Ahead of the Game: Eastleigh (H)

Woking vs Eastleigh
Vanarama National League
Saturday 26th April 2025
12:30 Kick-Off

Woking’s final home fixture of the season sees them host an Eastleigh side sitting two points above the Cards, with both sides eyeing up the possibility of a top half finish.

Such a feat would be an impressive achievement for Neal Ardley and his coaching staff, considering that when he was appointed Woking manager back in mid-December, only a point separated the Cards from the first of four relegation places. In fact, 35 points in 22 games is the fifth best return for any side in the division since that point of the season, with only champions elect Barnet having lost less times in the league.

With Woking and Eastleigh both in the group of seven confirmed teams for next season’s National League, an open game of football is expected, but the likes of Inih Effiong, Dale Gorman and Adam Chicksen may not play after Effiong missed Monday’s win with injury, whilst Gorman and Chicksen went off.

Opposition Watch
It’s been another solid season at National League level for Eastleigh, who will play their twelfth straight season in the fifth tier. A run of eight games without a win put an end to any playoff hopes Kelvin Davis and his side may have had, but they got back to winning ways on Easter Monday thanks to Chris Maguire’s goal against Yeovil.

Serial National League goalscorer Paul McCallum has seen his game time limited this season, with just nine goals in the league compared to 31 last season. Top scorer for the Spitfires is the impressive Tyrese Shade, a versatile forward with twelve goals after nearly being promoted with Solihull Moors last season.

Elsewhere, imposing centre half Ludwig Francilette has eight for the season along with veteran Maguire, but Eastleigh’s last away win was over two months ago at Boston. With Woking now possessing the fifth best home record in the division, it’ll be a challenge for the Spitfires to dish out a rare home defeat.

Around the Ground
Tickets are available here.

Remember to vote for your Player of the Season here, voting closes before kick off on Saturday.

Please make an effort to stay behind after the game, as the players will be showing their appreciation before making their way to the Cardinals Bar.

Please also note that gates open at 11.

Last Time Out
24th September 2024 feels like a long time ago. These sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Silverlake Stadium, with 1-0 to the hosts turning into 2-1 before Maguire equalised ten minutes from time.

Last season, a goal from former Card Solomon Nwabuokei, who has played just four times this season due to injury problems, was enough for a vital 1-0 Eastleigh win at the Laithwaite back in April. Woking had registered three points at the Silverlake by the same scoreline thanks to Dennon Lewis in October 2023.

Of the 28 meetings between the sides, Woking have won nine, Eastleigh eight, and there have been eleven draws.