                        

                         Woking news at    17th  June 2017

 

Woking have signed 24-year-old midfield player Chez Isaac. Chez, started his career in Watford’s academy where he had a loan spell in the Conference with Tamworth before moving on to Boreham Wood in the summer of 2012. He then joined Braintree Town in May 2013. Isaac, spent four seasons with the Essex club, where he made 160 league appearances, including a handful as Captain last season.

Meanwhile, the club have announced that both Nathan Ralph and Fabio Saraiva have signed new contracts with the club.

 

                               Woking news at    14th  June 2017

Woking have announced that Charlie Carter has signed a new contract with the club.

The 20-year-old was awarded his first contract last summer after leaving the Cards Academy. Carter, made 32 league appearances last season, and also was an instant hit in the Surrey Senior Cup, where the youngster hit the net six times.

 

 

Woking have announced the signing of 21-year-old Bobson Bawling. The pacy winger- who can play in a variety of other positions- started his career in Watford’s Academy. In the summer of 2014 he joined Crawley Town, following a successful trial. Bawling went on to make over 71 appearances for Crawley. Meanwhile, The Cards have announced that Premiership side Watford will visit the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday 8^th July for a pre- season friendly.

 

Woking have signed 26-year-old striker Inih Effiong. The 6ft 3 inch forward spent the first half of the 2016/17 season at Biggleswade Town scoring 23 goals for the Southern Premier League Club. In January, he moved to fellow National League Side Barrow. He has to date hit the net 95 times in his career. The Cards have also announced that Joey Jones has signed a new deal with the club. The versatile player has played in both midfield and defence, and has made over 150 appearances in all competitions for Woking.

 

Woking can confirm that the following players have been released following the expiration of their current contracts. Zak Ansah, Max Kretzschmar, Michael Poke, Brian Saah, Frazer Shaw and Ismail Yakubu. Meanwhile, Manager Anthony Limbrick has made his second signing ahead of the new season, as Kane Ferdinand has signed a new deal with the club. 24 year-old Kane first joined the Cards in December from East Thurrock United.

 

 

 

 

Anthony Limbrick has made Richard Orlu his first signing ahead of the new season.

Richard, 28, is a central defender who started his career at Staines Town. He has also had loan spells at Harrow Borough, Walton Casuals and Northwood. In 2011 he signed for Farnborough in the Conference South before joining Canvey Island for the 2012/13 season.In the summer of 2013 Richard joined Dover Athletic, where he helped the Whites achieve promotion to the Vanarama National League.

 

Following Gary Hill and Steve Thompson’s departure from the club, Woking have announced that Anthony Limbrick will be the new first team Manager for the forthcoming season.

Limbrick, coached at Southampton for six years after working at the FA. He was also selected as the England U17 assistant coach. After leaving the England set-up he moved to West Ham United to coach older age groups.

 

                              WOKING     4      MERSTHAM   0

                          Specsavers Surrey Senior Cup Final Wednesday 3^rd May 2017

                                 Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

 

Four second half strikes from the home side, including a brace from youngster Charlie Carter, ensured that the Cards gained some silverware from their difficult season.

The opening 45 minutes saw both sides cancel each other out until the Cards came closest to opening the scoring when Kane Ferdinand’s powerful drive cannoned of the woodwork with the visiting keeper Josh Smith stranded.

Woking almost broke the deadlock when substitute Charlie Carter’s shot hit the cross bar. In the 56^th minute Woking’s pressure paid off when Delano-Sam Yorke cut the ball back to Carter who sent an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Ten minutes later the Cards doubled their advantage when Kane Ferdinand chested the ball down and sent a volley past Smith, after a fine pass from Joey Jones. Three minutes later Carter grabbed his second of the net with another superb strike from outside the area. Another substitute grabbed Woking’s fourth goal of the night after a through ball from Kandi found Connor Hall who tucked the ball away to round off a wonderful night for the home side, as they claimed the Surrey Senior Cup on their 29^th appearance in the final.

 

Woking secured their National League survival by claiming a point in a 1-1 draw against Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.

Gary Hill’s side went into the final game of the season knowing that a point would be sufficient to secure their survival. The Cards got off to the perfect start by taking the lead through a Max Kretzschmar free-kick after just 12 minutes. The home side pulled level in the 83^rd minute through Scott Heard. But the Cards held on to secure their National League status for another season.

 

                                  WOKING     1     YORK  CITY    1

                  Vanarama National League  Saturday 22^nd April 2017

                                Attendance: 2,702

                                 Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

 

Woking made a giant step to National League safety after picking up a point against fellow strugglers York on Saturday.

A Gozie Ugwu spot kick was cancelled out by a Jon Parkin strike for the visitors, with neither side managing to claim all three points on offer.

 

Gary Hill made one change to the side that defeated Chester with a late winner from Gozie Ugwu, with goal scorer Connor Hall promoted to the starting line up in place of Fabio Saraiva.

The Minstermen came into the game three points behind the cards, who were on a good run of form having picked up seven points out of a possible nine. Woking also knew that a win against York would almost certainly guarantee them safety.

Woking were on the front foot within the opening two minutes when a fine through ball from Keiran Murtagh picked out Ugwu who twisted and turned inside the area. The strikers initial shot was saved by York’s stopper Scott Loach, the rebound fell once again to Ugwu who saw his shot cleared of the line. In the 20^th minute the visitors carved out their first clear cut chance of the game when Vadaine Oliver should have done better with a clear shot at goal, but he scooped his effort over the bar. Ten minutes later the Cards were a whisker away from breaking the deadlock following a Nathan Ralph cross from the left which Kane Ferdinand met superbly but his glancing header just evaded the outstretched legs of Hall.

The second half saw the Minstermen come out the stronger with Michael Poke producing a magnificent fingertip save to deny the big man Parkin’s free kick from 20 yards out. Ferdinand had a good-looking penalty appeal turned down by Referee Craig Hicks before Woking opened the scoring. Delano Sam-Yorke went on a mazy run, brushing aside three opponents before being hauled down in the area by Sean Newton for a stonewall penalty. For the third time in as many games Ugwu kept his nerve and composure from the spot by sending the ball into the middle of the net for his twenty first goal of the season. A couple of minutes later Sam-Yorke unleashed a fine stop that was superbly saved-one handed- by Loach. York Manager Gary Mills threw on substitute Sam Muggleton to pose problems for the home side with his long throws. From one of these throws York equalised. His throw fell kindly to the experienced park who slotted the ball past Michael Poke. The last 15 minutes saw the visitors throw everything at Woking’s rear-guard, with Poke producing another fine save to deny Oliver. Resolute defending from the Cards was enough for them to claim a point from the contest, on reflection of play a share of the spoils was the right result.

Woking mathematically need a point from their final Vanarama National League game at Dagenham and Redbridge next Saturday lunchtime to secure their National League place. Failing this, the Cards can only go down if they lose and Torquay, Guiseley and York all win.

 

                          

 

                                   WOKING   1     MACCLESFIELD  TOWN   0

                              Vanarama National League Friday 14^th April 2017

                                      Attendance:  2,068

                                            Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Woking picked up three vital points in their fight against relegation, thanks to a second half penalty from Gozie Ugwu.

Gary Hill named an unchanged starting line-up for today’s crucial game against the Silkmen. Woking were on the front foot in the early exchanges of the encounter with Terell Thomas going close early on after a deft flick that went narrowly wide following a Delano Sam-Yorke header. Keiran Murtagh also went close with a looping header that went on to the top of the net. Sam-Yorke was in the action once again in the 22^nd minute following a corner, the striker snatched at his shot, with the ball going over the bar. It took until almost the last kick off the half for the Silkmen to have their only effort on target in 45 minutes, and how close they came. A corner fell to Chris Holroyd who tried a spectacular overhead kick, with Michael Poke beaten in the Woking goal the ball cannoned off the bar with Reece Browne following up via his head, he should have done better with his effort from six yards out, but his header went well over the top.

Gary Hill made an immediate change at the break, bringing on leading scorer Ugwu for the rather subdued Jamie Lucas. The deadlock was broken in the 61^st minute when the Cards were awarded a penalty after Kane Ferdinand was brought down in the box by Danny Whitaker. Ugwu coolly slotted the ball past Craig Ross into the bottom corner.

With time running out Ugwu almost doubled his advantage with a low shot that was a whisker away. The visitors almost grabbed a point deep into time added on when David Fitzpatrick’s shot was brilliantly tipped around the post by Michael Poke.

With three games remaining, and other sides struggling at the bottom claiming points today, it is getting very tight at the bottom, with more twists and turns to come. Woking will now go to Chester on Monday full of confidence after today’s victory, but wary that this relegation fight looks like going right down to the wire.

 

 

                                   WOKING     2     SUTTON   UNITED    1

                  Vanarama National League  Saturday 1^st April 2017

                                  Attendance: 1,577

 

                               Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

 

Woking moved out of the relegation places after securing a 2-1 victory against Sutton on Saturday. A Delano Sam-Yorke header after four minutes set the tone early on for the Cards before a Kieron Cadogan effort levelled for the visitors. Substitute Gozzie Ugwu secured a crucial win for the Cards with a late strike.

The Cards were looking to put aside the disappointment of throwing away a two-goal lead against Maidstone United last week and bouncing back with three points in the final run in to the end of the season. With just six games remaining it was imperative that Woking claimed all three points today in their fight against relegation.

Gary Hill made two changes for today, bringing back Charlie Carter and Nathan Ralph in for Jake Caprice who dropped to the bench and Chris Arthur.

Woking got off to the perfect start in the fourth minute following a fine cross from Nathan Ralph down the left-hand side, his delivery was met by Sam-Yorke who sent a downward header past Will Puddy. The Cards almost doubled their lead in the 33^rd minute when Keiran Murtagh’s drilled shot was deflected for a corner. A minute later the visitors had a double chance to draw level. Following a corner which found the head of Jamie Collins, his looping header hit the post. The ball wasn’t properly cleared with a cross that fell to Nicky Bailey, but his header went over the bar.

Sutton equalised in a fortuitous way in the 63^rd minute. The ball bobbled about in the Cards penalty area and wasn’t cleared properly, the ball rebounded off Terell Thomas and fell nicely into the path of Kieron Cadogan who stroked the ball past Michael Poke. The Woking stopper pulled off a fine save by tipping over a Ben Jefford shot moments later. Murtagh almost restored Woking’s lead with a 20-yard free kick which was palmed away by Puddy.

In the 72^nd minute Hill made a double substitution with the need to go on and win the game, and it worked. With seven minutes to go Woking got the all-important goal, and once again Ralph was involved. His excellent cross found Ugwu, his took a touch and calmly stroked the ball past Puddy. Sam-Yorke almost made the game safe with a header from a corner which was well saved by Puddy, There was still time for three added minutes of additional time to be added on, but the Cards held on for three crucial points in their bid to escape the drop

 

 

                           BRAINTREE  TOWN   1     WOKING   3

                       Vanarama National League   Tuesday 21^st March 2017

                              Attendance: 572

                                 Peter Moore at the Ironmongery Direct Stadium

Woking had to come from a goal down to beat Braintree, and secure just their fourth win on the road this season. Despite falling behind to A Sam Corne effort in the first half, a brace from Delano Sam-Yorke inside two minutes and a Keiran Murtagh second half strike secured all three points to edge Woking oaiva who dropped to the benchut of the relegation places.

Gary Hill made three changes to the side that lost to a 90^th minute winner against Gateshead on Saturday. Murtagh, Sam-Yorke and Chris Arthur returned to the side in place of Nathan Ralph, Gozie Ugwu and Fabio Saraiva, who dropped to the bench.

Sam-Yorke might have opened his account as early as the second minute as he latched onto a through ball, forcing Town’s stopper Ben McNamara into a fine save by his near post. With Woking starting off on the front foot and the front two of Sam-Yorke and Jamie Lucas looking very lively it was somewhat of a surprise when against the run of play the Iron took the lead when Corne- who had scored a brace against Southport on Saturday- pounced on a loose ball  in the 21^st minute and fired a superb effort into the top corner from 20 yards out. The Cards drew level shortly afterwards in the 23^rd minute when Kane Ferdinand’s shot was parried by Mcnamara into the path of Sam-Yorke who rifled home. Two minutes later Woking jad turned the game on its head when they took the lead through Sam-Yorke. Picking up the ball from fully 30 yards out the striker turned came inside and sent an unstoppable shot which flew past Mcnamara into the net. Sam-Yorke came close to his hat trick a couple of minutes later when his shot was well blocked. Lucas almost grabbed the Cards third of the night with a flick that went inches wide. The Iron’s best effort fell to Sean Clohessy who saw his curling shot scrape the post.

The Iron created a half chance in the 60^th minute when Jack Midson should have done better with a header, which he headed over. In the 66^th minute Hill brought on Ugwu for Lucas, but almost immediately set up the Cards third goal. His cut back to Murtagh saw the midfielder calmly side footing the ball into the net.

Despite two late chances from the home side- which they should have got on target- mainly two Jack Midson header’s from eight yards out which went over the bar, that amounted to Braintree’s best efforts in the second period, it was the Car5ds who held out for three well deserved points. The victory pushed them out of the relegation places by two points with a massive six pointer game against fellow strugglers Maidstone United to come at the Laithwaite on Saturday.

 

                           WOKING    0   BOREHAM  WOOD  0

                  Vanarama National League  Saturday 11^th March 2017

                           Attendance: 1,157

                              Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

Woking slipped back into the relegation places after they shared the spoils with Boreham Wood at the Laithwaite on Saturday afternoon.

Woking made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 to North Ferriby United seven days ago, Keiran Murtagh returned back to the side after serving a two-match suspension. Fabio Saraiva, Chris Arthur came back into the side, with a starting line-up place for the returning Delano Sam-Yorke, after his successful loan spell at Maidstone United. 17-year-old striker Ben Morris, signed on loan from Championship side Ipswich Town was named on the bench.

After a scrappy first half where both sides struggled on a very sandy pitch, the crowd had to wait until the 44^th minute for the only chance of the half-albeit only a half chance-  which fell to the visitors Kenny Davis who headed over the bar from six yards out.

The second half started in total contrast from the first with Femi Lesanmi’s deflected shot for the visitors going out for a corner and Woking carving out their first clear cut chance of the game following Fabio Saraiva who fed in Kane Ferdinand with a fierce shot that was well blocked by Wood’s stopper Grant Smith. The action was end to end as the frantic start to the second half continued. A free kick from Saraiva whistled over the top of the bar by a whisker. Woking’s stopper Michael Poke was eventually called into the action in the 85^th minute when he did well to block substitute Bruno Andrade’s shot, with the Woking back line trying to clear the ball away following a scramble in the area the ball was cleared of the line. Boreham Wood were finishing the stronger of the sides and following a corner deep into time added on almost grabbed a winner, with the Cards somehow scrambling away more danger following a corner. Woking were hanging on right at the end, and for the second time in the game had to scramble away another chance for the visitors. In the end, Woking will be happy with their point, but need to start picking up home victories to get themselves away from the bottom four.

 

                         WOKING    1      DOVER   ATHLETIC   0

             Vanarama National League  Tuesday 28^th February 2017

                         Attendance: 1,092

 

                              Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

 

Woking increased their chances of surviving in the National League with a Max Kretzschmar second half strike being the difference between the sides.

Gary Hill made three changes to the side that suffered a narrow 4-3 loss to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, with Brian Saah, Kretzschmar and Chris Arthur coming in for Nathan Ralph and Macauley Bonne, who dropped to the bench and Keiran Murtagh who was serving the first of his two-game suspension.

Woking created the first clear cut of the game in the ninth minute when Kretzschmar’s deflected effort produced a corner which came to nothing. It took 33 minutes for the visitors to start seizing control of the half when Ross Lafayette shot narrowly wide. A minute later Joe Healy’s right-footed effort looked to be heading into the top corner, but Michael Poke prevented the visitors from opening the lead by producing a fingertip save to push the ball onto the cross bar. Three minutes later Dover should have taken the lead when Ricky Modeste had a free header from just three yards out, but he sent the effort over the top.

Dover hit the woodwork once again in the 52^nd minute, this time courtesy of Ismail Yakubu who headed against the bar. The breakthrough came in the 63^rd minute against the run of play. A wonderful run from Jake Caprice saw him beat three Dover players to get to the byline to produce a cross into the box which found substitute Charlie Carter who cut the ball back to Kretzschmar who had the simplest job to tap the ball home. The final 20 minutes proved nervy for the home fans, but the Cards saw off any problems that Dover threw at them to secure a rare clean sheet and most importantly three hard earned points against promotion chasing Dover in their quest to beat the drop.

 

 

                            WOKING  0       SOUTHPORT    0

                         Vanarama National League

                              Saturday 18^th February 2017

                             Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

                                 Attendance: 1,368

 

Woking were held to a goalless draw against fellow strugglers Southport on Saturday. Despite both sides having the worst defensive records in the National League, neither side carved out any real chances of note.

Gary Hill made two changes to the side that defeated Solihull Moors in midweek, with Max Kretzschmar and Chris Arthur returning to the side.

In a unforgettable first-half, the home side created a couple of half chances with Gozie Ugwu’s header across goal narrowly evading Kretzschmar, who stretched a leg out in vain to divert it on target. Jake Caprice’s low cross was flicked on by Ugwu, but once again it missed Kretzschmar, who would have had a simple tap in.

In a dreadful second half, the only moment to note was the visitors late pressure which almost snatched all three points, but the Cards defence held firm and Michael Poke coming to Woking’s rescue right at the death by making a smart save to keep hold of a point.

 

 

                                

 

                        WOKING   0   TRANMERE ROVERS   3

                   Vanarama National League Tuesday 31^st January 2016

                           Attendance: 860

                               Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

 

A spirited performance from the Cards failed to yield any points as the hosts were beaten by three second half goals from Rovers. The visitors scored twice inside two minutes with goals from Andy Cook and Ben Tollitt, before a superb second from Tollitt killed the game off.

On the day that Woking announced the return of full back Chris Arthur, on loan from Crawley Town, who was awarded a place on the bench. Woking made two changes from the side that won at Eastleigh on Saturday. Jake Caprice and Ismail Yakubu in for the injured Brian Saah and suspended Dennon Lewis. In a game played in terrible conditions due to constant heavy rain throughout, saw Woking have the better of the opening first half with Gozie Ugwu having a glorious chance to open the scoring in the eight minute when he twisted and turned inside the area, but lifted the ball over the top. Woking had to wait until the 34^th minute for another good chance when a wonderful run from Jake Caprice down the right-hand side amounted to a fine low cross which home debutant Macauley Bonne narrowly failed to make contact with. With half time rapidly approaching the visitors broke away with James Norwood firing over from inside the area.

Within eight minutes of the restart, Woking found themselves two goals down. In the 51^st minute the visitors took the lead after smart work from Tollitt down the right before cutting the ball back for Cook who swept home for his 13^th goal of the campaign. Two minutes later Rovers had doubled their advantage when Tollitt scored with a powerful low effort into the bottom corner. With the Cards trying to get themselves back into the game, Tranmere killed off the game as a contest when a sixty-yard run from Tollitt ended with a sublime finish from the 22 year-old. Woking continued to go forward in search of a goal, but overall the home side were left ruing their early chances in the first half, when the sides were still level.

                            

                            WOKING     1      ALDERSHOT TOWN    2

                       Vanarama National League  Sunday 1^st January 2017

                               Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

                                     Attendance: 3,224

Despite a committed and gutsy performance from the Cards, Woking were beaten by a last gasp winner from Aldershot at a wet Laithwaite Stadium on New Year’s Day. Former Card Scott Rendell gave the visitors a second half lead, only for Max Kretzschmar to level for the hosts two minutes later. With both sides looking likely to take a share of the spoils, only for Jake Gallagher to poke the ball home to give the Shots all three points.

 

Woking were looking for swift revenge after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to their near neighbours at the Rec on Boxing Day. Gary Hill, unsurprisingly made five changes to the side from Boxing Day. Poke, Thomas, Saraiva, Kretzschmar and Lewis starting for the Cards.  With a cagey opening quarter from both sides the Shots had the first clear cut effort on goal, and should have made the most of it when Bernard Mensah dragged his shot wide of the target after being teed up by Rendell. The Cards started the second half in a more positive fashion, with half chances falling to Nathan Ralph and Fabio Saraiva. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 63 rd minute following an inch perfect cross from Anthony Straker into the area found Rendell who sent a perfect header past Poke. Within two minutes Woking were level following a run from Ralph down the left, who slipped the ball through to Kretzschmar who lifted the ball over Jake Cole into the corner. In the 89^th minute substitute Anthony Edgar found himself one and one with just Cole to beat, instead of dinking the ball over the Shots stopper he shot tamely at Cole who gathered comfortably. With three minutes of added time shown Aldershot snatched all three points when a low cross from Straker wasen’t cleared, amongst the confusion an almighty scrambled followed with bodies flying in in all directions. Gallager reacted the quickest to toe pock the ball over the line and deprive Woking of a point which they certainly deserved overall.

 

                          WOKING   0     EBBSFLEET  UNITED   1

                    Buildbase FA Trophy First Round Replay

                            Tuesday 13^th December 2016

                               Attendance:  613

                                 Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

 

Woking were knocked out of this seasons FA Trophy at the hands of Conference South side Ebbsfleet on Tuesday. A second half effort from Kenny Clarke proved the difference between the sides. But for the heroics of Man of The Match Brandon Hall, the Cards could well have suffered a heavier defeat.

 

After a late Joey Jones own goal earned Conference South side Ebbsfleet United a replay, both sides were looking to progress to the next round, with the winners travelling to face Kidderminster Harriors in Round Two.

Gary Hill made one change to the starting line up with Keiran Murtagh coming in for Terell Thomas, who dropped to the bench. The Cards first chance of the game came in the tenth minute when a Luke Kandi volley at the far post was deflected for a corner.  A minute later the visitors went close when a Jack Connors shot was superbly turned away by Hall. In the 20^th minute Woking carved out the best effort of the opening half when Jake Caprice produced a surging run down the right flank, the defender cut inside and sent a goal bound shot that was palmed away by visiting keeper Nathan Ashmore. The visitors went close once again following a mix up in the Cards defence, a slip by Ismail Yakubu allowed Dean Rance to pounce, and his first-time effort was well saved by Hall. Shortly before the half ended Ebbsfleet had strong claims for a penalty when the ball appeared to bounce up inside the area and catch Joey Jones on the arm. Despite frantic appeals for a spot kick from the visitors, Referee Antony Coggins waved away the appeals.

In the 50^th minute Hall was called into the action once again to produce another fine save, this time from Anthony Cook’s shot which was heading for the corner of the net. From the resulting corner Ebbsfleet broke the deadlock. Woking failed to clear their lines with a sliced clearance falling to Kenny Clarke who nodded home from eight yards out. The visitors then sat back to protect their lead, with Woking offering very little up front. The closest the home side came was when Kandi’s long range shot was comfortably held by Ashmore. The visitors saw out the game comfortably and almost added a further goal with two minutes remaining when substitute Sam Deering broke clear finding himself one on one with Hall, but his shot was well saved by Hall.

With the Cards now out of both cup competitions in the space of just over a week, they will now turn their thoughts to Saturday’s National League game at home against fellow strugglers Guisley, which is a crucial six point game.

 

 

 

 

                        WOKING     0     ACCRINGTON  STANLEY    3

                Emirates FA Cup 2^nd Round  Sunday 4^th December 2016

                           Attendance:  3,718  (238)

                                       Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

Woking’s FA Cup dream was ended by Football League Two side Accrington Stanley on Sunday. Two first half strikes from Billy Kee put the visitors on top, in between  Woking being reduced to ten men when Charlie Carter was shown a straight red card.

 

Woking made three changes from the side that defeated Bromley in the National League on Tuesday. Captain Ismail Yakuba, Dennon Lewis and Joey Jones returned to the starting line-up. Keiran Murtagh who picked up a knock-on Tuesday, made the bench.

 

Woking were on the front foot as early as the third minute when Dennon Lewis was played through with only the keeper to beat, but dragged his effort wide. In the 34^th minute the visitors took the lead following a cross into the area with the Woking defence failing to clear, Billy Kee netted via a deflection following a scramble in the box. Woking’s worries went from bad to worse within the course of sixty seconds when Charlie Carter was shown a straight red card for a high tackle. Stanley made the numerical advantage pay with two minutes to go before the end of the first half after a low cross came in and there was Kee to sweep home to give the visitors a huge advantage going into the second half.

The visitors made the game safe in the 61^st minute after a counter attack down the Cards right after Jake Caprice lost the ball, John O’Sullivan had the simple chance to head home past Brandon Hall. In truth the home side created very little in the half as the Football League side ran out deserved winners.

 

 

 

                              WOKING    2      BROMLEY   1

Vanarama National League   Tuesday 29^th November 2016

                       Attendance: 1,057

                           Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Woking completed back to back victories in the National League after A Gozie Ugwu header and a stunning strike from Fabio Saraiva sealed all three points for the Cards.

Gary Hill made four changes to the side that defeated Gateshead 3-0 on Saturday. Charlie Carter, Delano Sam-Yorke, Luke Kandi and Frankie Sutherland came into the starting line up. Joey Jones(suspension) and Keiran Murtagh(injury) both missed out, with Academy players George Brown and Aaron Smith- Joseph making the bench.

After 33 min utes the deadlock was broken following an inch-perfect cross from the left hand side from Frazer Shaw who found Ugwu in the box who rose head and shoulders above anybody else to nod home for his ninth goal in November. Two minutes later Woking shot themselves in the foot after Frankie Sutherland made a reckless tackle in the box, Referee Carl Brook had no option to award a spot kick which Blair Turgott converted.

The Cards started the second half on the front foot with Saraiva testing Julian with a long range effort and Sam-Yorke volleying over. Julian was called into action once again, this time turning away a Jake Caprice shot for a corner. With the game heading for a draw Saraiva produced a moment of magic by letting fly from over 25 yards out, with the ball nestling into the top corner with 10 minutes to go. Hill sent on Ismail Yakubu to stiffen things up at the back as the Cards held on for three precious points and will give them huge momentum going into Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup Second Round tie at home to League side Accrington Stanley.

 

                       WOKING    3        GATESHEAD   0

              Vanarama National League Saturday 26^th November 2016

                        Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

                               Attendance: 1,062

A Gozie Ugwu hat-trick- the first in Woking colours- gained a much-needed home victory against an in-form Gateshead side. A first half header and two second half strikes sealed the points for the Cards.

Gary Hill made two changes to the side that suffered a 3-1 reverse against Dover in Kent on Tuesday evening. Ismail Yakubu returned to skipper the side along with Dennon Lewis who came in for the rested Charlie Carter and Chiki Kandi, who was named on the bench.

The Cards opened the scoring in the ninth minute following an excellent cross from the right by line from Jake Caprice into the far post where Ugwu stooped low to send a header past Dan Hanford. Joey Jones soon found his name in Referee’s Dean Treleaven’s note book, after picking up a yellow card for a foul, which rules him out of the Bromley game. Ugwu almost grabbed his second of the game, but couldn’t quiet latch on to a deep cross from Lewis. The busy Ugwu then was denied by Hanford who pulled of a fine save to deny the Woking front man. The visitors had to wait until the 36^th minute before carving out their first meaningful effort. Following a mix up in the Cards defence Danny Johnson’s shot clipped the post.

In the 57^th minute the Cards doubled their advantage. Fabio Saraiva charged towards Hanford as he attempted to claim the ball, put under pressure the visitors stopper made a mess of his attempt to clear the ball. The loose ball fell to Ugwu who calmly steered the ball into the unprotected net. In the 66^th minute Brandon Hall parried the ball away to safety to deny Johnson. The game was sealed in the 73^rd minute following a long ball over the top Paddy Mclaughlin and Hanford between them failed to clear the danger, with the ball bouncing out to Ugwu who lifted the ball over Hanford for his hat-trick. The win moved the Cards up a place in their fight to move away from the bottom region of the table.  

