Cards facing tough test against rejuvenated Gulls

Torquay United vs Woking
National League South
Saturday 29th September

The Cards will be looking to build on last week’s clinical FA Cup victory over Tooting & Mitcham United on Saturday as they travel to Torquay United.

Alan Dowson’s side are without a win in National League South since the first of the month following a draw with Concord Rangers and a surprise home defeat to Dulwich Hamlet and the players will no doubt be keen to put things right at Plainmoor. Harvey Bradbury’s hat-trick against Tooting, on what was only his second appearance for his club, has certainly rejuvenated the league leaders who will also be looking to defend a two point lead at the top of table.

We will face a tough test however in the form of Torquay who have won both their matches so far under new manager Gary Johnson - beating Hungerford Town 2-0 before thrashing minnows Lymington Town 7-0 in the FA Cup - and despite their early season struggles under former boss Gary Owers still boast the league’s best defensive record, with just four goals conceded in 10 games.

The boys will be desperate for your support in this huge game so please make the journey if you possibly can to cheer on the team and will them on to all three points!

Woking Team News

Dowse made his fair share of changes against Tooting - in defence, Josh Casey returned from injury to retake his position at left-back, with Daniel Spence moving to the right and Ian Gayle coming in alongside Jack Cook in place of Kiran Khinda-John; in midfield, Nathan Collier moved upfield to partner goalscorer Armani Little, and Greg Luer came back in ahead of Paul Hodges; Max Kretzschmar and Nicky Wheeler continued alongside Bradbury up top.

Further changes on Saturday will depend on the fitness of several key players, particularly Kane Ferdinand who has been carrying a knock for the last couple of weeks, as well as Hodges and striker Jake Hyde. It is thought that Dowse may have close to a full squad to pick from with Christian Jolley the only long-term absentee still sidelined.

The likes of Duane Ofori-Acheampong and Reggie Young, who have been limited for chances in recent games, may have to wait another week until our FA Cup game with Kempston Rovers when Dowse will need to utilise all of his options.

Torquay United Team News

Johnson, who left League 2 side Cheltenham Town near the start of the season, has a strong squad to pick from including a number of players Woking fans will be familiar with from National League level.

In their last league game, against Hungerford, the Gulls lined up with Plymouth-loanee Alex Bass in goal; a back four of Ben Wynter, the experienced Liam Davis, formerly of Northampton and Oxford United amongst others, George Essuman and former Newcastle United youngster and Scotland Under-21 international Kyle Cameron; in midfield was Asa Hall, who impressed against the Cards for Barrow last season, alongside Jake Andrews, on loan from Bristol City, youngster Chris Regis and another Bristol City loanee in Opi Edwards; up front was Ruairi Keating and Jamie Reid - who joined the club from Exeter City last year after three loan spells.

Former Woking players Brett Williams, Bobson Bawling and Jason Banton were all on the bench against Hungerford - with Williams and Banton coming on. The trio are without a league goal between them this season, although the former did score twice in the FA Cup last week.

Last Time Out

Torquay United 2-1 Woking (National League - Monday 2nd April 2018)

This was the game that marked the end of Anthony Limbrick’s time as Woking manager as the Cards failed to record a win for the ninth game in succession - a run which would ultimately lead to relegation, along with the Gulls, from the National League. On a miserable Bank Holiday, Woking fans were forced to endure watching former striker Brett Williams firing Torquay ahead from the penalty spot, before Connor Lemonheigh-Evans grabbed a second-half winner just three minutes after Reece Grego-Cox had drawn the visitors level.

On the Day

Plainmoor can be found on Marnham Road, a short walk from Torquay town centre; the postcode is TQ1 3PS - a drive of around three and a half hours from the Laithwaite Community Stadium. The nearest station is Torre Station – around a 20 minute walk from the stadium. Matchday ticket prices range from £13-£15 for adults, depending on the stand, and are £11 for concessions and £7 for under-18s. Those under the age of seven can go for free if accompanied by a paying adult. Away fans are traditionally situated in the Bristol Street Motors away terrace for which tickets can also be bought in advance on the Torquay website.

Next Up

The Cards take on Kempston Rovers in the FA Cup next Saturday at Kingfield. This is followed by another home game seven days later against Chelmsford City.