LCS Events

Cards make long trip north

Brian Caffarey
5:38pm, Mon 5th Jan 2015
Gateshead v Woking
7.45pm on Wednesday 7 January 2015

The Cards make the long trip to Gateshead on Wednesday in a game which was originally due to be played last month. Woking still lie sixth in the table following the weekend games but with many clubs around them, including Gateshead, also eyeing the play-off spots. Garry Hill’s side could really do with a win after picking up only two points out of the last eighteen but even a share of the points on Wednesday would be a very good result.

WOKING

Eastleigh’s surprise 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Altrincham at the weekend meant that they slipped behind Woking on goal difference but the fifth play-off place is now occupied instead by Kidderminster Harriers, who won 2-1 at Dartford and are now two points ahead of the Cards.

Woking’s home game against Eastleigh on New Year’s Day marked the end of Jack Marriott’s youth loan spell – just as he seemed to be returning to his best form after a slow start to his third loan spell at Kingfield – and also the end of Chris Arthur’s loan spell from AFC Wimbledon, to whom Ross Worner has already returned. We await news of any signings by Garry Hill.

GATESHEAD

Gateshead lie in 12th place but are only four points behind Woking with three games in hand. At the weekend, in the Third Round of the FA Cup at WBA, they matched Albion till nearly half-time but were then buried under an avalanche of goals, eventually losing 7-0. Manager Gary Mills said his team had been ‘gutted’ to lose so heavily, especially after holding their own for the first 40 minutes during which Albion didn’t have a shot on target and Heed’s John Oster missed a great chance to put Gateshead in front.

The Tynesiders’ league form has slipped in the last couple of months: since the middle of October they have won only two out of 11 league games and both of those were away from home: at Aldershot Town and Alfreton. In that spell, at home, they have drawn three (against Lincoln City, Southport and AFC Halifax Town) and lost two (to Barnet and Dover). Their last home league game saw them draw 2-2 at home to the Shaymen on Boxing Day.

Well-known names in the squad include former Everton and Sunderland midfielder John Oster; winger Alex Rodman, formerly with Grimsby Town and York City; experienced midfielder Phil Turnbull; midfielder JJ O’Donnell, formerly with Luton; and strikers Jon Shaw, Michael Rankine and Danny Wright.

GETTING THERE

The International Stadium
Neilson Road
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE10 0EF

Official website: www.gateshead-fc.com

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

By car

Take the A1(M) to its junction with the A194(M), just north of Washington Services. Take the A194(M) to the end of the motorway. At the roundabout turn left onto the A184 towards Gateshead. The International Stadium is on the right after about three miles. Car parking is available at the ground.

By train

It’s not possible to do the return trip on the same day. There are frequent trains from London KX to Newcastle, from where you can take the Metro to Gateshead. The stadium has its own Metro stop, which is only five minutes’ walk away. Look up www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com for details of train times and prices.

ADMISSION PRICES

Tickets purchased on the day are priced at:

Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
16-17/Students: £8
U16: £3

There is a reduction of £1 if purchased online in advance, with tickets being picked up on the day.

Woking fans will be seated in the East Stand.

LAST TIME OUT

Gateshead 0 Woking 2
15 February 2014

This was undoubtedly one of the Cards’ finest performances of the season.

On a sodden pitch the Cards got off to a perfect start, with John Nutter slotting home Kevin Betsy’s cross in the 5th minute.

A talented Heed side, unbeaten in their last eight games, applied great pressure, with Marcus Maddison – recently sold to Peterborough United in a big money transfer – proving a particular threat but the Woking defence, with Joe McNerney outstanding, held firm. The Cards continued to offer a real threat on the break through Betsy’s mazy runs and the pace of Jack Marriott.

The Cards struck the second killer blow in the 70th minute, with Betsy’s run allowing John Goddard to strike home. Gateshead threw everything at Woking in an attempt to get back into the game but a gritty, determined Woking side refused to buckle.

Woking: Sam Beasant, Joey Jones (Niall Wright 90), John Nutter, Mark Ricketts, Joe McNerney, Brett Johnson, Kevin Betsy, Josh Payne, Scott Rendell, John Goddard, Jack Marriott (Giuseppe Sole 76)

Subs not used: Aaron Howe, Anthony McNamee, Reece Beckles

Bookings: Marriott 43, Goddard 88

Gateshead: Adam Bartlett, James Curtis, Ben Clark, Phil Turnbull, James Brown (Ryan Noble 52), Craig Baxter, James Marwood, Lewis Sirrell, Marcus Maddison, John Oster (Liam Hatch 60), JJ O’Donnell (Jamie Chandler 52)

Subs not used: Carl Magnay, Josh Walker

Attendance: 706

COMING UP

The Cards are away at Oxford City this coming Saturday (10 January) in the Second Round of the FA Trophy. (Phone or email the Club Shop to book your place on the Cards Trust coach.) The Cards’ next home game on Saturday 17 January should attract one of the biggest crowds of the season as Bristol Rovers, no doubt bringing many fans, make their first visit to Kingfield.


Come on, you Cards!




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Registered office The Laithwaite Community Stadium, Kingfield, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9AA

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