William Bewsey
11:53am, Wed 20th Sep 2023
Woking vs. York City
Vanarama National League
Saturday 23rd September 2023
12:30 Kick-Off
Woking will welcome the TNT Sports cameras to the Laithwaite for the first time this season when they welcome York City for an early 12:30 kick off.
After Tuesday night's eventful draw with Ebbsfleet United, it's now six unbeaten for the Cards, but of course all eyes will be on whether any injured players, in particular forwards, will be available for Saturday after Woking's lack of cutting edge costed them dearly against the Fleet.
Around the Ground
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Opposition Watch
Promoted through the National League North play offs in 2021/22, last season saw York narrowly avoid relegation in a season of turmoil off the pitch, with new owner Glen Henderson sacking popular manager John Askey in November 2022, which was followed by protests and a terrible run of form under manager David Webb, before Michael Morton eventually guided the club to a 19th placed finish.
Former Yeovil investor Matt Uggla bought the club in the summer and gave Morton an increased budget, with which City have signed too many players to list in this preview, but notable additions include creative midfielder Quevin Castro from West Brom, prolific striker Dipo Akinyemi from Ayr United and centre back Tyler Cordner from Aldershot, the latter two both commanding six figure fees for their services.
However, Morton's days were numbered after no wins in York's first seven, and he has been replaced by the experienced Neal Ardley, who himself departed Solihull in the summer. Ardley's three games in charge so far have seen a win, a draw and a loss, with a 2-0 defeat to Oldham at Boundary Park on Tuesday meaning York will be expecting a reaction coming to the Laithwaite.
Akinyemi's four goals and numerous assists so far mean he's a key threat for the Minstermen, with York currently sitting 21st with 7 points from 10 games, winning once, drawing four times and losing five.
Last Time Out
Woking were beaten twice by City last year, both by the same 2-0 scoreline, with a 2-0 win in December 2022 at the Laithwaite coming despite the Minstermen going down to 10 men when Fraser Kerr was sent off just after the hour. Second half goals from Sam Sanders and Lenell John-Lewis were enough to defeat the Cards.
Woking fans won't need reminding of the reverse fixture last year, with the first game of the season seeing a comfortable 2-0 win for York in August 2022. In fact, you have to go back to April 2008 for the last time Woking were victorious in this fixture, with a 3-2 win at Bootham Crescent.
The Cards have only won one of the eight games between the sides, with one draw and six York wins meaning that City could very much be considered a bogey team.
