Seymours
3:00pm - SaturdaySat 4th MarchMar 2017
| Att: 402

North Ferriby United
North Ferriby United
2 - 1

Woking
Woking

Vital away six-pointer for Cards

Brian Caffarey
10:39am, Thu 2nd Mar 2017
North Ferriby United v Woking
Vanarama National League
3pm on Saturday 4 March 2017

The Cards fought hard for their crucial 1-0 win at home to Dover Athletic on Tuesday evening. A win at North Ferriby United on Saturday would be even more valuable since it would open up a ten-point gap over The Villagers and perhaps enable the Cards to ‘haul in’ one or two clubs above them.

WOKING

It was just as well Woking gained all three points on Tuesday evening since all the clubs at the bottom fared well on a night of some very surprising results. Maidstone, Braintree and Guiseley all won, while York City managed a very creditable draw at Lincoln City. Torquay, who did not play, suddenly found themselves in the bottom four as a result, with Southport and North Ferriby United, also sitting it out, similarly losing ground in consequence. Woking now sit in 19th place with 37 points, still ahead of Maidstone United (for whom Delano Sam-Yorke was on target in their 2-0 away win at Dagenham and Redbridge) on goal difference, with Torquay, with a game in hand, now occupying the final relegation place on 35 points. Southport are on 31 points, North Ferriby on 30 and York City on 29. Southport and York both have a game in hand.

Woking will once again be without skipper Keiran Murtagh, serving the second part of his two-game suspension following ten yellow cards. It seems unlikely that Garry Hill will want to tinker much with the side that won on Tuesday evening, although it would be good if Connor Hall was fit enough to come back into the reckoning.

NORTH FERRIBY UNITED

The Villagers, based just outside Hull, have enjoyed great success in recent years. They were promoted to the Conference North in 2013, beat Wrexham on penalties in a dramatic FA Trophy Final in 2015 and then secured promotion to the Vanarama National League, through the play-offs, last season.

Not surprisingly, though, they are finding it tough going in their first season in the top tier of non-League football. They started reasonably well, drawing at home to Braintree Town and then beating Guiseley and Torquay at home after away defeats at Lincoln and Dover. But the following 15 games, prior to the encounter at Woking (see below), saw them win only once, a 1-0 away victory at Gateshead on 13 September, while 13 were lost and one drawn, with only one goal scored. Since the draw at Woking they have won four league games and lost nine. Their 2-1 at Guiseley last Saturday ended a four-match losing streak. At home, Ferriby have won four league games, drawn two and lost 11.

Manager Steve Housham can still call on quite a few players who have tasted success with the club in the last few seasons, including defenders Sam Topliss, Mark Gray and Ben Middleton, midfielder Danny Emerton and strikers Ryan Kendall and Curtis Bateson. Arrivals in the summer included 20-year-old keeper, Rory Watson, on loan from Scunthorpe United; Taron Hare, a young defender previously with York City and Scunthorpe; Jake Skelton, a 20-year-old defender from Leeds United; Connor Oliver, a striker from Blackpool; and Kyle Wootton, a striker on loan from Scunthorpe. Perhaps the best known new face was that of experienced midfielder Simon Russell, who has played for Kidderminster, York and Cambridge amongst other clubs. More recent arrivals are Sam Cosgrove, a striker signed on loan from Wigan Athletic; Matty Templeton, a utility player signed on loan from Barnsley; Robbie Tinkler, a 20 year-old midfielder on loan from Middlesbrough; and Matty Dixon, a midfielder from York City but who was born in Hull.

The Villagers have had poor luck with injuries recently, losing Steve Brogan, Simon Russell, Ryan Fallowfield and Connor Oliver, although the last-named made a brief substitute appearance against Guiseley.

GETTING THERE

North Ferriby United FC
Eon Visual Media Stadium
Grange Lane
Church Road
North Ferriby
East Yorkshire
HU14 3AB

Telephone: 01482 634601

Official website: www.northferribyunited.com

By coach

The Cards Trust is not running a coach to this match.

