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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HD:
if the phrase "Woking nine to five" appears at any stage I shall weep for the english language.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Years ago, Southern Counties Radio changed the words of several songs to represent places in their area. "Working My Way Back to You" became "Working My Way Back to Woking". It was dire, and I'll try to avoid it
Wednesday morning, and with the - hopefully temporary - departure of Kyle Moran at the end of his trial spell, comes bad news on the injury front. Though he completed the game, young Chris Turner turned his ankle late on, and will be out for around 5 days, while reserve players Andrew Wells and Thomas Ward are also set to spend a fortnight each on the sidelines with Groin Strains.
By Friday, things would have improved significantly - Narada again fit after his groin strain, while Reading accepted Woking's loan bid for Kyle Moran . Meanwhile, another trialist could be on the horizon...
"Ireland Under 21 midfielder John Dempsey , who left the club yesterday after failing to agree terms with the club over a new contract, could be set to link up with International teammate Conrad Logan at English Conference side Woking .
Dempsey, 21, was seen in action for the Shels by Woking head scout Darren Barnard, and is thought to have been invited to Kingfield for a two-week trial.
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Kettering Town v Woking - League
Unavailable
Scott Canham - Injured - (Hamstring, 3 Months)
Matthew Gregoire - Injured - (Foot, 1 Day)
Chris Turner - Injured - (Ankle, 1 Day)
The first of December, and a crucial month for Woking. Though stuttering of late, the Cards are five points clear of the teams outside the playoff zone - but a mammoth 13 points behind league leaders, financially troubled Darlington. For the trip to mid-table Kettering, Fairway would make two changes, both in defence - with Stuart Sangster returning at right back for the injured Turner, and fit-again Narada replacing Cavell Coo. Woking started poorly, with Kettering dominating the early possession. On 12 Barrington Belgrave came close to opening the scoring for Scot Gemmill's side - shooting over after 'keeper Bayes came out to narrow the angle. Generally though it had been a quiet first half - Frecklington's 36th minute shot on the volley well held by Richardson - but after the break, things livened up a little. On 46, and then again on 57, a succession of Woking corners led to numerous chances, with Lee Frecklington again having the best - a brave block denying the young midfielder on the line. With the quiet Collymore replaced on 72, Woking's new look front line, marshalled by sub Chris Giles, looked more threatening, and on 79, they made the breakthrough. Intelligent running from the striker - racing onto an O'Brien pass - did the hard work, before he pulled it square for Amos Foyewa to deflect past 'keeper Richardson. From then on it was backs to the wall stuff - Kettering pulled out all the stops in an attempt to level, with Ashley Bayes fielding shots from Basker and Harris, as well as tipping over Marcus Richardson's rising drive. Woking held on - though it was certainly shaky at times - but the victory was certainly hard work.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
The Non-League Paper - Sunday 2/12/07
'Fairway; Defence Were Immense'
"Stuart Fairway has praised his Woking defence after yesterday's 1-0 win against Kettering. "They pushed us all the way" he said. "And it was only down to some superb defending that we held on for a point, let alone all three. Ashley Bayes, Jon Boardman and Gary MacDonald in particular had fine games - and I was pleased for Amos (Foyewa), who scored his 10th of the season with the late winner"
Woking, second in the Conference, face League leaders Darlington next Saturday in a game which many are already calling a key battle in the Promotion race."
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With Bury sacking Andy Preece on Sunday morning, Fairway was also disapointed to read in despatches that his former club, Bac were struggling in Slovakia. Going into the Winter Break, the little club lay 9th in the table of 10, with only 14 points - gaining just nine since Fairway made the switch to England.
Far better news arrived on Tuesday morning though - Kyle Moran signing for Woking on loan until the end of the season. Unfortunatley, he would be out of action for a couple of weeks yet - picking up a calf strain in his final training session at Reading's Madjeski Stadium.
With another Paul Lynch brace helping the reserves to a 2-1 win over Morecambe on Wednesday - and John Dempsey's arrival from Ireland on trial the following morning, things were again looking up at Kingfield - the ideal buildup for Saturday's crucial game.
