Match Report | Cards defeated by determined Shaymen

Woking 0-1 FC Halifax Town
Vanarama National League
25th April 2023

Darren Sarll made just one change to the side victorious over Gateshead, with Joe McNerney replacing Kacper Lopata, who was on the bench. However, Kyran Lofthouse, after recovering from illness, was back on the bench alongside an otherwise unchanged list of substitutes.

Within the opening minute, James Daly stole the ball from Tylor Golden, before driving into the box, but his effort across goal flew just wide. However, the game became scrappy after that, with both sides struggling to bypass the midfield.

With 21 minutes gone, a low shot from Golden from outside the box was parried by Will Jaaskelainen, but Rob Harker managed to tap in from close range to give the Shaymen the lead.

Jim Kellermann’s shot was straight at Sam Johnson shortly afterwards, before a good free kick routine from Josh Casey and Rhys Browne saw the latter force Johnson into action at his near post.

A scramble in the box saw a Browne effort cleared as the Cards looked to strike just before half time, but Halifax saw the half out well, leaving Woking with work to do in the second half.

Half-time: Woking 0-1 FC Halifax

After a Halifax break saw Angelo Cappello fire just wide of the mark, Woking began to try and force an opening, with Solomon Nwabuokei’s deflected shot flying just wide of the goal. The Cards then had a penalty appeal turned down, when Casey ran down the flank and into the box, before going to ground after tussling with Milli Alli, but the referee waved it away instantly.

Another appeal was waved away, when Daly appeared to be taken out at the back post, but despite vociferous appeals, the referee once again waved away the claims. Substitute Marcus Dackers then fired straight at Johnson as Woking continued to pile forwards.

Woking’s best chance yet came on 75 minutes, when a great corner from Casey was met by Amond, but he was denied by the inside of the post. Another corner was met by Joe McNerney, but he was denied brilliantly by Johnson.

Just two minutes after coming on, Mani Dierseruvwe was sent off for what appeared to be an arm or elbow on Joe McNerney, but it didn’t matter, as the Shaymen saw out the four minutes of added time.

Disappointment for the Cards, as they missed out on an opportunity to take charge of third place, but were up against a resolute and determined Halifax side, who have the FA Trophy final to look forward to.


Woking: 22 Will Jaaskelainen, 12 Dan Moss (2 Lofthouse 74’), 3 Josh Casey, 4 Scott Cuthbert (6 Wilkinson 74’), 5 Joe McNerney, 8 James Daly, 10 Padraig Amond, 14 Rhys Browne, 16 Solomon Nwabuokei, 17 Jim Kellermann, 24 Rohan Ince (20 Dackers 55’)

Unused subs: Kacper Lopata, Charlie O’Connell

Goals:

Bookings: Moss 68’, Nwabuokei 77’, Cooke 84’


FC Halifax: Sam Johnson, Tylor Golden, Adam Senior, Jamie Stott, Festus Arthur, Angelo Cappello, Jack Hunter, Harvey Gilmour, Milli Alli (Cooke 72’), Matt Warburton, Rob Harker (Dierseruvwe 85’)

Unused subs: Wright, Scott

Goals: Harker 21’, Hunter 69’

Bookings: Alli 39’

Referee: Scott Tallis
Attendance: 3089
Man of the Match:. Josh Casey