By car

The directions on the Villagers’ website suggest: A1 or M1 north and head towards Hull, taking the M18 and the M62, which becomes the A63 about 12 miles from Hull. Look out for the turn off for Ferriby on the left. Go over the bridge and turn left. Follow this road past the Duke of Cumberland pub. There is a crossroads just after the pub: you need to turn right down Church Road. Follow the road down, past the church, and you will quickly come upon a sign for the ground on your left, just before the overhead rail bridge. It is usually best to find somewhere to park on Church Road, as the car park down Grange Lane fills up fast. From the top of Grange Lane it is a short walk past the allotments to the ground.

By train

Ferriby station is very close to the ground. There are trains from London KX at 10.48, arriving at 13.29, and at 11.48, arriving at 14.31, both involving a change at Doncaster. On the way back there is a train at 17.55, arriving back at KX at 20.46, involving changes at Brough and Doncaster, and a train at 18.37, arriving at 21.10, via a single change at Brough.

If arriving from the Doncaster direction, once out of the station, follow the first road on the right, which will bring you out on Church Road. Grange Lane is only a couple of hundred yards down the road and to your right.

ADMISSION PRICES

Adults £15
Proof of age may be requested for the following concessions:
OAP – over 65, Students: £8
Under 16: £4
Under 12’s admitted free if accompanied by an adult. 

LAST TIME WE MET

Woking 1 North Ferriby United 1
Vanarama National League
12 November 2016

The Cards went into this televised game on the back of a fine win at Stockport County in the First Round of the FA Cup, whilst the Villagers had achieved an encouraging draw against Wrexham following 13 defeats in their previous 14 games and managing to score only one goal.

Woking failed to take advantage of the chances that fell their way in the first half and found themselves a goal down at the interval to a free-kick scored in added time by Steve Brogan.

With Keiran Murtagh and Charlie Carter both hitting the woodwork and other chances going begging, it looked as though the Villagers would leave with all the points but deep into added time substitute Chike Kandi came to Woking’s rescue with an enterprising run and a shot into the corner from the edge of the box.

Woking: Brandon Hall, Brian Saah, Ismail Yakubu, Jake Caprice (Max Kretzschmar), Ben Jefford (Anthony Edgar 65), Joey Jones, Keiran Murtagh, Gozie Ugwu, Delano Sam-Yorke, Charlie Carter (Chike Kandi 68), Fabio Saraiva.

Unused subs: Terell Thomas, Frankie Sutherland

North Ferriby United: Rory Watson, Sam Topliss, Steven Brogan, Taron Hare, Ben Middleton, Jake Skelton (Curtis Bateson 46), Danny Clarke, Simon Russell (Danny Emerton 18), Kyle Wootton, Reece Thompson, Ryan Fallowfield.

Unused Subs: Mark Gray, Connor Robinson, Darryn Stamp

Attendance: 1,357

COMING UP

The Cards are at home to Boreham Wood on Saturday 11 March.


Come on, you Cards!






Cards in disappointing defeat by the Humber

Ian Toft
12:00am, Sat 4th Mar 2017
North Ferriby United 2 Woking 1
Vanarama National League
4th March 2017

Woking fell to a 2-1 defeat against fellow relegation rival North Ferriby United in a tense match which could have gone either way. Gozie Ugwu’s first half finish from close range was not enough for the Cards as his goal was eclipsed by strikes by Skelton and Thompson for the hosts. The result at Grange Lane leaves Woking just one position above the relegation places.

The Cards travelled up to the scenic village of North Ferriby on the northern bank of the River Humber looking to pick up three valuable points. There was a Spring-like feel to the day, reflecting that not just the weather but also a sense that each club’s fortunes were on the upturn. The Villagers of North Ferriby had come off of a crucial 2-1 victory at fellow Yorkshire rivals Guiseley whilst Woking had dispatched play-off hopefuls Dover Athletic last time out.

Garry Hill made two changes to that side that had prevailed on Tuesday with Nathan Ralph replacing Chris Arthur on the left side and Charlie Carter recalled in place of Fabio Saraiva in midfield. Under the shadows of the imposing Humber Bridge the Cards attacked towards the All Saints Church end of the ground in the first half.

The first chance of note fell to the visitors when Carter found a gap down the left. As he reached the by-line he pulled a ball back into the centre of the box. However Skelton was first to read the pass and was able to clear before any of the Cards forwards could look to strike.

