Kids free for the Bulls

Woking v Hereford United
3pm on Saturday 30 March 2013

It’s a ‘kids free’ day at Kingfield tomorrow (Saturday) so bring the family down to see Garry Hill’s side, unbeaten in their last five games, take on Hereford United, who are competing with the Cards for a top ten finish. Why not arrive early and watch the televised game in the Cardinals’ Bar!

WOKING

Saturday’s encounter with the Bulls will be Woking’s third game in five days, with another tough fixture, away at Dartford, to come on Easter Monday afternoon. Hereford last played on Tuesday evening, so will have the advantage of a few more days’ rest.

There was more evidence of the Cards’ recent defensive solidity yesterday evening when they drew 0-0 at Nuneaton Town, their fourth consecutive away draw. Had they shown the same resilience on their travels earlier in the season, the team might well now be challenging for a play-off place – but it shows how far the side has come that they’ve been able to go to the likes of Macclesfield and Kidderminster and share the points.

But Woking’s fine home record will be sorely tested in their remaining four home games, for Hereford will be followed by Wrexham, Macclesfield and Grimsby.

With a very small squad Garry has been able to do only a limited amount of shuffling of his side during this hectic schedule, but he has had the luxury in the last couple of games of being able to play Billy Knott and Lee Sawyer together in midfield.

HEREFORD UNITED

The Bulls suffered relegation back to the Conference at the end of last season but, under Martin Foyle, who took York City to the play-off final, they were expected to be one of the stronger sides in the BSP this season. Foyle made a number of signings in the summer, including Marley Watkins, a midfielder from Bath City; Chris Carruthers, a versatile player who previously played under Foyle at York; and keeper James Bittner, whom we’ve seen playing for Salisbury amongst other clubs.

Foyle has just brought in Chris Bush on loan from Gateshead. Bush, of course, had a successful loan spell at Kingfield whilst with AFC Wimbledon. Top scorer is Ryan Bowman.

Hereford currently sit in 8th place in the table with 56 points from 39 games, two places and one point above Woking with a game in hand, so a win for Garry Hill’s side would enable them to leapfrog the Bulls. Away from home, Hereford have quite an impressive record, with seven wins, six draws and six defeats. On Tuesday evening they beat Dartford 1-0 at home but lost 2-1 last Saturday to Hyde United, also at Edgar Street.

Hereford have had financial worries this season as they have tried to adjust to non-League life again. A good Cup run provided some relief but the Board recently forecast a similar loss this season to last year’s, which came in at around £400k.

ADMISSION PRICES

Adults £15
Over 65s/Students £10
U16s FREE

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Saturday’s programme includes Richard Mason’s trip down memory lane plus an opposing view from a Hereford fan. And, of course, there are all the usual match reports, previews, splendid photos and news of the BSP and beyond. If you can’t get to the game, you can order a copy from the Club Shop on shop@wokingfc.co.uk

LAST TIME OUT

Hereford United 2 Woking 1
4 September 2012

The Cards’ early-season woes away from home continued with this fourth consecutive defeat on their travels. Once again, defensive errors led to conceding goals at crucial times: after only 5 minutes when Ashley Sammons seized on a Joe McNerney attempted clearance and just before the break when Mike Cestor dallied, with Sam Clucas firing past Aaron Howe.

The Cards made a fight of it in the second half and pulled a goal back from Kevin Betsy in the 81st minute but could not find a second.

Woking:
Aaron Howe, Adam Newton, Mike Cestor (Adam Doyle 45), Mark Ricketts (George Frith 80), Joe McNerney, Loick Pires (Dean Sinclair 60), Jack Parkinson, Kevin Betsy, Lee Sawyer, Brett Johnson, Gavin McCallum

Unused subs:
Sam Beasant, Bradley Bubb

Hereford:
Dan Hanford, Andy Gallinagh, Harry Pell, Luke Graham, Chris Carruthers, Sean Canham, Stefan Stam, Sam Clucas, Ryan Bowman (Tom Nicholls 83), Ashley Sammons (Will Evans 67), Brian Smikle (Tristan Plummer 85)

Unused subs:
Joe Heath, Simon Clist

Attendance: 1481

NEXT GAME

The Cards are away at Dartford on Easter Monday afternoon – don’t forget to book your coach place at Kingfield tomorrow – and their next home game is a very attractive encounter with Wrexham on Saturday 6 April.


Come on, you Cards!

P.S. Please support Garry’s and Steve’s plans for next season by joining the Cards Trust’s Boost the Budget scheme if you don’t already belong to it. Application forms will be available on Saturday.