William Bewsey
9:20am, Thu 14th Mar 2024
Woking vs Barnet
Vanarama National League
Saturday 16th March 2024
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking return to the Laithwaite on Saturday to host Barnet, following back-to-back away games in the North West.
After late defeat at Rochdale, Michael Doyle will hope to have players back with his injury list mounting. New signing Finn Delap, on loan from Burton Albion could make his debut after Scott Cuthbert completed back-to-back 90 minutes, whilst Dion Kelly-Evans will be suspended after he saw red at Spotland on Tuesday night.
Jayden Luker, who missed the last two games with a knock, could be back in contention, whilst news will be awaited on the availability of Ricky Korboa, Tunji Akinola and Manny Oyeleke. Charley Kendall, with four goals in his last five, will hope to continue a rich vein of form against the Bees.
Opposition Watch
Dean Brennan’s Bees have built well on last season’s fifth placed finish, occupying a space in the top three for most of the season. However, recent injuries, namely to former Card Nicke Kabamba, who has 19 league goals so far this season, have derailed the promotion push somewhat.
A disappointing FA Trophy defeat at Bromley last weekend highlighted a recent wobble, as three defeats in their last six games has opened the door for the chasing pack below. However, Callum Stead has stepped up and has six goals in his last seven games, which has softened the blow of losing Kabamba.
Barnet currently sit second, two points ahead of Bromley in third, but with no chance of winning the league. In fact, a Woking win and a Chesterfield win at Oldham on Saturday would win the Spireites the title already. They have 68 points from 37 games, and have scored 69 goals and conceded 51.
Last Time Out
A Zak Brunt double gave the dominant Bees all three points at the Hive in August, a 2-0 scoreline flattering Woking on that occasion.
It was the same scoreline at the Hive in August 2022 as well, although Woking were unlucky to be held to a 1-1 draw in March 2023, with Laurie Walker’s heroics twice denying Rhys Browne from the spot.
Overall, in 18 meetings between the sides since 2003, Woking have won four times, Barnet on five occasions, and there have been nine draws.
Around the Ground
Ticket information is available
here.
M25 Closure
Please note, due to the closure of the M25 between junction 10 (A3 Guildford) and junction 11 (Chertsey), the recommended route to the ground will be via the M3 at Lightwater. This will be very congested during the weekend.
Luck of the Irish
We will be celebrating the St Patrick's Day weekend with some special offers and an exclusive giveaway.
Every attendee to the match will be entered into a draw for a FREE 2024/25 Season Ticket!
Guinness will be added to the ever-popular pre- and post-match Happy Hour offerings.
Ireland vs. Scotland in the Six Nations will be shown LIVE in Cardinals Bar.
