Lovetts

Cards aiming to complete festive double over Hampton

Glen Harrington
10:03am, Mon 31st Dec 2018
Hampton & Richmond Borough vs Woking
Vanarama National League South
Tuesday 1st January


Whilst Saturday’s 2-0 win over Eastbourne Borough was not the Cards’ most fluent performance of the season, Alan Dowson’s side could not wish to be entering 2019 in better form, as they travel to Hampton and Richmond Borough in the return fixture from Boxing Day.

Woking are currently on their best league run in more than four and a half years having chalked up six consecutive victories. If they can add one more to that list, they will match the streak of seven Garry Hill produced between February and March 2011, just after taking over as manager. All the signs certainly look good for Dowse and co as he, along with Ian Dyer, Martin Tyler and a number of the playing squad, make their first return to the Beveree since guiding Hampton to the National League South play-off final last season. The Cards have lost just once in 11 away league games this season, with that coming at Wealdstone back in August, whilst the Beavers have lost their last three.

A defensive injury crisis at Hampton has somewhat unsettled their season with defeats to Torquay and Chippenham, either side of a 3-1 loss to the Cards at the Laithwaite in mid-week, seeing them slip to nine points adrift of the top seven. However, with the top half of the table still so congested, almost every team will still think that they can reach the play-off places with a strong second-half of the season. Manager Gary McCann has already acted in the last few days by bringing in former Woking defender Richard Orlu on loan from Welling, whilst pacey winger Rhys Murell-Williamson has gone the other way, joining Billericay Town on a permanent basis.

We hope as many supporters as possible will make the journey to support the team on Saturday. Please remember that, like Boxing Day, it’s a 1pm kick-off and also that tickets must be purchased in advance should you wish to travel. The link to buy is: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hrbfc/195973/

Woking Team News

Dowse once again resisted the urge to make major changes to his team for Saturday’s win over Eastbourne with the only switch coming on the right-hand side of attack – Aaron Eyoma replacing Max Kretzschmar. With the small matter of the third round Emirates FA Cup match with Premier League Watford coming just five days after this fixture he may reconsider that ploy of sticking with his settled team, although no doubt he will not be underestimating his former side, and will be desperate to continue our fine league form as we pursue Torquay at the top of the table.

The likes of Paul Hodges, Greg Luer, Nicky Wheeler and Noel Leighton will all be hoping to get the chance to impress and stake a claim for a place in the team on the 6th January.

Hampton & Richmond Team News

The Beavers made four changes on Saturday from the defeat at Woking as they went down to a 3-2 defeat at Chippenham Town – substitute Matty Whichelow’s brace not quite enough to overturn the initial three goal deficit.

There were wholesale changes in defence as Orlu made his debut in place of Michael Corcoran, who limped off against the Cards, whilst Luke Riddick returned from injury at right-back and Nathan Mavilla was promoted from the bench – goalkeeper Tom Lovelock and centre-back Rian Bray the only surviving members of the back five; those changes allowed Tyrell Miller-Rodney and Jack Connors, makeshift defenders against Woking, to push forward into midfield alongside Sam Cox and Ryan Hill, whilst Craig Dundas was back up front alongside Karl Oliyide.

On the Day

The Beveree can be found on Beaver Close; the postcode is TW12 2BX – a drive of around 30 minutes from the Laithwaite Community Stadium. The nearest station is Hampton which is a short walk from the ground.

Supporters can also book a place on the travelling club coach which departs at 11.00am. The cost for trust members is £10 adults and £5 for under-16s – with a £5 increase for non-members. To book your place please contact Adam Bowyer (adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk) or call the club shop.

Matchday ticket prices are £13 for adults, £8 for concessions, £3 for under-16s. Remember, tickets must be bought in advance of the game to gain admission.

Next Up

The Cards are back in action on Sunday at home to Premier League Watford. If you can’t get a ticket for the match then you can catch the game on BT Sport. Our next league game is the following Wednesday at home to play-off chasing Welling United.

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