 

Two goals from Gozie Ugwu ensured Woking collected their first away win in the Vanarama National League this season, after defeating Maidstone United 3-0. Fabio Saraiva set Woking on course for three points after opening the scoring on the half-hour mark. Ugwu doubled the Cards advantage five minutes later before wrapping up the victory with a 72nd minute goal. The victory lifted the Cards out of the relegation zone.

 

Substitute Chike Kandi's late goal salvaged a point for Woking in their National League game with fellow strugglers North Ferriby United at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday evening. A free kick in stoppage time from Stephen Brogan gave the visitors a slender lead at the break, before Kandi's late strike in the 92nd minute earned a share of the points.Meanwhile, the Cards FA Cup 2nd Round game against Football League side Accrington Stanley will take place at the Laithwaite on Sunday 4th December, with a 2pm kick off.

 

Woking booked their place in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, after beating Conference North and former Football League side Stockport County at Edgeley Park on Saturday 4-2. A brace from Gozie Ugwu alongside goals from Joey Jones and Fabio Saraiva, deep into stopage time ensured the Cards their first victory on the road this season.

 

Woking have signed Ben Jefford on a one-month loan deal from Forest Green Rovers. The 22 year-old is a left back who began his career at Reading.

 

                                        WOKING    2    BRAINTREE   3

                               Vanarama National League  Tuesday 25^th October 2016

                                         Attendance: 1,362

                                           Peter Moore  at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Woking suffered an agonising late defeat against fellow strugglers Braintree Town. The Cards went into the break leading by 2-1, which should have been 3-1, but for a controversial goal ruled out. The visitors scored an early goal after the break and despite a Fabio Saraiva wonder strike, a late Simeon Akinola strike secured all three points for the Essex club.

 

Woking made one enforced change to the side that gained a point against high flying Barrow on Saturday, with Fabio Sariava coming in for the suspended Keiran Murtagh.

The Iron struck first after just two minutes after a free kick from Oliver Muldoon surprised everybody as it took a wobble and left Brandon hall stranded. Woking got a foothold in the game and levelled after 26 minutes when Saraiva’s corner was bundled over the line at the second attempt by Joey Jones. Six minutes later Woking took the lead for the first time in the match when birthday boy Charlie Carter won a free kick 25 yards out. Up stepped Saraiva who unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top right-hand corner. It should have been three just before the break when an awful back pass was intercepted by Gozie Ugwu who rounded the goalkeeper to score into an empty net, after the whistle had gone. With the through ball, having come from a Braintree defender, he shouldn’t have been deemed to be offside. Despite protests from the Cards players and management the goal controversially stood.  

This proved to be a pivotal moment of the game as within seven minutes of the restart Braintree drew level after an inch perfect cross from Bournemouth loanee Sam Matthews found Michael Cheek in the area to send a comfortable header past Hall. In the 67^th minute Matt Tubbs had a glorious chance to give the Cards the lead again after excellent work from Jake Caprice, his cross found an unmarked Tubbs just six yards out, but his outstretched boot contacted the ball but saw his effort come of the woodwork. The Iron also could off nudged ahead when Lee Barnard curled the ball against the woodwork. The visitors re took the lead in the 81^st minute when a defence splitting pass through to Akinola saw the big man have time to steer the ball past Hall to give the visitors their first League win in seven attempts.

 

           

                           WOKING   1       BARROW   1

                      Vanarama National League Saturday 22^nd October 2016

                  Attendance: 1,351

                             Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

 A second half penalty from Matt Tubbs ensured Woking claimed a share of the points, and ensured they continued their fine home form of late going. Despite going down to a first half strike from Byron Harrison, Tubbs spot kick        meant a deserved share of the points against the high flying Cumbrians.

Woking made four changes to the side that knocked Torquay United out of the FA Cup on Tuesday. Two enforced changes, with Joey Jones and Terell Thomas- on loan from Charlton- coming in for the injured Brian Saah and Ismail Yakubu. Frankie Sutherland and Matt Tubes returned to the starting line-up.

The visitors claimed almighty close to opening the scoring as early as the eighth minute when Paul Turnbull’s curling free kick was expertly bent around the wall, with the post coming to Woking’s rescue. Barrow broke the deadlock in the 20^th minute following good work on the right-hand side from Akil Wright, his cross found the unmarked Byron Harrison who nodded home for his seventh goal of the season.  Woking almost replied four minutes later following a long ball, Gozie Ugwu chipped the ball over keeper Joel Dixon, only to see the ball bounce agonisingly wide. On the stroke of half-time a Frankie Sutherland free kick into the back post was headed inches wide from Thomas.

For the umpteenth time this season Woking had to come from behind. Within three minutes of the second half, they were level. A long ball found Ugwu inside the area who was brought down inside the area. Tubbs stepped up and made no mistake from the spot with his spot kick drilled down the middle. Woking were almost gifted the lead in the 68th minute, as a back pass to the Barrow stopper almost ended in a goal. Dennon Lewis put pressure on Dixon which amounted to him scuffing his kick straight to the path of Lewis, but the keeper recovered well and saved at the feet of Lewis to prevent a goal. With six minutes of additional time shown on the board, Barrow almost stole all three points when a corner found Liam Hughes who volleyed just wide of the target. Overall a point was a good result for the Cards against a side who have now gone 11 games unbeaten.

 

                       WOKING   2      TORQUAY  UNITED   1

                    Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay

                          Tuesday 18^th October 2016

                             Attendance:  791

                                Peter Moore at The Laithwaite Community Stadium

 

Two second half goals from Gozie Ugwu ensured Woking booked their place in the FA Cup 1^st Round, after having to come from behind against fellow National League side Torquay. Sam Chaney’s first half strike separated the sides at the break, before Delano Sam-Yorke missed a penalty for the hosts. The Cards fought back with two goals inside five second half minutes to book a tie away at National League North side Stockport County.

After Anthony Edgar’s strike to earn a replay for the Cards. Both sides were looking to book their place in the First Round proper, where they will travel to face National League North side Stockport County at the beginning of November.

Woking made one change from Saturday, with Gozie Ugwu coming into the side at the expense of Chiki Kandi, who dropped to the bench. In a frantic opening two minutes both sides had chances to open the scoring. Just 40 seconds were show on the clock when Nathan Blissett’s near post flick just went past the post. Ugwu had a great chance 90 seconds later when clear through on goal he shot into the side netting for the hosts. After 12 minutes Woking were awarded a penalty when visiting keeper Brendan Moore upended Charlie Carter in the box. Sam-Yorke stepped up to take the spot kick, but his effort was superbly saved by Moore diving low to his right to deny the Cards front man. Ten minutes later a mistake from substitute Joey Jones almost proved costly after a slip let in Dan Sparkes, but his effort was flicked away by Woking keeper Brandon Hall. From the resulting corner the Gulls opened the scoring from a set piece. A corner found Giancarlo Gallifuoco with a flick on which hit the post. As the ball bobbled in the area Chaney ponced to give the Gulls the lead.

At the start of the second half Gary Hill immediately brought on Anthony Edgar to replace Ismail Yakubu. The Gulls had another good chance to increase their lead, but substitute Brett Williams shot across goal with the ball going wide. Within the course of five minutes Woking had come from behind to take the lead. In the 58^th minute Ugwu was on hand to tuck the ball away after a wonderful cross from Jake Caprice. Five minutes later Ugwu rose highest in the area to head past Moore from a corner. Torquay ensured it would be a nervous last 20 minutes as they threw everything at the home goal. Luke Young went close alongside Richards with a header. With three minutes to go Torquay fought they had equalised, only for Keiran Murtagh to clear of the line. A frantic last few minutes followed with the Cards throwing their bodies in the way of every Torquay attack. Despite four additional minutes added Woking held firm to confirm their place in the first round.

 

                            BROMLEY    2    WOKING  1

                  Vanarama National League Tuesday4th October 2016

                         Peter Moore at Hayes Lane

                                 Attendance: 808

A last gasp goal from the home side robbed the Cards of a point on Tuesday evening in Kent. Despite an early strike from Fabio Saraiva, the home side levelled before the break from Blair Turgott. With the game heading for a draw up popped substitute Lee Minshull to claim all three points for the Ravens.

Woking made two changes to the side that earned a point against Eastleigh three days earlier. Connor Essam eligible again and Nathan Ralph returning after serving a one match suspension. Woking made a dream start after only three minutes when Fabio Saraiva picked up the ball fully twenty-five yards out and lashed the ball into the bottom corner for his third goal of the season. In the 23^rd minute Saraiva almost grabbed his second of the game when a twenty yard shot was turned away for a corner. Woking were well on top but failed to capitalise on this. Gradually the home side started to threaten. A long ball over the top found Tobi Sho-Silva  on the right wing, he cut the ball for Blair Turgott to fire past Michael Poke. This seemed to galvanise the Ravens who finished the half the stronger of the two sides.

The first chance of the second half fell to the Cards when a free kick in the area wasn’t cleared with the ball falling to Essam, with his shot deflected for a corner. Woking created another chance a few minutes later following Good work from Delano Sam-Yorke, who held the ball up well for Saraiva, but his effort flew wide.

With both sides looking likely to share the points, drama followed in the 90^th minute. The Ravens won a corner which was put in to the far post where Rob Swaine’s header was superbly saved by Poke, the ball wasn’t cleared by the visitors and Lee Minshull was quick to pounce to stab the ball past Poke to give the Ravens three unexpected points.

 

                             WOKING   3    EASTLEIGH   3

      Vanarama National League Saturday 1^st October 2016

                    Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

                           Attendance: 1,403 (180)

 

The Cards salvaged a share of the spoils after having to come from 3-1 down in a six goal thriller at the Laithwaite. Woking went into the group trailing by 3 goals to 1, after conceding inside seven minutes to a Luke  Coulson goal, which Matt Tubbs cancelled out on 23 minutes. However, the visitors struck back with further goals from Adam Dugdale and Joe Partington,  but a stirring second half comeback earned a well-deserved point against high flying Eastleigh.

In a busy week that has seen the Cards sign prolific goal scorer Matt Tubbs and midfielder- released by QPR- Frankie Sutherland, the Cards were up against an in form Eastleigh side. Under new Manager Ronnie Moore the Spitfires had yet to loose. Woking made three changes to the side that lost against Tranmere at Prentan Park last Saturday. Tubbs, Sutherland went straight into the side along with Ismail Yakubu in place of the suspended Nathan Ralph, Connor Essam, who wasn’t allowed to play against his parent club and Gozi Ugwu. Due to injuries, the Cards could only name four substitutes on the bench. The Spitfires took the lead after just seven minutes following a cross into the far post which found Coulson unmarked for a simple tap in. Woking drew level in the 23^rd minute following a cross where Tubbs guided a deft header off the post with the ball rolling across the goal and into the net. Six minutes later Woking were undone once again by more lax defending. A free kick wasn’t dealt with by the home side and there was Dugdale on hand to slot the ball past Poke. On the stroke of half-time the Spitfires made it 3-1 following a corner, defender Partington unchallenged, sent a near-post header past Poke.

The arrival of Anthony Edgar breathed new life into the Cards as they looked a completely different side from the opening 45 minutes. After 61 minutes Delano Sam-Yorke stuck out a foot following a Fabio Saraiva free kick with the visitors keeper Ryan Clarke standing motionless and watching the ball nestle into the net. On 73 minutes Gary Hill introduced Luke Kandi into the fray, however it was the visitors who almost grabbed a fourth goal of the afternoon, but were denied by an outstanding save from Poke to deny Adam Dawson. In the 80^th minute the Woking comeback was complete following a move started by substitute Max Kretzschmar who played a lovely ball into Tubbs who sent over a perfectly judged pass to Kandi who fired into the corner of the net. Deep into added time Sam-Yorke almost won it for Woking after trying to round the keeper he prodded the ball straight at Clarke. As the whistle blew Woking celebrated a superb comeback, with thoughts of what could have happened, had it been for better defending.

 

 

 

 

Woking completed a rewarding week after picking up six points after completing consecutive home victories. On Tuesday the Cards defeated Torquay United 3-1 and on Saturday Woking followed up this fine victory with a 2-0 win against Wrexham. Two late goals from Fabio Saraiva(81) and Chike Kandi(87) ensured the Cards moved out of the bottom four. Meanwhile, the club have announced that Charlie Penny has left the club and has signed for Merstham.

 

Woking have signed defender Connor Essam on a 93 day loan from Eastleigh. Essam, 24, joined Eastleigh from Football League club Leyton Orient after spells at Dover, Dartford, Crawley and Luton.

 

                           WOKING    1     DAGENHAM &  REDBRIDGE   3

                       Vanarama National League  Saturday 20^th August 2016

                            Attendance:   1,153

                               Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

A much improved second half performance couldn’t rescue the points against former football league side Dagenham and Redbridge. The Cards were blown away with three first half goals inside eight minutes. Despite an early strike in the second half from Anthony Edgar, Woking still await their first win of the season.

Gary Hill made four changes to the side that lost to Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday. Anthony Edgar, Charlie Penny, Charlie Carter and Max Kretzschmar made the starting line up with Fabio Saraiva, Zak Ansah, Gozie Ugwu and Dennon Lewis dropping to the bench. The Cards lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Penny the lone striker.

It was a promising start from the hosts, only for the Daggers to open the scoring in the 11^th minute following a corner to the back post with an unmarked Craig Benson sending a firm header into the corner. Six minutes later the visitors doubled their advantage when Brighton loanee Jordan Maguire- Drew cut inside and curled a wonderful left footed effort past Poke. Things went from bad to worse for the Cards just two minutes later when Ben Gordon bundled over Maguire-Drew inside the area. Referee Adam Bromley immediately pointed to the spot. Feiire Okenabirhe’s initial effort was well saved by Poke, only for Luke Gutteridge to set up Okenabirhe to slot home. The visitors could have added to their total before the break with a dipping free kick from Maguire-Drew dropping inches wide. With four minutes remaining of the half Woking’s Max Kretzschmar’s shot from 25 yards out clipped the post, for the only effort of the half from the Cards.

Woking started looking like a completely different side from the first half and withing two minutes had pulled a goal back. A cross wasn’t dealt with by the Daggers backline with the ball falling to Edgar, the winger drove a low shot past Elliot Justham into the corner. The goal gave Woking belief with the home side dominating possession. There was still time for Paul Benson to send out a shot which was tipped over the bar by Poke. Despite a lot of pressure from the Cards, Dagenham dealt with everything that was thrown at them to leave Woking still searching for that elusive first win.

 

          

                      WOKING    0     FOREST GREEN ROVERS     1

              Vanarama National League  Tuesday 16th August 2016

                       Attendance: 868

                              Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

 

Woking are still awaiting their first victory in the National league, after slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Forest Green Rovers. The only goal of the game was scored in the first half by Keanu Marsh-Brown. Gary Hill named an unchanged side for the visit of the West Country side. The visitors made three changes to the side that grabbed a last gasp winner against Gateshead.

The opening exchanges were dominated by the visitors with Rob Sinclair sending a shot just wide of the post. Jake Caprice sprinted down the right and sent a dangerous low cross into the area. Keeper Sam Russell parrying the ball away to safety. After 19 minutes the deadlock was broken when Liam Noble chipped a ball into the box where the alert Marsh-Brown swept the ball past Michael Poke. It took the Cards until the 35th minute to carve out another decent chance when Zak Ansah on a one on one situation with Russell tried to steer the ball between the stoppers legs but the visiting keeper used his feet to deflect the ball away for a corner. The visitors did have the ball in the net for a second time, only for Darren Carter’s effort to be ruled out for offside.

The start of the second half continued in the same vein as the first with Forest Green moving the ball around nicely and creating chances. The Cards had another chance in the 58th minute when Nathan Ralph was brought down 30 yards away from goal. Fabio Saraiva stepped up with a low shot which was blocked and deflected just wide of the goal. In the 80th minute Forest Green almost made the game safe but were denied by Poke. A free kick about 20 yards from goal by Noble looked to be heading towards the top corner, only for Poke to produce a fingertip save to tip the ball over the bar.  The visitors comfortably saw out the remaining time in the game to claim their first victory at Woking since 2008. For Woking the wait goes on for their first league victory of the season. With former Football League side Dagenham and Redbridge to come on Saturday, the games don’t get any easier.

 

 

                                 WOKING    1    LINCOLN CITY   3

                           Vanarama National League  Saturday 6th August 2016

                                Attendance: 1,592

                                  Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

 

Woking slipped to an opening day defeat to a very well fancied Lincoln City side. Despite falling behind to a strike from Adam Marrioot, The Cards levelled at the start of the second half through Ismail Yakubu, only for a brace from Matt Rhead to seal the points for the Imps.

Woking started the game with just four players in the starting line up from last season. Jake Caprice, Joey Jones, Brian Saah and Captain Keiran Murtagh were included in the starting eleven along with seven players making their debuts for the club.

On a typically hot opening day start to the football season the Imps took the lead in the 28th minute following a long ball towards the back post, Rhead nodding down to Adam Marriott who smartly turned and finished, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Woking steadily got themselves back into the game and had a good chance to level the score in the 33rd minute after a move started and finished by Ben Gordon was blocked by keeper Paul Farman.

The second half saw the introduction of Yakuba, who had an immediate impact into the game. The burly defender was on hand to bundle the ball past Farman following a corner. The Cards now enjoyed their best spell of the match until the 60th minute when Lincoln regained the lead. Muldoon broke away and surged down the left hand side crossing to an unmarked Rhead at the far post who side-footed past Poke. The second goal seemed to lift the visitors who looked dangerous. Poke brought of a fine save to deny Rhead’s free kick, only for Gordon to concede a penalty kick after bringing down Jonnie Margetts. Rhead stepped up and fired the spot kick past Poke to make it 3-1 to the visitors. Rhead was denied a hat trick after Saah was adjudged to have brought down Bradley Wood in the box. Poke guessed correctly to deny the striker. Despite the miss the visitors saw out the rest of the game quiet comfortably to record their first ever victory against Woking.

 

Woking have made a couple of additional signings ahead of the forthcoming National League Season.. 25 year-old left back Ben Gordan has joined the Cards alongside 19 year-old Dennon Lewis. Dennon, has joined the Cards on a season-long loan from Premier League side Watford.

 

England C Goalkeeper Brandon Hall has made a contractual commitment to the club. The 22 year-old highly thought of youngster was with Ebsfleet United last season.

 

Woking have signed goalkeeper Michael Poke for the forthcoming season. Pope, 30. previously played for Woking on loan from Southampton in  his earlier career. Pope, has also played for Torquay United on loan, Brighton, Portsmouth and on loan at Eastleigh at the start of the 2015/16 season.

 

Woking will commence their National League campaign with a home game against Lincoln City at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday 6th August. The Cards will then travel to newly promoted Solihull Motors on Tuesday 9th August with a trip to Southport four days later. The Christmas fixture list will see Woking face local rivals Aldershot Town home and away on the 26th December and 1st January. The Cards final home league game of the season will see relegated York City return to Surrey with Woking travelling to Dagenham and Redbridge on the last day of the season.

For a full list on fixtures click on the link below:

            http://www.wokingfc.co.uk/first-team/fixtures/

Brian Saah has signed for the Cards for the forthcoming season.

 

Woking will play AFC Wimbledon at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in a pre-season friendly on Friday 29th July at 7.45. The Cards will also visit National League South side Gosport Borough on Saturday 16th July in a friendly. Meanwhile, the Cards have announced that both Mark Ricketts and Gez Sole have left the club. Jake Caprice has put pen to paper for another season with the Cards.

 

Joey Jones has signed for the forthcoming season for the Cards. Meanwhile Woking have announced two new signings for the forthcoming campaign. 22 year-old midfielder Fabio Saraiva has signed a one-year contract. Fabio, played for Merstham against Woking in the Surrey Senior Cup last season. The Cards have also added 21 year-old striker Charlie Penny to their squad. The forward spent last season on loan to Merstham from Dulwich Hamlet.

 

The Cards have arranged three more pre-season friendlies against Football League and Premier League opposition. Luton Town will visit The Laithwaite Community Stadium on Tuesday 26th July with Premier League unit Watford coming to the Laithwaite on Sunday 10th July and League One side Swindon Town the visitors to the Laithwaite on Saturday 23rd July.

 

Both Keiran Murtagh and Ismail Yakubu have signed for the forthcoming season. Meanwhile, the Cards will play Football League Two side Leyton Orient at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday 19th July, with a 7.45 pm kick off.

 

John Goddard has signed for Football League One side Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee. The Robins beat a host of Football League and Championship clubs for the prized signature of the talented midfielder.

      WOKING NEWS   as at 1st May 2016

Woking completed their Vanarama National League campaign with a 2-1 victory against Eastleigh at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday. Two first half goals from Keiran Murtagh and John Goddard put the Cards in control. Matt Tubbs late goal gave hope to Eastleigh, but wasen't enough as Woking ended their season on a high note.

 

John Goddard came off the bench to grab all three points for the Cards on their visit to Sincil Bank to face Lincoln City on Saturday. The Cards grabbed an early two goal lead through Keiran Murtagh and Bruno Andrade, only for the Imps to hit back with second half efforts from Matt Rhead and Jack Muldoon, within the space of a minute to draw the home side level, before Goddard's strike just three minutes from the end to give Woking a 3-2 victory.

 

                                                WOKING     1    GRIMSBY TOWN   3

                                    Vanarama National League  Tuesday 19th April 2016

                                                Attendance:  1,394 Away attendance: 233

                                            Peter Moore at the Laithwaite  Stadium

A superb hat trick from the outstanding Padraig Amond ensured Grimsby collected all three points on offer, and enhanced their play-off ambitions in the National League.

 

Woking went into tonight’s game looking for consecutive victories after securing a last gasp winner at Forest Green on Saturday, thanks to Cameron Norman’s effort. Meanwhile, Grimsby were looking to consolidate their push for the play-offs, after picking up a point at high flying Dover.

The Cards went into the game with an unchanged starting lineup.  On a glorious late April evening, with the sun shining right up until kick off, the visitors looked the livelier of the sides with their attacking play they carved out a chance in the eighth minutes when Omar Bogle tested Jake Cole from distance, the Cards stopper parried the ball, with the home side clearing the danger. With the visitors on top they opened the scoring when Padraig Amond hammered the ball past Cole from the edge of the area. The visitors almost added a second a minute later when Cole had to kick away Omar Bogle’s shot. After scoring on Saturday, Norman almost doubled his tally for the season when he went almighty close with a 25 yard dipping free kick which was a whisker away. The visitors were forcing the issue and always looked dangerous on the counter attack. Chris Arthur cleared Andy Monkhouse’s goal bound effort as Grimsby finished the half the stronger of the sides, and went into the break with a one goal lead.

The visitors were on the front foot at the start of the half when Bogle’s fierce shot was gathered by Cole at the third attempt. Gary Hill sent on Gez Sole, for his 350th appearance for the club, in the 56th minute in place of Daniel Carr. Grimsby grabbed a second goal of the evening in the 60th minute following a breakway, the ball was laid to Amond who was one on one with Cole, he calmly slotted the ball past the home sides stopper to register his 35th goal of a very productive season for the Irishman.  Woking pulled a goal back in the 71st minute following a ball into the box Bruno Andrade was on hand to slot the ball past James McKeown. The impressive Amond capped an outstanding display by grabbing his hat trick after smashing the ball past Cole into the roof of the net with five minutes remaining to send the visiting fans into rapture, as Grimsby continued their play-off push.

 

 

                                          WOKING  1      GATESHEAD  1

                              Vanarama National League Saturday 9th April 2016

                                         Attendance: 1,005

                                              Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

The Cards search for that first league victory since January continued after being held by high flying Gatesheadat the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday.

 

Woking came into this game on the back of a retched run of form that has seen the Cards not record a Conference victory for 16 games. In fact, you have to go back till January 9th when the Cards last picked up three points, with a 3-1 victory against Wrexham. Gateshead, by contrast relish travelling on the road. The visitors have picked up 10 wins on their travels so far this season.

Gary Hill made one change for the side that blew a two goal lead at Southport last week, with Joey Jones returned to the starting line up in place of Joe Robinson. The home side had the better of the early exchanges with Joey Jones heading over from a Alex Smith corner and Keiron Murtagh shooting over from 20 yards out. Woking lost the services of midfielder Alex Smith after just ten minutes through injury, and was replaced by Bruno Andrade. The first real chance of the game fell to the Cards in the 25th minute when Matt Robinson’s curling shot from 25 yards out was tipped away for a corner by Sam Russell. The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute after good work from Chris Arthur down the left hand side, his cross found Matt Robinson just outside the penalty area, his shot taking a slight deflection over Russell. With half time approaching there was a horrible accidental clash of heads between Jones and Alex Whitmore. Both players received lengthy treatment, with both eventually being replaced. On the stroke of half time Jake Cole was called into action for the first time when he pulled of a fine save to deny Matt Pattison. From the resulting corner, Brian Saah hauled down James Curtis in the box, Referee Robert Whitton had no hesitation but to point to the spot. Up stepped Ryan Bowman who sent Cole the wrong way to level the score at half time.

After ten minutes of the restart Daniel Carr’s goal bound effort was deflected for a corner, as the Cards started the half on the front foot. After 75 minutes Murtagh went close with a shot from 20 yards out which produced a fine save from Russell. With 14 minutes to go Gez Sole replaced Carr. With four minutes to go the visitors could have grabbed all three points when Bowman side footed past the post from six yards out. Neither side could grab the winner with time running out. For Woking the long wait for a National League win goes on, with the visitors picking up a point in their quest to try a grab a play-off place.

 

 

Woking ended a run of seven straight defeats in league and cup games, with a hard earned point at home to Kidderminster Harriers at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday. The Cards opened the scoring through Daniel Carr, only for the visitors to grab a point thanks to James McQuilkin's 70th minute strike.

 

                                                WOKING     0    DOVER ATHLETIC  1

                                           Vanarama National League  Saturday 5th March 2016

                                                 Attendance: 1,305

                                              Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

 

Despite a deserved man of the match award given to Woking’s Jake Cole, the Cards slipped to a single goal defeat against their visitors from Kent on Saturday.

After both sides were defeated in the FA Trophy last weekend, Woking and Dover were looking to get their National League form back on track. Woking handed a start to new loan signing Daniel Carr- a 23 year-old striker on loan from Cambridge United. Joe Quigley and Joe Robinson were recalled to the starting line up, in place of Jez Sole, Godfrey Poku and Bruno Andrade.

The opening chance of the game fell to the visitors following a counter attack, Stephen Payne’s shot was kept out by Jake Cole’s feet as the Cards scrambled the ball away. Dover had a strong case for a penalty waived away by Referee John Brooks when Chris Arthur looked to have tripped Ricky Modeste in the box, despite the appeals from the visitors, Brooks was unmoved. Dover looked to have taken the lead in the 28th minute following a corner, the ball fell to Ricky Miller, his scuffed shot was cleared of the line. From the resulting corner Dover should have taken the lead. An unmarked Sean Raggett failed to get his header on target as the ball went over the bar from six yards out. The visitors attacking threat had always looked likely to break the deadlock and in the 35th minute they took the lead. A free kick into the area found a glancing header from former Cards Jack Parkinson which beat Cole.  The Cards stopper had to produce a brilliant one handed save from Ricky Miller’s header on the stroke of half time as the visitors went into the break holding a single goal lead, after dominating the opening 45 minutes.

Cards Manager Gary Hill made a double substitution in the 62nd minute by bringing on Gez Sole and Jake Caprice.  Woking looked a better side with the addition of the changes.  Six minutes later the busy Cole produced a point blank save from Modeste as the visitors searched for a second goal. The Cards had to wait until the 73rd minute with their first real chance on goal when Keiran Murtagh volleyed wide of the mark following Chris Arthur’s cross.  Despite Man of the match Cole coming up for a header deep into time added on following a corner that caused panic in the Dover defence, the visitors scrambled away the ball as Referee Brooks blew for full time, with Dover deserved winners.

