Dowse and co looking to continue fine league form against former club
Glen Harrington
3:02pm, Mon 24th Dec 2018
Woking vs Hampton & Richmond Borough
Vanarama National League South
Wednesday 26th December
The Cards will be looking to make it five league wins in a row on Boxing Day as they welcome Hampton & Richmond Borough to the Laithwaite Community Stadium. PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME KICKS OFF AT 1pm.
For manager Alan Dowson, along with assistants Martin Tyler and Ian Dyer, as well as players Nathan Collier, Jack Cook, Josh Casey, Christian Jolley and Max Kretzschmar, it will be a reunion with the side for whom they performed so well last season, with the Beavers eventually losing out in the play-off final to Braintree Town back in May.
Borough, now coached by former Hendon boss Gary McCann who, like Dowse, brought with him a number of players from his former club, sit just five points off the play-off places and will be looking to spring a surprise at Kingfield. Their squad, which also includes the dangerous veteran strike partnership of Craig Dundas and Chris Dickson, has accumulated 28 points from 21 games so far – 12 fewer than the Cards after two games more, leaving them in 15th place, although with the top half of the table being keenly contested, they remain within touching distance of the top seven.
The game forms the first of a festive double header between the two teams with the return game being played at the Beveree on New Year’s Day. Remember that match is all-ticket and you must purchase in advance if you wish to attend. The Cards are also at home on Saturday 29th December against Eastbourne Borough.
We hope as many fans as possible will come and support the team this holiday season!
Woking Team News
The Cards made three changes last weekend for the game with Billericay – back came Jamar Loza, unable to play against parent club Maidstone United in the FA Trophy, and Jake Hyde who was rested for that match on the artificial surface. There was also a debut for on loan Barnet midfielder Harry Taylor, who performed well, looking to fill the boots of Armani Little following his return to Oxford.
It will be interesting to see how Dowse manages his squad over the course of three games in seven days, especially with the Emirates FA Cup glamour tie at home to Premier League Watford now within touching distance, but he has plenty of options should he wish to change things. Against Billericay he was able to bring on wide-men Nicky Wheeler and Aaron Eyoma, as well as striker Noel Leighton, whilst the ever-dangerous Paul Hodges was left on the bench. The likes of Greg Luer, Ian Gayle, Charlie Hester-Cook and Duane Ofori-Acheampong should also be well rested.
Hampton & Richmond Team News
The Beavers have taken seven points from their last five games – with wins over Welling and East Thurrock, as well as a draw with Gloucester, but heavy defeats against Concord Rangers and last time out at home to Torquay United.
Against the Gulls, who won the game 3-0, McCann selected Tom Lovelock in goal; a back four of Luke Riddick, Oliver Sprague, Rian Bray and Simon Downer, a vastly experienced player who has spent time with Leyton Orient, Maidenhead and Sutton amongst others; in midfield was Sam Cox, a recent addition from Wealdstone who has international caps for Guyana, Liam Sole, on loan from MK Dons, Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Jack Connors, who won this division with Ebbsfleet a couple of seasons ago; up front was the aforementioned tandem of Dundas and Dickson who have bags of experience between them at non-league level for the likes of Sutton, Chelmsford, Dagenham and Dulwich to name but a few. Despite both being well into their 30s they are not to be underestimated.
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
Woking are at home again on Saturday against Eastbourne Borough before travelling to Hampton on New Year’s Day. That’s followed by the huge outing at home to Watford on Sunday 6th January.