Lovetts

Cards looking to finally find form as regular season draws to a close

Glen Harrington
2:47pm, Sat 20th Apr 2019
Dulwich Hamlet vs Woking
Vanarama National League South
Monday 22nd April 2019


Woking look set to enter the end of the season play-offs under a cloud, with our worst run of results this season continuing on Friday, after a home defeat to Concord Rangers extended our winless run to six games. The Cards now have just two games left to clinch second-place and home advantage for throughout the play-offs – starting at Dulwich Hamlet on Easter Monday.

It’s been a miserable few weeks for the Cards who have now drawn three and lost three of their last six games, including both of the last two away to fellow play-off chasers Chelmsford City and at home to Concord. An unusually inconsistent defence has been a big part of the problem with 12 goals conceded in that time, although goals are now also seemingly hard to come by, with Max Kretzschmar’s consolation penalty the sole strike for Alan Dowson’s side in the last three hours of football. Perspective, however, is needed at times like this with the Cards still sitting in a strong position in the table and with their fate very much in their own hands when it comes to securing the best possible chance of promotion. Two wins against mid-table Dulwich and strugglers Gloucester will be enough to guarantee second place, with four points also likely to be enough, provided third-place Welling don’t enjoy big back-to-back wins. A solitary point will ensure third place and a bye through the first play-off round following Chelmsford’s defeat on Friday.

It’s been a solid season for Dulwich Hamlet, their first in the sixth tier of English football following promotion through the play-offs last season, and they currently sit in 15th place with 45 points from their 39 games, eight points clear of the relegation places. Dulwich, who play at Wealdstone this afternoon, will be backed by a huge home support on Monday in what is their final match at Champion Hill this season. The Hamlet will also be aiming to complete a double over the Cards after an impressive 2-1 win at the Laithwaite back in September. Their recent form is good with four wins and a draw from their last seven games, prior to this weekend, including victories over Hungerford, Chippenham, Truro and Dartford, as well as a 2-2 draw at home to Billericay.

This could be the Cards’ final away game of the season, and with a big crowd, it promises to be a good one! Please book your tickets if you can – remember none will be available on the day – and come and support the team. Further details of ticketing options are available on our website.

Woking Team News

Ben Gerring will be available again after serving his two-match ban and the defender is likely to go straight back into the team after back-to-back defeats in his absence. Dowse may well look to his bench to see what other options he has to mix up his team. Paul Hodges made an impact off the bench on Saturday, winning the penalty scored by Kretzschmar, whilst he also has the likes of Harvey Bradbury, Reise Allassani and Ian Gayle available. Experienced lieutenant Christian Jolley could also offer a different option and some fresh legs.

Dulwich Hamlet Team News

In a 3-1 win over Hungerford last Saturday, manager Gavin Rose selected long-time Ebbsfleet goalkeeper and former England C international Preston Edwards; a defence which included Crystal Palace academy graduate Quade Taylor, Charlton Athletic loanee Jamie Mascoll, the experienced Magnus Okuonghae, who played almost 200 Football League games for Colchester United, and Michael Chambers.

In midfield was Aryan Tajbakhsh, who played against the Cards in the FA Trophy for Maidstone United earlier this season, Nathan Ferguson and Billericay Town loanee Connor Hunte; out wide were former Woking midfielder Anthony Cook and the dangerous Dipo Akinyemi, while up front was Dan Thompson, who played under Dowse during his time at Hampton and Richmond.

On the Day

The ground can be found on Edgar Kail Way; the postcode is SE22 8BD – a drive of around one hour and 10 minutes from the Laithwaite Community Stadium. The nearest station is East Dulwich which is a short walk from the ground.

Supporters can also book a place on the travelling club coach which departs at 12pm. The cost is £15 for adults and £10 for under-16s with a £5 discount for Cards Trust members. To book your place please contact Adam Bowyer (adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk) or call the club shop.

This game is strictly all-ticket. Tickets must be purchased from the Laithwaite Community Stadium on either Saturday or Sunday ahead of the game. Times and prices are available on our website.

Next Up

The Cards final game of the regular season is at home to Gloucester City next Saturday. This will be followed by either a play-off eliminator game or, as is more likely, a home semi-final against one of the qualifiers from this first round of fixtures.

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