Cards face difficult trip north

Gateshead v Woking
3pm on Saturday 15 February 2014

Saturday sees the second of three tough away trips in succession for Garry Hill’s side. On Tuesday night the Cards were unfortunate to lose out at Salisbury City, falling to a 2-0 defeat after an encouraging first-half. However, they will need to rediscover the form they showed in the 3-0 home success against Hereford United, if they’re to come out on top against the play-off chasing Heed, who are making a concerted challenge for a top five place.


WOKING

Despite Tuesday’s result, Woking remain in 18th place in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone, with 36 points from 30 matches. Tamworth and Hyde were the only teams below the Cards to play in mid-week: playing out a 1-1 draw. A run of three away matches for Woking finishes next Tuesday against Dartford, before Macclesfield Town visit the following Saturday.

With Mark Ricketts having returned to action against Salisbury, Mike Cestor is the only name still on the Card’s injury list.


GATESHEAD

Gateshead have invested heavily in their squad and, with a recent upturn in results, are now making a serious challenge for a play-off spot. They currently sit in fourth place with 50 points from 31 games, having lost only one of their last ten league games. At home, January saw draws against Aldershot and Welling but, most recently, a 3-1 win over fellow play-off candidates Kidderminster Harriers.

Well-known names in the squad include former Everton and Sunderland midfielder John Oster; strikers Liam Hatch, Colin Larkin and James Marwood; and experienced midfielder Phil Turnbull. Marcus Maddison is the in-form striker, with goals in his last three games. A recent addition is 38 year-old Jack Lester, a forward with over 550 League appearances to his credit, including with Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Chesterfield. Other recent arrivals are Jordan Holt, a young defender from Notts County, whilst JJ O’Donnell’s loan from Luton has been extended till the end of the season.

Gateshead’s game at Welling last Saturday was postponed and they didn’t have a midweek fixture.


GETTING THERE

The International Stadium
Neilson Road
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE10 0EF

Official website: www.gateshead-fc.com

By mini-bus

The Cards Trust mini-bus leaves Kingfield at 7.30am. Thanks to a generous donation from a Cards Trust member the cost is only £15 for members. For non-members the cost is £39. Ring or email the Club Shop (01483 772470 or shop@wokingfc.co.uk) to find out if any places are left.

By car

Take the A1(M) to its junction with the A194(M), just north of Washington Services. Take the A194(M) to the end of the motorway. At the roundabout turn left onto the A184 towards Gateshead. The International Stadium is on the right after about three miles. Car parking is available at the ground.

By train

There are frequent trains from London KX to Newcastle, from where you can take the Metro to Gateshead. The stadium has its own Metro stop, which is only five minutes’ walk away. Look up www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.thetrainline.com for details of train times and prices.


ADMISSION PRICES

Adults: £14
Over 60s and Students: £9
Under 16s: £2

Woking fans will be seated in the north-west corner of the Tyne and Wear Stand.


LAST TIME OUT

Woking 1 Gateshead 2
31 August 2013

A dispiriting afternoon for Cards fans saw Woking start brightly only to fall two goals behind after half an hour, with only a 90th minute penalty from Gavin Williams to provide any consolation. This was the Cards’ third successive defeat.

Woking lined up with Joe McNerney continuing in a lone striker role. Several presentable chances were spurned by the home side before Gateshead took the lead in the 20th minute against the run of play, James Brown bursting through several half-hearted tackles before his deflected shot looped over Aaron Howe. A slick move ten minutes later saw Jamie Chandler double the lead.

Woking came into the game more in the second half but only had the late penalty to show for their efforts.

Woking: Aaron Howe, Adam Newton (Anthony McNamee 70), Brett Johnson, Jack Parkinson, Mike Cestor, Mark Ricketts, Lee Sawyer, Gavin Williams, Kevin Betsy, Gavin McCallum (Freddie Ladapo 62), Joe McNerney (Giuseppe Sole 70)

Unused subs: Sam Beasant, John Nutter

Goals: Williams (pen) (90)

Gateshead: Adam Bartlett, Carl Magnay, Ben Clark, Luke O'Brien, Jamie Chandler, Josh Walker, Phil Turnbull, Colin Larkin (Richard Brodie 69), Craig Baxter, James Brown (Adam Boyes 69), Liam Hatch

Unused subs: Jordan Nixon, Micky Cummins, Marcus Maddison

Goals: James Brown (20), Jamie Chandler (30)

Cautions: Phil Turnbull (38), Jamie Chandler (87), Adam Bartlett (90)

Attendance: 1230


COMING UP

The Cards are away to Dartford on Tuesday 18 February. Their next home league game is on Saturday 22 February when they entertain Macclesfield Town.


Come on, you Cards!