 

Despite an early strike from John  Goddard, the Cards slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Bromley on Saturday. Meanwhile, Woking have signed striker Sam Smith. The Cards have also added Ipswich Town's Under 21 Captain Joe Robinson to their squad. The 19 year-old is a centre back.

 

                                           WOKING   0     GUISELEY AFC    1

                                  Vanarama National League   Saturday 13th February 2016

                                            Attendance:  1,182

                                         Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Woking missed out on the chance to move into the play-off places after slipping to a home defeat against their visitors from Yorkshire. An early strike from Liam Dickinson settled the contest.

The Cards made one change to the side that booked a Quarter final tie at Grimsby in the FA Trophy, after defeating Oxford City 1-0 last Saturday. Matt Robinson came into the starting line up in place of Bruno Andrade, who dropped to the bench.

The visitors conjured up the opening chance of the game when Will Hatfield’s shot across the face of the goal was turned away for a corner by Jake Cole, making his 50th league appearance for the Cards. Shaun Jeffers shot was parried away by visiting keeper Steven Drench, before Woking gave the ball away in the ninth minute and were punished. Emile Sinclair’s run down the right amounted to an inch perfect cross into the area for Liam Dickinson to open the scoring for the visitors. The lively Sinclair dispossessed Keiran Murtagh in midfield, with his pace he ran inside the area before sending out a shot that Cole tipped away for a corner. The Cards suffered a big blow when Shaun Jeffers went down holding his back, after a delay of a few minutes the medical team called for a stretcher for the forward on loan from Yeovil. Gez Sole came on for Jeffers to lead the line with Joe Quigley. Deep into stoppage time in the first half Sole turned inside the area and sent a rasping shot which was parried by Drench in the last action of the half.

Cole produced a fine one handed save to deny Sinclair in the 59th minute as the visitors looked to double their advantage. With the Cards having a good spell of pressure Guisley’s stopper denied Quigley with a fine save, after good work from substitute Bruno Andrade down the right hand side.  Substitute Adam Boyes’s firm header was brilliantly saved by Cole deep into stoppage time, as the visitors recorded a deserved win against the Cards, who on the day were second best.

 

 

                              

                                         WOKING    1    OXFORD  CITY  0

                                FA  TROPHY  3rd ROUND   Saturday  6th February 2016

                                      Attendance:  923

                                          Peter Moore  at the Laithwaite Community Centre

Woking secured a place in the last eight of this seasons FA Trophy, after overcoming a spirited Oxford City side by just a single goal.

Gary Hill made two changes to the side that drew against Barrow a week earlier in the National League. New loan signing Shaun Jeffers- signed on a 28 day loan from League side Yeovil Town this week, went straight into the starting line up along with Mark Ricketts, with Matt Robinson and Gez Sole dropping to the bench.

The home side went close inside the early exchanges when Bruno Andrade went on a run down the right and shot into the side netting from 20 yards out. The visitors also went close in the 15th minute when Marlon Jackson should have done better when put through on goal, only to toe pock the ball straight at Jake Cole. Joe Quigley almost broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when his curling shot went narrowly wide. Two minutes later Quigley was on target after Andrade set up the striker to send a volley into the top corner. In first half added on time Woking almost doubled their advantage through Shaun Jeffers following a cross from John Goddard, the striker’s header went into the side netting. Jeffers almost opened his account for the Cards when he narrowly failed to connect at the back post, following a header from Quigley. Despite the visitors coming back into the game, Goddard almost grabbed the Cards second goal of the game when his shot cannoned off the post. Having been booked seconds earlier, goal scorer Quigley was replaced by Gez Sole in the 67th minute. The visitors were reduced to ten men when Jose Lapoujade received his second yellow card of the afternoon with 15 minutes remaining. Despite the visitors putting in a spirited performance the Cards had the upper hand on the day, and booked their passage into the Quarter Finals which will be played on the 27th February.

                                                 WOKING   1     FC  HALIFAX   1

                                           Vanarama National League Saturday 23rd January 2016

                                                 Attendance: 1,484

                                             Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

Ten man Woking grounded out a well-earned point against ever improving Halifax on Saturday.

The Cards made one change to the side that defeated Maidenhead United in the FA Trophy, with Joey Jones back in the side after a bout of Tonsillitis, coming in for Matt Robinson who dropped to the bench. Woking came into the game on the back of an impressive run of one defeat in the last 11 games, while the Shaymen had an equally impressive run of having been unbeaten in their past 10 games.

The Cards went close to breaking the deadlock after 11 minutes when a Gez Sole free kick from 25 yards out was tipped away by Sam Johnson. In the 24th minute the Cards were reduced to 10 men when Chris Arthur was shown a straight red card for an over the top challenge, Despite being a man down Woking took the lead in the 35th minute thanks to a fine individual goal from Bruno Andrade, the winger picked the ball up from almost the half way line and ran and ran before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. The lead lasted only four minutes when Halifax were awarded a free kick. Sam Walker lifted the ball over the Woking wall from 25 yards out.

Within five minutes of the restart, Woking almost regained the lead when Matt Robinson’s shot was deflected and clipped the bar. Joe Quigley went close for Woking with a rising shot and John Goddard shot into the side netting. Despite both sides going for the win, the game ended all square as the Cards kept up their play-off aspirations.

 

                                       WOKING  6   MAIDENHEAD  UNITED  1

                               FA Trophy 2nd Round   16th January 2016

                                       Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

                                        Attendance: 1,006

A second half blitz from the Cards saw the home side progress to the third round of the FA Trophy. Six unanswered second half goals completed an impressive comeback, after falling a goal behind. 

Woking took their impressive league run of six wins in the last seven into this encounter against Conference South side Maidenhead United, who had opposite form of no win in the last five games. The Cards who announced this week that Matt Robinson had re-signed on loan until the end of the season, made two changes to the side that defeated Wrexham last Saturday. Chris Arthur and Robinson coming in for Joey Jones- who was ill and Jake Caprice. On the bench for the Cards was new signing Alex Smith, who has joined the club until the end of the season.

Despite a quiet opening twenty minutes a free kick from Gez Sole was a whisker away from finding the bottom corner, as Keeper Carl Pentney did well to get down low to his right to push the ball way for a corner. Just as Woking were beginning to get themselves back into the game the visitors struck when the Cards failed to clear the danger in the area, the ball fell to Dave Tarpey who tucked the ball away. Joe Quigley went close for the Cards when his curling shot was a whisker away from the leveler. The visitors had a chance to double their advantage on the brink of the first half, following a breakaway James Mullley’s cross into the area was almost seized upon by Dean Inman, who failed to connect. Seconds later a volley from Mulley was well turned away by Jake Cole.

Within two minutes of the restart the Cards drew level when a Bruno Andrade cross from the right hand side was headed towards goal by Joe Quigley, visiting keeper Pentney failed to hold on to the ball and there was Ges Sole to follow up. Two goals in the course of four minutes gave Woking a two goal cushion, thanks to Keiran Murtagh. His first following a Andrade corner, his downward header beating Pentney. His second goal was thanks to excellent work from John Goddard, his cross found Murtagh who sent a half volley past Pentney. Woking made it 4-1 in the 80th minute when Chris Arthur’s cross was turned into his own net by Alan Massey. The second half goal rush continued in the 84th minute when Brian Saah’s cross was pushed out by Pentney to Joe Quigley who volleyed past Pentney. There was still time for Woking to add another goal deep into stoppage time when Chris Arthur smashed the ball into the roof of the net, from fully 35 yards out to seal the Cards place in the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

                                  

                                WOKING      2    ALDERSHOT TOWN   1

                         Vanarama National League  Saturday 2nd January 2016

                               Attendance:  3,708 Away attendance: 808

                                     Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

Woking enhanced their play-off ambitions with a close thought victory against near rivals Aldershot Town at a wet Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday.

Woking went into the game aiming to complete the double over local rivals Aldershot Town for the first time ever. The Cards named an unchanged side that played out a goalless draw with Boreham Wood on Monday. Despite heavy rain during the day, the pitch looked in very good condition. The Cards had the opening chance of the game when a header from Joey Jones was cleared of the line. Almost immediately the Shots went close when Charlie Walker’s shot fizzed just wide of the post. The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute, following some excellent work from John Goddard down the left hand side, he cut the ball back for Jo Quigley to stroke home from 12 yards out. Woking had the ball in the net in the 33rd minute , only for Quigley’s effort to be ruled out for offside. The visitors were denied a leveler twice in the space of a couple of minutes. Charlie Walker’s header was brilliantly turned over the bar by Jake Cole. Within seconds Daniel Carr’s shot clipped the bar. Woking responded when Holman shot into the side netting. The Cards almost doubled their advantage just before the break when a Goddaqrd free kick from 25 yards out was pushed over the bar by Phil Smith. On the stroke of half time the Cards doubled their advantage when John Goddard beat the offside trap to slot past Smith to give the Cards a 2-0 half time lead.

The Cards were on the front foot at the start of the second half, and almost grabbed a third of the afternoon. Bruno Andrade crossed from the left to find an unmarked Matt Robinson, but he scuffed his shot with the goal at his mercy. With 16 minutes left substitute Rhys Browne pulled a goal back for the visitors after Jim Stevenson’s shot was parried by Cole. The visitors threw everything they could at the Woking goal, and almost equalized with just two minutes remaining when Charlie Walker’s shot hit the cross bar with Cole beaten.  Still the visitors pushed for a leveler, but the Cards desperately held on to register their first victory of 2016.

 

The Cards fine run of late continued as a John Goddard effort was the difference between the sides as Woking pulled of a 1-0 away victory against Aldershot on Boxing Day.

 

A Dan Holman brace, along with goals from Bruno Andrade, Matt Robinson and Joe Quigley ensured the Cards romped to a 5-1 win at Gateshead on Saturday. Holman opened the scoring as early as the third minute, only for Paddy McLaughlin to level after 17 minutes. Holman replied shortly before the break, before three second half goals from the Cards ensured all three points returned back to Surrey.

 

Woking advanced to the next round of the FA Trophy, after a Gez Sole free kick deep into stoppage time ensured a 2-1 victory at fellow National League side Boreham Wood on Saturday. The home side took the lead after 8 minutes through Mustafa Tiryaki, only for Brian Saah to level in the 63rd minute before Sole's late strike.

 

Woking completed a 3-1 home victory against Lincoln City in the National League on Saturday. Dan Holman netted after just six minutes for the Cards. Joe Quigley doubled their advantage after 40 minutes, before Holman got his second of the game on 68 minutes. Matt Rhead pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 76th minute. Lincoln were reduced to ten men deep into stoppage time when Lee Beevers was show a straight red card. The win moves the Cards up to 11th place in the division.

 

A Joey Jones header wasen't enough as the Cards suffered a 2-1 loss to Barrow on Saturday in the National League. Andy Cook opened the scoring for the Cumbrians in the 4th minute, only for Jones to pull the Cards level in the 48th minute. But Steve William's strike in the 73rd minute was enough to secure all three points for the home side.

 

                                        WOKING  4  TRANMERE ROVERS  1

                                    Vanarama National League Tuesday 24th November 2015

                                              Attendance:  1,477

                                        Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Centre

A brace from Dan Holman, and a goal apiece from John Goddard and a first goal for Woking from Joe Quigley wrapped up the points for the home side, despite having to soak up lots of early pressure from the visitors, the Cards ran out deserved winners.

Woking went into this evening’s game looking to build on Saturday’s 2-1 victory away at Chester, thanks to goals from Dan Holman and John Goddard. Gary Hill named an unchanged side for the visit of former Football League side Rovers.  

Jake Cole was called into action in the 11th minute when he produced a fine double save to deny Rovers skipper Steve Jennings. The visitors did have the ball in the net in the 21st minute, but James Norwood’s effort was ruled out for offside. The Cards opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Dan Holman’s fine header from a wonderful cross from the right from Bruno Andrade beat Davies, for the striker’s ninth goal of the season. Woking doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Holman’s long range shot was spilled by Davies and John Goddard followed up to register his 11th goal of the season, as the Cards held a 2-0 lead at the break.

Woking increased their lead inside ten minutes of the restart when a through ball into the feet of Holman found the front man in a one and one situation with keeper Davies. Holman coolly steered the ball past the visitor’s keeper. Holman was denied his hat trick when Davies saved at point blank range, after initially blocking Goddard’s shot. Cole produced another fine save to deny Norwood as the game went into the last twenty minutes. In the 73rd minute loanee Joseph Quigley bagged his first goal for the club, finding himself one on one with the keeper, he twisted and turned in the area before rolling the ball into the net. The visitors almost pulled a consolation goal back when Lois Maynard’s shot came of the cross bar, but with virtually the last kick of the game a fine individual goal from Norwood, who rifled in a shot that gave Cole no chance ensured Rovers were rewarded with a late consolation goal. Overall the home side deserved all three points as they continued their productive week with their second win inside four days.

 

                                      WOKING    2   MACCLESFIELD TOWN   5

                                 Vanarama National League Saturday 14th November 2015

                                      Attendance: 1,324

                                        Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

A Kristian Dennis hat trick condemned the Cards to a home defeat against in form Macclesfield on Saturday.

Manager Gary Hill made two changes to the side that rescued a point against Braintree Town on Tuesday. Terell Thomas and Jimmy Keohane coming back into the side in place of Mark Ricketts, who dropped to  the bench, and Kadell Daniel. In a game played in driving rain and a swirling wind. The deadlock was broken in the 13th minute when Woking failed to clear the danger with the ball falling to Danny Whitehead who smashed the ball into the roof of the net. The Silkmen doubled their advantage in the 26th minute when leading scorer Kristian Dennis’s shot from 25 yards out took one bounce and nestled into the bottom corner of the net, for his 12th goal of the season. Things could have got much worse for Woking, but for a brilliant flying one handed save from Jake Cole from Paul Lewis’s shot.

Hill immediately made a change at the start of the second half, with Kadell Daniel coming on for Adam Cunnington. Within three minutes of the restart, Macclesfield scored their third of the afternoon, following a free kick the ball bounced around the area falling to Neil Bryne, his shot took a deflection past Cole. The Silkmen were in complete control as they grabbed their fourth of the afternoon following Paul Turnbull’s threaded pass to find Dennis who steered the ball past Cole for his 13th goal of the season.  The Cards pulled a goal back in the 74th minute when John Goddard’s shot was parried by Shwan Jalal, Dan Holman followed up with his first effort saved but he tucked away his second effort into the back of the net. Five minutes later Macclesfield made it 5-1 when Dennis picked the ball up from outside the area and his shiot from 25 yards out beat Cole for his hat trick. There was still time for Woking to grab a second when a deep cross from Cameron Norma was spilled by Jalal and Joey Jones bundled the ball home. The Silkmen almost added a sixth when a Turnball free kick just went wide of the post. But in truth the visitors deserved all three points, as they continued their climb up the table.

                                                  WOKING   1    BRAINTREE TOWN  1

                                          Vanarama National League  Tuesday 10th November 2015

                                                Attendance: 1,182

                                              Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

The Cards claimed their first win in the past five games as a late John Goddard strike salvaged a point for the home side.

Working were looking to improve on their dismal run of seven defeats in the last nine games, whilst the Iron came to Surrey looking to keep up their impressive trips on their travels. Braintree, under new Manager Dan Cowley, have won five times already this season, and also boast the meanest defence in the League, having conceded only 14 goals this season.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Mitch Brundle crossed from the right into the six yard box, with Sean Marks’s half volley beating Jake Cole. The Iron should have doubled their lead in the early stages of the second half when Sammi Szmodics burst through into the area, but shot tamely at Cole. The Woking stopper produced a wonderful one handed save from Szmodics’s chipped effort. In the 63rd minute Woking almost levelled following a John Goddard cross into the area, the ball was flicked on with Adam Cunnington stretching, his shot came off the post. Two minutes later Gary Hill made a double substitution, bringing on Bruno Andrade and Jimmy Keohane. The Cards levelled with 12 minutes to go when the ball was cut back to John Goddard inside the area, who side footed past Norris, via a deflection for his ninth goal of the season. Dan Holman almost grabbed the winner with four minutes remaining, but Irons stopper Will Norris denied him. Despite The Cards pressing for the winner, the Irons defence held on as both sides shared the points.

 

                                                           WOKING   0     WREXHAM   1

                                                        Vanarama National League Saturday 17th October 2015

                                                             Attendance: 1,778 Away attendance: 142

                                                     Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Stadium

A first half strike from Dragons Connor Jennings ensured the visitors secured the points against ten men Woking on Saturday.

Manager Gary Hill made two changes to the starting line- up, bringing in Godfrey Poku and Jimmy Keohane for Mark Ricketts and the suspended Keiran Murtagh.

With both sides cancelling each other out for the opening 27 minutes, the deadlock was broken a minute later when the Dragons Conner Jennings played a lovely one two with Domanic Vose, the ball was played back to Jennings who coolly  slotted the ball into the corner of the net for his fourth goal in his last five games. With four minutes of added time, due to a head injury to Wrexham’s Robert Evans, Wrexham finished the half strongly. Brian Saah was booked for hauling down Kayden Jackson 30 yards out, from the resulting free kick Adam Newton’s shot was turned away for a corner by Jake Cole. From the corner Sean Newton’s header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Cole. With the final action of the half Vose’s 35 yard free kick was a whisker away from the goal.

Woking made their first change of the afternoon at the start of the second half when Bruno Andrade replaced Kadell Daniel. The Dragons should have doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Vose slipped in Kayden Jackson who slashed his shot over the top from six yards out. Jennings had two further chances to increase the Dragons lead before Woking were reduced to ten men in the 66th minute when Brian Saah received his second yellow card of the afternoon after fouling Kayden Jackson. Despite being down to ten men Woking looked the better side with Jimmy Keohane testing keeper Belford. With seven minutes to go Woking were denied a penalty when it looked like John Goddard was clearly brought down in the box by John Nolan, only for Referee Richard Martin to wave away Woking’s appeals. Wes York shot into the side netting a minute later before Jennings had another chance to put the game to bed for the visitors when he was through on goal, he took the ball around Cole before the Cards stopper saved from the striker. With four minutes of added time Woking had a free kick, with Cole leaving his goal, the attack came to nothing as the Dragons held on to record three welcome points.

 

 

                                            WOKING    2    TORQUAY  UNITED  2

                                         Vanarama National League  Tuesday 13th October 2015

                                               Attendance: 1,556

                                                  Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

A late Dan Holman strike, salvaged a point for Woking against a gritty Torquay side on Tuesday.

Woking went into Tuesday’s game against the Gulls on the back of a 3-0 victory at Halifax on Saturday, their first win in their last five games. Meanwhile the visitors also experienced victory on Saturday, defeating Southport 1-0 in Lancashire, their only win in the past 13 games. The Cards were unchanged for the visit of Torquay.

Woking opened the scoring in the second minute when Kadell Daniel twisted and turned inside the area and fired in an unstoppable effort which flew into the top corner. Torquay tested the hands of Cards keeper Jake Cole in the 26th minute when James Hurst’s shot was turned away for a corner. With half time fast approaching Daniel almost doubled his and the Cards advantage when his 25 yard effort was deflected for a corner. A minute later a Brian Saah header was cleared of the line as Woking looked to stretch their lead before the break.

Within two minutes of the restart the Cards were caught cold when Torquay equalised through a super strike from Courtney Richards, with a curled shot from 20 yards out which gave Jake Cole no chance. Cole pulled of a wonderful fingertip save to deny Tyrone Marsh’s header as the Gulls created the better chances in the opening quarter of the second half. The Cards looked to have had a very good shout for a penalty turned down by Referee Richard Martin, when a cross field pass from Daniel into the path of substitute Bruno Andrade who appeared to be brought down in the box, but the official wasn’t moved. Two minutes later Torquay retook the lead when substitute Tyrone Marsh was bought down in the box by Jake Cole. Marsh got to his feet and sent the spot kick into the bottom corner.

Dan Holman rescued a point for the Cards with five minutes remaining, after a ball from Caprice to Holman, who turned and fired a shot into the bottom corner for his third goal in the last two games, and his sixth overall this season. Deep into stoppage time Gulls substitute Fergus Bell had a glorious chance to snatch all three points for the visitors, but blasted over from ten yards out.  Despite both sides hunting for the winner, neither side could manage this, with the draw a fair result.

                                     WOKING    1     SOUTHPORT   2

                                Vanarama National League Saturday 3rd October 2015

                                     Attendance: 1,510

                                        Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Woking slipped to their fourth defeat in a row against lowly Southport on Saturday.

Woking came into this game on the back of three successive defeats. Meanwhile visitors Southport found themselves in the bottom four, with just one win all season, which was back in August at home to Altrincham.

Manager Hill made two changes to the side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Dover. Joey Jones and Harry Cardwell came in to the side in place of Terell Thomas and Bruno Andrade.  

Woking lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation with John Goddard sitting in behind strikers Dan Holman and Harry Cardwell. The visitors drew first blood in the eight minute when Cole Stockton turned inside the area and sent a low shot which took a defelction as the ball nestled into the bottom corner. The Sandgrounders double their advantage in the 16th minute following a corner, the Cards failed to deal with the danger as Luke Foster raised above everybody to chest the ball down to Andrai Jones who stabbed home following a goalmouth scramble.

Within five minutes of the second half Gary Hill threw on all off his three substitutions, by bringing on Gez Sole, Bruno Andrade and Ben Pattie for Jimmy Keohane, Dan Holman and Harry Cardwell. With 55 minutes on the clock John Goddard tried his luck from 20 yards out, with his low hard shot a whisker away. The Cards gave themselves a chance of salvaging something from the game in the 77th minute following a corner from John Goddard, an unmarked Keiran Murtagh raced into the box and sent a bullet header past Andy Coughlin. Jake Cole produced a brilliant point blank save from Paul Rutherford to keep the home side in the game with ten minutes remaining. Sole had a header just wide, and Pattie had the ball in the net deep into stoppage time, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Overall, the Cards can have now complaints as the visitors deserved all three points, to record just their second win of the season, whilst Woking’s winless run has now stretched to four games.

 

 

 

Woking suffered a 2-1 defeat  at the hands of Braintree Town on Tuesday in the Vanarama National League. Sam Akinola opened the scoring for the home side in the 62nd minute, only for Keiran Murtagh to level for the Cards five minutes later. With 16 minutes to go Michael Cheek grabbed the winner for the Essex club.

 

                                     WOKING   0    CHELTENHAM TOWN  1

                                 Vanarama National League Saturday 19th September 2015

                                       Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

                                               Attendance:  2,035

Cheltenham Town ended Woking’s unbeaten home start to the season after a Danny Wright second-half header was the only difference between the sides in a tight contest.

Ex Cheltenham player Craig Braham-Barrett became the only change for Garry Hill’s side following Tuesday’s win against Forest Green Rovers. Braham- Barrett- who joined the Cards on a one month loan from Ebsfleet- came into the side in place of the injured Chris Arthur. The Cards shaded the opening exchanges with Rob Dickie heading over in the 27th minute. Two minutes later the best chance of the half fell to the dangerous Danny Wright who played a one-two with Jack Barthram before shooting into the side netting. Wright had another good chance later when a fierce header was superbly tipped over by Jake Cole.

The second half started with the Cards forcing four corners in the course of the opening five minutes. The deadlock was broken when a set piece from the visitors undid the Cards defence in the 67th minute.  A deep corner into the far post found Wright who outjumped Terell Thomas to head powerfully past Cole, who managed to get a hand to it, but couldn’t prevent the ball going over the line. In the 80th minute Hill made a double substitution, with Gez Sole and Kadell Daniel thrown on into the fray. Despite the Cards pressing forward for the equaliser, the Robins defence held firm, as they moved up to within touching distance of leaders Forest Green.

 

 

    

                                                   WOKING   2     FOREST GREEN ROVERS  1

                                             Vanarama National League Tuesday 15th September 2015

                                                    Attendance: 1,775

                                                         Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

Forest Green’s nine match unbeaten run was ended by a spirited Woking side who deserved all three points on the night.

Goals from John Goddard and Jimmy Keohane put the Cards into a two goal lead, only for Forest Green to respond through Kurtis Guthrie.

Woking were aiming to be the first side to defeat the runaway leaders of the National League Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday. The Cards were looking to claim all three points against Rovers, after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Guiseley on Saturday. Meanwhile the visitors travelled to Surrey with a 100 per cent record of played nine won all nine, and an eight point gap over the rest of the pack.

Woking made one change to the starting line-up, with the return of Keiran Murtagh, coming in for Godfrey Poku. In a frantic opening 20 minutes both sides created chances. The Cards went close when a delicious cross from Jake Caprice was heading inches wide by Harry Cardwell. A Bria Saah header following a corner was cleared of the line as the Cards looked lively. For Rovers, Aaron O’Connor’s 20 yard shot was a whisker away from opening the scoring.Woking lost the services of Chris Arthur after he went down injured and was replaced by Kadell Daniel, who slotted into the left back position.The deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute when John Goddard’s shot was saved by Jonny Maxted, but Goddard followed up with a header that went over the line for his seventh goal of the season, and his third in the last two games.

 

Despite Forest Green looking the better side at the early exchanges of the second half, Woking doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when a deep cross into the area wasn’t dealt with by the visitors, with the ball bobbling around Jimmy Keohane hooked home. Forest Green were given a life linefour minutes later when Kurtis Guthrie’s low shot crept under Jake Cole, with the keeper disappointed that he hadn’t held onto the shot. With five minutes to go substitute Sam-Yorke header inches over the bar as the Cards were desperately hanging on for the three points. Deep into stoppage time the visitors were reduced to ten men when Marcus Kelly picked up his second yellow. Despite five added minutes of stoppage time Woking held on to register the first side to take points off Forest Green this season.

 

A late strike from Joey Jones wasen't enough for the Cards as they slipped to just their second defeat of the season, going down to Macclesfield 2-1 at Moss Rose.

 

The Cards have suffered another setback to the start of their season with the news that Defender Ismail Yakuba has ruptured his anterior cruciate, and will be out for 12 months.

 

Dan Holman will remain with the club on loan until 2nd January 2016. Central defender Terrell Thomas has joined on a youth loan from Charlton, along with Woking Academy Player Andrew Mills. Midfielder Jimmy Keohane has joined the club from Exeter. Keohane, scored on his debut for the club, along with John Goddard in the Card's 2-0 home win against Welling on Bank Holiday Monday.

 

Woking came within seven minutes of claiming all three points against newley promoted Boreham Wood in Hertfordshire on Saturday. A Kadell Daniels free-kick gave the Cards a first half lead, only for Junior Morias to strike for the home side and rescue a point for the Wood.

 

                                            WOKING   5  CHESTER  2

                        Vanarama National League  Saturday 22nd August 2015

                                Peter Moore at The laithwaite Community Stadium

                                       Attendance: 1,503

Woking moved into second place in the Vanarama National Leeague, after defeating 10 man Chester in a pulsating game on Saturday.

The Cards went into today’s game looking for their fourth consecutive win on the bounce, while the visitors were sitting in eighth position in the table, just a single point behind Woking.  The Cards were forced into one change, with Kadell Daniel starting in place of Gez Sole, who picked up a knock in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Torquay.

The visitors were on the front foot with a couple of chances early on when an error from Jake Cole led to Ross Hannah’s shot drifting over the bar. A John Rooney free kick was a whisker away over the bar, as Chester settled the better of the two sides. The Cards first chance of the game fell to Dan Holman, from a Jake Caprice lay off he twisted and turned inside the area but fired wide. Woking opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when a ball over the top was seized on by Dan Holman, who was brought down in the area by Ben Heneghan, Referee Mark Pottage had no alternative but to issue a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity. John Goddard stepped up and sent his spot kick straight down the middle. The Cards looked to take advantage of their numerical figure with Holman going close with a glancing header and Keiran Murtagh shooting into the side netting.

