Specsavers

Cards return to league action

Glen Harrington
12:00am, Thu 8th Feb 2018
Woking vs Chester
Vanarama National League
Saturday 10th February 2018


After a two week break the Cards make their long-awaited return to National League action this Saturday by hosting a struggling Chester side who currently sit four points adrift of safety.

Anthony Limbrick’s side will be looking to build on the momentum of a fortnight ago when they defeated the division’s form team, AFC Fylde, with defender Lazar Stojsavljevic heading in the only goal of the game just after half-time. The result was no more than the home side deserved for their endeavour that afternoon, and after putting a poor run of form well and truly to bed, the Cards will now be looking to begin moving back up the table.

Chester have been struggling of late too, although unlike their upcoming hosts have had little to smile about this season, with only five wins in the league all year. They are without a victory in their last five in all competitions but have picked up credible draws against Fylde and Hartlepool in that time. Last time out they were beaten 3-0 at Maidenhead United. Stories also emerged this week of the Blues apparent financial issues with assistant manager Ross Thorpe amongst those to depart as the club reportedly looks to cut costs.

Despite their apparent difficulties on and off the pitch our visitors will no doubt be desperate for three points to help save their season and steer them closer to safety. Saturday’s game promises to be a good one so get down to the Laithwaite Community Stadium if you can and cheer on the team.

For those hoping to come, the Cardinals’ Bar will be opening at midday to show the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur live on the big screen, so get down early and enjoy the day!

Woking Team News

The Cards could be forced to reshuffle their defence once again on Saturday after both Stojsavljevic and Louis Ramsay picked up injuries in the game with Fylde. Club captain Richard Orlu could make his first start since the draw with Maidstone United in early January, after impressing from the bench last time out, whilst Jordan Wynter and Nathan Ralph could be in line to make their respective returns from injuries should they be passed fit.

Chez Isaac, Kane Ferdinand and Charlie Carter have started the last three games together in midfield, but Joey Jones and Declan Appau could both be pushing for a start, particularly after the latter scored a fine individual goal for the Under-23s last weekend. New signing Damon Lathrope also featured in that game and will no doubt be hoping to make his first start.

Up front, the Cards have the option of continuing with the promising front three of Anthony Cook, Jason Banton and Reece Grego-Cox, but could still call on the services of on loan striker Jonny Edwards who has put in some promising performances thus far since joining from Hull City.

Chester Team News

The visitors will be without suspended defender James Jones for their trip to the Laithwaite after he was sent-off in the defeat to Maidenhead.

Last time out they lined up with Sam Hornby in goal, a young keeper on loan from Port Vale; a back four of Jones, ex-England C international Andy Halls, former Torquay and Kidderminster full-back Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, and captain Ryan Astles; fan favourite Kingsley James played alongside youngster Tom Crawford in midfield; the long-serving Craig Mahon and former Cambridge United forward James Akintunde started on the flanks either side of Lucas Dawson, who played behind lone striker Harry White.

Manager Marcus Bignot, who took over in September last year and had one of his first games as boss against the Cards in early October, could look to ring the changes after their humbling defeat to the Magpies. Options on the bench include Andrew Firth, a goalkeeper on loan from Liverpool, defender and club captain John McCombe, as well as forwards Nathan Brown and Jordan Archer.

What the Boss Said

Anthony Limbrick on the upcoming game…

“It has been beneficial for us as a squad having an extra week to recover and prepare for the game against Chester. We had a hard fought win against them away earlier in the season and they will be hard to beat again this time round. After a good performance and result against Fylde we will be looking for the 3 points and try to go on a run leading into this stage of the season.�

Last Time Out

Chester 0-2 Woking (Tuesday 03 October 2017 – Vanarama National League)

The Cards came into this game on a wave of momentum after winning five and drawing one of their last seven games. Chester proved stern opposition but goals in each half from Kane Ferdinand and Jamie Philpot were the difference as the visitors made the better of their chances.

Admission Prices

• Adults £18
• Over 65s £13
• Disabled (Including carer) £13
• Students (U19) £5
• U16s £5

Our matchday programme, ‘Cardinals’, will be on sale for £3. Don’t forget to grab your copy on the way in! You’ll also be able to visit the club shop for more great offers.

Next Up

Woking travel to Hartlepool United the following Saturday, quickly followed by a visit to Ebbsfleet United three days later. Our next home game comes the following week when we host Boreham Wood. The Wood count a number of ex-Woking favourites amongst their ranks, including Mark Ricketts and Keiran Murtagh, so that promises to be one not to miss!

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