With new signing Moran straight on the injury list, Fairway would make just one change from the side who had to work hard to beat Kettering - recalling Chris Turner at right back for Stuart Sangster. On a typically cold, winter's afternoon - with the floodlights on before kickoff, Woking announced their intent early on - Narada firing a powerful shot over on 3. Darlington though held firm, and began to dominate before the interval - on 24, Viktor Donkor came close to opening the scoring, putting his driven shot just over the bar. Darlington now had the initative, and continued in into the second half - Donkor again coming close with a header on 46. On 53 though it was Darlo 'keeper Collett who would be forced into a fine stop - tipping Jamie Baugley's curling, rising shot on the half-volley over the bar. From the resulting corner - taken by the winger - MacDonald came even closer, seeing Smith hack his header away from goal, only for Narada to end the attack with a low shot wide of the post. With the balance of power changing, and Woking getting back into the game, the best chance for either side would come on 74 - Kevin Hill hitting the side netting with a cracking shot that had 'keeper Collett beaten. In injury time Lee Collymore should have won it - firing over with only the 'keeper to beat - but the game, between two sides who no doubt fancy their chances in the second half of the season, would end in a draw.
With the crucial game ending in a scoreless draw, Fairway felt that his side had the better of the game, especially in the second half.
Scunthorpe finally filled the managerial vacancy that Fairway had expressed an interest in - and then refused - with Eamonn Dolan appointed five days after resigning his position at Exeter.
Fairway though was more interest in Hilton Park, Bolton on Tuesday - watching Woking's reserves secure a fine 3-1 victory, with goals for Kenny, Lynch and Ian Pulman. Young Irishman John Dempsey started the game, but saw himself replaced after a knock in the second half. With the victory long assured, Fairway returned Southwards a very happy man.
Wednesday, and while Peter Taylor's reign at Hull came to an end - dismissed in the morning - Bury would appoint a new manager, with ex-Sunderland player Martin Scott taking the reigns at Gigg Lane.
No Moran - so no changes - with Fairway's Woking looking to score more than a single goal for the first time in a month. The Cards got at Morecambe early on, clearly going into the match intending to score goals - and did so, with their first chance as early as the second minute. A well worked move - Narada's throw flicked on by Jamie Baugley for Lee Collymore to head home from close range. Morecambe were not to be dominated though - coming close on 6 through Eardley, and 9 through McIntyre, before Woking were forced to replace the injured Foyewa on 11. After a brief lull, the visitors again attacked, with the tigerish O'Brien winning the ball in the centre circle, before finding Chris Giles. Giles played the ball over the top of the Morecambe defence, who's fruitless offside appeals gave 'keeper Duncan little chance to deal with Lee Collymore's , low, powerful shot into the corner. After the break Morecambe came out with reknewed vigour - Bayes just managing to hold a powerful Tomlinson shot on 51. He wouldn't keep a clean sheet for long though - on 55 Narada pushed Zeke Tomlinson at a corner, and from the resulting penalty, the young midfielder got up, dusted himself down and put Morecambe back into the game. After a brief lull - and a couple more chances for the busy Lee Collymore - Woking regained their two-goal advantage on 85. A brilliant 60-yard through pass from young Chris Turner set up the move, and though Chris Giles saw his initial shot tipped over by 'keeper Duncan, he did meet Baugley's corner with a firm, powerful header to claim only his second goal for Woking. Just in time, as it happened - Jon Boardman felled Curtis inside the area 3 minutes later, and this time Morecambe sub Richard Wright stepped up to blast the ball past Bayes from the spot. Morecambe searched for the leveller in a tense final few minutes - Ryan Sugden closest with a header - but it was not to be, with Woking holding on for all three points.
Despite a win - and dropped points for leaders Darlington , Fairway would be disapointed on Saturday evening. After a fine game on the left, Jamie Baugley came in complaining of a knock, later diagnosed as a Groin strain to rule him out for a week, while goalscorer Chris Giles strained neck muscles, and would require around 6 days of rest. For Amos Foyewa , forced to withdraw early on, the news was even worse - damaged foot muscles, and out for around 3 weeks.
On Sunday Port Vale - struggling to stay in Division Three - pulled the plug on manager Sammy McIlroy , sacked after just 10 months at Vale Park. Fellow strugglers, but in the Second Division, Blackpool though would appoint a new manager on Monday - and a real publicity coup too, with ex-Dutch international Frank de Boer taking his first managerial job after a spell assisting Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth.
"Woking manager Stuart Fairway has confirmed that the club will not be offering a contract to Irish midfielder John Dempsey , who has spent two weeks on trial at Kingfield.
"John is a talented player" he said, before adding "but not the sort we are looking for at this time. I wish him the best as he seeks to find a new club, and I'm sure he can do a job for someone."
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With Dempsey's departure coming on Wednesday, Fairway was delighted to welcome one player who did make it through the trial process - loanee striker Kyle Moran back to training on Thursday. With Foyewa out, he would come straight in for a senior debut against Saturday's opponents Halifax.