Woking doubled their lead in the 47th minute when Holman’s shot from 25 yards out nestled into the bottom corner. Seven minutes later it was 3-0 when Kadell Daniel’s lofted free kick had John Worsnop beaten. The ten men of Chester pulled a goal back in the 65th minute when substitute Michael Kay’s header had Jake Cole beaten.  The Cards restored their three goal advantage when Joey Jones fired into the bottom corner from 18 yards out in the 77th minute. Substitute Ben Pattie turned and shot in the area, with the ball heading into the corner Chester’s stopper Worsnop got a hand to the shot, as the ball went out for a corner. There was still time for the visitors to score the goal of the game when John Rooney’s unstoppable 25 yard free kick into the top corner gave Jake Cole no chance. Deep into stoppage time substitute Ben Pattie was one and one with keeper Worsnop and calmly slipped the ball past the visitor’s keeper to wrap up the points for the Cards.

                                              WOKING  2   ALTRINCHAM  0

                                      Vanarama National League  Saturday 15th August 2015

                                                    Attendance: 1,297

                                            Peter Moore at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

A man of the match performance from new loan signing Dan Holman, who had a hand in one goal, and scored on his debut, ensured the Cards made it two wins on the bounce, and continued their good start to the season.

Woking went into today’s game on the back of Tuesday’s home win against Bromley, while todays visitors the Robins were still hoping to gain their first points of the season. The Cards signed 25 year old Colchester striker Dan Holman on loan, and Holman was immediately rewarded with a place in the starting line-up.

A bright opening from the home side saw Giuseppe Sole fire a whisker away from 25 yards out. Sole almost opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Keiran Murtagh slipped in Sole, the strikers shot was well blocked by Thomas Marshall. Woking continued to pile on the pressure, and looked the likely side to break the deadlock. Robins keeper Coburn came for a ball, punched it out to John Goddard, who volleyed well over from just ten yards out. A minute later the lively Holman had a fierce shot saved by the Robins stopper. Altrincham had their first decent effort on goal in the 25th minute when Woking gave the ball away on the half way line, allowing George Bowerman to run unchallenged, the striker then sent a shot in from just over 20yards out, with the effort only inches away. The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute when Holman won the ball, went on a terrific run, turned and sent a fierce shot that was parried by Coburn into the path of Sole who fired into the bottom corner. Following the goal, Sole ran straight to the Woking dugout to celebrate the goal with the injured Scott Rendell.

Woking were on the front foot in the early exchanges of the second half. Following a fine run down the left hand side from Chris Arthur, from the by line his cross into the feet of Holam who dragged the ball back with his first touch, before firing just wide. Joey Jones went close after good work from Murtagh. The Robins had a spell of pressure that almost produced an equaliser, but were denied by a superb save from Jake Cole. James Lawrie’s shot looked like heading for the corner of the net, only for Cole to push his effort away for a corner. With 15 minutes remaining Woking doubled their advantage when Holman should lots of composure by twisting and turning inside the area before firing into the bottom corner. Altrincham, to their credit still tried to get back into the game and on 79 minutes almost pulled a goal back, when Simon Richmon’s shot hit the post. Substitute Bruno Andrade’s shot in the 90th minute was pushed away for a corner. In stoppage time Altrincham almost pulled a goal back, only to be denied by Brian Saah clearing of the line. Almost immediately Woking went straight up the other end, Murtagh’s shot was spilled by Coburn, Holman dragged his effort wide. It mattered not as Woking made it back to back wins, and six points after three games, with only one goal conceded. The Robins have still to gain a point and a goal in the National League.

                                           WOKING    2     BROMLEY  0

                                   Vanarama National League Tuesday 11th August 2015

                                             Attendance:  1,570

                                           Peter Moore  at the Laithwaite Community Stadium

A John Goddard brace ensured Woking secured their first three points of the season against newly promoted Bromley on a wet Tuesday evening in Surrey.

Less than 24 hours after the Cards were rocked by the news that striker Scott Rendell will miss the remainder of the season, due to the injury he obtained at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, the Cards were back in action against newly promoted Bromley.  Woking were looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to former Football League side Tranmere, while The Ravens, were looking to continue their good start to the season, after defeating Wrexham 3-1.

Manager Gary Hill made two changes to the starting line-up, with Giuseppe Sole and Kadell Daniel coming in for Rendell and Bruno Andrade. The Cards created the first chance of the game in the third minute when Keiran Murtagh’s shot was spilled by Alan Julain, with the visitors clearing the ball away to safety. Woking opened the scoring in the 36th minute when good work from Sole who held the ball up and laid it off for John Goddard to slot home from inside the area. Goddard scored his second and the Cards second of the night when Sole’s shot was pushed away by Julian into the path of Goddard who slammed the ball into the net. The Cards almost grabbed their third goal of the night when Joey Jones’s strike went inches over the bar. Despite Bromley’s heads never going down, Woking’s defence held firm for whatever the visitors could throw at them, as the Cards eased to their first League win of the season.

 

                                          

Brian Saah has signed for the Cards. Saah, had a succesful loan period with the Cards last season, making eight appearances.

                              WOKING     1     OXFORD UNITED   0

                         Pre- season friendly   Tuesday 21st July 2015

                               Attendance: 817

                                 Peter Moore at Kingfield

A second half strike from John Goddard, ensured Woking claimed a victory against Football League side Oxford United.

Woking came into this friendly on the back of a last minute defeat to Staines Town on Saturday, while the League Two side had visited Austria to face league side SC Wiener Neustadt. In the warmth of the late evening Surrey sunshine. The Cards started with a back three of Yakuba, Ricketts and Saah and Goddard playing in the hole between the front two of Sole and Rendall. Woking created the first real chance of the game in the 17th minute when Joey Jones’s shot was pushed away for a corner by Sam Slocombe. From the resulting corner, Jones was unmarked in the area, but his weak header went over the top. The visitors keeper was called into action again in the 36th minutes when Chris Arthur burst into the area, cut inside and sent a curling shot which was heading for the bottom corner, only for the Oxford stopper to claw away his effort.

It was the visitors who created the first chance of the second half, when a header at the back post from Ryan Taylor was kept out by Jake Cole. The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute when a fine run from Jake Caprice down the right flank ended with a deep cross into the far post where an unmarked John Goddard’s downward header nestled into the corner of the net. Gary Hill made a host of changes in the 63rd minute with Charles Banya, Alex Smith, Kouassi Evans, Godfrey Poku, Jordan Brown and keeper Nick Hamann entering the fray. One of those six almost grabbed a second for Woking, when Alex Smith’s stinging shot into the ground was well saved by Slocombe. Woking made their final change of the game in the 77th minute when Reece Beccles came on for Scott Rendall.  Despite some late pressure from the visitors, Woking held on to record a good win and workout against a Football League side.

 

Woking will begin their Vanarama Nation League capaign with a trip to Prenton Park to face newcomers Tranmere Rovers, relegated last season from League Two, on Saturday 8th August.

Three days later Woking will face Vanarama South Champions Bromley, while Altrincham visit Kingfield on the 15th August. The Cards will travel to face local rivals Aldershot Town on Boxing Day, and on the 28th Boreham Wood will be the visitors. On the first Saturday of the new year 2nd, Aldershot will visit Kingfield. Woking will finish their National League fixtures with a home game against Eastleigh on Saturday 30th April.

        For a complete list of fixtures, visit the official Woking FC website www. wokingfc.co.uk

                          http://www.wokingfc.co.uk/first-team/fixtures/

 

Woking have announced that Jack Caprice and Chris Arthur have both signed for the club. Caprice, 22, is a right back from Lincoln City. Arthur, has re-signed for the Cards, having signed permanently last January from AFC Wimbledon. Meanwhile Woking have announced three home pre-season friendlies. On Tuesday 21st July the Cards will entertain Oxford United, on Tuesday 24th League Two side Portsmouth will visit Kingfield, while League Two side Leyton Orient will be coming to Woking on Tuesday 28th July.

 

The Cards finished their season off in style by beating FC Halifax 3-2. Woking had to come from 2-1 down to pick up the victory. Josh Payne levelled for the Cards after 17 minutes, only to find themselves 2- 1 down through a Hatfield penalty. But two goals in added time from Scott Rendell and Yemi Odubade secured a dramatic win.

 

Woking's play-off dream was ended at relegated Nuneaton on Saturday, after the Cards could only pick up a point, thanks to Kevin Betsey's leveller.

 

A Josh Payne brace and a Scott Rendell effort ensured the Cards took all three points against Gateshead at Kingfield on Saturday.

Woking fell to defeat against Dover Athletic in Kent on Easter Monday. Despite the Cards opening the scoring through Yemi Odubade, the home side hit back with a brace from Stefan Payne, including the winner in the 89th minute as the Cards were reduced to ten men when Brian Saah saw red.

 

The Cards were held to a 2-2 draw at Kingfield against Welling on Easter Saturday. A Scott Rendell penalty and a Yemi Odubade strike was enough to lift Woking back into the play-off spot.

 

Woking completed a 3-2 victory against Chester on Saturday. A brace from Scott Rendell and a stunning Josh Payne strike made it six wins in their last seven games for the Cards.

 

                                           WOKING        3      TORQUAY UNITED   2

                              Vanarama Conference     Tuesday 24th March 2015

                                                Attendance: 1,506

                                                    Peter Moore at Kingfield

Woking kept alive their play-off hopes after producing a remarkable second half performance, to grab a crucial home victory. Finding themselves two goals down at half-time they looked dead and buried, but goals from Yemi Odubade, Josh Payne and a late Scott Rendell strike secured back to back home victories.

 

Woking were looking for their fifth victory in their last six games, after Saturday’s 1-0 home victory against Forest Green Rovers. The visitors travelled down to Surrey, on the back of a home 2-1 victory against Kidderminster on Saturday.

On the day that the Cards signed 19 year old goalkeeper Michael Crowe from Ipswich Town on loan, the stopper made his debut in place of the injured Jake Cole. Josh Payne also returned to the side in place of Adam Newton. The visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute following a corner, Aaron Downes rose unmarked in the area to send a header past Crowe. The Ipswich loanee was picking the ball out of the net two minutes later when the ball was squared to Louis Briscoe who swept home. Crowe came to the Cards rescue by pulling out a fine save to deny Ryan Bowman four minutes later.  The Cards almost cut the deficit after a free kick from Josh Payne was headed against the post by Yemi Odubade. The post denied Woking again a few minutes later when Scott Rendell’s side foot shot looked to be heading into the net, only for the woodwork to come to the Gulls rescue. 

Woking clawed their way back into the game in the 53rd minute when Keiran Murtagh’s shot was pushed out by keeper Rice into the path of Yemi Odubade who steered the ball into the net. The Cards by now were already looking a far better side than in the first half, and drew level following a corner which the visitors failed to deal with, the ball fell to Josh Payne who fired into the bottom corner. The impressive and pacey Odubade almost grabbed his second goal of the night after his stinging shot produced a fingertip save from Rice.  The Woking comeback was complete in the 81st minute when once again the Gulls failed to clear a ball in the area, this time it fell to Scott Rendell who volleyed an unstoppable shot past Rice. Woking should have put the game to bed with one minute remaining when substitute Gez Sole squared the ball to Kevin Betsy, with the goal at his mercy and two yards out blasted over the bar. Despite three minutes of added time, the Cards held on for three valuable points, and there play-off hopes still very much alive.

Three second half goals from Scott Rendell, Kevin Betsy and Gez Sole secured a 3-1 victory at AFC Telford on Saturday.

 

Despite a late John Goddard effort, Woking suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Grimsby on Saturday. Goals from Ollie Palmer and Jon-Paul Pittman gave Grimsby a two goal cushion before Goddard's late strike gave some hope to the Cards to rescue a point. Meanwhile, Woking have signed Brian Saah on a 28 day loan from Dagenham and Redbridge.

 

Two first half goals from Scott Rendell and Josh Payne, ensured Woking completed a 2-0 victory against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on Saturday.

 

Yemi Odubade scored for the second consecutive game to earn the Cards a point against Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. Lee Hughes put the home side ahead, only for Odubade to strike in the second half.

 

                                             BARNET     2      WOKING   1

                                    Vanarama Conference    Saturday 7th February 2015

                                         Peter Moore  at The Hive Stadium

                                              Attendance: 2,036  Away attendance: 535

Ten men Woking just came up short against the league leaders at the Hive on Saturday. The dismissal of the luckless Joe McNerney in the first half proved to be the turning point of the match.

 

Woking travelled to Barnet boyed by last week’s 3-0 victory against Alfreton. Meanwhile, the home side started the day seven points clear at the top, having won four of their last seven Conference games, including a 4-0 victory against Southport last Saturday.

Manager Gary Hill made two changes from last weeks starting eleven. Adam Newton coming in for James Clarke, and defender Aswad Thomas, re-joining the club earlier this week, from Grimsby on loan until the end of the season, making the starting eleven.

The Cards started in a 4-4-2 formation, with Thomas starting at left back. The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute following a threaded pass from Lee Cook to the prolific John Akinde into the area where Joe McNerney brought down the striker. Referee Robert Whitton, rather surprisingly produced a red card for the Card’s defender. From the resulting spot kick, Akinde stepped up to send Jake Cole the wrong way for his 24th league goal of the season.

The Bees doubled their advantage in the 50th minute when substitute Conor Cliiford’s shot was deflected by Joey Jones. The ball went in off the post and trickled past Cole. Six minutes later Josh Payne’s long range effort almost sneaked into the corner of the net, only to be denied by Stack. Gary Hill made a double change in the 63rd minute, bringing on Yemi Odubade and John Goddard for Ricketts and Banya. Thomas blasted over the top for the cards in the 64th minute. Seven minutes later Barnet were a whisker away from their third goal of the afternoon when Clifford’s shot went inches away from the post.

Woking pulled a goal back in the 79th minute when substitute Odubade skipped past two players before firing home. Despite late Woking pressure, Barnet held on for another home win, to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Aswad Thomas, has rejoined Woking from Grimsby on loan, until the end of the season.

 

Woking returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory against Alfreton Town on Saturday at Kingfield in the Vanarama Conference. A first-half Scott Rendell penalty, plus strikes from new boys Ross Lafayette and Charles Banya secured the points. Meanwhile, the Cards have signed 30 year-old striker Yemi Odubade on loan from Eastleigh until 25th April.

 

A late Scott Rendell goal rescued a replay for Woking against fellow Conference side Dover at Kingfield on Saturday. The Cards took an early lead through Chris Arthur, only for the visitors to level through Connor Easam.  A Rendell penalty nudged Woking ahead, but Dover struck with goals from Nick Deverdics and Stefan Payne looked to have booked a quarter final tie, only for Rendell's last gasp leveller to ensure that the Cards earned a replay at Dover on Tuesday.

 

Woking have signed Charles Banya from Crawley on loan until the end of the season, with Dean Morgan moving on loan in the opposite direction. Banya, made 10 appearances on loan from Fulham last season.

 

                                              WOKING   0        BRISTOL  ROVERS   0

                              Vanarama Conference   Saturday 17th January 2015

                                     Attendance: 3,853 Away attendance: 1,869

                                            Peter Moore  at Kingfield

Woking earned a creditable point against an in form Bristol Rovers at Kingfield on Saturday.

Both these sides went into today’s game with contrasting league form. The visitors arrived in Surrey boasting an impressive record of just one defeat in their last 14 Conference games, also having won four of their last five. For the Cards, their record was the opposite of The Pirates. Woking had won just two of their last nine in the league.

Manager Gary Hill made one change from the side that defeated Oxford City in the FA Trophy on Tuesday. New loan signing, Ross Lafayette, signed on a month’s loan from Luton, was thrown straight into the line-up, replacing Dean Morgan. Returning back from injury, Scott Rendell had a place on the bench.

The Pirates went close to opening the scoring in the opening 15 minutes. A deep cross into the area found an unmarked Matty Taylor, who sent a header wide. A minute later a knock down into the path of Nathan Blissett who went past two players, with Jake Cole coming out of his goal to narrow the angle down, Blissett toe pocked wide. Woking’s first effort on goal came in the 35th minute when a long range shot from Joey Jones was deflect by kevin Betsy, the ball looping up in the air with Rover’s keeper Will Puddy having to back track to take the ball from under the cross bar. With the Cards beginning to get themselves back into the game and half time approaching, they went close again. A cross field pass found John Goddard who played in Josh Payne on the left hand side, his curling shot from 20 yards out went narrowly wide. Deep into first half stoppage time Rovers had the ball in the net, only for Taylor’s effort to be ruled out for offside.

With 60 minutes played Gary Hill brought on Gez Sole for Jack Marriott. Two minutes later Taylor, had the ball in the net for the second time in the afternoon, only once again for his effort to be ruled out for offside. In the 64th minute Payne went close for the Cards, with his shot a whisker away from the post. With both sides looking to break the deadlock, The Pirates Manager Darrell Clarke turned to the experienced head of Jermaine Easter to give the visitors a huge lift. In the 75th minute Cards fans warmed to the sight of the returning Scott Rendell, to enter the fray. Despite the Cards finishing the stronger, both sides failed to break the deadlock in front of Woking’s biggest crowd of the season.

                                     WOKING   2     OXFORD  CITY   1

                                 FA Trophy 2nd Round Replay

                                       Tuesday 13th January 2015

                                   Peter Moore at Kingfield

                                         Attendance: 555

Despite falling behind to an early Greg Pearson effort, goals from Josh Payne and a wonderful strike from John Goddard booked the Cards a last 16 place in the FA Trophy.

 

After Woking let slip a two goal advantage against Conference North side Oxford City on Saturday, the Cards were looking to book a third round tie at home to Dover.  

Manager Gary Hill made one change from Saturday, John Goddard coming in for Keiran Murtagh.  With only three minutes played the visitors scored with their first effort on goal, following a deep cross into the area there was Greg Pearson to tuck home from a few yards out. Woking’s first chance on goal came six minutes later when a Jack Marriott effort went inches over the bar. In the 28th minute a cross from Kevin Betsy was met by a header from Joey Jones, which dropped wide. Woking managed to get themselves back into the game after Oxford City were reduced to ten men when Santiago was shown a straight red card for pulling back Dean Morgan, and denying him a goal scoring opportunity. Seconds later from the resulting free kick Josh Payne’s effort went over the top of the wall from 20 yards out into the net. Woking almost took the lead in the 42nd minute when Marriott’s volley was saved at point blank range by City’s goalkeeper Salva de La Cruz. Two minutes later Tom Winters let fly from almost 30 yards out, but his effort was tipped over the bar by Jake Cole.

With Woking holding the numerical advantage, Marriott went close again in the 59th minute following a through ball, he lifted the ball over La Cruz only to see his effort go just wide. City did have the ball in the net in the 69th minute from substitute Felipe Barcelos, only to be ruled out for offside. Woking responded with the outstanding De La Cruz denying efforts from Marriott and Goddard. In the 72nd minute Woking made it 2-1, thanks to John Goddard who let fly from 20 yards out with a screamer that went in off the underside of the bar. Gary Hill made a double substitution moments later by bringing on Murtagh and Gez Sol. De La Cruz was called into action again, saving from Goddard’s shot that he pushed around the post. Sole almost sealed the tie with a shot late on, but his effort went into the side netting. Despite four minutes of added time, Woking held on to seal their spot in the last 16 of the FA Trophy. 

Woking blew away a two goal lead on Saturday against Oxford City in the FA Trophy, as the Conference North side forced a replay at Kingfield on Tuesday.

Goals from Kevin Betsy and  John Goddard ensured the Cards took a two goal lead, only for strikes from Greg Pearson and Declan Benjamin in the second half to earn a replay.

 

Woking have announced that Chris Arthur has signed for the Cards until the end of the season, following his release from AFC Wimbledon.

The club have also confirmed that Jack Marriott's loan spell has been extended until the 25th April. Theo Lewis has joined Vanarama South side Ebbsfleet United for an undisclosed fee.

 

With the last kick of the game, a Jack Marritt effort rescued a point for the Cards against Eastleigh on New Years Day at Kingfield. The visitors took the lead in the 69th minute thanks to Craig McAllister, only for Marritt's late show to salavage a draw.

 

Woking took a point from their Boxing Day visit to Eastleigh, thanks to an early strike from Dean Morgan and a Theo Lewis effort after 34 minutes. On Sunday Aldershot took a two goal first-half lead against the Cards at Kingfield, only for a late strike from Jack Marriott to give the Cards some hope to rescue a point. It wasen't to be,as the Shots held on for a 2-1 win.

 

Woking suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Southport at Kingfield on Saturday. The visitors took a two goal lead with strikes from Charlie Joyce and Dominic Collins. Gez Sole pulled a goal back for Woking with three minutes remaining, but it wasen't enough and the visitors went away with all the points.

 

Woking booked their place in the second round draw of the F.A Trophy, with a 2-0 victory against fellow Conference premier side Eastleigh at Kingfield on Saturday.

Goals from Jack Marriott and Josh Payne ensured the cards progressed into the next round of the competition.

 

Woking suffered a late strike, to deny them of a point against fellow high fliers Macclesfield Town at Moss Road on Saturday.

The home side oponed the scoring in the first half through Mathew Barnes-Holmer after 14 minutes. Dean Morgan levelled for the Cards, only for Paul Turnbull to snatch all three points for the home side with an 89th minute winner.

 

                                           WOKING    2        ALTRINCHAM    0

                                     Vanarama Conference Tuesday 2nd December 2014

                                            Peter Moore  at Kingfield

                                         Attendance: 1,056

Woking moved up to second in the Vanarama Conference, after second half strikes from Jack Marriott and Scott Rendell sealed another home win for the Cards.

 

Manager Gary Hill made one change to the side that defeated Braintree Town on Saturday. Scott Rendell coming in for Dean Morgan, who dropped to the bench.

Woking were on the front foot as early as the second minute,  a dipping shot from John Goddard was very well tipped away by Stuart Coburn in the Robins goal, backtracking. In the twelve minute the Cards had a great chance to open the scoring, but Goddard scooped his shot from ten yards out, over the bar. In the 21st minute following a corner, a Joey Jones header was cleared off the line. Despite a very open first forty five minutes, the teams went into the break goalless.

Inside the first four minutes of the second half, the deadlock was broken following a Josh Payne corner that the Robins failed to deal with, and Jack Marriott gobbled up the chance by tucking the ball away. The Cards doubled their advantage in the 65th minute, following a through ball to Scott Rendell, who stroked the ball past Coburn, for his 14th league goal of the season. Manager Hill made a double substitution immediately after the goal, by bringing off both goal scorers, with Giuseppe Sole and Dean Morgan entering the fray. Cards keeper Ross Worner was called into action in the 74th minute when a shot from Damian Reeves was brilliantly clawed away by the Woking stopper. The remaining 15 minutes saw Woking looking very comfortable, as they registered back to back home victories in the space of four days.

Meanwhile the club have confirmed that Aaron Howe has left the club by mutual agreement. Aaron, came through the Woking Academy system, but has been battling against so many injuries during the past two years, he feels this is the right time to take a break from football, and let his body fully recover.

                  

                                         WOKING    1     BRAINTREE  TOWN   0

                                                Vanarama  Conference Saturday 29th November 2014

                                              Peter Moore  at Kingfield

                                                  Attendance: 1,622

Woking maintained their play-off position, with a hard fought victory against Braintree at Kingfield. A John Goddard first half effort was the difference between the sides, as the Cards earned their first clean sheet for six games.

 

Manager Gary Hill made four changes to the side that lost to Grimsby in midweek. Ross Worner- started in goal- returning on loan from AFC Wimbledon. Keiran Murtagh, John Goddard and Dean Morgan, coming in for Jake Cole (injured), Adam Newton, Theo lewis and Scott Rendell who dropped to the bench.

The Cards lined up with a 4-4-2 formation, with Joey Jones slotting in at right-back, and James Clarke at centre back.  The Iron had the first effort on goal, when Captain Kenny Davis’s long range shot was pushed away for a corner by Worner. Woking had a glorious chance to open the scoring in the 12th minute, when Kevin Betsy had a free header inside the six yard box from Jack Marriott’s cross, but he failed to put the effort on target.

The Iron had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 35th minute when Davis sent a 25 yard shot which was heading into the top corner, only for Worner to produce a fine save to tip the ball away for a corner. The deadlock was eventually broken two minutes later when a Josh Payne free-kick was’nt properly cleared by the Iron defence, with the ball falling to John Goddard with a shot that nestled into the bottom corner.

Woking lost Keiran Murtagh to a head injury in the 64th minute, with Theo Lewis replacing him. Three minutes later Hill brought on Giuseppe Sole for Jack Marriott. With eleven minutes to go Braintree almost levelled when a free header from Sean Marks was a whisker away, following a free kick. Almost immediately substitute Theo Lewis’s shot was deflected inches over the bar. Five minutes later Iron substitute Jordan Cox’s header from a long throw, was tipped over the bar by Worner. Despite five minutes of added time, Woking held on for a valuable victory, and kept themselves in the hunt for a play-off place in the Conference.

 

 

Woking 1 (Cestor 57’) Barnet 1 (Cestor OG 2’)

Vanarama Conference

Attendance: 2,617

Saturday 22nd November, 2014   Jacob Greenwood at Kingfield

Woking manager Garry Hill has paid tribute to his side’s reaction for coming back from a goal down to get a ‘good point’ against league leaders Barnet.

The Bees started the game 8 points ahead of second-placed Grimsby and found themselves ahead in the second minute when Mike Cestor put the ball into his own net following a teasing cross from Elliot Johnson.

The home side struggled in the final third in the first half and could have gone in two goals down when a defensive Scott Rendell header almost found its way into the Woking net from a Barnet corner. Luckily for The Cards they were saved by the woodwork on this occasion.

Woking came out fighting in the second half and found themselves level when Chris Arthur put a looping cross into the box in the second phase of a corner. The ball found Rendell, who laid it off to Cestor and the defender calmly slotted home to make amends for his earlier misdemeanour and put The Cards level just before the hour mark, which pleased The Cards boss. He told reporters:

“(It was a) Great ball in from Chris Arthur and with some players coming out and losing their markers it has fallen to Michael Cestor. I am pleased he put the ball away. He was the culprit at one end by giving the head start but he grabbed the equaliser.”

Both sides had chances to win the games and the visitors felt they should have had a penalty when the on rushing Cards ‘keeper Jake Cole took out Bees captain Charlie McDonald in the area but the referee waved away the appeals.

Woking had chances of their own to snatch all three points at the death and came closest when James Clarke hit the byline, pulled the ball back but Adam Newton fired just wide. Despite not finding the winner, Hill was pleased with his sides’ response to going a goal down against strong opposition.

“I have been encouraged by the character shown by coming from behind in our last two home games against Wrexham and Barnet. It keeps us in an area in the league table where we want to be.”

The draw moved Woking one point behind Grimsby in second place ahead of their clash against The Mariners on Tuesday evening.

 

Woking moved up to third in the league after completing a 3-1 victory at the Shay against FC Halifax on Sunday. A brace from Adam Newton and a Giuseppe Sole free-kick put the Cards three nil up before the home side pulled a consolation goal back, through a Paul Marshall penalty.

 

Woking were dumped out of this seasons FA Cup, after being beaten 3-0 by fellow Conference side Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground on Sunday.

A Neil Ashton penalty and strikes from Wes York and Andy Bishop in the first half booked Wrexham's name into the hat for the second round.

 

Gez. Sole's 100th and 101st goals for Woking ensured the Cards progressed into the F.A Cup 1st round proper at the expense of Conference South side Boreham Wood at Kingfield. The 2-1 victory meant that the Cards are in the hat for Round 1 for the first time under Manager Gary Hill.

 

 

Woking suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat against bottom club AFC Telford at Kingfield on Saturday. Mike Phenix gave the visitors the lead, only for John Goddard to level. Phenix grabbed his second of the game after the break and Sam Smith sealed the victory for the visitors.

 

Three second half goals from Scott Rendell, Dean Morgan and Josh Payne, ensured Woking grabbed all three points at Altrincham on Saturday. The victory, moved the Cards up to second place in the league, three points behind leaders Barnet with a game in hand.

