Cards seek historic double over Shots
Brian Caffarey
7:55am, Thu 31st Dec 2015
Woking v Aldershot Town
Vanarama National League
3pm on Saturday 2 January 2016
The Cards have never done the ‘double’ over the Shots and, indeed, have lost to them in the last four matches between the teams at Kingfield. Could this be the season the tables are finally turned? Come on down to the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday to cheer on Garry Hill’s side to what we hope will be an historic win!
WOKING
The Cards had to be satisfied with a point on Monday against Boreham Wood, following their 1-0 win over the Shots at the EBB Stadium two days previously. A very solid Wood defence ensured that few chances fell to Woking, with the best, a header from substitute Gez Sole in the closing stages, being superbly saved by the Wood’s impressive keeper, Jack Russell. Garry Hill had no complaints about the result, preferring to emphasise the latest stage of his side’s revival, going into the New Year in 7th place in the table after being 17th as recently as mid-November.
Several of Garry Hill’s side, including Dan Holman, Cameron Norman, Joe Quigley and Matt Robinson, have loans which are due to end with this game, so – if they are leaving – let’s hope that they can sign off with a flourish.
ALDERSHOT TOWN
The Shots had plenty of possession in the Boxing Day game but failed to seriously test Jake Cole – a familiar problem for Aldershot this season: the Shots have managed to score more than one goal on only one occasion in their last 15 league and cup games. Nevertheless, the Cards will want to try to restrict the number of crosses coming in since the Shots cannot surely be quite as wasteful again.
Barry Smith’s side gained a creditable 1-1 draw at Eastleigh on Monday, conceding an early penalty but equalising with one of their own, converted by Sam Hatton. Smith made one change up front for that game, Charlie Walker replacing Richard Brodie.
The Shots have fared better on their travels this season than at home, having won five, drawn three and lost five, scoring 18 goals and conceding 21.
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults - £18
Over 65s, Students with NUS card, forces personnel and MOD civilian staff with recognised ID - £13
U16s - £5
400 CLUB
This match sees the launch of a new fundraising venture by the Cards Trust. Trust members and others can join the 400 Club for only £1 a month, with prizes drawn every quarter and a bumper prize every Christmas. Look out for details in the matchday programme and elsewhere or email John Hooker on john.hooker@cardstrust.co.uk for an application form.
NEW YEAR RAFFLE
Don’t forget to return your money and stubs to the Club Shop before kick-off for the Cards Trust’s New Year Raffle. The draw will take place at half-time with a first prize of £1,000 and 50 other prizes. All proceeds go towards helping the Club defray medical costs for players injured this season.
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
Another packed 64-page matchday programme includes: an in-depth look at the fierce and eventful rivalry between the Shots and the Cards, recalling some of the key games; captain Mark Ricketts’s insights into how the side went about recovering from their recent slump in form; and Malcolm Wyatt’s reflections on watching the Cards in northern climes. In addition, there’s a summary of what’s been going on at other National League clubs; and news from the Club Board and the Cards Trust, plus match previews, reports and the usual superb match action photos. Great value at only £3!
LAST TIME WE MET
Aldershot Town 0 Woking 1
26 December 2015
For the second year running the Cards managed to carve out a narrow win at the EBB Stadium. This time, instead of a miraculous Gez Sole free-kick, it was a clever move just before half-time between Dan Holman and John Goddard, with the latter finishing smartly for his twelfth goal of the season,that took the points back to Surrey.
In a game of few chances, the Shots had plenty of possession but rarely looked like troubling Jake Cole, with any headers that were on target dropping safely into his arms. The Cards generally looked sharper when they did attack and should have extended their lead when Matt Robinson blazed over midway through the second half. The defence, meanwhile, superbly marshalled by ‘man of the match’ Joey Jones and Brian Saah, soaked up the Shots’ pressure and stifled most attacking moves.
WOKING: Jake Cole, Jake Caprice, Mark Ricketts, Brian Saah, Bruno Andrade, John Goddard (Giuseppe Sole 84), Matt Robinson, Bruno Andrade (Keiran Murtagh 69), Joe Quigley (Chris Arthur 77), Dan Holman, Cameron Norman
Goal: John Goddard (40)
Unused subs: Nick Hamann, Jimmy Keohane
ALDERSHOT TOWN: Phil Smith, Joe Oastler, Sean McGinty, Sam Hatton (Dan Walker 72), Jim Stevenson, Tom Richards, Cheye Alexander, Omar Beckles, Jake Gallagher, Richard Brodie, Daniel Carr (Charlie Walker 63)
Unused subs: Dan Thomas, Damon Lathrope, Luke Oliver
Attendance: 3150 (710 Woking fans)
COMING UP
The Cards travel to Wrexham next Saturday (9 January). (The Cards Trust are offering a special reduction for members for this trip, so make sure you book at the Club Shop on Saturday.) The following Saturday (16 January) Woking are at home to Maidenhead United in the 2nd Round of the FA Trophy. The Cards’ next home league game is on Saturday 23 January when they entertain FC Halifax Town.
Come on, you Cards!