Cards looking for revenge against play-off chasing Wealdstone

Woking vs Wealdstone
Vanarama National League South
Saturday 26th January 2019

The Cards take on Wealdstone at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Saturday as they look to maintain an eleven-game unbeaten league run and avenge one of only three National League South defeats the club has suffered so far this season.

A controversial penalty, dispatched by Matt Lench, was all that separated the two teams back in August when Wealdstone became the first team to inflict defeat on Woking this season – something only Dulwich Hamlet, Bath City and Watford have also managed inside 90 minutes this campaign. Despite the debate around the spot kick, the Cards were second best at Grosvenor Vale, and will no doubt be keen to prove how much they’ve improved over the last five months.

After their deserved victory over Woking, the Stones looked odds on to be one of the teams competing for a play-off place come the end of the season, but a wretched run of just one win in eight through November and December saw them fall off the pace and drop down into mid-table, whilst they were also knocked out of the FA Trophy by minnows Biggleswade Town. Nonetheless, manager Bobby Wilkinson has led something of a revival since the turn of the year and the club are currently on a four-match unbeaten run, with wins over Slough and Hungerford, as well as creditable draws with Dartford and Concord Rangers. They are currently four points adrift of the top seven.

This has all the makings of a great game so come along if you can and support the team!

Woking Team News

Manager Alan Dowson implied that new signings could be on the horizon after last weekend’s frustrating 1-1 draw at St Albans City – a result which ended the Cards’ eight-match winning streak.
For now, the squad remains unchanged, although Dowse will no doubt be hoping that top scorer Max Kretzschmar is now fully recovered from the hamstring injury which has kept him out since the start of the month. He could replace Jake Hyde, who managed just 15 minutes against the Saints, and would be a natural fit in a front three alongside Harvey Bradbury and either Nicky Wheeler or Paul Hodges.

It’s certainly in attack where changes are likely to be made with Dowse admitting he’s still on the lookout for a natural winger to replace Jamar Loza, now at Billericay Town, while striker Greg Luer’s fine form since Boxing Day will mean he will also be in line for a potential start. Barring a return of former loanee Toby Edser from Nottingham Forest, or any late injuries, the defence and midfield should remain unchanged.

Wealdstone Team News

Last time out, when Wealdstone beat Hungerford 1-0, they named a team of Jonathan North in goal; a back four of Jake Sheppard, Ramarni Medford-Smith, Connor Stevens and former Stevenage and Braintree man Jerome Okimo; in midfield was former Woking anchor man Godfrey Poku alongside Simon Mensah, with Crawley Town loanee Tarryn Allarakhia and former Brighton prospect Jeffrey Monakana out wide; up front was Dave Pratt supported by Danny Green.

Other squad members include another former Card, Bradley Bubb, and Bradley Hudson-Odoi, older brother of Chelsea striker Callum, who was part of Dowson’s Hampton & Richmond squad last season.

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.

Remember, this is voucher number 12 for season ticket holders.

Next Up

Woking’s final game this month is next Tuesday evening when we travel to Egham Town in the Surrey Senior Cup. We’re then back in league action the following Saturday when we travel to Oxford City.