 

A Scott Rendell hat-trick, along with strikes from Gez Sole and Theo Lewis ensured the Cards picked up all three points in Lancashire on Saturday against Southport, as Woking ran out 5-2 winners.

 

The Cards returned to winning ways, after beating Nunneaten 1-0 on Tuesday at Kingfield. A Gez Sole free kick deep into stoppage time secured a welcome three points for the home side.

 

Woking suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. The Cards fell 3-0 down after 30 minutes. Despite strikes from Scott Rendell and Jack Marriott, the Cards suffered their third consecutive defeat.

 

Woking have reached an agreement with Ipswich Town for the loan transfer of Jack Marriott.

 

Torquay ended Woking's unbeaten start to the season, after a 90th minute winner from Luke Young settled the game at Plainmoor on Tuesday.

 

Woking made it three wins in the course of a week, and maintained their unbeaten start to the season, with a 1-0 win against Chester at Kingfield on Saturday.

Gez Sole's second goal in a week secured the points and moved Woking up to second in the table.

 

 

                                           WOKING  3     LINCOLN  CITY   1

                                   Vanarama Conference     6th September 2014

                                       Peter Moore at Kingfield

Woking continued their magnificent start to the season, by making it seven games unbeaten with a 3-1 victory against Lincoln City at Kingfield.

Two first half goals from Dean Morgan and Josh Payne gave the cards a two goal advantage, only for the Imps to pull a goal back through Jordan Burrow. With Lincoln pushing for an equaliser, Morgan’s second goal of the afternoon sent the home fans home happy.

Woking took the lead in the 15th minute, Scott Rendell crossed from the right into the path of Sole, who dummied, allowing Morgan to cut i9nside the area and slot the ball past Nick Townsend. A mistake from Mark Ricketts allowed Ben Tomlinson in, but his lofted effort went over the bar.

On 32 minutes Woking thought they had doubled their advantage when Sole threaded a pass to Rendell, who rounded the keeper, slotting in from a tight angle, only to see his effort chalked off for offside. With 40 minutes on the clock the Imps wasted a glorious chance to level following a corner which was flicked on to Burrow, who should have got his header on target, but his effort went wide of the post. On the stroke of half-time Woking doubled their advantage when the Cards were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Up stepped Josh Payne with a right-footed effort which beat Townsend into the bottom corner.

On 54 minutes Sole’s shot was parried by Townsend, Rendell having to stretch for the rebound, missed from just a few yards out. The effort wouldn’t have counted, as he was judged to be offside. In the 65th minute Lincoln pulled a goal back when Woking failed to deal with a corner. The ball rebounded around the six yard box, Burrow was on hand to poke the ball past Howe via a deflection along the line and off the post. If goal line technology was in evidence, it would have been used. Initially Referee Rock didn’t give the goal, but Assistant Ref. Barry deemed the ball had crossed the line.

With 17 minutes remaining Dean Morgan made the game safe for the Cards, following a breakaway, Rendell’s shot was parried by Townsend and there was Morgan who slotted home, to move Woking up to third in the Vanarama Conference, and continue their unbeaten start to the season.

                                                                  Attendance: 2,160  

 

 

 

                           

Woking maintained their unbeaten start to the season, after completing a 2-1 away victory against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday. Strikes from Scott Rendell and Dean Morgan secured all three points for the Cards.

                                    WOKING    6             DOVER 1

                           Vanarama Conference   Monday 25th August 2014

                                 Peter Moore at Kingfield

Four goals from Scott Rendell, and a brace from Giuseppe Sole ensured the Whites were hit for six on a bank holiday football feast at Kingfield.

 

On a very wet bank holiday afternoon in Surrey, despite continuous rain throughout the game, making conditions very slippery.

 Gary Hill rung the changes, after the Cards took a point at Welling on Saturday. Jake Cole- making his first team debut, Adam Newton, Giuseppe Sole and Keiran Murtagh in for Aaron Howe, Theo Lewis, Joey Jones- who dropped to the bench, and John Goddard.

The home side were on the front foot as early as the third minute when Dean Morgan worked his way down the left hand side and sent a low cross in across goal that fizzled across the area invitingly for somebody to stretch out a leg and poke home, unfortunately no Cards player could connect with the inviting cross.

The Whites thought they had taken the lead in the fifth minute following a corner, Nathan Elder headed past Cole, only for the Assistant Referee to flag for a foul. Five minutes later the deadlock was broken following a corner from Josh Payne which was flicked on by Scott Rendell and the alert Giuseppe Sole was on hand to pounce.

Ten minutes later Sole grabbed his and Woking’s second of the game. Keiran Murtagh went to the by-line, cut the ball back to Sole who hammered the ball past Walker. With 25 minutes showing on the clock the Cards made it 3-0 when Sole played the ball to Murtagh, who slipped in the area, but the ball fell straight to Scott Rendell who drilled home.

Three minutes later a mistake by Mark Ricketts let in Sterling, a last ditch tackle from James Clarke fell to Elder, but Cole pulled out a fine save to deny the striker. A couple of minutes later Dover got a lifeline into the game when Stefan Payne scored a fine solo effort with a low shot that gave Cole no chance.  Sole almost grabbed his hat-trick deep into first-half stoppage time after Rendell flicked the ball through to Sole who side footed the ball past Walker, but it dropped just wide of the post.

After 52 minutes Woking looked to have the game won when Sole fed Rendell who slotted the ball past Walker for his second of the game. Dover, to their credit never gave up, a Nathan Elder header was cleared off the line. The Visitors thought they had scored in the 69th minute when a header from Chris Nanetti was chalked out for a foul on Cole. Immediately afterwards Woking made it five when Sole’s shot was handled in the box by Richard Orlu. Up stepped Rendell who smashed the spot kick past Walker for his hat-trick. A worrying sight for Cards fans was Jake Cole limping off in the 71st minute to be replaced by Aaron Howe. Woking’s scoring spree wasn’t finished, in the 73rd minute Rendell grabbed his fourth of the game, after turning in the area and sending a shot past Walker.

With five minutes to go Dover almost scored a consolation goal when a mistake let in Payne, his effort was headed off the line by Joe McNerney. Howe was called into action with two minutes remaining when he blocked Jake Reid’s header. But Woking always looked in control, and were worthy winners, as they registered their first home league win of the campaign.

                       Attendance: 1,454

 

 

                                         WOKING      1     DARTFORD  1

                                    Vanarama Conference   Tuesday 12th August 2014

                                           Peter Moore at Kingfield

A dramatic added time Giuseppe Sole goal deep into injury time salvaged a point for Woking, and maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

Manager Gary Hill made two changes from the side that won their opening day fixture at Alfreton, bringing in Mike Cestor and Mark Ricketts for John Nutter and Joey Jones.

It was the home side who started the brighter, with Woking winning a corner in the fifth minute. The in swinging corner to the near post caused confusion in the Dartford area and Joe McNerney’s shot was cleared of the line. A minute later Keiran Murtagh side footed the ball wide. The home side were dominating the opening quarter, and in the 18th minute John Goddard had more time than he realised and snatched at an effort, side footing wide of the mark. Despite Woking dominating the opening first-half with possession and chances, it was goalless after the opening 45 minutes.

With just three minutes played in the second half Dartford took the lead following a corner, their first ,Rory McAuley rose above everybody else ,unmarked to head past Howe. Dartford were beginning to look the better side in the second half, gaining more possession than the Cards, and restricting Woking to very few chances. Gary Hill made a double change in the 75th minute bringing on Giuseppe Sole and Joey Jones for Murtagh and Payne. Dartford almost doubled their advantage when Aaron Howe was forced to make a fingertip save from an Andy Rich shot, which was deflected.

With added time showing of five minutes and the visitors looking like taking all three points, Woking salvaged a point in the 93rd minute when good work from Dean Morgan down the left hand side sent a pinpoint cross into the area and sub Giuseppe Sole sent a bullet header past Brown to rescue a point for the Cards.

                                                                 Attendance: 1,538

Woking eased to a comfortable 2-1 victory at Basingstoke Town on Saturday. Keiran Murtagh and John Goddard got their names on the score sheet.

 

The Cards suffered a 2-1 defeat against League One side Crawley Town in a pre-season friendly at Kingfield on Wednesday.

Scott Rendell- from the penalty spot- was the Cards goalscorer.

 

Woking suffered a 3-1 defeat against AFC Wimbledon in a pre-season friendly at Kingfield on Saturday. Scott Rendell scored Woking's goal.

 

Kevin Betsy is likely to miss the opening 12 weeks of the season, due to a torn Meniscal Liagament in his knee, which requires surgery.

 

                                                      WOKING  3    FALKIRK FC  2

                                                Pre-Season Friendly   Saturday 12th July 2014

                                                       Peter Moore at Kingfield

On a warm afternoon at Kingfield, Woking had to come from behind twice before beating Scottish Championship side Falkirk.

Woking included new signing Theo Lewis in their starting line-up, but Gary Hill’s other new recruit of the summer James Clarke failed to make the team due to an injury.

Scott Rendall had the ball in the net as early as the fifth minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for off side. The early exchanges were dominated by the Cards with Kieran Murtagh sending a volley a whisker away. The Bairns took the lead against the run of play in the 18th minute when Murtagh brought down Tom Taiwo. Blair Alston fired a 30 yard free kick into the bottom corner.

The Cards were behind for just three minutes when John Goddard played in Murtagh who rolled the ball past Jamie Macdonald in the visitor’s goal. As like the opening half, against the run of play Falkirk struck when Adam Newton tripped Conner McGrandles in the box. Rory Loy calmly slotted the spot kick past Aaron Howe.

Ten minutes later Woking were back on level terms when David McCracken handled in the area. Scott Rendall stepped up and stroked the ball past MacDonald. With nine minutes remaining the Cards scored the winning goal. Oliver Taylor crossed from the right, Reece Beckles shot crashed against the bar with the ball rebounding out to trialist Abdellah Hicham who drilled his shot past MacDonald to give Woking a well-deserved win.

                                        Attendance: 736

Woking have also confirmed that Mike Cestor has signed for the forthcoming season. Aaron Howe and Joe McNerney both have a year left on their two-year contracts, and John Nutter will be on non-contract forms, due to work commitments. Joey Jones, has also signed for the forthcoming season. Woking have also signed former Plymouth Argyle keeper Jake Cole. Jake, 28, started his career at Queens Park Rangers, before moving on to Oxford United and Barnet.

Woking will open up their Conference Premier campaign with a trip to Alfreton Town on Saturday 9th August. Three days later on the 12th , Dartford become the first side to travel to Kingfield this season. On Saturday 16th, Macclesfield Town visit the Cards, to complete the opening week of the season.

Woking travel to local rivals Aldershot Town on Tuesday 9th September, and visit Bristol Rovers on Saturday 20th. Over the Christmas period, the Cards face Eastleigh away on Boxing Day and are at home to Aldershot on Sunday 28th. New Years Day will see Eastleigh visit Kingfield. Woking will finish the league season at home, when FC Halifax Town come to Surrey on Saturday 25th April.

 

Woking have signed Defender James Clarke from Salisbury City. The 24 year-old is a central defender, but is comfortable playing anywhere along the back four. The Cards have also made their second signing from Salisbury City with the signature of Theo Lewis. The 22 year-old is mainly a midfield player, but can play in attack.

 

Kevin Betsy has signed a contract for the forthcoming season. Betsy, has started 94 league games in a row for the Cards, scoring 22 goals in his second spell.

 

Keiran Murtagh, will sign permanently for Woking on the 1st August, once his release from Mansfield is finalised.

 

  The Cards have added two more pre-season matches to their schedule. On Saturday 19th July a Fulham X1 will visit Kingfield with a 3 pm kick off. Woking will visit  Conference South Side Basingstoke Town on Saturday 2nd August, with a 2 pm kick-off.

 

Woking can also confirm that Adam Newton, Giuseppe Sole and Scott Rendell have also signed contractual forms for the forthcoming season. The Cards have also announced four home pre-season friendlies. Woking will play Scottish Championship side Falkirk on Saturday 12th July at 3 pm. League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon  will make the trip to Kingfield on Saturday 26th July. John Gregory will bring his League One side Crawley Town to Kingfield on Wednesday 30th July, with a 7.45 pm kick off, and six days later on Tuesday 5th August a West Ham X1 will make the trip to the Cards.

John Goddard, Mark Ricketts and Josh Payne have all signed contractual forms for next season.

Woking wrapped up a very successful season with a 4-2 victory at Tanworth on Saturday. A Scott Rendell Brace and strikes from Giuseppe Sole and Kevin Betsey sealed the points for the Cards.

 

Derby defeat for the Cards

 

 

 

Woking 1 – Aldershot Town 2

 

 

 

Monday 21st April

 

 

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

 

 

The long wait for a league victory over local rivals Aldershot Town continued after a disappointing 2-1 defeat in front of over four and a half thousand people at Kingfield. Second half goals from Mark Molesley and ex Card Brett Williams were enough to secure the Shots a place in the Skrill Premier for a second season in a row.

 

 

 

With Garry Hill unable to select captain Mark Ricketts due to suspension, midfielders Kieran Murtagh and Joey Jones who are both injured for the rest of the season and Jack Marriott who retuned to his parent club Ipswich Town, Garry Hill had a huge task in preventing the Shots producing back to back victories for the first time since December.

 

 

 

Nevertheless it was the home side - who were roared on by a incredibility large vocal crowd began brightly when Mike Cestor headed narrowly over from a John Goddard corner, minutes later Aldershot’s goalkeeper Glenn Morris had to be alert to prevent Scott Rendell opening the scoring, but the keeper was quick off his line to produce a stunning save to block the striker. Brett Williams went close for the away side midway through the half, after shooting from a narrow angle inside the area, but keeper Beasant got down low to deny the striker.

 

 

 

With half an hour played, the home side should have been awarded a penalty; John Goddard floated a high ball into the heart of the penalty area, Chris Barker attempted to clear the ball but it in the process the ball hits the hand of the player but to the amazement of all the home team the official did not point to the spot.

 

 

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Aldershot Town 0

 

 

 

After a tight and cagey first forty five minutes the second half exploded with both sides carving out chances on a regular basic. Rendell who managed to escape his defender poorly headed over the bar from inside the six yard area. Williams somehow completely missed the ball with the goal gapping and Craig Stanley long range shot was marvellously tipped over the bar by Beasant.

 

 

 

However on 64 minutes the pivotal moment arose; Emmanuel Oyeleke’s long-range shot, struck Cestor’s out stretched arm inside the penalty area and Aldershot were handed the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot. Garry Hill stated after the game his “disappointment” at the awarding of the penalty with Woking’s earlier appeal seeming a more firm call. Nevertheless Brett Williams slotted the ball past Beasant to send the traveling away following into rapture, sadly during the celebrations a small number of Shots fans attempted to enter the pitch but the large police presence stopped this from occurring.

 

 

 

The lead just lasted seven minutes, John Nutter’s corner was cleared by Craig Stanley, but Josh Payne collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and picked out Rendell inside the penalty area. The striker unselfishly found the unmarked Brett Johnson who was on hand to steer the ball past Morris to send three-quarters of a packed Kingfield into utter delirium.

 

 

 

Unfortunately for Woking, the away side took the lead for a second time with less than five minutes remaining. On the counter-attack, Josh Scott found Molesley, whose curling shot was heading towards the near post but a cruel and crucial deflection off John Nutter sent it looping and bouncing across the goal, almost in slow motion, beyond Beasant’s dive and into the top left hand corner of the net.

 

 

 

This was a huge blow for the home side, but still in injury time Woking could have equalised, substitute Anthony McNamee wiped a low ball to the far post, Mike Cestor who was now playing on the left wing tried to connect with the ball but the Frenchman slipped and the ball bounced off his knee and out of play.

 

 

 

Full Time: Woking 1 – Aldershot Town 2

 

 

 

At full time the Aldershot manager Andy Scott danced down the touch line in delight after steering his side away from back to back relegations. In truth Woking’s local rivals deserved to take all three points but Woking fans must remember what a successful season Garry Hill’s side have had. The Cards now travel to the Midlands to face already relegated Tamworth Town on Saturday, for their last outing of the season hoping to take all three points.

 

 

 

Finally the Cards end their season at Kingfield the following Wednesday for the Surrey Senior Cup final against Premier Division side Metropolitan Police, looking to lift the trophy for the second time in three seasons.

 

 



  

Cards complete excellent comeback to seal all three points

 

Woking 2 – Alfreton town 1

 

Saturday 12th April

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

After three games in the previous seven days Garry Hill’ side produced a stunning second half display to defeat play off challengers Alfreton Town. Late goals from Joey Jones and fans favourite Jack Marriott was enough to grab all three points in front of a large and atmospheric crowd at Kingfield.

 

Garry Hill made three changes from Thursday’s 3-0 loss to second place Cambridge United with Scott Rendell, John Nutter and Brett Johnson coming back into the starting line up. Alfreton Town looked to control proceedings, Shaun Harrad had a great opportunity with two minutes played to open the scoring, he squeezed his way past Joe McNerney and ran towards Sam Beasant in goal but the striker failed to hit the target with only the keeper to beat. Minutes later John Akinde thought he had opened the scoring after Connor Franklin’s high looping ball into the penalty area found the front man but the ex Crawley striker strayed offside before slotting the ball into the net.

 

Nevertheless it was Akinde who took the lead for the Reds, Harrad's misdirected his shot which found the ex-Portsmouth striker all on his own and from eight yards out he tapped the ball into an empty net.

 

Hill’s side hit back strongly in the remaining minutes of the half, Rendell went close on two occasions both with his head and Payne forced keeper Jon Worsnop into a fine save low down to his right. However the away sides should have doubled their lead when Tom Shaw was brilliantly denied one on one by Beasant, a chance the Reds will lately regret.

 

Half time: Woking 0 – Alfreton Town 1

 

Whatever Garry Hill said at half time it affected his side in a positive way. Marriott was brilliantly denied at close range from Worsnop. Rendell smashed the post from a very tight angle and Reds defender Josh Law almost headed into his net, but fortunately for his side the ball flicked off the crossbar and out of play.

 

Back came the visitors in what was proving to be a very exciting second half, Connor Franklin long range shot from twenty yards was saved well from Beasant and Akinde again went close from inside the area but missed timed his shot.

 

With ten minutes remaining the Cards equalized through loanee Joey Jones, from a John Nutter free kick Jones beat his defender and headed the ball in off the post. The Cards wentagonizingly close to taking the lead; substitute Gez Sole from outside the penalty area smashed the underside of the bar and somehow the ball bounced into the keeper’s hand instead of trickling into the net.

 

With time running out, the home side took the lead in dramatic fashion. Josh Payne magnificently floated the ball into the path of Marriott who beat a trailing defender, controlled the ball with his chest then volleyed the ball into the top corner of the net, to send Kingfield into rapture.

 

Full Time: Woking 2 – Alfreton Town 1

 

After a tough seven days, seven points from four grueling games was a great outcome, the Cards now face Forest Green Rovers who even though they can’tmathematically reach the play offs, the Bristolians will want to take revenge from their 2-1 defeat earlier on in the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

                                   WOKING   0   CAMBRIDGE UNITED 3

 

                           Skrill Premier Thursday 10th April 2014

 

                                         Peter Moore at Kingfield

 

Promotion chasing Cambridge United completed a comfortable victory over Woking at Kingfield.

 

Goals from Delano Sam-York, Luke Chadwick and Liam Hughes secured the U’s sixth win in their last seven.

 

But to be fair to Woking they looked a tired unit; understandably so as this was the Cards third game in the last five days.

 

Gary Hill made three changes to the side that were denied victory at Grimsby on Tuesday, Mike Cestor, Joseph Jones and Guiseppe Sole coming in for John Nutter, John Goddard and Scott Rendell.

 

Second placed Cambridge opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Sam-York turned inside the area and placed a low shot past Beasant into the bottom corner. Eight minutes later Cambridge doubled their advantage when the experienced Luke Chadwick calmly lifted the ball over the on-rushing Beasant.

 

With five minutes remaining the visitors wrapped up victory when Ashley Chambers shot was punched away by Beasant with Hughes following up he smashed the ball into the roof of the net to maintain Cambridge’s pursuit of Luton for automatic promotion.

 

                             Attendance: 1,805 Away attendance: 306

 

 

 

 



Woking made it six consecutive wins with a 2-0 victory away at Hereford on Saturday. First half goals from Scott Rendell and Adam Newton was enough to secure all three points for the Cards.

   

                               WOKING 2 FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1

 

                                             Skrill Premier   Tuesday 1st April 2014

 

                                       Peter Moore at Kingfield

 

It was double delight for Woking after coming from behind to a superb Lee Hughes strike, goals from Scott Rendell and Jack Marriott ensured the Cards made it five consecutive wins in the Skrill Premier.

 

A few hours earlier Gary Hill picked up the Skrill Manager of the month award for March. The Gaffer made just one change to the starting line-up, with Sam Beasant starting in goal in place of the injured Aaron Howe.

 

Woking had the better of the early exchanges and had a good chance to open the scoring when Joe McNerney’s goal bound header was cleared of the line. Keiran Murtagh tested Russell in the Rovers goal with a volley into the ground that the stopper parried to safety.

 

In the 41st minute the Cards should have taken the lead when Rendell volleyed over the bar from six yards out. In the 63rd minute Rovers took the lead when veteran Lee Hughes turned and smashed a volley into the far corner of the net. But the Cards were quick to respond to this setback just three minutes later when Eddie Odoshi handled in the box, Rendell stepped up and slotted the ball down the middle for his 14th League goal of the season.

 

In the 82nd minute the Woking comeback was complete when John Goddard’s lobbed pass fell to Marriott to hit a half-volley past Russell for his 11th League goal of the campaign.

 

Kevin Betsy almost grabbed a third for the home side when a long range shot hit the post. Despite Hughes going close with a header in stoppage time, Woking fully deserved all three points to move up to mid table and continue their impressive run.

 

                     Attendance: 1,315



Woking pulled of a senstaional 1-0 victory against league leaders Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Monday.

 Gez Sole scored the only goal of the game in the 87th minute, nodding home after Keiran Murtagh's volley had hit the bar.

A brace from Scott Rendell along with a Josh Payne effort secured a magnificent 3-1 victory for the Cards against Barnet at the Hive on Saturday.

 

Card’s produce the goods in a stunning second half

 

 

 

Woking 3 – Macclesfield Town 2

 

 

 

Saturday 22nd February

 

 

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

 

 

The Cards produced a stunning second half performance to move Garry Hill’s side nine points above the regelation zone. Goals from Jack Marriott, John Goddard and Scott Rendell were enough to defeat a Macclesfield side who were previously on an impressive run of one defeat in their eight preceding outing before visiting Kingfield.

 

 

 

Hill made three changes from Tuesday’s 5-1 horror show against rivals Dartford with Mike Cestor, Marriott and ex Silkmen Kieran Murtagh coming into the starting line-up. However with only three minutes played Cestor was at fault for the visitor’s early goal. Peter Winn drifted a high ball into the heart of the penalty area, the French defender tried to clear the ball but it somehow got caught under his feet allowing Scott Boden to latch upon the mistake and slam the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

 

 

 

A sense of gloom went around Kingfield with many Woking fans wondering whether Tuesday’s performance might be reproduced but thankfully this did not occur. Midway through the first half central defender Joe McNerney went agonisingly close to levelling proceedings. Josh Payne who was conducting everything positive for the Cards in the first half wiped a great free kick into the penalty area where ‘The Beast’ rose the highest, but on the line was Andy Halls who just managed to head the ball over the crossbar.

 

 

 

From the resulting corner the home side went close again, Payne floating the ball once again into the heart of the box but this time Cestor went close hitting the cross bar from only a few yards out.

 

 

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Macclesfield Town 1

 

 

 

With an hour played it seemed that disaster had struck for Garry Hill’s side, when Tranmere Rovers loanee Akpo Sodje was brought down in the penalty area by Mark Ricketts….. but to the amazement of everyone at Kingfield nothing was given! The Cards counterattacked at a vicious pace, Marriott who was having a quiet game up to this moment, ran the whole length beating five trailing defenders, the loanee then cut into the Silkmen box and side footing the ball low past keeper Rhys Taylor and into the bottom corner of the net.

 

 

 

The home side sensed a second; Payne wonderfully found Marriott on the edge of the box, the striker then controlled the ball up slalomed his way past Andy Halls and shot high into the corner of the net but a superb save from Taylor denied the striker. However from the resulting corner the Cards took the lead. Payne’s corner was headed away at the front post from Paul Turnball but the ball fell to Goddard and his unstoppable shot fired into the top corner of the net from thirty yards out.

 

 

 

Ecstasy spread across Kingfield but this was only short lived a two minutes later, Woking gifted Macclesfield a second goal to stun Kingfield back into silence. Beasant failed to collect a high cross in his six yard area, the ball fell invitingly for George Pilkington who with a calm finish slotted the ball into the roof of the net.

 

 

 

Still the drama was not over yet, the Silkmen should of taken the lead when Sodje on the edge of the Woking area, twisted his way past McNerney, shot but Beasant made up for his previous mistake and produced a world class save high to his right. With twelve minutes remaining Hill’s side took a huge step in securing their place in the Skrill Premier for a third season, Goddard split the Macclesfield defence in two finding Rendell on the edge of the box who magnificently curled the ball high out of reach of the keeper and into the net.

 

 

 

With seconds remaining striker Chris Holroyd thought he had stolen a point for his side but once again Beasant produced a great save at point blank range and with that the final whistle was blown!

 

 

 

Full Time: Woking 3 – Macclesfield Town 2

 

 

 

Large celebrations occurred at the final whistle, a sign of a united team, and this result going somewhere in making up for Tuesday’s defeat. The tough run of games continue for the Cards when on Saturday they face in form Barnet at the Hive but if they can produce a similar performance to the one at Gateshead then the Bees should be wary of Marriott and co.



  Woking ended Gateshead's nine- game unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory at the International Stadium on Saturday. A John Nutter strike after just two minutes and a John Goddard effort were enough for the Cards to seal victory.

                       

                                                WOKING   3   HEREFORD UNITED 0

 

                                             Skrill Premier Tuesday 3rd February

 

                                                    Peter Moore at Kingfield

 

The returning trio of Jack Marriott, Scott Rendell and Keiran Murtagh inspired Woking to a fine victory against the Bulls, as the Cards moved nine points clear of the relegation zone.

 

Two goals in the course of a couple of minutes from Marriott and Murtagh put the Cards on their way to victory, with man of the match Josh Payne grabbing a goal with a couple of minutes remaining, to ensure Woking’s first league win in their last four games.

 

Manager Hill made three changes to the starting line up from the Cards last outing, with Rendell, Marriott and Beasant coming in for Sole, Cestor and Springthorpe.

 

The Cards made the early breakthrough in the 24th minute when a John Nutter cross found Marriott in the box, his glancing header in to the bottom corner beat Lloyd-Weston in the visitors goal.

 

Two Minutes later Woking doubled their advantage when Murtagh shot into the bottom corner from a Josh Payne pass. In the 37th minute another fine cross from Nutter which was headed back across goal for Rendell, but his effort was stopped by Lloyd-Weston.

 

Hereford improved in the second half, but never looked like troubling a solid backline of the Cards. With just two minutes remaining Payne capped a deserved man of the match performance by getting on to the score sheet. He played a lovely 1-2 with Rendell before smashing the ball into the net to wrap up a thoroughly deserved win for the Cards, before they start a run of three consecutive away games beginning with Salisbury City next Tuesday 11th February.

 

                                     Attendance: 1,131                                           



  Both Jack Marriott and Keiran Murtagh have re joined the club on loan until the end of the season.

   Scott Rendell has signed contract forms with the club until the end of the season. The club have also signed on loan 19 year old Joe Jones from Yeovil. The defender, who can play at centre back or any position along the back line, was previously at Leicester City.

Woking came away from Sincil Bank on Saturday with a deserved point, which could have been three, but Giuseppe Sole's last minute penalty was saved. The Cards took the lead through Kevin Betsy. Lincoln then levelled and took the lead only for Sole to level, with the Cards heading back to Surrey with a point.  

