Woking 0-2 West Ham United
National League Cup
13th August 2025

Woking’s National League Cup campaign began with frustration as two stoppage-time goals from West Ham United’s Under-21s condemned the Cards to a 2–0 home defeat in their Group C opener.

The match was finely poised until a turning point early in the second half. With the score still 0–0, forward Sam Ashford was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, reducing the hosts to ten men and tilting the momentum towards the visitors.

Woking started brightly, carving out promising chances. Josh Osude’s clever link-up play created space for Inih Effiong, whose close-range effort was blocked by the West Ham defence. Osude was again involved in the hosts’ next chance, cutting out a pass and driving towards goal; however, he was unable to get his shot away.

West Ham’s first effort of the game came from Lewis Orford’s attempt was diverted just wide for a corner. The Hammers came very close to taking the lead from the resulting corner; however, Timi Odusina cleared after a goalmouth scramble.

A minute later, Woking keeper Tom Norcott was called into action after making an incredible stop to save Orford’s deflected attempt.

Five minutes into the second half, Ashford was given a second yellow card for shooting from distance after the referee had blown his whistle, leaving the Cards to play the remaining forty minutes, plus stoppages, with one man less.

Sixty-five minutes in, the Irons almost took the lead when Ryan Battrum rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot from just inside the box.

Dubutant Norcott continued to make a string of impressive saves to keep the game goalless.

Late in the game, the Hammers increased their pressure and finally made their numerical advantage count when Orford’s close-range effort in the 90th minute gave them the lead. 6 minutes into stoppage time, substitute Mohamadou Kante won the ball high up the pitch and made it 2-0 with a right-footed shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

Woking: Norcott , Hinds (Ward 65), Odusina (Drewe 58), Tunji Akinola, Richards (Parkes 65), Andrews (Timmy Akinola 58), Turner, Hall, Osude (Hyde 65), Ashford, Effiong.

Subs not used: Ross & Beautyman

Red Card: Ashford (50)

Attendance: 241

Sponsors’ Man of the Match: Tom Norcott