Glen Harrington
9:16am, Sat 19th Nov 2022
Woking vs Altrincham
Vanarama National League
Saturday 19th November 2022
Woking will be aiming to bounce back from FA Cup disappointment when they host Altrincham in their latest National League encounter on Saturday.
The Cards did themselves proud against League One Oxford United on Wednesday, enduring awful weather conditions to push the tier three side to their limit, scoring a fine goal through Rohan Ince and coming close with several chances to force a replay. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, but Darren Sarll’s side can now turn their attentions back to continuing their excellent league form – which has seen them win four games in a row without conceding and lose just one of the last ten, with that sole loss coming against title-chasing Notts County.
Sarll should have a nearly fully-fit squad to call upon for this game – Luke Wilkinson and Ricky Korboa are the only players currently sidelined, but neither are thought to be far from a return. Sid Nelson and Tyreke Johnson have also returned from their loan spells at Welling United and Dagenham & Redbridge respectively, although the former picked up a minor knock in his last outing and isn’t yet ready for a return. Bryant Bilongo remains with the club with his loan expiring next week.
Opposition Watch
The Robins are in their third season back in the National League following promotion via the play-offs from National League North in 2020, their second promotion in three years, following successive relegations in 2016 and 2017. Manager Phil Parkinson, who has been in charge since April 2017 and masterminded their return through the leagues, has been entrusted with taking the club full-time this season as he looks to build on last year’s 14th place finish.
The shift to full-time has meant a huge turnover in players for the club, with 15 of last season’s squad leaving on free transfers, and over 20 new players coming in. Notable additions include England C international defender Lewis Baines from Chorley, Stockport pair Elliot Newby and Connor Jennings, plus former AFC Wimbledon winger Egli Kaja. They also kept hold of key players such as Elliot Osborne and Ryan Colclough.
It was a slow start to the season for the Robins, who didn’t taste victory until their tenth league game, but have now won five of their last ten, moving them up to 17th in the table, with 21 points from 19 matches. Last time out they beat York City 2-1, ending a three-game losing streak. Their top scorers this season are Colclough, Marcus Dinanga and Chris Conn-Clarke, who have four apiece.
Recent Meetings
• Altrincham
2-2 Woking – 5th February 2022, National League (Effiong, Lofthouse)
• Woking
3-2 Altrincham – 30th October 2021, National League (Kretzschmar, Effiong, Campbell)
• Woking
1-1 Altrincham – 16th March 2021, National League (Lofthouse)
• Altrincham
1-0 Woking – 2nd March 2021, National League
• Altrincham
3-1 Woking – 26th January 2016, National League (Sole)
Tickets
When pre-purchased, ticket prices are £20 for Adults, £15 for Concessions, £12 for Next-Gen and £5 for Under 16s. Tickets bought on the gate on the day are charged at an additional £2.
For more information and to book your ticket please
click here.
