Lovetts

Cards facing tough test against rejuvenated County

Glen Harrington
1:33pm, Mon 28th Oct 2019
Woking vs Notts County
Vanarama National League
Tuesday 29th October 2019


This coming Tuesday evening will see a first ever league meeting between Woking and Notts County as the long-time Football League club travels to the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

The Cards’ winless run stretched to 12 games in all competitions on Saturday as Alan Dowson’s side recorded a remarkable eighth draw in less than two months. It was at least an improved performance compared to the disappointment of last Tuesday’s FA Cup replay defeat at the hands of Ebbsfleet. Indeed, the home side will feel they should have taken all three points, after Jamar Loza grabbed the first goal of his second spell with the club to give the Cards a late lead. But, for the third time in recent weeks, a late equaliser was once again surrendered – with former Card Scott Rendell predictably the man to nod home Eastleigh’s leveller in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

Dowse will hope that he can finally rediscover that winning formula this week, although a tough challenge awaits in the shape of an improving Notts County side, who remain amongst the favourites for promotion. The Magpies, who suffered relegation from the Football League last May for the first time in the club’s history, made a slow start to life in non-league football – picking up just two wins out of eight in August with an almost entirely new squad, plus only one win from the first four in September, to leave them routed in lower mid-table. Things have been steadily improving since then with 13 points out of 15, plus a win in the FA Cup, prior to last Saturday’s surprise 1-0 defeat at Chesterfield. They are currently in eighth place, one point behind Woking, and eight adrift of leaders Bromley. It’s also worth noting that they do continue to be stronger at home, with just two wins picked up on the road all season, away to Harrogate and at Boreham Wood.

This should be a great game and a fantastic opportunity to see a new team visit the Laithwaite Community Stadium – so please come along if you can and cheer on the boys!

Woking Team News

Dowse continued to try different personnel and formations as he looked for a way to win. Saturday saw the debut of Glen Rea, on loan from Luton Town, who played in a midfield role alongside Mark Shelton and Max Kretzschmar. At the back, Moussa Diarra returned from injury to start alongside Ben Gerring, whilst Nathan Collier was preferred to Jack Cook. Further forward, Jamar Loza and Jake Hyde returned to the starting line-up, with Ibrahim Meite on the bench.

There is no shortage of competition for places, particularly in midfield, where the likes of Kane Ferdinand, Shaun Donnellan, Godfrey Poku and Toby Edser will be looking to force their way back into contention. Tyreke Johnson remains the only enforced absentee in the squad.

Notts County Team News

The Magpies, managed by former AFC Wimbledon boss Neil Ardley, selected the following starting line-up against Chesterfield on Saturday: in goal was Sam Slocombe, a summer addition from Bristol Rovers, who has also played for Scunthorpe, Oxford and Blackpool; in defence was Richard Brindley, who spent last season at Bromley, Zoumana Bakayogo, a product of Paris Saint Germain who was last with Tranmere Rovers, Damien McCrory, who spent seven years with Burton Albion and was playing Championship football as recently as 2018, and Ben Turner, another ex-Burton man best known for his time with Cardiff City – where he played a full season in the Premier League in 2013/14.

In midfield was Mitch Rose, signed in January of this year after 18 months with Grimsby Town, Michael Doyle, a one-time Republic of Ireland international formerly of Sheffield United, Coventry City and Portsmouth, and Sean Shields, who spent several years with Ebbsfleet United before being let go by former Woking boss Garry Hill. The front three included dangerous Dutch winger Enzio Boldewijn, who has also spent time at Crawley Town, Scunthorpe loanee Kyle Wootton, plus experienced striker Kristian Dennis.

Amongst those to watch from the bench are dangerous strike duo Wes Thomas, who hit double figures in League 2 for Grimsby last season, and Nathan Tyson, who was once a regular in the Championship for County’s local rivals Nottingham Forest, as well as midfield Regan Booty, who was at Aldershot last season and did well despite the Hampshire club’s struggles.

Admission Prices

• Adults £18
• Over 65s £13
• Disabled (Including carer) £13
• Students (Under 19) £5
• U16s £5

Tickets are available on the turnstiles or in advance online. Remember, our matchday programme will also be on sale for £3. Don’t forget to grab your copy on the way in! You’ll then be able to visit the club shop for more great offers.

Next Up

The Cards are away to Stockport County on Saturday before a two-week break. Our next league action is a fortnight later at home to FC Halifax Town – one not to miss, as it’s currently our only Saturday November home game.

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