William Bewsey
9:40am, Thu 19th Oct 2023
Dagenham & Redbridge vs Woking
Vanarama National League
Saturday 21st October 2023
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking will return to league action with a trip to struggling Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday at Victoria Road.
Following progression to the FA Cup First Round with a 2-0 win over Hemel Hempstead Town, Darren Sarll's side will be hoping to make it back to back away league wins against a side still massively in transition, and will be massively boosted by the returns of Rhys Browne and Charlie Wakefield; both looked impressive on Tuesday night.
Opposition Watch
The Daggers, who remarkably haven't finished in the National League playoffs since 2016-17, underwent a huge change in personnel over the summer, with the likes of Matt Robinson and Angelo Balanta moving away, and Ben Strevens was quick to bring in several established National League and EFL names, such as former Woking loanee Jake Hessenthaler, attacking midfielder Josh Rees from Boreham Wood, and young midfielder Frank Vincent from Notts County.
However, the Daggers have found form and goals hard to come by, and currently sit 21st in the league, occupying the last relegation place. After defeat to Bracknell Town in the FA Cup in front of the BBC cameras, Strevens will be hoping his side can arrest a run of form that has seen his side go winless in nine. Only Maidenhead have scored less goals than the Daggers, who have picked up 13 points from their 15 games.
Dagenham's squad contains the likes of the recently signed Freddie Sears, with the former West Ham and Ipswich man having got off the mark in a 3-2 defeat to Aldershot, whilst journeyman striker and of course former Card Inih Effiong has recovered quickly from a shocking collapse following defeat at Maidenhead in August, with Effiong recently making his way back into the starting lineup.
Last Time Out
Woking were 2-1 victors at Victoria Road against the Daggers in early January, despite a Josh Walker consolation. A Rohan Ince first half double was enough for the Cards to continue their excellent run of form over Christmas and the New Year, and it was Ince who helped the Cards to a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture at the Laithwaite in August 2022, helped by a goal from Reece Grego-Cox.
In fact, Woking have lost just once at Victoria Road since 2017, winning twice and drawing three times, and they've lost just twice in 11 meetings since the Daggers' relegation from League Two, winning six in total.
Around the Ground
Victoria Road, also known as the Chigwell Construction Stadium is located within a short walk of Dagenham East tube station, on the District Line. There is a family pub called the Pipe Major opposite the station.
Woking will be allocated the West Stand, which has 1200 seats and is situated behind the goal.
Ticket details are available
here
Prices are as follows (on the day prices in brackets):
• Adults: £23 (£25)
• Concession: £17 (£19)
• Young Adult (17-21): £14
• Junior (10-16): £1
• Under 10s: £1
The Cards Trust will be running a coach to this game, details are available
here.
