Cards look for points from their travels
Brian Caffarey
6:45pm, Thu 29th Nov 2012
Hyde v Woking
3pm on Saturday 1 December 2012
Garry Hill’s side will hope that their effervescent display last Saturday, when they demolished Farnborough 7-0 in the FA Trophy, will carry through into the league, where they have two testing away fixtures in a row. Some points are needed from the next few games if they are not to get dragged into a battle to avoid the relegation places.
WOKING
The Cards have played some terrific football this season, so it’s hard to believe that they sit in 17th place in an admittedly congested table, only three points above Hyde, who currently occupy 20th position but with a game in hand. The table is so tight, though, that a couple of wins could send any side shooting towards a top ten spot. The Tigers, Blue Square North champions last season, are likely to be one of the teams struggling to avoid the drop, so it would be especially helpful for Garry Hill’s side if they could come away with at least a point from this trip.
If they show the form they displayed last Saturday, it’s hard to believe that it will be a wasted journey. A midfield of Kevin Betsy, Lee Sawyer and Billy Knott provides a wonderful combination of industry and skill, whilst Jayden Stockley and Brett Williams have struck up such a promising partnership up front that Garry must be tempted to start with them again. But it’s equally, if not more, important that the Cards’ defence remains solid for a second game running: Woking have conceded more goals than any other side – which explains why they have also lost more games than anyone else this season in spite of their excellent goalscoring record.
HYDE
The Tigers started the season poorly, not picking up a win till their 8th league game, a resounding 5-2 home victory over Hereford. Garry Hill will be aware that their recent form, though, has been much better. November’s results include impressive wins over Grimsby Town (3-2 at home) and Newport County (3-1 away). On Tuesday night the Tigers travelled to Barrow for an FA Trophy replay but lost 1-0 after drawing 1-1 at the weekend. At home in the league Hyde have won three, drawn four and lost two, with 15 goals scored and 13 conceded.
The Tigers’ best-known player is experienced striker Phil Jevons, who’s played in all five League divisions. Other players to note include fellow striker Scott Spencer, who’s a current selection for the England C side; Matty Blinkhorn, a very useful winger who’s turned out for Luton Town and York City amongst other clubs; and David Poole, who started his career at Manchester United’s Academy and whose previous clubs include Yeovil and Stockport. Loan players include keeper Chris Dilo from Blackburn Rovers; Chris Sedgwick, a Scunthorpe midfielder; and Ryan Crowther from Fleetwood.
GETTING THERE
Ewen Fields
Walker Lane
Hyde
Cheshire
SK14 2SB
Official website: www.hydefc.co.uk
By coach
The Cards Trust’s coach leaves Kingfield at 9.30am. The cost is £23 for members and £30 for non-members. Ring the Club Shop or email shop@wokingfc.co.uk to book your place.
By car
Leave the M60 at Junction 24 and take the M67 towards Sheffield. Leave the M67 at Junction 3 and, at the traffic lights at the top of the slip road, turn right towards Hyde town centre. At the second set of traffic lights turn left onto Mottram Road. Pass a Morrison’s store on your left and at the first set of lights turn right onto Lumn Road. At the top of the road there is a T-junction, where you turn left onto Walker Lane. The entrance to the ground is down on the left just past Hyde Leisure Pool. There is car parking available at the ground or street parking.
By train
The nearest station is Newton for Hyde. You’d need to take a train from Euston and change at Manchester Piccadilly. For example, the 11.00 from Euston would get you to Manchester at 13.07, where you can pick up the 13.18 to Newton for Hyde, arriving at 13.33. There are trains back at 23 and 53 minutes past the hour. Check out www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com for more details.
The ground is a 10-minute walk/half a mile from the station.
ADMISSION PRICES
Terraces (standing)
Adults: £14
Over 65s: £7
Under 16s: £4
It is £2 extra to sit in the Main Stand.
NEXT GAME
The Cards are away to Lincoln City on Tuesday 4 December. Their next home game is against Stockport County on Saturday 8 December. The following Saturday (15 December) Woking are at home to Welling United in the FA Trophy (with reduced admission prices).
Come on, you Cards!