 

                                                 WOKING   0 CHESTER 1

 

                                             Skrill Premier   Tuesday 21st January 2014

 

                                         Peter Moore at Kingfield

 

A Jamie Reed goal in the first half enabled The Blues to move out of the relegation places, against a lack lustre Cards at Kingfield.

 

In truth Woking failed to muster a single effort on goal, and suffered a second consecutive defeat after Saturday’s loss to Welling.

 

Gary Hill made two changes to the starting line up with Goal keeper Mason Springthorpe making his debut for the Cards, and Brett Johnson coming in for the suspended Kieran Murtagh.

 

The Cards had the better of the opening 15 minutes and had good claims for a penalty turned down by Referee Dean Treleaven when Kevan Betsy looked to have been fouled in the box. But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Jamie Reed raced down the left hand side and cut inside before unleashing a curling shot into the top corner with Springthorpe beaten.

 

A couple of minutes later a Josh Payne free kick was a whisker away from levelling the scores. Deep into time added on in the first half the Blues almost made it two when a free kick into the area caused problems to the Cards back line and Craig Lindfield stretching, hooked the ball over from a few yards out.

 

The visitors started the second period on the front foot and after 55 minutes looked to have had a strong claim for a penalty turned down when Lindfield appeared to have been brought down, the ball ricocheted to Jamie Menagh whose shot was blocked on the line by McNerney.

 

In the 73rd minute the Cards had a wonderful opportunity to snatch an undeserved point when a corner was floated into the box and McNerney totally unmarked with a downward header which went wide.

 

Despite some late Cards pressure the visitors always looked comfortable, and registered their second win under new boss Steve Burr.

 

                           Attendance: 1,124

 

 



  

Cards fail to impress against the Wings

 

Welling United 3 – Woking 0

 

Jacob Hutchinson at Kingfield

 

After the Cards defeated Braintree Town and Welling losing to previously winless Hyde, the large number of travelling Woking fans were confident of leaving Kent with all three points. Instead a typical powerful Welling performance was far too much for Garry Hill’s side and in truth they were comfortably beaten.

 

Woking remained unchanged from last week’s excellent victory at home to Braintree Town, but the away side found it hard against a well organised Wings side. Former Card Harry Beautyman had the first real opportunity of the game mid way through the half, his long range shot was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Beasant. The Woking number one was once again called into action a few minutes later, with the home side cranking up the pressure Kurtis Guthrie skimmed his way past right back Adam Newton, shot but Beasant palmed the ball out of play.

 

The Cards grew into the half but it was their final ball which let them down on many occasions, both Betsy and Murtagh should have simply played in lone striker Gez Sole but instead tried to be too clever and on both occasions failed to find Sole, with the striker only having the keeper to beat.

 

However apart from all of Welling’s near misses with sixty seconds to go Woking were still in the game, however disaster struck when loanee midfielder Kieran Murtagh stupidly go himself a second yellow card for a rash tackle on midfielder Josh Wakefield, after only ten minutes earlier getting booked for kicking the ball away. The completion of the game changed from that moment on.

 

Half Time- Welling United 0 – Woking 0

 

With an hour played the Cards resilient defense was finally broken, the Wings counter attacked from a Woking set piece. Newton’s lack of pace was exposed by Baily Cargill's who got past the right back and drilled a low ball into the six yard area where Healy stabbed the ball into the net.

 

Welling were now controlling proceedings and only ten minutes later they doubled their lead. Mike Cestor who apart from this moment was having another excellent performance needlessly brought down Guthrie inside the box and the referee had no option but to award a penalty. Beasant then superbly saved Ross Lafayette's penalty diving away to his right, but the Woking players failed to react first and Healy slammed the ball high into the roof of the net.

 

Welling’s Captain Lee Clarke sealed the victory with time running out after his low shot found the bottom corner of the net from just inside the penalty area after the Card’s defense failed to clear their lines on two occasions.

 

In truth the Cards were poor except of keeper Beasant who kept his side in the game during the first fourth five minutes and was not at fault with any of the goals. After the Wings had gone three up, Hill brought on youngster Reece Beckles who was by far the brightest outfield player for the away side and in injury time should have been awarded a penalty, but the referee failed to see any contact by defender Doug Bergqvist on the forward.

 

Full Time: Welling United 3 – Woking 0

 

Overall a Saturday Woking fans won’t remember in a while, but credit must be given to a well organized Wing’s line up. Tuesday’s game against relegation battlers Chester now becomes a must win for Hill’s side or they might begin to start looking nervously looking behind them at the regelation zone.

 

 



 

Impressive Cards defeat hapless Braintree

 

Woking 1 – Braintree Town 0

 

Saturday 11th January

 

Jacob Hutchinson at Kingfield

 

The Cards bounced back from their dismal performance against Salisbury City on Boxing Day, to comfortably beat Braintree Town at Kingfield. A second half goal from Joe McNerney was the difference between the two sides which now moves Garry Hill’s side eight points clear of the relegation zone.

 

With Woking’s influential loan trio of Jack Marriott, Scott Rendell and Charles Banya back at their clubs, Gez Sole and John Goddard started for the first time this season and Mike Cestor rejoined McNerney in the centre of defence.

 

Without both Marriott and Rendell who together had scored 15 goals in two months, the responsibility on Sole leading the line was huge, but the local boy did not look fazed throughout the ninety minutes. The first half an hour was frantic with Woking controlling the ball for large parts of the half but failing to convert their possession into chances. Goddard’s cross-cum-shot caused trouble in the Braintree penalty area with Hamann tipping the ball onto the crossbar and minutes later Sole’ weak shot from inside the six yard area was easily saved. However it was the away side that nearly opened the scoring, Bradley Quinton spit the Woking’s defence in half, found Dan Holman but the forward dragged his shot just past the post.

 

On forty minutes loanee Kieran Murtagh must have thought he’d scored for his new club, the midfielder from just outside the penalty area volleyed the ball into the corner of the net but somehow Hamann finger tipped the ball over his goal.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Braintree Town 0

 

For the opening stages Braintree were camped in their own half, trying to resist the Cards attacking play. Minutes in Betsy lost his marker on the far side, ran towards goal and slotted the ball past the German keeper but sadly for Woking the ball hit the post and bounced out of play. Both Sole and Josh Payne forced Hamann into good saves in opening ten minutes, with many at Kingfield wondering whether they might regret not taking one any of their opportunities.

 

However with an hour played, a huge roar of relief went across Kingfield thanks to McNerney who scored his fifth of the season; however a lot of credit must go to Murtagh for part in the goal.

 

From a Goddard corner, he found the loanee whose shot crashed the post but luckily for the home side, “the Beast” reacted first and toe pocked the ball under the keeper and into the net.

 

Woking’s goal raised the Iron’s back into life and they went close on seventy minutes from Kenny Davis looping header, which went narrowly over the bar. Substitute Bernard Mensah shot should have caused more trouble than it did but with less than ten minutes to play, the Iron’s had the ball in the net....... James Mulley found the ball on the left hand side, crossed high into the Woking six year area where Cox headed into the goal, but there was a clear push on McNerney and the ref disallowed the goal.

 

As the fourth official showed three minutes of injury time, the tension across the ground grew, in the last thirty seconds Braintree could and maybe should have snatched a point. Mike Cestor who was completely unchallenged slipped on the half way line and Cox collected the ball ran towards Beasant, but with the keeper rushing off his line the forward poorly missed from no more than five yards out.

 

Full Time: Woking 1 – Braintree Town 0

 

The Cards have now won six of their last eight league matches, and have moved away from the relegation battle – for the moment. Hill’s side face play-off hopefuls Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday but crucially the following Tuesday Chester visit Kingfield in a match the Cards cannot afford to lose.



Woking have rearranged two Skrill Premier matches. On Tuesday 11th February the Cards will visit Salisbury City, and on Tuesday 18th February Woking will visit Dartford.

Scott Rendell has completed his loan spell with the Cards, and has returned to his parent club Luton town. Jack Marriott's loan period has also finished, and he will be joining Gillingham on loan.

   

Cards end 2013 on a disappointing note

 

Woking 1 – Salisbury City 3

 

Boxing Day..  Jacob Hutchinson at Kingfield

 

After six victories in the last seven league outings and Garry Hill’s men moving nine points above the relegation zone, morale was high amongst fans and players alike but the Cards was stunned by an excellent Salisbury performance completely outplaying Woking in all departments.

 

Woking dominated the early proceedings and took a deserved lead thanks to Jack Marriott. The Ipswich loanee squeezed the ball past the out rushing keeper into the corner of the net after Josh Payne wonderful through ball split the City defence apart.

 

Sadly for Woking this lead only lasted three minutes, Clovis Kamdjo outpaced stand in right back Mark Ricketts, beat Brett Johnson on the edge of the box and coolly side footed the ball under the body of Sam Beasant and into the bottom corner of the goal – but really the keeper should have kept the shot out.

 

As soon as Woking conceded the home side seemed to stop playing their usual fast paced attacking football and this fell into the hands of Salisbury who began to take control of the game, both Andrew MacDonald and Stuart Sinclair went close, with the latter striking the crossbar with half an hour played. With all of Salisbury’s possession and attempts on goal it was only a matter of time before the visitors scored their second of the afternoon. Once again poor defending the catalyst for the Cards. A high floated ball fell into the heart of the Woking penalty area which Beasant did not deal with, and with the keeper out of his goal Chris McPhee slammed the ball into the roof of the net.

 

Half Time: Woking 1 – Salisbury City 2

 

Garry Hill sent his side out early for the second half and they huffed and puffed in the opening stages of the second half but did not trouble Puddy in goal. But it was Salisbury who nearly increased their lead. Theo Lewis saw his header crash the crossbar and Ricky Wellard shot was magnificently cleared off the line by substitute Mike Cestor.

 

After chances came and went for the visitors, Woking fans were wondering whether they might snatch an unlikely draw, and the home side came close on 70 minutes. Betsy wiped the ball into the box where Scott Rendell lost his marker and headed into the corner of the goal but Puddy made a good save low to his right. Substitute Gez Sole came inches away to scoring his first of the season from a free kick twenty yards out, but the striker’s set piece grazed the crossbar. With seconds remaining of the ninety Cestor nearly levelled in bizarre circumstances when his cross-cum-shot went agonisingly close to trickle into the corner of the net with the keeper beaten.

 

However Salisbury soaked up the Woking pressure and in the first minute of injury time sealed the three points. City broke from a Card corner, Kamdjo picked the ball up on the edge of his own penalty area beating four trailing Woking players, slid the ball into the feet of Harvey who beat Beasant at the near post.

 

Full Time: Woking 1 – Salisbury City 3

 

In reflection any Woking fan would admit that their side were second best for the whole ninety minutes, Salisbury came to Kingfield with a plan to stop Hill’s side fast attacking style of football and it worked to perfection. However Woking will now travel to Salisbury on New Year’s Day looking to take revenge and most importantly take all three points and end their horrible record in recent years against their Southern rivals.



  Two second half goals in the space of ten minutes from Jack Marriott and Kevin Betsy secured a fine 2-0 victory away at Nuneaton on Saturday in the Skrill Premier.

  Woking crashed out of this seasons FA Trophy, after a 4-0 defeat to Skrill North leaders North Ferriby Utd. A brace from King along with strikes from Wilson and Clarke sealed victory for the Villagers.

     

                                               WOKING 1 KIDDERMINSTER 0

 

                                         Skrill Premiership   Tuesday 10th December 2013

 

                                                   Peter Moore at Kingfield

 

Scott Rendell’s seventh goal of the season was enough for the Cards to gain a well-deserved victory over promotion chasing Kidderminster at Kingfield on Tuesday.

 

Gary Hill sent out an unchanged starting X1 that registered an impressive win at Halifax on Saturday. Woking created the first change of the game after just three minutes when Charles Banya’s shot from 20 yards was a whisker away from goal. Six minutes later Kevin Betsy crossed for an unmarked Jack Marriott inside the six yard area, but his header was straight at the Harriers keeper.

 

Woking went close again in the 38th minute when Josh Payne unleashed a long range shot which dropped inches wide. Despite the Cards creating the game’s best chances, it was the visitors who had a strong penalty appeal waved away in the 41st minute when Joe Lolley went down in the area after Mark Rickett’s tackle.

 

The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when a Kevin Betsy low cross was tucked away by Rendall. Woking, to their credit defended well for the remaining 25 minutes, and hung on to record their fifth win in the last six games.

 

                                           Attendence: 1,166

 

 



Despite falling behind within 90 seconds, Woking became the first side to win at the Shay, with a 4-3 victory. The Ipswich Town loanee Jack Marriott scored a hat-trick, along with a strike from Scott Rendell.

 The Cards recieved a double boost 24 hours earlier with the news that an agreement has been reached with Ipswich for the continuation of Marriott's loan deal, along with Fulham's Charles Banya.

  The club can also confirm that the Skrill Premier match aginst Chester, originally scheduled for Saturday 14th December, has now been moved to Tuesday 21st January at Kingfield.



    Woking booked their passage into the second round of the FA Trophy, after securing a 3-0 victory aginst Hereford at Edgar Street. A brace from Scott Rendell and a Jack Marriott strike secured victory.



Woking's Skrill Premier match against Kidderminster, originally scheduled for Saturday 7th December at Kingfield  has now been rearranged for Tuesday 10th December with a 7.45 pm kick off. The away fixture against the Harriers, originally scheduled for Saturday 9th November, will now be played on Tuesday 14th January, with a 7.45 pm kick off.

 

The club have also announced the loan signing of Keiran Murtagh from Mansfield. Murtagh will join the Cards until the 4th January, this will be his third spell with the club.

 Two early goals from Harrison Dunk, secured a 2-0 victory for league leaders Cambridge United against Woking at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.

  

Stunning comeback lifts Cards out of the drop zone

 

Woking 3 – Hyde 2

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

Saturday 16th November 2013

 

The Cards recorded back to back victories for the first time this season after defeating bottom of the table Hyde 3-2 at Kingfield on a chilly autumn afternoon.

 

Garry Hill kept the same starting eleven from last Tuesday’s brilliant 3-0 victory against Dartford and with a quarter of an hour played the hosts were stunned when Adam Blakeman was allowed to skip his way past winger Charles Banya. Blakeman crossed the ball into the heart of the Woking area, where Reece Gray side footed the ball into the net. Only eight minutes later, Woking found themselves two down - to a side who had not won a single game this season!! Gray outmuscled McNerney on the edge of the box, used his pace to squeeze his way past Parkinson and with Woking’s keeper Beasant rushing out of his goal, the striker coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

 

A stunned silence reverberated around Kingfield; Woking now had to try and overturn a two goal margin for the first time in three seasons. The last time Woking managed this was when they defeated Weston-Super-Mare 4-3, back in May 2011. However the Cards heads did not drop and the forward duo of Scott Rendell and Jack Marriott were keeping the Hyde defence on high alert throughout the remainder of the half. With only five minutes remaining, Marriott halved the deficit; Mark Ricketts craftily floated the ball into the Hyde box, where the Ipswich Town loanee controlled the ball, turned, then volleyed into the top corner of the net. Rendell nearly equalised minutes later, but keeper Lawrence Vigouroux made a point blank save to deny the forward his fifth for the club.

 

Half Time: Woking 1 – Hyde 2

 

With the home faithful roaring their side on in the Kingfield Road End, Woking began the second half as they ended the first - controlling possession and forcing Vigouroux into a number of top quality saves. Nevertheless, with only three minutes played, the Cards equalised through Rendell. Josh Payne’s long range shot was well saved but on the rebound Rendell slammed the ball into the roof of the net from only a couple of yards out.

 

Woking were now in complete control and the Hyde players seemed content to try and hold out for a point, but in reality it was only a matter of time before the Tigers would concede for a third time. Marriott who had the beating of the whole visiting back four had a couple of chances but Vigouroux kept producing save after save to deny him, but with time starting to run out, Marriott scored this third goal in a week to overturn the two goal deficit. Right back Adam Newton’s low driven cross, found Marriott at the far post and the forward, side footed the ball into the net, to send the home fans into rapture.

 

Woking should have increased their lead in the dying minutes, with both Payne and substitute John Goddard crashing the ball over the bar from close range, when really they should have both scored.

 

Full Time: Woking 3 – Hyde 2

 

So - Woking ended the week pushing themselves out of the relegation zone, after two crucial wins in a week. There are a number of positives to take from this game, the performances of Marriott and Rendell were outstanding but the midfield duo of Ricketts and Payne are becoming a vital part of Hill’s side. With Hill’s men facing top of the table Cambridge next, Woking fans will be hoping to do what no team has done this campaign - and that’s win at the Abbey Stadium!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Woking have a new hero in Marriott

 

Woking 3 – Dartford 0

 

12 November 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

After a run of 6 games without a victory, Tuesday’s game against rivals Dartford was simply a “must win”. Garry Hill dipped into the loan market in the previous week and brought in Jack Marriott from Ipswich Town and Charles Banya from Fulham, both went straight into the starting line-up.

 

The first half produced little quality from either side, with the Darts defence looking comfortable sitting deep in their own half believing that the home side would not breach their goal. Ex Stevenage Borough keeper Alan Julian superbly denied Rendell with half an hour played, the gangly keeper somehow palmed the Luton loanee’s shot onto the post, but really Rendell should have scored. However with the Cards failing to take advantage of their large amount of possession and goal scoring chances, Woking fans were wondering whether ‘it might be one of those games’ especially with prolific striker Adam Birchall leading the line for the away side. Woking fans will certainly remember him from his Dover Athletic days where he scored 64 goals in 70 appearances in 3 seasons and 4 against then Graham Baker’s side in the 2010 season. Birchall was involved in the Dart’s best attack of the half, where the Welsh under 21 international linked up with Lee Noble, with the latter volleying the ball from 20 yards out - Cards keeper Sam Beasant was forced into a high acrobatic save.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Dartford 0

 

With an hour of the game played, the Cards had the ball in the net; however it was disallowed for off side. From a Woking corner, the ball was not cleared by the away side defence, and the ball found Josh Payne on the edge of the penalty box. His volley crashed the post, Rendell reacted first and tapped into the net but the striker was at least 5 yards off side.

 

However the heads of the Woking players did not drop and only 3 minutes later they took the lead. Payne’s wonderful diagonal pass zipped through the heart of the Darts 6 yard box and Marriott tapped in……. Kingfield erupted and even the Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy who was present had a smile on his face. 10 minutes later, Marriott became provider, in a carbon copy goal identical to the first. Mark Ricketts intercepted the ball brilliantly on the half way line; Marriott collected the ball, sprinted towards the penalty area, and wiped the ball into the feet of Rendell who scored from 3 yards.

 

The Dartford players looked stunned at the attacking play of the Cards but it got worse for Tony Burman side only minutes later. Betsy, who was having a quieter game than normal, was brought down by Lee Burns a few yards outside the Dartford penalty area, and from the resulting Payne free kick, Joe McNerney flicked the ball into the corner of the net!

 

Full Time: Woking 3 – Dartford 0

 

It was a mixture of relief and delight at the final whistle for the Woking fans and with other results going their way, a win on Saturday at home against bottom of the table Hyde, could move Hill’s side out of the relegation zone. Hopefully, these 2 results will give Hill’s side the confidence and belief they need to start moving them up the table.

 

 



  

  Woking have signed 19 year old Jack Marriott, a striker from Ipswich Town on a months loan spell..  The youngster scored 26 goals for Ipswich's u18 and u21 sides last season. Meanwhile Lee Sawyer has joined Skrill South side Dover on loan until January 1st 2014.

   Woking bowed out of this season's FA cup with a 1-0 defeat against Luton at Kingfield on Saturday. The only goal of the game was scored by Mark Cullen.

 Goals from Dean Keates and Joe Clark condemmed Woking to a 2-0 defeat against Wrexham in Wales on Saturday.

  

Crossbar denies Cards all three points

 

Woking 0 – Barnet 0

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

Tuesday 8 October 2013

 

When you’re a side struggling near the bottom of the table, football experts always talk about needing “luck”. Tuesday’s game against Barnet - who are managed by ex Inter Milan and Tottenham midfielder Edgar Davids, was the perfect example of Garry Hill’s side not having that much needed ‘luck’ in front of goal which would enable them to take all 3 points.

 

The Bees made the short journey to Kingfield looking for all 3 points to kick start their so far disappointing season. After taking only 4 points from Woking’s last 2 outings Garry Hill made 2 changes from Saturday’s draw at Southport with John Goddard coming in for Darren Murphy and Adam Newton slotted back into the defence at the expense of Mike Cestor.

 

The Cards started the game with much more positivity than their opponents - with Goddard and Rendell forcing ex Arsenal keeper Graham Stack into 2 great saves low down in the opening 5 minutes. On 20 minutes Gavin Williams had an excellent chance to open the scoring, but the midfielder dragged his shot poorly past the far post, when it looked easier to score! Barnet’s main threat coming through their counter attacks with the Bees number 7 Keanu Marsh-Brown out pacing right back Newton on a number of occasions. With the first half petering out, Barnet had a great chance to open the scoring - the winger drilled the ball into the heart of the Woking box where Kieron Cadogan forced Beasant into a good save.

 

The home side's best chance of the half came on 40 minutes. John Nutter’s cross was not cleared by the Barnet defender Elliot Johnson and the ball fell to John Goddard who first jinxed past Curtis Weston and then shot from just inside the box, his shot beat keeper Stack - but went inches past the far post.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Barnet 0

 

The visitors seemed a different side when they came back in the second period.   With six minutes of the half played, David’s side should have taken the lead. Once again, Marsh-Brown wiped the ball low and into the box from only 6 yards out - Harry Crawford saw his shot balloon over the goal and the ball ended up in the KRE stand........... A huge let off for Hill’s side!

 

The Cards were now on the back foot and had to be at their best to withstand the away sides’ attacks. Woking striker Jake Hyde somehow scuffed his shot from inside the area and Marciano Mengerink shot poorly from close range.

 

The substitution of Antony McNamee for the home side mid-way through the half inspired his fellow team mates to try and steal a late winning goal for the Cards.   The pacy winger almost provided the perfect cross for striker Rendell but the Luton loanee failed to connect with the ball. Betsy came close only a few minutes later, but his shot from outside the area never troubled the Bees goal.

 

With time ticking on, the home side could and maybe should have scored what would have been the winning goal in injury time. On 3 occasions McNamee swung in 3 world class crosses and McNerney bulleted the ball twice onto the crossbar with Stack almost completely beaten.

 

Barnet nearly added salt into the Woking wounds with a counter attack in the last minute of injury time but Beasant was switched on, and saved well, to deny substitute Iffy Allen.

 

Full time: Woking 0 – Barnet 0

 

The Cards are now unbeaten in their last three outings, overall it was a good all round performance from Hill’s side, with keeper Beasant and Man of the Match John Goddard having an outstanding match. The Cards now face new comers to the Skrill Premier - AFC Halifax on Saturday hoping to extend the unbeaten run to four.

 

 



Woking earned a well deserved point against Southport at Haig Avenue on Saturday. The Cards took the lead in the third minute through Scott Rendell. Jamie Milligan rescued a point for the home side with a first half effort.

 

Hatters demolish Cards

 

Woking 0 – Luton Town 4

 

Tuesday 24 September 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

Woking’s disappointing start to the season continued as they were heavily beaten by John Still’s side at Kingfield. First half goals fromAndy Parry and two from Mark Cullen saw the Hatters take control at the break and Andre Gray’s wonderful solo goal 20 minutes from time saw the Cards drop into the regelation zone for the first time this season. However, confidence could have been boosted and the score line could have been different if Gavin Williams had scored an easy chance mid-way through the first half.

 

New recruit Darren Murphy came straight into the starting eleven slotting into midfield at the expense of Lee Sawyer who was surprisingly left out of the match day squad, with rumours around the terraces’ that he had been transfer listed. For the first quarter of the game, Hill’s side seemed able to match up against the surprisingly strong and muscular Luton side with Ricketts and Murphy winning important challenges and giving good service to Gez Sole. Sole in the early stages of the half was beginning to look lively in the Luton box and maybe should have been awarded a penalty when he was fouled off the ball by defender Jonathan Smith but the referee waved away the appeals.

 

Then came the decisive moment of the game, Luton defender Steve McNulty failed to make contact with the ball and Williams on the edge of the penalty area won the ball. With only the keeper to beat, he placed the ball into the corner of the net but Tyler got down low and denied the Cards a surprise lead.

 

Still’s side then took the lead 5 minutes later - Woking poorly defended a corner which was wiped into the near post, Cullen flicked the ball goal bound and with no Woking player marking the front post he scored his third of the season. After a brief attack by the home side with Tyler making a good save to deny Sole, Luton then doubled their lead, once again from a corner. Andy Parry rose the highest in the 6 yard area and headed downward towards goal and which smashed into the corner of the net - giving Beasant no chance of saving the powerful header.

 

Just as half time approached, the Cards conceded for a third goal in injury time, and once again, it came from a Jake Howells corner. Howell swung the ball into the heart of the Woking area and a bullet header from Cullen smashed into the roof of the goal.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Luton Town 3

 

For Woking fans, the second half became a horror show with the home side chasing shadows of the Luton players and not pushing Tyler to produce a single save in the whole 45 minutes. Hill’s substitutions even more baffled the Kingfield faithful – takingoff Sole and Murphy and replaced them with Anthony McNamee and Lee Goddard. An odd decision, but maybe the Woking manager’s plan was to rest these players for their crucial home encounter against second in the table Nuneaton Town on Saturday.

 

Luton kept piling on the pressure, and Beasant kept on making save after save, but on 70 minutes a wonderful solo goal by England C forward Gray capped off a great night for the Hatters. Mark Ricketts poor pass found Ronnie Henry in the centre of the pitch, and the midfielder passed the ball into the path of Gray……the forward then ran the length of the Woking half and slid the ball past Beasant into the goal.

 

In injury time Gray could have had a second - with the keeper off his line and beaten Jack Parkinson cleared the ball away from the goalmouth.

 

Full Time: Woking 0 – Luton Town 4

 

A hugely disappointing performance by the Cards with the home side outclassed in all departments by the Hatters. Saturday’s game is a must-win for Hill’s side but Nuneaton are a different more improved side compared to last years team……….however all Woking fans will be hoping for a repeat of last season score: a 6 -1 home win!

 

 



Despite two late goals from the Card's, Woking suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Macclesfield Town on Saturday. Woking found themselves three goals down at Moss Road with just 12 minutes remaining, when Giuseppe Sole pulled a goal back for the Cards, deep in stoppage time Kevin Betsy scored, but unfortunately Woking ran out of time.

    A brace from Kevin Betsy ensured the Cards came away from Thameside with three points, as Woking defeated Hyde 2-0 on Tuesday.

     

 

 

 

 

1 point - a bitter pill to swallow

 

Woking 2 – Tamworth 2

 

Friday 13 September 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

After a run of 4 back to back defeats, the gain of any points at all, would have been a welcome boost for Garry Hill’s underperforming side. However - in torrential weather, a late Richard Peniket strike 5 minutes before time, denied the Cards their first home victory of the season.

 

Garry Hill bought in new recruit Scott Rendell (who joined the Cards from Luton Town during the week)straight into the starting 11. Just minutes into his Woking debut, Rendell almost gave his side the perfect start. Lee Sawyer who unusually was playing on the right side of midfield, drove the ball low into the already sodden 6 yard area, Rendell then controlled it with his right foot and crashed the ball low into the corner of the goal - but keeper Cameron Belford superbly denied the tall striker his first for the club.

 

Hill’s side kept pressing for an early lead but were unable to control the game with their usual fast and slick passing because it was becoming almost impossible to string more than a couple of passes together due to the monsoon like weather conditions.

