Cards looking to overcome injury troubles and keep pace with league leaders

Woking vs Chelmsford City
National League South
Saturday 13th October

The Cards will be looking to put a tough month behind them and end a run of three league games without a win on Saturday as they take on last season’s play-off semi-finalists Chelmsford City.

This will be manager Alan Dowson’s first meeting with the Clarets since leading his Hampton & Richmond side to a 1-0 win over City on route to the play-off final at the end of last season; no doubt Dowse and his management team, who will again take the lead in the dugout as the boss completes his three-match touchline ban, will be hoping for more of the same as their team looks to keep pace with league leaders Billericay Town – who lead the way on goal difference after 11 games.

Despite a difficult run of the league results which has seen the Cards twice surrender leads late on – away to Concord Rangers and Torquay United respectively – and lose an unbeaten home record at the hands of Dulwich Hamlet, morale boosting wins over Tooting & Mitcham United and Kempston Rovers in the FA Cup have kept momentum going and Saturday’s hosts now have a third successive FA Cup home match to look forward to in a week’s time.

For now, however, the focus is on Chelmsford who, despite their indifferent league position, will be sure to provide a stern test. With the third and fourth best attacking records in the division, with 39 goals between the two teams already, it’s a game which promises goals – so come along if you can and enjoy the action!

Woking Team News

The Cards have had a miserable time of it with injuries over the last few weeks. Oxford United duo Harvey Bradbury and Armani Little have both missed the last couple of games, whilst the likes of Kane Ferdinand, Paul Hodges and Josh Casey have all been carrying knocks, adding their names to an injury list which already contained long-term absentees Charlie Wassmer and Christian Jolley.

Dowse has promised changes after last weekend’s nervy 3-2 win over Kempston but it’s hard to guess where they might come; at the back Ian Gayle was shifted to right-back for FA Cup duty and scored the opening goal, whilst Kiran Khinda-John partnered Jack Cook in front of new goalkeeper Craig Ross, who made his home debut. Nathan Collier and Daniel Spence offer alternatives at full-back, although the former may be needed in midfield, whilst Dowse has suggested that a new signing could be in place before the weekend.

In midfield, Dowse handed a full debut to academy graduate Charlie Hester-Cook last weekend and the youngster impressed with his work rate and confidence on the ball. The teenager is currently on dual-registration with neighbours Westfield but could well be asked to continue in his new role if others are still not fully-fit. Up front, Jamar Loza enjoyed a promising debut, providing two assists for Jake Hyde, and the pair should continue alongside one of Hodges, Greg Luer or Nicky Wheeler.

Chelmsford City Team News

The Clarets were knocked out of the FA Cup in the second qualifying round, so their last game was two weeks ago against St Albans City, where they gave up a 2-0 half-time lead to eventually lose 4-2 – Ralston Gabriel scoring all four goals for the visitors.

At Melbourne Stadium, City lined up with Nathan McDonald in goal, a back five of Elliot Omozusi, who played a handful of Premier League games for Fulham a decade ago, ex-Bromley and Maidstone regular Joe Anderson, Rob Swaine, Amos Nasha and former Woking full-back Matt Young; in midfield was Anthony Church, Tom Wright, experienced ex-Gillingham and Stevenage player Chris Whelpdale and former Norwich and Brentford man Michael Spillane; whilst up front was Rhys Murphy, who has seven goals already this season.

Veteran manager Rod Stringer has a number of options available to him via the bench, including striker Scott Fenwick, who scored 11 goals in 11 games during the second-half of last season – although only has two so far this year – as well as former Eastleigh midfielder Jai Reason and another prolific forward, ex-Margate striker Jordan Chiedozie.

Admission Prices

• Adults £15
• Over 65s £10
• Disabled (Including carer) £10
• Students (U19) £5
• U16s £5

Our matchday programme 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 are at home again next Saturday in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup with Welling United the visitors to Kingfield. That’s followed by back-to-back home league games against Bath City and Hungerford Town the following week.