No Foyewa, and no Baugley - so urgent changes needed to the Cards squad for this, the final game before Christmas. Fairway suprised nobody by handing Moran a start in attack, but on the left, plumped for David Galbraith - a first start of the season no doubt a welcome Christmas present for the former Spurs man. In wet conditions, the game took a long time to get going, with just two shots on target - both for Woking - inside the first half, with Moran and Hill coming close. Shaymen 'keeper Lake was also equal in the second half - stopping Lee Frecklington's free kick on 46. On 50 though it was a golden chance for the Shaymen - Fitzpatrick threading the ball into the path of Kevin Ellison, who put his shot wide with Bayes looking beaten. Woking's best chance came on 72 - Collymore chasing Turner's cross into the corner before putting the ball into the middle. Kyle Moran lept powerfully, but Lake was able to block his bullet header and the ball quickly cleared. Halifax, too, had chances late on - Jon Boardman throwing himself in front of a shot from veteran Lee Steele after Janney's cross had beaten the Cards defence. A draw possibly a little harsh on Woking, who deserved more - but anything other would have been equally harsh on away 'keeper Lake.
While Woking stutttered, Darlington won their match against Kidderminster, giving the Quakers a 12 point lead at the top of the Conference. The fixture computer had been kind to the Cards this season, with not only a Home game (against Forest Green) on Boxing Day, but also on New Years Day (Shrewsbury) - a lot better than last year's Post Turkey trips to Hereford and Yeovil.
Christmas Day came and went without many problems for Fairway - his first back in England permanently for several years. There would, however, be bad news - Joe McNab reporting on Boxing Day morning sporting a black eye and a bruised jaw. At just 27, he had learned a valuable life lesson - your young child's new toys will hurt if left on the stairs. The defender would be out for three weeks - and the toy? Well, it sounds like McNab junior will be off to the Sales in search of a new Space Hopper...
After Moran's solid debut, the Irishman would continue in attack - making his home bow on Boxing Day. Joe McNab also joined the injury list, giving Neil Sharp another - potential - chance to impress from the bench. Fairway could though recall Jamie Baugley, back after his injury - the only change coming with the Salford born player replacing Galbraith on the left. Woking began brighly on a wet pitch, and on 7, took the lead - with a real goal to remember. Kevin Hill took control of the loose ball in midfield, before moving it out to Narada. His pass found Collymore, who nodded the ball back to the edge of the area for young Chris Turner to volley home his first senior goal. The right back, just 20, hit a real rocket of a shot that gave 'keeper Woodman no chance, and Woking the early lead. Unfortunatley for the Cards it wouldn't last long - on 18 Fleming's pass crept over an unusually static MacDonald, and after taking two touches, Craig Stant found the net from close range. A spell of end-to-end action ensued, with youngsters in both home and away ends clearly enjoying what, for many, would be their first taste of football in the flesh. On 23 though it would be those in the home end that had the chance to wave their fresh new scarves - Baugley providing the looping cross for young Kyle Moran to head home at the near post and open his Woking account. Again the lead wouldn't last long - on 40 Dudgeon passed the ball on to Cowe, who wormed his way through before knocking it into the path of Craig Fleming, who would make no mistake from inside the area. With the scores level at half time, it was Forest Green who started the second half strongest - Bayes forced into a flying save on 46, and then again on 72 - the second time denying a clear-cut opportunity for Cowe. On 79 though it was - against the run of play - Woking who took the lead for the third time. A fine, clipped forward pass from Narada released Kyle Moran , who controlled well before beating 'keeper Woodman with a curling shot into the corner. The Kingfield faithful looked to have found a new cult hero, but there would be one final twist to the tale. On 86 Weisberg found Andy Lindegaard cutting in from the right, who was able to square for Steve Cowe to score a long deserved close-range finish. For the newcomers, Fairway hoped it would attract them to return - but for everyone else, this is just another result that could come back to haunt the Cards come May...
As well as dropping down to third, Woking would also recieve a blow in the form of a one-game ban for Jamie Baugley . The young winger, a Stockport youth product who never played for his first club, is definatley gifted - and has already attracted interest this season - but will miss Saturday's game after picking up five bookings.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bbc.co.uk/football - Euro 2008 - Friday 28/12/07
'Good draws for England and Ireland, but Scots face tough task'
"Holders England have been drawn in Group C for Euro 2008, after this morning's ceremony in Switzerland. Alongside them will be Co-Hosts Austria, Denmark and the Czech Republic. For Ireland the task of progression seems, on paper, relativley easy - Holland, Greece and the other hosts, Switzerland, standing in their way.