North Ferriby’s first attack soon after was equally as dangerous. Thompson was dragged down on the edge of the Woking penalty area and the resulting free kick was a quickly taken low ball hit with pace towards the front post. As the pack all missed the flight of the ball it was left to Poke to scramble across and palm the ball around his post for a corner.

The resulting set-piece was played short and backwards to Taron Hare allowing the Villagers wing back to flight an accurate delivery into the waiting group unopposed. Jake Skelton got free from his marker and planted the ball down into the bottom corner to give the hosts a crucial early lead.

Determined to get straight back into the game Carter recycled a Caprice cross that had eluded all. As he found Ferdinand making space for himself he played the ball backwards. Ferdinand crossed the ball back into the box first time towards the back post and Ugwu who had seen the flight of the ball narrowly failed to get a touch that would have given the Cards an instant equaliser.

Bateson managed to get loose from his marker down the right side. As he advanced down on goal his low hard shot was blocked by Poke’s legs. This fell immediately to Emerton whose shot was directed into Bateson’s path with an open goal to strike the ball into. As Bateson turned to celebrate he saw that the linesman had raised his flag to adjudge that he had been in an offside position from the point of Emerton’s strike.

Undeterred the home side continued to attack at the Cards. Bateson again got clear on the right side and beat an advancing Saah. Another low shot at goal was this time blocked near the goal line by Terrell Thomas.

At this stage the Villagers were comfortably in control of the game and looking to reward their play with a second goal. Hare hit an ambitious dipping shot from distance that took a deflection. Poke looked to be beaten bu the ball narrowly dropped over the crossbar. Soon after, Thompson broke away and attempted to cut inside. Yakubu went with him but could only drag the Villagers’ striker down earning him a stern talking to from referee Johnson. The resulting free kick in a dangerous position was hit with too much power and flew high over the crossbar.

The hosts were made to rue these missed opportunities in the 26th minute when a throw-in from inside the North Ferriby half set Carter away down the left side. As the home defenders failed to track his run towards the by-line he saw Ugwu in the six-yard area. Carter’s low pass was accurately met and Ugwu took full advantage to give the Cards a much needed equaliser much to the frustration of the home supporters.

Perhaps disappointed to have surrendered their lead, North Ferriby once again pressed forward at the Cards defence. A throw-in from Hare sailed deep into the penalty area which in turn was nodded down by Skelton into the path of Emerton. Though he struck the ball powerfully away from Poke it narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Charlie Carter then made efforts to push the Cards forward. As he collected the ball deep in his own half he dribbled half of the length of the pitch. As he approached the host’s penalty area he twisted onto his right foot and looked to get a strike away whilst off balance. Unfortunately this skewed high and wide.

As half time neared Yakubu was booked for holding back a North Ferriby player when another forward rush from the team appeared evident. The last chance of the half fell to Kretzschmar who struck a 20 yard free-kick as a result of a handball decision. Though it aimed towards the top corner Watson was able to read the flight of the ball and collect with both hands.

Half Time: North Ferriby United 1-1 Woking

Galvanised by North Ferriby’s failure to be leading at half time Woking started the second half looking to pressurise the hosts. Ugwu fed Carter on the edge of the penalty area and he shot immediately towards the right corner of Watson’s goal. The Villagers’ goalkeeper acrobatically leaped across and was able to deflect the shot around his post. Soon after, Ralph hit an excellent swinging free-kick towards the back post. This was narrowly flicked away from an expectant Ugwu just as the Cards striker was looking to place his header down on goal.

Thompson’s name entered the referee’s notebook as he sought to prevent another Cards attack. However, Woking then carved open a glorious opportunity to take the lead. Ugwu expertly turned Middleton in the centre of the field and rushed in on goal with only Watson to beat. The Villagers’ keeper waited for his moment to charge out at Ugwu and timed his collection of the ball perfectly before Ugwu could get his shot away. With chances of this nature largely at a premium to this point there was a sense amongst the Cards contingent that this one should been capitalised on.

Though the Cards were at this stage enjoying their best spell of pressure they still had to be alert at the back. This was never more evident than when a quick break from United was played through from the left towards Thompson. As he looked to collect and shoot Ralph read the danger brilliantly and tracked across to beat Thompson to the pass and win a free-kick in the process.