 

After the Lambs had seen off the early Woking pressure, Dale Belford’s side began to grow as the half progressed. On 20 minutes, Lateef Alliyu attempted to lob Aaron Howe in the Woking goal from the midfielders own half, but Alliyu just missed the target, and minutes later Mark Wright forced Howe into a good save low down. All of the Lambs possession and pressure paid off ……..with half an hour played from a Tamworth corner, the Cards failed to clear the ball properly and from 25 yards out Richard Barker volleyed the ball into the corner of the net.

 

The goal really knocked the Woking player’s confidence and it was easy to see the players reaction - chants from the Kingfield Road End of “get them off, it’s too wet” were ringing around Kingfield for the remainder of the half, with most fans fearing another defeat.

 

Half time: Woking 0 – Tamworth 1

 

The Cards returned having changed from their drenched red kits into their yellow away strip and it seemed to inspire the performance of the home side tenfold. Woking should have equalised on 50 minutes when from a Betsy corner, Joe McNerney headed the ball to his defensive partner Parkinson but

 

 

 

 

 

from only a few yards out he failed to make contact with the ball, and to make matters worse he slipped and fell onto his face!

 

On 67 minutes the fans hero Giuseppe Sole came on for the tiring Josh Payne and within minutes, Woking levelled the match. With the Lambs defenders wary of the pacy Sole, they backed off and sat deeper into their own box which allowed Sawyer to shoot from outside the area. Loanee Rendell then latched onto his shot, it deflected off the strikers shin and dribbled into the corner of the net with the keeper stranded.

 

As the home side improved their passing game, Tamworth could not match the interlinking play between Sole, Rendell and Williams. With less than 12 minutes remaining, Sole was brought down in the penalty box by Duane Courtney and Gavin Williams coolly slotted the ball home to score his 4th penalty this campaign!

 

Williams’s penalty brought pure delight amongst the Woking faithful with the home fans forgetting about the continuing storm, which seemed to hover over Kingfield throughout the match

 

Minutes later, the Lambs should have been down to 10 men after Wayne Thomas hacked Williams to the ground and then in disgust with the Ex Yeovil player reaction tried to pick Williams up and appeared to tread on him.   This caused a large melee to occur amongst most of the players and even between the management staff from both teams, but to the amazement to the home crowd Thomas was not even booked – although the ref did book 3 of the Tamworth side.

 

With time ticking on, the nerves of the Woking players and supporters were showing as every minute slowly ticked on, but with only 4 minutes remaining, the Woking back line failed to clear their lines and it had disastrous consequences….

 

Mark Wright seemed to be going nowhere with the ball on the left hand side, but he managed to squirm his way past McNerney. Parkinson then failed to win the ball on the edge of the box, Wright crossed the ball into an empty penalty area and Peniket scored his third of the season from only six yards out.

 

That was a real sucker blow for Hill’s side and it was Tamworth who could have taken all 3 points late on - but once again, Howe was at his best to deny Wright on 89 minutes and then Andy Todd’s header in the third minute of injury time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Time: Woking 2 – Tamworth 2

 

The Cards can take some positivity from this outing, but in reality, it was two points dropped rather than one point gained. Scott Rendell looks like a player who can score the goals which the Cards have so far been missing this season, but once again poor defending has cost Hill’s men a victory.



   Woking suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Alfreton Town at the Impact Arena on Saturday.

  The home side took the lead after nine minutes through Tom Shaw, but Woking responded within sixty seconds when Gavin Williams levelled from the penalty spot. Shaw restored the home sides advantage with a goal on 43 minutes, the points were sealed deep in injury time when substitute Danny Meadows slotted home.

   

  

Sloppy defending cost Cards dearly

 

Aldershot Town 2 - Woking 1

 

Monday 26 August 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

For the second game running, poor defending has cost Garry Hill’s side another defeat after last Saturday’s 4-2 drubbing against Welling United, Woking fans were expecting a huge improvement against local rivals Aldershot Town, however the Cards weakness in defence were again on show with Andy Scott’s side coasting to their second victory of the season.

 

With Woking’s influential trio of Jack Parkinson, Josh Payne and Giuseppe Sole all out due to suspension, Garry Hill tinkered with his side, bringing Mike Cestor into central defence and new signing Gavin McCallum in the left hand side of midfield.

 

Only 23 seconds into the game, the Shots took the lead. Directly from their kick off, Matt Paterson surged towards the goal, went past the trailing Joe McNerney, and side footed the ball into the corner of the net, sending the EBB stadium into rapture.

 

The Shots sensing more goals went on the attack once again. Ex Card Brett Williams, ghosted past right back Adam Newton and blasted the ball from just outside the penalty area, however Howe had to be at his best to parry the ball out of play. The Woking defenders were almost in awe of the link up in play between, Williams, Manny Oyeleke and Martin Rowlands beginning to sit deeper and deeper as the first half progressed. On 19 minutes with the away side still not managing an attempt on goal, Aldershot doubled their lead. Paterson once again got the beating of Newton who crossed the ball to the far post. Williams was unmarked waiting to nod the ball into the back of the net - who when celebrating, kissing the badge of the Shots to the annoyance of Woking’s fans.

 

Woking were simply not good enough in the first half, their poor passing between the midfield and the forwards allowed the home team to control proceedings and looked to kill the game off with a third goal. With the clock ticking into added time, the Cards failed to deal with a Barker corner, which was driven into the heart of the six yard area - centre back Cestor while trying to clear his lines, miss-kicked his clearance and the ball fell right into the feet of Rowlands who slotted the ball into the corner of the net - however he was flagged for off side to the amazement of the local support.

 

Half Time: Aldershot Town 2 – Woking 0

 

The Cards seemed brighter at the start of the second half, forcing Aldershot keeper Glen Morris into a good save on two occasions, one from a long range shot from Gavin Williams just outside the area and another coming only minutes later from the Gavin McCallum whose low effort squirted through the homes side defence - but was easily saved by Morris. However Aldershot never looked in any real discomfort, with many of Woking’s attacks petering out.

 

Former QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands narrowly missed the goal from a free kick midway through the second half....... only 20 yards from goal, his swinging shot grazed Howe’s far post, almost scoring his first for the club.

 

It was only after the substitution of Anthony McNamee and the promotion of Joe McNerney to centre forward on 70 minutes, that Woking began to develop some meaningful attacks. Only three minutes later - after Hill’s re-assembling of the side, he was rewarded with a goal. A wonderful solo run by Gavin Williams from the half way line – he jinked past three Shots defenders, before being brought down by the home keeper Morris inside the box. To the amazement of all the travelling away support, Morris was not sent off - for what seemed a simple decision for the referee.

 

Williams then took the penalty and drove the ball into the corner of the net to send the fantastic away following of over 650 into pure joy......... The Cards sensed a second goal could be on its way!

 

Hill’s side went pushing for an unlikely equaliser with McNerney going close with a header from a corner which keeper Morris saved. Lee Sawyers long range effort was only parried away, but substitute Ladapo was unfortunate not to reach the rebound.

 

However with injury time in play, Kevin Betsy (who was not making the impact he usually does for the Cardinals) was brought down in the penalty area by defender Goodman right in front of the referee. In a rerun of last Saturday’s encounter against Welling United Betsy’s claim was turned down and nothing was given - with chants from the Woking supporters of “Penalty” or “yellow card” ringing around the EBB stadium.

 

Full time: Aldershot Town 2 – Woking 1

 

So the Cards will be rueing their poor defensive performance in the first half, but overall their local rivals were altogether better than them - in all departments. Hill’s men now have (on paper) an easier outing on Saturday when managerless Gateshead take the long road south to Kingfield. With Woking wanting to move on from two poor Bank holiday performances, they will want to take all three points at home for the first time this season.



 

Welling once again get the better over disappointing Woking

 

Woking 2 – Welling United 4

 

24 August 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

 

 

For the second season in a row, Welling United came to Kingfield and outplayed their rivals in a brutal game, where for the third game running Woking ended the game with ten players - after ex Wings defender Jack Parkinson was sent off early in the second half.

 

Welling began the first half on the front foot taking an early lead inside 15 minutes. Harry Beautyman wiped a corner into the heart of the six yard area and Woking’s keeper Aaron Howe attempted to clear the ball, but it managed to clip his shoulder and rustle into the net.

 

Only five minutes later Jamie Jay’s side doubled their lead, but this time Howe had no complaints with himself or the Woking markers. From another Beautyman        in- swinging corner, Doug Bergqvist lost his marker and rose the highest in the penalty area - heading powerfully into the corner of the net.

 

The Welling onslaught was still not over, Brett Johnson let a high ball go over his head from the Wings keeper Lee Butcher, allowing the pacy striker Lafayette to slip in behind the high Cards defensive line. The striker then twisted and turned into the home sides penalty area and passed the ball across the box to the ever present Beautyman who coolly slotted the ball past Howe into the bottom corner of the net - leaving Cards’ fans stunned. Hill and Thompson must have been cursing themselves for not signing Beautyman who had been on a trial with the Cards during the summer.

 

To the frustration of the Woking fans it was only at 3-0 down that the slick forward play from the Cards began to start. Betsy and new summer signing Anthony McNamee began teasing the Wing’s defenders putting in a number of low driven crosses which keeper Butcher and the defenders found hard to deal with.

 

With less than 10 minutes until the half time whistle, Brett Johnson made up for his mistake and scored his third goal for the club. Another summer signing Gavin Williams went past the trailing Jack Obersteller and drove the ball into the heart of the goal mouth where the sliding Johnson connected and scored his first of the campaign.

 

Arguable the Cards could have been level at the break, a world class save from Butcher denying Williams’s long range shot, and deep into injury time Sawyer seemed to be fouled in the area but the referee waved away all protests.

 

Half Time: Woking 1- Welling United 3

 

With only 17 seconds played in the second half, Woking were down to 10 men. Jack Parkinson collided with defender Blaine Hudson and referee Daniel Cook gave the ex Welling player his marching orders - once again Kingfield was shocked! Hill then brought on Mike Cestor and Joe McNerney and both players made an instant impact. On Cestors’s first attack he ran the full length of the pitch then crossed the ball from the left side, McNerney connected with the cross and his header was once again magnificently saved from Butcher high to the keeper’s left hand side.

 

Mid way through the second half, ex Card Loick Pires replaced the excellent Beautyman who was forced off with a nasty injury and after being booed onto the pitch he silenced the Kingfield faithful by scoring Welling’s fourth of the afternoon. Ross Lafayette crossed to the far post and waiting there was Pires to nod the ball past Howe.

 

However Garry Hill’s side were not finished. Directly from the kick off, the impressive McNamee won himself a corner after a 20 yard solo run into the Welling box, McNamee then floated the ball right onto the head of McNerney and a bullet header found the net.

 

Woking fans now sensed hope......... Colchester Loanee Freddie Ladapo had a chance from close range, but once again Butcher got down low to make a save from the gangly striker. On 79 minutes it appeared that Woking should have been awarded a clear looking penalty, after defender Jack Obersteller seemed to be tugging the shirt of Betsy in the penalty area - however once again Mr Cook did not see enough evidence to point to the spot and waved away play, to the amazement of everyone connected with Woking football club.

 

The remaining 10 minutes petered out with Welling wanting to keep possession rather than look for more goals (which is understandable) and the Cards seem to run out of ideas apart from an injury time shot where Hudson blocked McNerney off the line and Ladapo missed from the rebound.

 

Full Time: Woking 2 – Welling United 4

 

 

 

 



    Woking have signed 21 year old striker George Bowerman. The youngster made 33 appearances for Walsall last season, scoring seven goals.

   Despite being reduced to ten men when Josh Payne was shown a straight red card shortly before half-time, two short handed goals from Gavin Williams and Joe McNerney secured Woking's first win of the season against Chester on Saturday.



The Cards have signed 20 year old striker Freddie Ladapo on a months loan. Ladapo is currently at Colchester United, where he has made four first-team appearances for the club last season.



 Woking opened up their Skrill Premier campaign with a goalless draw at home to Lincoln City. On Tuesday evening the Cards suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Braintree Town in Essex.

  The Cards home game against Tamworth on Saturday 14th september has been brought forward to Friday 13th september, with a 7.45 kick off.



Woking have signed Anthony McNamee for the season.

 The cards made it four pre-season wins out of four with a 4-2 victory over Conference South side Eastleigh on Tuesday night. Goals from Mark Ricketts, Gez Sole, Ollie Taylor and a Gavin Williams penalty secured victory.

  Woking defeated League One newcomers Gillingham 3-0 at Kingfield on Saturday in a pre-season friendly.

  Goals from Gavin McCallum, Gavin Williams and Anthony McNamee saw the Cards ease past the Gills.

   Woking's pre-season friendly against  a QPR X1, has been switched to Friday 2nd August, with a 7.45 kick off time. 

                                             WOKING   2   BOURNEMOUTH 1

 

                                           Pre-Season Friendly   Saturday 20th July

 

                                                   Peter Moore   at Kingfield

 

Woking came from behind against newly promoted to the Championship AFC Bournemouth at a very humid Kingfield on Saturday.

 

The Cards started off with a 4-5 1 formation, with Gavin McCallum as the lone striker. But it was the Cherries who opened the scoring in the sixth minute when the home side failed to clear the ball in the area which allowed Stephen Purchase to shoot, the ball took a deflection and fell to the prolific Jayden Stockley who stabbed home from six yards out.

 

The Cards were quick to respond just three minutes later following total confusion between the visitors defence and keeper Jalal, which allowed Mark Rickets to run in and square the ball to Gavin McCallum who shot into an empty net.

 

McCallum almost grabbed a second with a vicious shot from long range which dropped inches wide of the goal. The second half was dominated by the Cards, and in the 75th minute substitute Oliver Taylor’s shot was parried by Jalal into the path of Giuseppe Sole, whose shot went narrowly wide.

 

In the 85 th minute Sole provided a long ball for Taylor who raced clear and calmly shot past Jalal.

 

Woking have signed both Gavin Williams and Gavin McCallum, both have looked good in pre-season. Williams joins the club from Yeovil Town.

 

 



  Woking completed a 1-0 victory at Crabble on Tuesday evening. The only goal of the game fell to Woking's Gavin McCallum.



    Woking suffered a 3-2 defeat against Staines Town on Saturday, in the Cards first pre-season game of the season.

   Woking found themselves 3-0 down, before trialist John Goddard grabbed a couple of goals, but Staines held on to record a win.

   

Woking will commence their second season in the Blue Square Conference, when Lincoln City will be the visitors to Kingfield on Saturday 10th August.

 

The cards will visit Braintree Town a few days later on Tuesday 13th. Woking will then travel to Chester on Saturday 17th.

 

Welling, become the second side to visit Kingfield next season, when they make the short trip on Saturday 24th. Bank Holiday Monday 26th August, the Cards make the short trip to face local rivals Aldershot Town.

 

Relegated from the Football League, Barnet will visit Kingfield on Tuesday 8th October. The busy Christmas period will see a home game against Salisbury City, while two days later it will be a trip to Kent to face Dartford. New Year’s Day will see the Cards make the return trip to face Salisbury.

 

The Cards will finish their league campaign with a home game against Aldershot Town on Monday 21st April, and will finish with an away visit to Tanworth, which by some strange coincidence was the final game of last season.

 

 

 

 



  Woking have signed 22 year-old Midfielder Josh Payne. Josh had previously had spells at Aldershot Town, Oxford United and West Ham United.

   The Cards have announced another pre-season friendly, to add to the games already announced. Woking will travel to Staines on Saturday 13th July,with a 3 pm kick off.

  Woking have announced three more pre-season friendlies.  The cards will play Championship side AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 20th July, League one side Gillingham on the 27th, and Championship side QPR on Saturday 3rd August. All games will be played at Kingfield, with a 3 pm kick off. 

   Woking have confirmed that the following players will not be offered new terms for the forthcoming season; Adam Doyle, Loick Pires, Josh Griffiths, Gavin McCallum, Jack Mazzone and Elvis Putnins.

Gary Hill has already moved quickly to secure Joe McNerney, Aaron Howe, Lee Sawyer and Kevin Betsy, on new terms for next season.



    The Cards have announced the first of next seasons pre-season friendlies. Newly promoted League One side  Gillingham will be the visitors to Kingfield on Saturday 27th July, with a 3pm kick-off. 

                                             WOKING   0 GRIMSBY TOWN 1

 

                                                       Blue Square Bet Premier Divison Tuesday 16th April

 

                                                   Peter Moore at Kingfield

 

The Mariners completed a league double over the Cards, and maintained their unbeaten streak since the FA Trophy final. A solitary goal from John-Lewis Lenell- his first for the club- was the difference between the sides, although in truth Woking deserved something out of the game.

 

Manager Gary Hill made three changes to the side that defeated Macclesfield Town on Saturday. Aaron Howe – making his first start since February due to a shoulder injury, Brett Jonson and John Nutter coming in for Elvijs Putnins, Mike Cestor and Joe McNerney.

 

Woking were quick out of the traps, and in just the second minute Billy Knott cut the ball back for Lee Sawyer, but his shot bobbled and went wide. On 27 minutes a ball over the top found Jayden Stockley whose volley was well saved by Greg Fleming.

 

Barely a minute later the Mariners looked to have broken the deadlock when a volley from Lenell was brilliantly saved at point blank range by Howe. In the 42nd minute the impressive Knott had an effort drop a whisker away from goal. That was the last action of the first-half as the game remained goalless.

 

In the 59th minute the Cards came so close to opening the scoring. Billy Knott curled a 20 yard shot against the post with Fleming beaten. Six minutes later a dipping half-volley from Sawyer dropped inches wide. Despite constant Woking pressure it was the visitors who made the breakthrough in the 76th minute. A cross from Jamie Devitt fell nicely for Lenell with a header that beat Howe at the back post.

 

A corner from Woking a minute later almost produced an equaliser as a header from Stockley was tipped over the bar. Two minutes later the Kingfield faithful thought Jack Parkinson had levelled from a header, only to see the Assistant Referee’s flag go up for offside.

 

The Mariners almost doubled their advantage with ten minutes to go when a Artus corner was headed goal bound by Ian Miller, but somehow Howe managed to claw away his effort. With four minutes of added time remaining Woking through everything at the Mariners goal and it almost paid off as the Cards had a header cleared of the line and a shot kicked of the line.

 

With time running out a free-kick from Lee Sawyer was brilliantly saved by Fleming. It was to be the Cards last chance of salvaging a point, as the visitors somehow hung on to take all three points back to Lincolnshire.

 

                           Attendance: 1,570

 

Woking concludes their first season in the Blue Square Bet Premiership this Saturday 20th April, when they visit Tamworth.

 

 

A bizarre game ends in Cards victory

 

Woking 5 – Macclesfield Town 4

 

Saturday 13th April 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

If there was ever an example of a ‘game of two halves’ this was the one. In driving rain and unseasonably spring conditions, the Cards were 5-0 up at 33 minutes, displaying some of the best football ever seen at Kingfield. However the substitution of captain Mark Ricketts changed the energy of the game - and at 90 minutes the home side were only hanging on. Nevertheless, Garry Hill’s side have now recorded back to back wins for the first time since February.

 

The Cards side remained unchanged from their fantastic 2-0 victory against promotion hopefuls Wrexham. In contrast, manager-less Macclesfield - who sacked ex Farnborough manager Steve King last week, were playing their fourth game in a week and made three changes from their 4-1 away drubbing by Newport County on Thursday night.

 

The game could not have started better for the home side. Inside three minutes, the Cards took the lead thanks to Billy Knott. Left back Mike Cestor went past the trailing Town defender Thierry Audel, and wiped the ball to the near post, Stockley leaped the highest in the penalty area and his looping header crashed the cross bar and rebounded onto Knott’s feet who tapped it in from three yards.

 

Five minutes later Garry’s side doubled their lead. Sawyer and Knott linked up well on the edge of the box, Knott then with the outside of his boot beautifully found Betsy and after dancing past defender Pablo Mills he side footed the ball into the corner of the net to send the Kingfield Road End into rapture.

 

However even at 2-0 down the away side never gave up. Ex Stevenage player Peter Winn nearly halved the deficit on 15 minutes, the midfielder stroked his free kick right into the top corner of the goal, but a great save from Putnins denied the midfielder from scoring for the fifth time this campaign. Macclesfield were knocking hard on the Cards goal with the home side defence looking surprisingly shaky, but this time theSilkmen striker Guy Madjo should have found the net. Madjo countered from a Cards corner and ran the whole length of the pitch, before rounding the keeper but somehow the pacy forward managed to hit the post from a wide angle.

 

This woke the home side up and for the next ten minutes, they displayed some of the best football seen at Kingfield for a very long time. On twenty two minutes, midfielder Knott pressed the central defending paring of Mills and Jackson into their penalty box, until he won the ball……... the midfielder was then brought down by Jackson and the ref awarded the penalty. Striker Jayden Stockley coolly stepped up and slammed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. But the Cards were not finished........ Straight from the kick off, captain Mark Ricketts won the ball on the half way line, and found the feet of his midfield partner Lee Sawyer. The ex Southend central player wonderfully spit the Silkmen defence apart, finding Stockley who chipped the keeper from eight yards when he rushed out of his goal.

 

The fifth goal was truly wonderful - this time Stockley became supplier to Knott’s second of the game. After weaving his way past defender Jackson, the Bournemouth loanee found Knott who curled the ball into the top corner of the net, sending the Kingfield faithful into disbelief at the score. Five goals in 33 truly wonderful minutes for the Cards, however the second half would be a completely different story!

 

Half Time: Woking 5 – Macclesfield Town 0

 

At half time Garry Hill took off the magnificent Mark Ricketts to rest the Cards captain for Tuesday’s tough encounter against Grimsby Town. On came another QPR loanee to play for the club, Bradley Simmonds. This changed the complexion of the game; the away side began to take control of the midfield with the youthfulness of Woking’s Simmons and Sawyer no match for ex Card favourite Kieran Murtagh and tough tackler Sam Wedgbury.

 

Macclesfield left the changing room early, with some strong words from their Manager and it worked as they started the brightest. With a quarter of the half played a stunning goal at 30 yards out from Waide Fairhust brought the away side back into the game. Ten minutes later they added a second, Murtagh drove a low ball into the six yard area; Putnins came to collect but with five or six players in his way he dropped the ball, which was then bundled over the line by striker Madjo.

 

With manager Hill taking off the influential Jack Parkinson and Jayden Stockley, the Cards began to sit deeper into their own half with substitute Brett Williams looking incredibly frustrated up front all on his own. The only chance for the home side in the second period came through the new ‘Managers Player of the Season’ Joe McNerney. Nutter floated in a free kick from the left hand side and the “Beast” leapt the highest and headed goal bound but a good save from keeper Rhys Taylor denied the defender.

 

Time seemed to be running out for the away side, but on 83 minutes they added a third goal. Fairhurst with his back to goal shimmied away from Mike Cestor - who was now playing at centre back and turned the Frenchman, his shot buried past the Latvian keeper Putnins and into the corner of the net.

 

For the final few minutes the away side threw everything at the Woking goal, and were unlucky on a number of occasions not to score. Murtagh - who was having a quiet game curled a free kick only inches wide of the far post and defender Jackson who was making up for a horrid first half, saw his header hit the post from only five yards out!

 

With the fourth official displaying four minutes of injury time, many Woking fans began a sigh of relief - believing it was all over, but they were wrong……... only 90 seconds later, the nerves began to hit new heights after the away side scored for the fourth time! Substitute Arthur Gnahoua found Murtagh’s through ball, which pierced the Cardinal back four and the sub stroked the ball home into the net, and now Macclesfield believed they could snatch a point.

 

For the final few moments every Woking fan had their hearts in their mouths praying the away side would not equalise. With only seconds remaining, the Northern side swung in a corner, which missed everyone apart from Jack Mackreth whose shot was blocked off the line - before being cleared out of the ground.

 

Full Time: Woking 5 – Macclesfield Town 4

 

At full time there were cheers of relief rather than celebration from the Woking fans, but at the end of the game, it was another hard fought win, which leaves Garry Hill’s side sitting pretty in 9th place - and only three points short of Hill’s new target of 65.   A huge amount of credit must go to the travelling side, who at half time looked like they would rather be on the team bus home instead of on the pitch.

 

There were many positives in this game, but also too many negative errors. The midfield trio of Sawyer, Knott and Ricketts looked unstoppable in the first period, but as soon as Woking’s skipper came off at half time, the midfield lacked the energy, bite and attacking flair it had in the opening half, with the whole side sitting slowly deeper as the half progressed.

 

Garry Hill’s men play their final home match of the season against promotion challengers Grimsby Town on Tuesday 16 April, hoping to re kindle some of their attacking play seen during Saturday’s first half performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



   

Super Cards stun Welsh Dragons

 

Woking 2 – Wrexham 0

 

Saturday 6th April 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

A day which began commemorating the life of ex Woking kit man Ron Rawlings who passed away last week, ended with the Cards celebrating their first win in six games, thanks to loanee Jayden Stockley scoring two second half goals.   However, it could have been a different game if it was not for the Cardinal keeper Elvijs Putnins making a number of magnificent saves in the first period.

 

The Cards made 3 changes after being thrashed 4 -1 away to Dartford on Easter Monday, with Mike Cestor, Gavin McCallum and keeper Putnins coming into the starting eleven. Before the game there was a minute applause to celebrate the life of Ron Rawlings with the home players wearing shirts saying “NEVER FORGET, RIP RON.”

 

The away side with many former league players in their starting eleven, came out of the blocks the fastest. The muscular forward Dele Adebola almost scored on five minutes, after powering past Joe McNerney. The ex Bristol City front man blasted his shot right into the corner of the goal but Putnins managed to just finger tip the ball past the post. This was just a warning shot to the nervy looking Cards defence with Adebola and midfielder Jay Harris going agonisingly wide within minutes of each other........ with the QPR loanee keeping his side in the game.

 

On 18 minutes, the Dragons should have opened the scoring. Declan Walker wiped the ball to the far post and waiting there was striker Danny Wright - however his header crashed the underside of the bar and bounced into the thankful hands of Putnins. Only minutes later, Wrexham had another good opportunity to open the scoring, ex Blackpool striker Brett Ormerod knocked down the ball from a Harris cross into the six yard area and somehow Putnins saved Wright’s low shot, which looked destined for the goal.

 

Somehow, Woking survived the Welsh onslaught, and had some good chances of their own in the latter stages of the first half. Gavin McCallum wastefully missed two good chances, Wrexham keeper Maxwell made a fine save at his near post on the first effort, but the winger’s second opportunity should have found the goal. After cutting into the box, McCallum side footed the ball across the face of the goal but poorly went wide of the far post.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Wrexham 0

 

At half time there was no doubting that Wrexham were the better side, with Putnins making save after save to keep the Welsh side out, but footballs a funny game - and with the Dragons away faithful starting to become restless the Cards seized on this and pushed on - looking for their a goal against the Welsh side .

 

Only five minutes into the second half, Captain Mark Ricketts was only denied a goal by a great save from Maxwell diving high to his right to tip the ball out. However, the Woking pressure paid off ten minutes later.... Knott – who was instrumental for the Cards all afternoon picked the ball up deep in the Woking half, and ran at the Wrexham defence. Betsy then cleverly dummied the pass, which found Stockley on the far side of the penalty area and he drove the ball low into the net, to send most of Kingfield into ecstasy.

 

Wrexham looked shell shocked from the Cardinals’ goal and with the away side sending more players into attack - the Woking trio of Sawyer, Betsy and Knott were finding lots more space and time to exploit the Welsh defence.

 

With 68 minutes played, Garry Hill’s side doubled their lead with an attack, which began in Woking’s left back area. Mike Cestor, who once again played superbly in defence, tackled Danny Wright on the far side - he snatched the ball from the striker and the French left back floated the ball to the feet of Knott just outside the Wrexham penalty area. Knott then shot from 10 yards out, Maxwell parried Billy’s shot but it fell to the feet of Stockley who tapped to score his eleventh of the season.

