Boz's Fruit & Veg

Charles-Cook returns for must win game

Glen Harrington
12:00am, Thu 8th Mar 2018
Woking vs FC Halifax Town
Vanarama National League
Saturday 10th March 2018



The Cards will be hoping that the return of Regan Charles-Cook will give them the edge in Saturday's clash with FC Halifax Town, a game that Woking manager Anthony Limbrick has said his side 'need to win', after another disappointing away day last time out.

Limbrick's side will no doubt be grateful to be returning to the Laithwaite Community Stadium this weekend after promotion-chasing Sutton United condemned us to a 2-0 away defeat on Tuesday evening. There was no lack of effort from the visitors to Gander Green Lane but, for one reason or another, the Cards have definitely felt more comfortable on home soil this season - and will be looking to extend runs of three games without defeat and three consecutive clean-sheets at Kingfield. After three away defeats in a row, alongside a home draw with Boreham Wood, the Cards are being forced to start looking over their shoulder with ten games to go and know that nothing other than a win against one of the teams still below us in the table will help ease fears of being sucked into a relegation battle.

Halifax, who are one of nine teams below Woking, are also one of eight of those sides to have at least one game in hand over the Cards – making Saturday’s clash all the more crucial. They have had a tough first season back at this level after earning promotion to the National League via the play-offs last term and currently sit in 17th place with 39 points, four less than ourselves, and five clear of the bottom four. The Shaymen have only won one league game since Christmas Day, a 2-0 home win against Hartlepool United, although last time out they did gain a commendable point with a goalless draw at Eastleigh. They also knocked league leaders Macclesfield Town out of the FA Trophy in January, only to go out at home to Maidenhead United four days later.

With both teams in desperate need of a result, Saturday’s game has the makings of a good one, so please come along if you can and cheer on the team! You can buy tickets online using our new online platform or on the day as normal.

Woking Team News

Charles-Cook, who returns for a second spell with the Cards on loan from Charlton Athletic, will no doubt be hoping to slot straight back into Limbrick’s team after scoring six goals in 19 games during the first-part of the season. He could line up alongside his brother, Anthony Cook, in Woking’s front three – leaving Louie Theophanous, Jonny Edwards and Reece Grego-Cox to battle for the number nine role. Jason Banton and Fabio Saraiva will also be hoping to get some more minutes under their belt after coming off the bench on Tuesday.

Chez Isaac could return to the starting line-up in midfield after not featuring against Sutton although it could depend on where Limbrick sees Joey Jones featuring – the vice-captain has rotated between defence and midfield in recent games and this suggests that it will be one of Isaac and defender Richard Orlu to miss out. Kane Ferdinand and Charlie Carter have been regulars for several weeks and could be due a rest if the Woking boss chooses to rotate.

With no update forthcoming on Jordan Wynter and Louis Ramsay, it seems likely that Matt Young, Nathan Ralph and Josh Staunton will continue in defence alongside either Jones or Orlu.

Halifax Team News

There will be a couple of familiar names in Halifax’s starting line-up on Saturday. Chief among them will be striker Tom Denton, who had a short loan spell with the Cards during the 2008-09 campaign, and has scored 10 goals this season.

Last time out they lined up with Sam Johnson in goal, signed last summer from Port Vale; a back-four of former Hartlepool and Fleetwood full-back Michael Duckworth, two-time England C international Scott Garner, the vastly experienced Scott McManus, who has over 200 appearances for the club to his name, and club captain Matty Brown; the midfield pairing was Nathan Hotte and veteran Michael Collins, who has played over 400 games for the likes of Huddersfield, Scunthorpe and Leyton Orient; out wide was Matty Kosylo and former Lincoln City marksmen Ben Tomlinson; they played either side of Jake Hibbs, who started behind Barnsley-loanee Shaun Tuton.

Manager Jamie Fullarton’s options from the bench include Denton, former Guiseley striker Mike Fondop who impressed against the Cards earlier this season, midfielder Connor Oliver who was with North Ferriby United last season, and defender Martin Riley.

Last Time Out

FC Halifax Town 0-0 Woking (Saturday 11 November 2017 – Vanarama National League)

The Cards went to the Shay off the back of three consecutive league defeats as well as a much more encouraging draw with League One Bury in the FA Cup. With that now famous replay just around the corner this fixture came as something of an afterthought. Joey Jones was the Cards’ man-of-the-match for a solid defensive performance.

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

The Cards are at home against next Saturday when Wrexham are the visitors. Remember, you can now purchase your tickets for that and every home game in advance via the club website.

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