CELEBRATION OF FA AMATEUR CUP WIN
Brian Caffarey
12:00am, Sun 13th Apr 2008
CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOKING?S FA AMATEUR CUP FINAL VICTORY OVER ILFORD ON 12 APRIL 1958
A very enjoyable time was had by all at Kingfield this afternoon as the Club celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Cards? FA Amateur Cup Final win over Ilford at Wembley on 12 April 1958 in front of over 71,000 people.
Present from that great side were: Charlie Mortimore, John Hebdon, Roy Littlejohn, Roy Ellerby, John Burley, Mike Jacob and Norman Cashmore. The occasion also celebrated the appointment today of Phil Ledger as Life President of the Club after more than 40 years? wonderful service in many capacities.
A Woking All Stars XI (in replica 1958 kit, kindly provided by Paulas Benara) defeated a Southampton Vets XI in an entertaining, and often skilful, game. Scott Steele dazzled as ever, scoring a hat-trick, including two superb strikes. Darran Hay, scorer of Woking?s other two goals, and Steve West combined powerfully up front. Kevan Brown and Gwynne Berry were immaculate in central defence, never putting a foot wrong. Andy Ellis kept it simple and neat in midfield, linking play like old times, with Nick Roddis displaying plenty of nice touches alongside him. Chris Sharpling and David Piper made some fine runs down the Woking right and Lloyd Wye played steadily at left back, having no cause to execute one of his famed tackles. In the second half John Cassidy got a feisty challenge in on Glenn Cockerill, reciprocated in the best possible spirit a few minutes later! Neil Smith came on too, showing his midfield prowess. Lol Batty, unfortunately, was unable to play.
The Saints side, with the substantial figure of Wayne Shaw playing a ?blinder? in goal, included Rod Wallace and Graham and Steve Baker. Ian Baird pulled a goal back for the Saints in the second half with an excellent finish past Nick Gindre.
The celebration was attended by the Mayor of Woking, Councillor Brian Cross, to whose Charity all proceeds of the event are being donated.
Warm thanks to everyone involved in organising, or taking part in, a thoroughly enjoyable, memorable and nostalgic afternoon.