 

The home side were now in complete control of proceedings with the Wrexham players chasing the shadows of the magnificent Woking midfielders. Stockley should have scored his third of the game with fifteen minutes left on the clock. A poor mistaken pass from the Dragons defender Jonny Hunt found Billy Knott, who once again ran at the away side defence. He entered the penalty area and unselfishly passed to Stockley, but from one yard out, the striker hit the cross bar – his comment after the game was – “it took a bobble!”

 

The remaining ten minutes petered out, with the Wrexham player manager looking depressed and frustrated. After the game, manager Morrell described Woking’s performances as “absolutely fantastic” but after playing four games in a week, the Wrexham squad whose average age is 35 looked incredibly weary on a sunny and surprisingly warm, spring afternoon at Kingfield.

 

Full Time: Woking 2 – Wrexham 0

 

This was certainly a game of two halves, but apart from the first twenty minutes where the Dragons outplayed their Surrey counterparts, Garry Hill’s side looked increasingly likely to take all three points. Woking’s midfielders were absolutely fantastic against their experienced opponents, with Betsy and Knott obviously taking all the headlines. However, my man of the match was the excellent Lee Sawyer who for once did not feature in the referee’s notebook - but bossed the middle of the park in both defence and attack for the whole 90 minutes.

 

Woking now have a week off - to rest and recharge the batteries - and prepare for the visit of Macclesfield Town. If Woking can recreate the efforts made in front of the 1,518 fans in the game against Wrexham, then back to back wins could be on the horizon for Garry Hill’s team!



   

A point a piece in the snow

 

Woking 1 – Hereford United 1

 

Saturday 30th March 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

In crazy wintery conditions at Kingfield, the Cards drew their fourth game in a row -thanks to a well earned 1-1 draw with ex Football league side Hereford United. With Monday’s crucial game against rivals Dartford on the horizon, Garry Hill rested captain Mark Ricketts, midfielder Lee Sawyer and in form striker Jayden Stockley for the visit of the Bulls.

 

In front of 2,303 - the second largest crowd of the season at Kingfield, the home side started on the front foot. Jack Parkinson began the attack on four minutes by floating the ball from deep in his own half all the way to the edge of the Hereford penalty box. Mike Cestor controlled it, brought it down onto his chest, and volleyed the ball low into the corner of the net, where keeper Bittner managed to get one hand to the ball and palmed it away for a corner.

 

Garry Hill’s men were beginning to pile the pressure on, with Bubb and McCallum having good chances to open the scoring - however Bittner who was returning to Kingfield for the first time since leaving the club, denied the forwards. On 16 minutes, Bradley Bubb was unlucky not to score his 21st of the season after the ever present Betsy teased the Bulls left back and drove the ball into the heart of the area - however Bubb who came running in, was only inches away from connecting with the ball.

 

Hereford were reeling in defence, and their back four could not deal with the pace of Cestor, McCallum and Bubb. With half an hour played, they should have gone behind. Cestor, who was having one of his best games of the season, ran at the opposition left back, and precisely found Bubb inside the area, who after bringing down onto his favourite left foot, drove the ball into the corner of the net. However the former Woking number one made a super save and tipped the ball past the post.

 

Typically after all of Woking’s missed opportunities, Hereford opened the scoring on the cusp of half time, with Cardinal defender Brett Johnson, heading into his own goal. Another Ex Card - Chris Bush’s long throw in, mystified the home side back four and unfortunately Johnson flicked the ball into the corner of the net.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Hereford United 1

 

With Garry Hill’s men undoubtedly the better side in the first period, the home side looked to quickly find an equaliser, but as the heavens opened and it began to snow, the Cardinals midfielders found it hard to string more than a few passes together. However within minutes of the snow stopping, Woking deservedly levelled the match! Bubb who was on the near side of the pitch, wiped in a low driven ball to the far post, and Betsy waiting there tapped in for his 12th of the season.

 

On 55 minutes Johnson nearly made up for the own goal, by just missing the net after a cracking header by the central defender from a Parkinson cross.

 

Sadly this is when the chances dried up for both sides- in the second half both managers looked pleased with a point rather than gambling for all three and getting nothing. Gradually Garry brought on his three star players - Ricketts, Sawyer and Stockley as a warm up for Mondays crucial encounter against Dartford. On 75 minutes, Hereford recorded only their third shot of the game, but it almost crept into the corner of the net. Substitute Ryan Bowman ran at the heart of the Woking defence, shaking off Ricketts, McNerney and Newton’s challenges, shot from around 30 yards into the corner of the net but Brown was equal to the shot and made a good save.

 

With the clock striking 90 minutes there was a final chance and glimmer of hope for the home side. Young Stockley broke the high off side trap, controlled the ball and attacked the goal......... but as the keeper came charging out from his area ,the Bournemouth loanee lost control of the ball, and to the frustration of most at Kingfield, Bittner collected.

 

Full Time: Woking 1 – Hereford United 1

 

Any point is hard fought in the Conference Premier, but maybe this was a missed opportunity for the Cards. With the final home games against play off contenders – it will be hard to see where another win might come at home this season. However there were many positives to take from this highly contested point with the forwards again demonstrating the quality Garry has at his fingertips and with more accuracy from Bubb, the score line could have been different.

 

Nevertheless the Cards move on to Monday’s game against Dartford which is more an outing for the supporters, with both teams safely in mid table, however it would be nice to take six points against Woking’s new rivals for the second season in a row.

 

 

 

 



Woking claimed a share of the spoils against League leaders Kidderminster at Aggborough on Tuesday night, with a 2-2 draw. Goals from Bradley Bubb and Billy Knott, secured a point on a very cold evening in the West Midlands.

    

Cards hit five as Garry’s target is reached!

 

Woking 5 – AFC Telford United 2

 

Saturday 16th March 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

On a cold and showery afternoon, Garry Hill’s side put relegation battlers AFC Telford to the sword after a fantastic 5-2 victory at Kingfield. A hat trick from Bradley Bubb and goals from Jayden Stockley and Kevin Betsy saw the Cards reach Hill’s target of 50 points - which saw his side move to tenth in the league.

 

The Cards made one change from Tuesday’s excellent 0-0 draw away to promotion contenders Macclesfield Town with Sunderland loanee Billy Knott coming in for the suspended Lee Sawyer. Woking’s defender Joe McNerney was breaking two records in the game against Telford – with the “beast” making his 100th start and clocking up 150 appearances for the club.

 

The Cards were quick out of the blocks. On four minutes Bradley Bubb slammed the ball into the corner of the goal, after an in swinging corner from Knott - the ball was not cleared by AFC’s Will Salmon and Bubb then nicked the ball from the gangly defender - smashing the ball in from ten yards!

 

Bubb and Stockley both had chances to double their sides lead but good saves from keeper Young kept the forwards out. However, with a quarter of an hour played, Stockley scored what I believe was one of the goals of the season! The young forward picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch, went past four players, dribbled into the box, and as the Bucks defender backed off, he curled the ball into the top corner to score his seventh of the season.

 

The home side were now in complete control of proceedings, yet with fifteen minutes left of the half. the relegation battlers should have scored one of their own. Telford Striker Steve Jones powered past Mark Ricketts on the edge of the area, dribbled into the box and went around the right back Newton. Keeper Seb Brown then had a rush of blood and came charging out of his goal, Jones looked up dribbled past brown and shot towards goal, but somehow he missed the target with the goal gaping!

 

With only two minutes of the half remaining, Bubb scored his second of the game, after a lovely weighted through ball into the heart of the box by midfielder Jack Parkinson. Bubb did the rest, by slotting the ball into the corner of the goal. Stockley was unfortunate not to double his tally, shooting low from ten yards out, but keeper Young quickly made a good save.

 

Half Time: Woking 3 – AFC Telford United 0

 

As the second half began, Woking fans wondered if the floodgates would open, as the Bucks were very poor during the first period and were closing in on a Conference Premier record of twenty-six matches without a win! However, to the disappointment of Garry Hill and most of the 1,320 supporters this did not happen. For the majority of the half, the Bucks were much the better side, and it was Woking not Telford who were struggling to see the game out.

 

With nine minutes played of the second half, Steve Jones opened the scoring for his side. After a quick free kick was taken by Nathan Rooney, Jones ran past the static Cardinals defenders and prodded the ball home. After the goal had been scored, five Woking players surrounded the referee claiming the striker was offside but the ref waved away the protests.    

 

Minutes later Bubb should have scored his third of the game. Parkinson played in Bubb, but unlike his second goal, he curled the ball wide of the far post. Telford gained in confidence from that miss, and chances were coming thick and fast for the away side. Striker Aaron Williams and substitute Alex Meecham both went close, but midfielder Rooney had the best of the lot with a long range shot from twenty yards out, which was only denied by a super save from Brown.

 

The last ten minutes became extremely nervy, after Aaron Williams headed into the roof of the net to make it 3-2 after a Michael Briscoe cross into the six yard area. And again it was very poor defending by the Cards back four, who looked surprisingly shaky all afternoon.

 

On 87 minutes, the tide of the game changed for the home side. Telford’s keeper brought down Parkinson in the box, then stupidly grabbed him by his shirt. The ref stopped the game to book Young and to the surprise of everyone in the Kingfield Road End, Mr Horwood pointed to the spot....... Bubb then made no mistake from twelve yards out to score his first hat trick of the season and his 17th this campaign.

 

Betsey then rounded off a fantastic day for the Cards with his eleventh of the season following a poor back pass from defender Simon Ford. Betsy intercepted on the edge of the box, went around the keeper Young and tapped the ball into the empty net.

 

Full time: Woking 5 – AFC Telford United 2

 

Garry’s magic target of 50 points has now been reached, but he left the pitch slightly frustrated after a poor second half and the unreliable form of loanee keeper Seb Brown - but he must have been delighted with the performance of Bubb. However Hill has now challenged Woking to push for 65 points - which he believes will be a “bigger achievement than winning the Conference South title.”

 

Woking now has three tough away fixtures in the next seven days against Braintree Town, Nuneaton Borough and Kidderminster Harriers. The plan is to build on this victory, increase confidence and climb towards Hill’s target of 65 points.

 

  



 Cambridge United scored an injury time winner on Saturday to deny the Cards a share of the points. The Cards looked to have been denied a certain penalty when Jayden Stockley was hauled down in the box, but nothing was given.

 



Mansfield recorded their 10th win in their last 11 league games after defeating Woking 2-1 at Kingfield on Wednesday evening.

 

The visitors took the lead through Louis Briscoe in the 33rd minute. Woking levelled in the 69th minute when Bradley Bubb converted a spot kick, but Luke Jones headed in from close range to claim the points for the Stags.

     

Cards have to settle for a point

 

Woking 1 – Lincoln City 1

 

Saturday 2nd March 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

After Tuesdays fantastic 2- 0 victory against promotion challengers Forest Green Rovers, the Cards looked to continue their good work against relegation battlers Lincoln City. Woking opened the scoring on two minutes with Brett Johnson scoring his first of the campaign but an equaliser twenty minutes later by striker Vadaine Oliver who scored his 9th of the season saw both teams leave Kingfield with a point a piece.

 

Unsurprisingly - for the third game in a row, Garry Hill named an unchanged side, and it was Woking who opened the scoring only 65 seconds into the game (the fastest goal in the countrythat day.) Ex Lincoln City Captain John Nutter floated the ball into the heart of the Imps box and a bullet header from Johnson saw the Cards take the lead.

 

Woking went pushing for a second goal; Kevin Betsy used all his skills and tricks to getpast three trailing Imps defenders, before powering his shot just over the bar from 25 yards.

 

In spite of the homes side early pressure, it was easy to see that the Lincoln players were keen to impress their new manager Gary Simpson. On 15 minutes, the relegation battlers were agonisingly close to levelling the contest. Adam Smith’s high floating cross missed all the players in the penalty area and clipped the crossbar - bouncing into the thankful arms of Woking keeper Seb Brown.

 

However the away side did equalise with just over half an hour gone in the first period - although the Cards defenders will be livid with their defending for the goal! Smith went past right back Adam Newton too easily and crossed into the centre of the six yard area, keeper Brown went to claim the ball but somehow he dropped the ball in mid air... the ball then deflected off defender Johnson and Oliver reacted first heading it into the roof of the net.

 

Chances were hard to come by for both sides for the remainder of the half, with the best attempt coming for the home side. Bradley Bubb and Betsy linked up well on the edge of the Lincoln box, before Stockley slammed the ball goal bound but keeper Farman pulled off a good save to deny the young Bournemouth loanee.

 

Half time: Woking 1 Lincoln City 1

 

During the half time break, Garry Hill took off goal scorer Brett Johnson and replaced the defender for another ex Lincoln player Gavin McCallum, looking to try and break through the tough and resilient Lincoln defence – surprisingly all four defenders were all 6ft 5 or taller!

 

With one of the biggest crowds at Kingfield this season (1,766), the noisy Kingfield Road End were doing their best to raise the Woking players’ spirits, and with sixty minutes on the clock, young Stockley was close to retaking the lead for his side. Nutter swung the ball into the box, Stockley met the ball and on the volley he smashed his shot against the crossbar!

 

Gary Simpson’s side were defending well and were certainly not out of the game, even though they had limited chances. Brown had to be at his best on a couple of chances to deny the away side from taking all three points. Adam Smith sprinted down the right hand side of the box, cut inside the area and his fierce shot was just kept out! Minutes later Momadou Fofana was also denied by Brown, as the Imps sensed victory.

 

However it was Woking who for the last 15 minutes were in complete control and were unlucky not to score for a second time! On 77 minutes, Bradley Bubb controlled the ball inside the six yard area and volleyed the ball into the top corner of the net...... However a fantastic one handed save by Paul Farman from only six yards out kept the score level!

 

With the Cards pilling on the pressure, McCallum was instrumental in Woking’s attacking play, with the winger cutting into the box on many occasions with the away side defence tiring dramatically. After the ex Imps right winger ran the whole length of the pitch, slid the ball into the path of substitute Brett Williams but he curled the ball wide of the far post, to frustrate the Woking faithful behind the goal.

 

Full time: Woking 1 – Lincoln City 1

 

So who would have thought at the beginning of the season some Woking fans would be disappointed with a point against an Ex League Two side? On another day Garry Hill’s side would have certainly taken all three points, and this was only the second time Woking have drawn a game at Kingfield this season - but the Imps keeper Paul Farman was in inspired form to deny the Cardinal forwards on many occasions in the second half. Woking are now only two points away from Garry’s magic 50 points but Wednesday’s rearranged game against another promotion side Mansfield Town will be tough - but anything can happen down at Kingfield this season……….

 

Woking have signed 20 year old striker Adam Francis from Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season. Adam, is the son of former England skipper Gerry Francis.

 

 

 

 

 

 



  

The Terrific Cards defeat Rovers

 

Woking 2 – Forest Green Rovers 0

 

Tuesday 26th February 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

The Cards have now recorded back to back victories after a fantastic 2 - 0 triumph against promotion challengers Forest Green Rovers at Kingfield. Second half goals from Kevin Betsy and Jack Parkinson (scoring his first goal for the Cards), enabled Woking to move to ninth in the league and only three points behind Garry Hill’s magic target of 50 points!

 

Garry Hill unsurprisingly named an unchanged side for the visit of Forest Green Rovers who before kick off were sitting in fifth place. AFC Wimbledon loanee keeper Seb Brown was making his home debut for Woking after previously playing in the last two away fixtures.

 

Playing in a fluorescent lime green strip the away side had the first opportunity of the game early on, after a cleverly worked one - two between James Norwood and Paul Green on the edge of the penalty area - Green then spun defender Brett Johnson and shot from ten yards out. However, the Rovers forward pulled his shot wide of the goal when it looked easier to score. It could have been a different story if the forward had opened his account for the Lawnmowers against the Cards.

 

As the first half progressed, Garry Hill’s side began to gain in confidence, and on a surface, which was improving week on week after the difficult winter weather conditions, the Woking midfielders were starting to pass the ball across the pitch - stretching Rover’s midfield. Just after the half hour mark, in form striker Bradley Bubb nearly ripped into the back of the net. Mark Ricketts seized the ball in the middle of the pitch went past two trailing defenders and floated the ball into the penalty area, Bubb then out muscled Jamie Turley and shot - but a great save from keeper Russell who is on loan from League 2 side Aldershot his 16th goal of the campaign.

 

Minutes later Russell denied Betsy at the near post, after a mazy run into the area from the midfielder. The Woking legend cheekily dummied defender Stokes which completely fooled the tall gangly defender, “super Kev” then shot towards the near post, but a smart save kept the score level at half time.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Forest Green Rovers 0

 

After a tough first half for the Cards, many at Kingfield were wondering if the part timers had enough energy to stop “The Greens” from taking all three points back to the South West, after two long away trips last week - while Woking’s opponents had their game on Saturday called off.

 

However it was Forest Green not Woking who looked tired and fatigued at the start of the second half, and the Cardinals took full advantage of this. With only six minutes played, the Cards took the lead. After a shot by Jayden Stockley inside the penalty area, the ball rebounded onto the feet of Betsy, and the Woking midfielder managed to get the ball out from under his feet and placed the ball into the top corner of the net!

 

Immediately from the kick off, the away side stormed down the other end - but keeper Brown sprinted out of his goal and made a brave save to deny Magno Vieira.

 

With the Cards starting to slowly sit deeper and deeper, manager Garry Hill was standing on the touch line shouting to his side to push up and start to improve the attack. On seventy minutes, Parkinson should have scored his first for his team, following a corner which was crossed into the heart of the box by John Nutter, but the ex Welling defender who was unchallenged, headed poorly over.

 

Nevertheless only nine minutes later, Parky made up for his earlier mistake after crashing in a shot which nestled into the roof of the net. After a corner which was not cleared by the Rovers defence, the ball fell into the path of the defender and he instantly shot and after seeing the ball rustle the goal, the Woking staff celebrated - knowing what an important goal that was for the whole football club!

 

The second goal clearly knocked backed the away side and they created little chances in the remaining ten minutesof the game, to the disappointment of the travelling fans. However, the home side started to play some lovely exhibition football frustrating the Rovers side, who were becoming impatient in their tackles and picking up a few yellow cards.

 

Full time: Woking 2 – Forest Green Rovers 0

 

As the ref blew his whistle for the final time a huge roar went across Kingfield, after one of the best performances by Garry Hill’s side this season. Against a very talented and well drilled Rovers side - who come May will be hoping for promotion too, Woking outplayed them in all departments with every player giving 100%. Crucially the loss of Billy Knott (who is still out injured) did not seem to play an important factor compared to recent performances where the bite and pace of Knott was critical for the Cardinals over the last few weeks. However players like Betsy, Parkinson and Ricketts, really demonstrated their quality.

 

Over the next week Garry Hill’s target of 50 points could be reached with two home games against ex League clubs Lincoln City and Mansfield Town - with the former surprisingly struggling near the bottom of the table. Some fans are already confident and starting to celebrate safety after Tuesday’s victory - but it’s not done yet – however it is getting closer!

 

 



    A Brace from Bradley Bubb secured a 2-1 victory for the Cards at Southport on Saturday.

     The home side were reduced to ten men when Simon Grand was shown a straight red card in the first half. Woking took the lead through Bubb in the 42nd minute, Southport drew level in the 61st minute only for the Crads to snatch the points eight minutes later. 

   Woking fell to a 2-0 defeat against relegation threatened Barrow on Tuesday night.

     The home side scored a goal in each half to secure the points, and to make matters worse Woking were reduced to ten men when Lee Sawyer was given a straight red in the 56th minute.

 

County just too good for the Cards

 

Woking 1 – Newport County 3

 

Saturday 16th February 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

On a crisp late winters afternoon at Kingfield, many arriving were dreaming of finishing in the play-offs come May, after six victories in a row for Garry Hill’s side. However Saturday’s encounter against Welsh side Newport County, was certainly a reality check after a clinical first half display by the Exiles in which three goals were scored in 18 minutes.

 

Garry Hill had to make one enforced change from last weeks excellent 3 -0 away victory against Alfreton Town, as keeper Aaron Howe is out for five weeks due to a hand injury – so QPR loanee Elvijs Putnins slotted in between the sticks. It was also a big day for Woking skipper Mark Ricketts who was celebrating his 150th appearance for the club.

 

The visitors started the brightest and could have scored with the opening attack of the game. Striker Danny Crow, went past the trailing Brett Johnson and curled the ball into the corner of the goal, but a superb save by Putnins low down, palmed it away for a corner.

 

On 15 minutes disaster struck for the home side. With Newport on the attack, Billy Knott who was tracking back, pulled up on the edge of the box with what looked like a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Gavin McCallum. Five minutes later the Welsh side took the lead. Andy Sandell nicked the ball from Adam Newton on the near side of the pitch where he floated the ball to the far post and rising highest was Lee Minshull whose header was too strong for Putnins - and the ball trickled over the line.

 

With the Cards trying to cope without the midfield maestro Billy Knott, Betsy was doing his best in leading the attacks linking the midfield and forwards, but ex Card Lenny Pidgeley was keeping his side ahead with good saves from McNerney and Bubb. However, a good looking tackle from Betsy on the left hand side changed the course of the game – this was given for a foul and deemed to be a “dangerous tackle.” From the resulting free kick, Minshull lost his marker and beat Parkinson to the ball who then poked it into the goal. This infuriated Betsy who immediately flew to the referee, angrily debating the free kick decision – the Kingfield legend was shown a yellow card for his troubles.

 

Minutes later the Cardinals defenders completely went to sleep from a Donnelly corner which resulted in a goal. The Exiles winger drove the ball into the box, running in was Byron Anthony who scuffed his shot goal bound. Standing on the goal line was substitute McCallum but he did not clear his lines and the ball hit the back of his foot ending up in the roof of the net. Even though Woking were three nil down, they kept looking for a first half consolation goal.   McNerney had the best chance of the half for the home side, after McCallum wiped the ball into the box and “the Beast” jumped, but Pidgeley saved from point blank range - denying his former teammate a goal.

 

Half Time: Woking 0 – Newport County 3

 

With the home side attacking the noisy KRE, many hoped that if Garry’s side could score early they would be right back in the game. Sadly this did not happen with both midfield sides battling it out on a very heavy and boggy pitch.

 

Hill with an hour to go, made a double substitution - with strikers Brett Williams and Jayden Stockley coming on for midfielder Lee Sawyer and the ill effective Bubb who was not too pleased with his removal and stormed down the tunnel. Woking went looking for a goal, but chances were hard to come by, with the second half becoming hard to watch. The young Stockley had two half chances coming from his head but Pidgeley comfortably saved both.

 

As the second half progressed, strangely the Exiles started to sit deeper and deeper, rather than going for more goals, and to the frustration of everyone in the Kingfield Road End, Lenny Pidgeley seemed to take an age with goal kicks. After the game, manager Hill commented on this issue - which helped to fuel aggravation around the ground.

 

With less than ten minutes on the clock, sub Williams was unlucky not to score for the home side. Brett sprinted past Ismael Yakubu and kicked the ball goal bound - but it was short on power and it trickled past the post.

 

Woking finally scored in the 91st minute, ensuring the Cardinals had scored in every league game this campaign. Man of the Match McCallum volleyed the ball into the net from inside the penalty area from a John Nutter cross, but it was only a consolation goal.

 

Full Time: Woking 1 – Newport County 3

 

This was certainly a surprise result for the Cards and a reality check for those fans dreaming of the Play-offs come May. After the game, Hill expressed disappointment but said his side have “over achieved” so far this season. However, the loss of Billy Knott was the most concerning to all connected with the club. The young Sunderland loanee looks likely to be out of both Woking’s fixtures this week, which are long away trips to Barrow and to Southport with travelling distances estimated to be more than 1000 miles for the two matches!

 

However Garry Hill’s side still look confident for a second season in the Conference National, a realistic target for all fans to look forward to.



  Woking made in four wins in a row, after completing a 3-0 victory away at Alfreton Town on Saturday.

   Three second-half goals from Bradley Bubb, Kevin Betsy and Billy Knott made it six wins in their last seven league fixtures for the Cards.

      Billy Knott's loan spell from Sunderland has been extended until 2nd March. Further good news for the Cards is that Jayden Stockley's loan spell has been extended until April 20th.

 

 

Cards stretch their winning run to four !

 

Woking 2 - Hyde 1

 

Saturday 2nd February 2013

 

By Jacob Hutchinson

 

After three weeks without a ball being kicked, the Cards looked to continue their winning run with the visit of Hyde. Sunderland loanee Billy Knott - who had recently extended his loan spell until March, inspired the Cards to win a hard fought victory from mid table side Hyde. This saw the Cards move nine points clear of the relegation zone.

 

Garry Hill made three changes from their last outing against Ebbsfleet United, with Lee Sawyer, Jayden Stockley and Brett Johnson coming into the starting 11.

 

Sawyer who was coming back into side after two months out, was instrumental in the home sides opening goal on ten minutes. The ex Southend United midfielder who was in the middle of a very boggy pitch, found Knott and slid the ball right into his path, who from twenty yards curled the ball into the top corner of the net!

 

McNerney ten minutes later, should have doubled the lead for his team. Left back Nutter, swung the ball into the six yard area, and rising highest was McNerney, but a super one handed save by keeper Dilo denied the Cards from doubling their lead.

 

From the resulting corner, the Hyde forwards counter attacked with pace. Captain Griffin sprinted down the left hand side of the pitch, drifting past two defenders. He then drove the ball into the heart of the Cards area and at close range Blinkhorn was able to level the scores.

 

Only minutes later, top goal scorer Bradley Bubb should have retaken the lead for the home side, after a complete mix up between both of the Tigers’ central defenders. Bubb, instead of curling the ball into the net, blasted it right at the keepers midriff and the chance was gone.  

 

Half Time: Woking 1 – Hyde 1

 

With manager Garry Hills’ half time talk still ringing in the players’ ears, the home side immediately went looking to retake the lead. However, it was a mistake by left back Griffin who gifted wonder kid Knott his second of the match. Betsy passed two (already tiring ) Hyde defenders, crossed the ball into the area, and Griffin completely missed the ball. Luckily, Knott was in position to strike the ball low into the corner of the goal, and score his sixth for the club.

 

For the next 15 minutes the Cards were in complete control of proceedings, and were unlucky not to increase their lead. Stockley and Sawyer went close for the Cardinals, but Bubb had the best chance. The stocky striker used his pace and power to move ahead of Griffin, and with the keeper coming out of his goal, he struck the ball goal bound - but the Tigers’ keeper pulled off a great save.

 

With the home side unable to take their chances, Hyde seemed to gain in confidence. However a sensational Aaron Howe stopped them in their tracks every time – showing great command of his penalty area every time he was called on to make a save.

 

With the game drawing to an end, the Kingfield pitch was beginning to become extremely boggy and it was increasingly very hard to string more than three passes together. Throughout the entire 90 minutes, Howe look untroubled - until injury time – now the whole Woking team seemed to panic for the last four minutes!

 

In the first minute of additional time, Woking substitute Matthew Cassidy should have buried the ball into the net, after neat build up play by the Tigers midfield on the edge of the box. Spencer passed to Cassidy but Howe got down low and tipped the ball round the post and away for a corner.

 

That should have been that, but in the final seconds, the Woking fans anxiously checked their watches with their hearts in their mouths. A great Ricketts slide pass - on the half way line, somehow found striker Spencer on the edge of the penalty area. But Howe reacted first, and smashed the ball out of the ground – and with a sigh of relief from the home supporters, the ref called the game to an end.

 

Full Time: Woking 2 – Hyde 1

 

With five victories in the last six outings for Garry Hill’s side, Woking are now comfortably sitting in mid table position. Thankfully, Garry has wielded some of his magic by increasing the loan period of both Knott and striker Jayden Stockley!

 

Next Saturday, Woking make the journey to the midlands to face Alfreton Town. Here they will look to take revenge after a disappointing 2-1 defeat earlier on in the campaign and maybe look steal a point or even all three and build towards that magic target of 50 points - to survive in the Conference National for another season.

 

 



       



 





                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



  

 

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   Relevant Link: Official Website: www.wokingfc.co.uk



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



    





       



 

      



 

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