Scotland , however, have more of a challenge - in what has already been dubbed the 'Group of Death', the Scots face games against Germany, Romania and Turkey. The final Group, B, sees France, Italy, Norway and the Ukraine competing in what seems the most clear-cut group.
England manager John Carver said; "It's a good draw, and we're happy - especially to have avoided the other home nations. Austria will be tricky in particular, as they are Co-Hosts, but hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves."
More optimistic meanwhile, Scotland manager George Burley told BBC Sport; "We've done the hard work in getting to the tournement. We'd have tricky games whoever we play, and I'm hopeful that we can suprise a few people".
Baugley's loss would be Cavell Coo's gain - the versatile youngster in for his fifth league start of the season as the only change on the left flank. Woking began brightly, with a string of early free kicks - O'Brien in particular having one saved by McFrederick on 8. Macclesfield were scrappy, and it was no suprise when Woking took the lead after sustained pressure. On 26 Rob O'Brien stole onto a loose ball on the right, lifting it forward to Collymore. The striker ran powerfully at goal, drawing out the defender - before slipping it inside to Kyle Moran , who made no mistake from inside the area. The Silkmen attacked immediatley - Keith Gilroy coming close on 35, before two minutes later the usually reliable Bayes dropped an unfortunate howler to let in an equaliser. Walters played a powerful, long ball forward, which looked to be beyond it's target. Bayes, however, came out to claim the ball - but succeeded only in chesting into the path of Dale Anderson, who quickly slipped the ball back past the veteran stopper to make it 1-1. On 42 Macclesfield 'keeper McFrederick was again forced into action, making a brilliant stop to deny Lee Collymore from close range. Though the Second Half started slower, Woking still seemed to dominate - Frecklington and Collymore busy - but on 67, Cavell Coo raised laughter from the home support when he sent a corner out on the opposite side of the park for a throw. Though Woking had their chances, they were not taking them - and this would be punished on 75. Hitchen's chip down the line found Kerry Butler, who's cross took a slightly fortuitous deflection off MacDonald - into the path of Curtis Jackson, who made no mistake with a cracking close-range finish. Woking tried to get back on level terms - Frecklington shooting over, with Narada one better, but seeing his shot tipped onto the bar, but it was not to be - the Cards falling to only their fourth league defeat since Fairway's arrival.
Monday, and New Years Eve. After a disapointing defeat on Saturday, Fairway hoped that his players would remember themselves, and that alcohol was firmly off-limits with a game coming up on the opening day of 2008.
One thing New Years Eve brings - apart from a very busy night for pubs, and when everybody sings a Scottish song - the announcement of the Yearly Player awards. This year's would be somewhat controversial, with World Footballer of the Year going to Thierry Henry , part of the star-studded lineup at Real Madrid, World Player of the Year to teammate Sylvan Distin and European Footballer of the Year to Milan veteran Alessandro Nesta .
Fairway, however, was more interested in the Conference awards - with an explosive first month for Kyle Moran earning a richly deserved Conference Player of the Month award - the first of many accolades in his career perhaps?
Ahead of Tuesday's game, Fairway was pleased to learn that the Reserves had beaten local rivals Aldershot 2-1 in front of a bleary-eyed 194, no doubt welcome for the sobering rain. Ian Pulman opened the scoring for the Cards after all of 26 seconds, but it needed a late strike to seal the win.
With Baugley fit to return, Fairway took the opportunity to make the one change, bringing him back in on the left flank to replace Cavell Coo, a player who is still struggling to find his feet - and his form - at Kingfield. Unfortunatley, Woking's chance to start 2008 without conceding a goal would end after just 28 seconds - the Shrews working the ball wide at the first opportunity, for Murray to cross into the path of Darryn Stamp. Stamp brought the ball down, rounded 'keeper Bayes, and slotted home - much to the fury of three sides of Kingfield, but to the obvious delight of the Salop support. After such an abysmal opening, Woking had the chance to level on 10 - Moran forcing Stuart Garden into a fine block, before Narada saw his shot fly over the top on 17. At the other end, Shrewsbury too had chances before the break - Murray and Gamble both coming close - the latter's shot a whisker away from the post. Woking started the second half hoping to get an early goal - but what they would in fact get was the polar opposite. After some intelligent passing, Woking lost the ball, and were forced to scramble a clearance. Bayes hooked the ball long, but Hill was unable to reach it. Midfielder Longstone did, quickly finding Darryn Stamp, who grabbed his second goal of the game with a low, curling effort from fully 35 yards to beat the exposed Cards 'keeper. Hill, clearly annoyed at his part in the second goal, came close to making instant amends, grazing the bar with a shot from the edge of the area on 61, but it was still Shrewsbury who held the lions share of the possession. After conceding a couple of 'soft' goals, Woking soon got their own back - and on 85, sub Chris Giles took advantage of Stuart Garden's woeful clearance from Huke's backpass, slotting home from inside the area after finding the ball bounce a foot or so in front of his body. There would be no chance for an equaliser - the result, again, most disapointing.