Woking pushed on with a good team move originating with Kretzschmar advancing on the right. As he was tackled Carter picked up the loose ball and pushed forward further. He fed Ugwu on his outside who shot low and hard towards goal. Ferdinand in the centre looked to deflect the strike away from Watson but unfortunately only managed to take the power off of the initial shot allowing Watson to collect comfortably.

Another chance was spurned when Caprice ran hard along the right touch line twisting and turning Tinkler in the process. With the Cards cavalry looking to join Caprice in the box he opted to shoot rather than look for the pass and this flew high and wide of the goal.

These missed chances prompted Garry Hill into making a change. Having run himself into the ground Charlie Carter was withdrawn from the game enabling Fabio Saraiva to be introduced. However, the next play in the 69th minute would prove to be crucial as the home side restored their lead.

Tinkler cut down the left wing and along the by-line before finding Thompson in space just inside the penalty area. Despite a number of Cards defenders blocking his view to goal Thompson calmly saw a gap and placed his shot into the bottom corner of the goal to restore the home side’s lead.

Knowing that a goal was now imperative to being able to take anything from the game the Cards withdrew Yakubu to introduce striker Zak Ansah for his first outing since the Autumn. Dennon Lewis also replaced Kretzschmar soon after.

However the changes appeared to have little bearing on the outcome of the game and there were no more real chances of note for the visitors. Though Woking drove forward in search of an equaliser and the game became stretched all this served to do was to create more space for North Ferriby to run into when counter-attacking.

As the minutes ground down into added time the hosts thought they had capped off the victory with a counter-attacking goal. As the Cards pushed forward they were caught on the break. A United player intercepted and timing his run to beat the defensive line Kendall collected with just Poke to beat. Sensing Cosgrove overlapping him to his right Kendall played the ball around Poke for Cosgrove to finish into the empty net. Much to the home fans frustration the linesman again raised his flag to rule out another Villagers goal for offside as Cosgrove had marginally run beyond Kendall when the pass was played.

In reality Woking had one 25-minute spell of pressure at the start of the second half to show for their efforts at Grange Lane and they will be disappointed not to have taken advantage of this. That apart, the home side will feel that they worked hard for a deserved victory that moves them 3 points closer to the Cards and offers them a glimmer of hope of their own survival. Woking must pick themselves up quickly from this setback and turn their attentions to hosting mid-table Boreham Wood next Saturday.


Woking: Michael Poke, Jake Caprice, Nathan Ralph, Brian Saah, Terell Thomas, Joey Jones, Ismail Yakubu (Zak Ansah 73), Charlie Carter (Fabio Saraiva 69), Gozie Ugwu, Kane Ferdinand, Max Kretzschmar (Dennon Lewis 79)

Unused subs: Brandon Hall, Chris Arthur

Goals: Ugwu (26)

Yellow Cards: Yakubu

North Ferriby United: Rory Watson, Sam Topliss, Mark Gray, Ben Middleton, Jake Skelton, Taron Hare, Robbie Tinkler, Matt Dixon, Danny Emerton (Ross Armstrong 86), Recce Thompson (Sam Cosgrove 83), Curtis Bateson (Ryan Kendall 73)

Unused subs: Matty Templeton, Jordan Cooke

Goals: Skelton (5), Thompson (69)

Yellow Cards: Tinkler, Thompson

My MOTM: Charlie Carter: Tried in place of Saraiva, Carter repaid his selection with a performance full of effort and determination. He was often back in his own half to help to win back possession but also able to race forward as the Cards looked to counter attack at the North Ferriby defence.

Referee: Joseph Johnson

Attendance: 402

North Ferriby United LINEUP
WOKING LINEUP
1Michael Poke
2Jake Caprice
11Nathan Ralph
3Terell Thomas
5Brian Saah
6Ismail Yakubu ('73)
4Joey Jones
12Charlie Carter ('69)
15Max Kretzschmar ('79)
22Kane Ferdinand
9Gozie Ugwu
BENCH
18Brandon Hall
26Chris Arthur
14Fabio Saraiva ('69)
16Dennon Lewis ('79)
10Zak Ansah ('73)

North Ferriby United 2 - 1 Woking (Garry Hill Interview)

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