Cards face young Gunners

Woking v Arsenal XI
Pre-season friendly
7.30pm on Friday 15 July 2011

The Cards’ first pre-season friendly sees the visit of what will no doubt be a hugely-talented young Arsenal side. Cards fans will be equally eager to get their first glimpse in Woking colours of Garry Hill’s exciting summer signings and to cast their eye over some triallists. So, come on down to Kingfield on Friday evening for what should be an interesting and entertaining occasion. Don’t forget that it’s a 7.30pm kick-off!

WOKING

The Cards are the bookies’ favourites for the BSBS title and it’s not difficult to see why, with the pleasing mix Garry Hill has fashioned of ‘old hands’ from last season’s play-off side and some very promising new signings. The ‘spine’ of last season’s team has been retained in the shape of Andy Little in goal, centre backs Joe McNerney, Adam Doyle and Alan Inns, midfielder Mark Ricketts and striker Elvis Hammond. Garry has brought in Aaron Howe, from Havant and Waterlooville but originally with the Woking Academy, to provide stiff competition for the goalkeeping position. The midfield has been greatly strengthened with the addition of Adam Newton (formerly with Luton), Jack King and Dale Binns from Farnborough, Jay Davies heading back to Kingfield after his brief sojourn at Farnborough and the re-signing of Nathan Koranteng. Up front, the experienced Wayne Gray, captured from Chelmsford City, looks an excellent partner for Elvis. And, of course, there is the return of the prodigal son, Gez Sole, after spells at Newport County, Dorchester Town and Havant and Waterlooville. Add to that promising home-grown talent in the shape of Matt Pegler, Josh Griffiths, Ola Sogbanmu and Ollie Palmer and it all looks very positive for the season ahead.

The obvious gaps still to be filled are at full back following the departures of Aswad Thomas and Ricky Anane and we can no doubt expect to see a few triallists vying to replace them.

ARSENAL

The Gunners are expected to field a young side on Friday evening but you can be sure that there will be some names to remember amongst the talent on show. Two players who are expected to be in their squad have already made their mark in the Championship on loan. Henri Lansbury, capped nine times for the England U21 side, made over 20 appearances for Norwich City last season, having previously starred for Watford. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas spent part of last season with Cardiff City, having had spells formerly at Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers. Both are very highly rated by Arsene Wenger. The squad includes other players drawn from South America, Spain, Holland and Switzerland.

ADMISSION

Admission prices to all the pre-season home friendly games are:

Adults £8
Concessions £4
U16s £2.

Don’t forget that the Cards have another home friendly game on Tuesday night, 19 July, when a Reading XI are the visitors. Kick-off for that game is at 7.45pm.

Come on, you Cards!