New Year's Day - for many, a new start - but for Telford boss Mick Jones , the end of the line. The struggling Bucks are now in serious trouble - 21st in the league, with financial worries hanging over the still impressive New Bucks Head ground.
Wednesday would also see the Draw for the Third Round of the FA Trophy - Woking's last chance for Cup glory this season after early exits in the LDV and FA Cup competitions. Standing in their way though would be a tricky - not to mention familiar - foe - local rivals Farnborough Town .
Woking though would be suffering on the injury front on Thursday - Chris Judge out for a week with a Back Strain - but it would barely register on the Kingfield radar, with transfer news to the fore...
"Woking manager Stuart Fairway has today placed three players on the transfer list, as he seeks to streamline the squad for the final part of the season. Cavell Coo, Stuart Sangster and Ian Pulman have all been placed on the market, with nominal fees asked for each.
Meanwhile, Fairway has also brought in one new signing - Chris Davies from Forfar. He is expected to be available for selection against Southport on Saturday. You will be able to read more about Chris tomorrow morning, in Cards Online's new feature - Meet the New Boy."
"Chris, 23, joined the club from Scottish side Forfar for a fee of £1000 yesterday, becoming Stuart Fairway's sixth signing since arriving at Kingfield.
A versatile player, Chris can play on the left or in the centre of defence - as well as in the same positions in midfield. Born in Rotherham, Chris began his career at Lincoln City, but failed to make an appearance for the Imps - his only previous experience in England coming in the form of a loan deal at Margate. Chris made 11 appearences, scoring once, for 'Gate, before moving on to Scotland to join Forfar.
Quickly becoming a Fans favourite at Station Park, Chris appeared mainly on the left wing for Forfar - scoring 16 goals in 58 games in his first two seasons in Scotland - winning Fans Player of the Year for the 2005/06 season. The following year however, he fell out of favour - starting just twice with a further substitute appearance as Forfar brought in new blood. This season too was disapointing for Chris, who was limited to reserve team football. It is here where he first caught the attention of Stuart Fairway, and we hope he can recreate his old form for the Cards.
Report by Chris Bonner
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Woking v Southport - League
Unavailable
Scott Canham - Injured - (Hamstring, 1 Month)
Joe McNab - Injured - (Jaw, 2 Weeks)
Without a win in four, Fairway made one change to his side for Saturday's visit of the in-form Sandgrounders. Up front, with loanee Moran keeping his place, Fairway brought Amos Foyewa into the fray again after his injury layoff - with the off-colour Lee Collymore demoted to a place amongst the subs. New boy Davies would also be involved - taking his place amongst the replacements. Woking began brightly, with Southport 'keeper Brad Jones forced into early stops from O'Brien, and on 12, a Hill free kick that caused real problems. Southport were still a threat though - with the scores still level - and it took a fine MacDonald challenge on 23 to deny Bai. Three minutes later Woking would open the scoring - Lee Frecklington winning the ball in midfield to set up the move, before switching it wide to the right. Moran put the cross back in, and Frecklington, who made up half the pitch to meet the ball, glanced the header home. Woking could have added a second on 40 - Narada's excellent cross nodded just over by Moran. The Cards began the second half in equally determined fashion, and on 53, made the breakthrough for a second time. Jamie Baugley's curling, far post corner caught everyone - perhaps including the winger, who hasn't hit a better one this season - but Lee Frecklington was there to meet it, netting his second with a powerful header across goal and into the corner. The goal seemed to give Southport a boost, with Sweeney forcing Bayes into a good save on 55, before the same player cracked a fizzing, rising drive that the 'keeper did well to tip over on the hour. Woking though would break again - on 63 again punishing the visitors from a Baugley set-piece - Lee Frecklington's header his first hatrick in professional football. Woking closed the game down in the final moments - though Steve Guinan could have grabbed an 80th minute consolation - but the win, and the nature of the win, will have pleased Woking fans who have had little to shout about in recent weeks.
:thup:
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