Cards aim to get league campaign back on track
Glen Harrington
6:58pm, Thu 25th Oct 2018
Woking vs Bath City
Vanarama National League South
Saturday 27th October
The Cards will be looking to end a run of four league games without a win this weekend as they host Bath City. After an excellent win over the National League South’s form team, Welling United, in last week’s FA Cup tie, Alan Dowson’s side will be looking to continue that momentum by picking up a much-needed three points.
It’s been almost eight weeks since Alan Dowson’s side last tasted victory in a league game, with draws against Concord Rangers, Torquay United and Chelmsford City coming alongside a narrow defeat at home to Dulwich Hamlet. Despite that indifferent run things are certainly looking up after three home wins in the FA Cup, including that impressive 1-0 victory over the Wings, which came courtesy of new signing Ben Gerring’s late header.
Bath are likely to prove another stern test for their hosts in what is the two team’s first meeting since the 2010 Conference South play-off final. The Romans currently sit in fifth place, three points behind the Cards, with 21 points from their 12 games – a record of seven wins and five defeats. They’re in good form too, with three wins from their last four league games, the only defeat coming against Welling. However, they did suffer a surprise FA Cup loss at the hands of Weston-super-Mare last time out.
This should be another exciting game so please come along if you can and enjoy the action!
Woking Team News
The Cards appear to have a settled back four with the quartet of Ian Gayle, Josh Casey, Jack Cook and Ben Gerring conceding just once in two tough games, whilst goalkeeper Craig Ross appeared to cement his place ahead of Berti Schotterl with an outstanding late save against Welling.
In midfield Dowse took the opportunity to throw new signing Toby Edser, on loan from Nottingham Forest, straight into the action last weekend and the youngster received a positive reception. Academy graduate Charlie Hester-Cook played alongside him with Nathan Collier out with illness and again exceeded expectations with a confident and mature performance. Assuming Collier is ready to return he could be moved to right-back to accommodate the youngster, although Stevenage loanee Donovan Makoma could also be looking to force his way into a midfield which suddenly offers plenty of options.
Up top, Dowse could be sweating on the fitness of Jamar Loza after his shoulder problems, which could open the door for Paul Hodges or Greg Luer to join Jake Hyde and Nicky Wheeler in attack. Oxford United duo Armani Little and Harvey Bradbury are also thought to be close to full fitness although there’s no word yet on whether they’ll be ready to feature in any way.
Bath City Team News
In their last league game, the Romans, managed by former Bath player Jerry Gill, started with Ryan Clarke, formerly of Oxford United but most recently with Eastleigh and Torquay, in goal; a back four of former Aldershot man Anthony Straker, Jack Batten, youngster Robbie Cundy who was with Gloucester City last season, and Michee Efete – on loan from Maidstone United.
In midfield was the experienced Frankie Artus, who has made well in excess of 100 appearances for the club since joining from Hereford United in 2014, Ross Stearn and a pair of loanees, James Morton (from Bristol City) and Tom Smith (from Cheltenham Town). Up front was the dangerman Ryan Brunt, who has seven goals already this season, along with Adam Mann.
One man to look out from the bench is striker John Mills who joined Bath from Hereford in the summer – he was prolific for his former club in the lower leagues and netted 27 last season on route to another promotion.
Admission Prices
• Adults £15
• Over 65s £10
• Disabled (Including carer) £10
• Students (U19) £5
• U16s £5
Our matchday programme 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 complete a run of five straight home games on Tuesday night when Hungerford Town will be the visitors. This will be followed by a long run of away games, starting at Chippenham Town, before a trip to Torquay United in the FA Cup for which the club will be putting on subsidised coaches – make sure to sign up at either of the upcoming home games to book your place!
