Carshalton Athletic v Woking
Pre-season friendly
3pm on Saturday 28 July 2012

The Cards go into tomorrow’s friendly at Carshalton Athletic on the back of some promising performances so far in their pre-season preparations, including Tuesday’s very encouraging 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon. Garry Hill is still clearly intent, though, on strengthening his squad, so Cards fans can expect to see more potential recruits on display. Please bear in mind that the men’s cycling road race will be taking place on Saturday, which will result in a number of road closures in Surrey.

WOKING

Terry Brown, AFC’s much-respected Manager, was very complimentary about Woking’s performance and believes the Cards have the makings of a formidable BSP side, although he did add a caveat about whether there would be enough strength in depth. Garry will no doubt be wary of predictions about how the season will pan out, however well-intentioned, but will surely agree that several additions are still required. The defence, apart from the lack of a second keeper, looks in good shape, with strong competition for places if everyone is fit, but the squad still looks a little light in numbers in midfield and up front and perhaps lacks the pace and trickery out wide that Moses Ademola and Dale Binns were able to provide last season. Let’s see what Garry comes up with before the season starts – remembering that Paris Cowan-Hall was signed at the last gasp a year ago.

CARSHALTON ATHLETIC

The Robins, under Paul Dipre, look to have put together a promising-looking squad for next season, including ex-Cards Wayne Gray, Ola Sogbanmu and Michael Kamara. German keeper, Nick Hamann, has recently re-signed and there is plenty of experience in the shape of players like David Ray (currently injured, however), striker Paul Vines and midfielder Lewis Taylor.

The Robins lost 2-1 away to Havant and Waterlooville last Saturday but took encouragement as they dominated much of the first half before putting on younger players after the break.

GETTING THERE

War Memorial Sports Ground
Colston Avenue,
Carshalton
Surrey
SM5 2PW

By car

Look up information about road closures before deciding on a route if you’re planning to go by car.

By train

The nearest station is Carshalton. Travelling from Woking involves changing at either Clapham Junction (or Wimbledon and Sutton). The 12.46 from Woking would get you into Clapham Junction at 13.05 to pick up the 13.24 to Carshalton, arriving at 13.45. There is a similar journey half an hour later, starting with the 13.17 from Woking. Trains back via Clapham Junction are at 02 and 32 minutes past the hour. On arrival at the station walk to the exit and turn right. Walk down the hill towards the main road. At the bottom of the hill turn right. Follow the path under the railway bridge until you come to the mini-roundabout. Once you see the mini-roundabout cross the road and take the road to the left, Colston Avenue. Walk along Colston Avenue on the right-hand side of the road for 150 yards and you will see come to a private driveway between houses 35 and 33. Walk to the end of the driveway and you will come to the ground.

ADMISSION PRICES

Adults £5. Over 60s £3. U18s £1.

NEXT GAME

Garry has added another pre-season friendly, away to AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday 31 July. The final friendly is on Saturday 4 August, when the Cards take on neighbours Aldershot Town.

Woking’s BSP campaign starts with a trip to Wrexham, last season’s runners-up, on Saturday 11 August, followed by two home games: on Tuesday 14 August (v Dartford) and on Saturday 18 August (v Barrow).

Come on, you Cards!