Woking vs Wrexham
Vanarama National League
Saturday 17th March 2018

This weekend’s game promises to be a hugely intriguing match-up with implications at both ends of the table. An out-of-sort Woking, without a win in five, desperately need all three points to steer clear of trouble, whilst promotion-chasing Wrexham will be looking to cement a play-off place.

The Cards, who were moving back up the table after back-to-back home wins over AFC Fylde and Chester last month, are now nervously looking over their shoulders again after taking just one point from five games. Whilst that doesn’t quite tell the whole story, as that run included challenging away trips to Ebbsfleet and Sutton, last Saturday’s defeat at home to Halifax – our first defeat at the Laithwaite Community Stadium since mid-January – has certainly set alarm bells ringing. That defeat, coupled with other teams picking up points in mid-week, means we’re now just eight points clear of the bottom four whilst many of the teams below us still have games in hand. Anthony Limbrick and co will no doubt be keen to set things straight with a much needed win this weekend.

This is Wrexham’s tenth straight season in non-league football after being relegated from the Football League in 2008. Promotion looked like it would only be a matter of time after three consecutive top five finishes between 2011-2013 coupled with an FA Trophy win, but they have fallen down the table in recent years, and last season’s 13th place finish was considered far from satisfactory. This year has been much better as, despite a lack of goals, they have made a habit of grounding out results. Their record of just six defeats from 37 games is the best in the division and they currently sit in fourth place, level on points with our neighbours Aldershot Town. Sadly for the Dragons, their form has attracted the attention of League One side Walsall, who according to media reports appear poised to poach manager Dean Keates, possibly even before Saturday’s game.

With so much riding on this match for both sides please come along if you can and cheer on your team. Tickets can be bought in advance through our website or on the gate as normal.

Woking Team News

The Cards could welcome back Jordan Wynter for the first time since Boxing Day. The defender, who was a key factor in our early season form, returned to the bench last weekend and was an unused substitute against Halifax. He will be looking to take the place of either Josh Staunton or Richard Orlu who have partnered each other at the back for the last two games. With Louis Ramsay still sidelined, Matt Young and Nathan Ralph are likely to continue at full-back.

Midfield could prove a more challenging decision for Limbrick and his team. Joey Jones played just seven minutes against Halifax and has to be considered a doubt for the match with Wrexham. Charlie Carter will be looking to return to the starting line-up after scoring from the bench against the Shaymen whilst Declan Appau and Chez Isaac, neither of whom made the squad that day, could provide alternate options if fit. Kane Ferdinand, who has started every league game since October, is likely to continue alongside Regan Charles-Cook.

The front three could also be rotated again. Anthony Cook, Jason Banton and Reece Grego-Cox, recently named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad, got the nod last time out but Jonny Edwards, Fabio Saraiva and Louie Theophanous should be competing for those attacking spots.

Wrexham Team News

Whilst Wrexham’s managerial situation might be up in the air they have a very strong squad which will likely prove a huge test for the Cards.

For their last game, a 2-0 win over rivals Chester, they named former Cambridge and Northampton stopper Chris Dunn in goal; a back four of the experienced Kevin Roberts, who has played over 400 games in club football, Manny Smith, who returned to the club after a season with Gateshead last year, experienced captain Shaun Pearson, who joined the Dragons from Grimsby in the summer, and former Liverpool trainee David Raven; in midfield was Sam Wedgebury and Marcus Kelly, who were both promoted with Forest Green last season, whilst out wide were Paul Rutherford and Nicky Deverdics, who recently joined the club from Hartlepool; up front were Scott Quigley, on loan from Blackpool, and Chris Holroyd who 13 league goals this season after joining from Macclesfield.

Their options from the bench include the versatile Simon Ainge, who scored 13 goals in 15 games for Harrogate Town earlier this season after netting 23 the year before, vice-captain Mark Carrington who has been with the club since 2013, experienced forward Scott Boden, midfielder Akil Wright and another addition from Hartlepool, Jonathan Franks.

What the Boss Said

Anthony Limbrick on the upcoming game…

“Wrexham are very strong side who have been on a good run of form having not been beaten since December. It will be a tough game but one we will look to attack and work hard to get a result.�

Last Time Out

Wrexham 1-0 Woking (Saturday 26 August 2017 – Vanarama National League)

The Cards went into this game with two wins and three defeats from their first five games of the season, including two away defeats at Tranmere and Barrow, and whilst they fared better at the Racecourse Ground they were still unable to come away with anything to show for their efforts. James Jennings scored the only goal on the stroke of half-time and the hosts duly held out to take the win. Jason Banton impressed for the visitors after coming off the bench but didn’t have enough time to force an equaliser.

Admission Prices

• Adults £18
• Over 65s £13
• Disabled (Including carer) £13
• Students (U19) £5
• U16s £5

Our matchday programme, ‘Cardinals’, will be on sale for £3. Don’t forget to grab your copy on the way in! You’ll also be able to visit the club shop for more great offers.

Next Up

The Cards travel to Leyton Orient next Saturday for what should be a fantastic game at Brisbane Road. The O’s are putting on reduced admission prices that day at just £5 for adults and £1 for Under-16s and concessions. Fans can also purchase their tickets in advance from our club shop at the same price – so why not pop in this weekend and pick them up! Our next home game is on Good Friday when we entertain league leaders Macclesfield Town.