retired_reichenbach

yeap..."Woking" up the to league football!!!

retired_bbcarr

you'll have to keep Woking very hard to fight your way through the play-offs :thup:

retired_brinker317

Optimistic and punning. :cool: - Cheers.

While Woking made sure of their place in the playoffs, Saturday proved a busy day for promotion and relegation issues in all leagues - Telford finally succumbing to the drop, while WBA and Everton became two of the three sides to drop out of the Premiership.

On Tuesday Fairway was most pleased to see Paul Lynch in rampant form - the young Scotsman scoring four as Woking's Reserves stormed to a 5-2 win over a Yeovil side containing ex-Card Crowell and former trialist Paul Beale. As a reward for his awesome display, Lynch would be added to the senior squad for Saturday's game against Kettering.

Elsewhere, there would be managerial moves. Never one to miss a publicity trick, Cardiff appointed Ruud Gullit as manager on Wednesday morning, shortly followed by Cheltenham naming Sammy McIlroy as their new manager.

On Thursday, in an otherwise good week for Woking, Scott Canham pulled up injured in training - out for a few days with a twisted ankle.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Headlines - Saturday 3/5/08

'Gunners Take Title'

"In a lunchtime kickoff Arsenal have beaten Newcastle 2-1 to claim the English Premiership title for the 14th time.

Arsene Wenger's Gunners have led since before Christmas, and have taken the title from bitter rivals Manchester United, a team who have not been at the races domestically this season - currently sixth, but almost certain to be involved in the final of the Champions League.

Legendary midfielder Patrick Viera scored the first for Arsenal on 25, and though Newcastle's Diouf levelled on the hour from the penalty spot, Sylvan Wiltord sealed the win seven minutes later.

The title is Arsenal's first since 2004, taking the title away from Man Utd for the first time since then."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Woking v Kettering Town - League

Unavailable

Scott Canham - Injured - (Ankle, 2 Days)

With Canham unavailable Fairway had to make one change - alongside the two he'd planned since Tuesday. With Canham injured, Fairway recalled Hill for a runout in midfield - but up front would be the major change, giving Paul Lynch his first league start after a four-goal salvo for the reserves in midweek. Lynch replaced loanee Craig in attack, with the fit-again Foyewa alongside him, and 30-goal Collymore on the bench. A quiet opening - but on 13, Kettering took the lead. A Cronin free kick on half way drifted into the area, and though Jamie McClurg was going nowhere on the edge of the area, referee Wood adjudged Frecklington to be guilty of a push. McClurg though was not to be denied, and stepped up to score from the penalty spot. With Kettering marking well, Woking's chances mainly came from midfield - Kevin Hill and Jamie Baugley in particular busy before half time. After the break though Woking came out by far the stronger - Turner testing 'keeper Higgins on 54 before the Cards equalised two minutes later. A cushioned header from Baugley set up a fine counter - Foyewa moved the ball beyond the defence and Paul Lynch took just one touch before hammering his first goal in a Woking shirt - at senior level at least - with a low, powerful finish. Though the scores were level, Woking began to dominate - O'Brien close on the hour. Kettering's hopes took a further blow on 79, with the dismissal of Douglas for an elbow - and Woking almost immediatley took advantage of the space. An overhit Lynch cross found Collymore at the far post, who twisted and turned, but couldn't get a ball into the danger area. Instead he hit it back - and with a first time shot, 30 yards from goal, midfielder Chris Davies scored a real peach - cushioning the pass before cracking it into the roof of the net leaving Higgins stranded. Woking sealed the win in injury time - Lynch and Frecklington combining, with the latter passing through to Lee Collymore , who made no mistake with a direct drive to the far corner. That's it at Kingfield for the standard season - next time, it'll be the playoffs...

Woking 3 - Kettering 1 (Lynch, Davies, Collymore)

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, MacDonald*, O'Brien, Baugley, Hill (Replaced 45 Davies), Frecklington, Foyewa (Replaced 77 Collymore), Lynch

Woking Position After Game; 3rd

retired_brinker317

Sunday morning - and while Fairway was delighted to see that while his side had slugged out a 3-1 win over Kettering, Brighton & Hove Albion had beaten Sheffield United 3-0 to secure promotion back into Division One - and the Seagulls will secure the Championship unless Second Placed Northwich Victoria - a side who have shot up the leagues since promotion from the Conference in 2004/05 can win their final game.

Closer to home, Enfield have been relegated from the Conference - and it'll be a nailbiting week for followers of Scarborough, Halifax and Southport - the three sides chasing those two final playoff spots.

For Woking however it would be a quiet week, with only the return of Scott Canham from injury - though some 'detective' work would ensure Fairway made changes for Saturday.

Halifax Town v Woking - League

With both Lee Frecklington and Jamie Baugley needing just one more booking for a suspension, Fairway wisely left the two out for the final, 'dead rubber' game of the standard season. Chris Davies replaced Baugley on the left wing after his stunning strike against Kettering, and with young Lynch continuing up front, Fairway recalled Canham to the starting lineup, giving new signing Andy Poole a first chance amongst the substitutes. Halifax - with far more importance on the game, the Shaymen still seeking to finalise their playoff place, began the better - with both Kileen and Ellison guilty of wasting early efforts. On 19 though it was Woking who should have taken the lead - a Canham long ball brilliantly controlled by Amos Foyewa, but after doing the hard work, the Nigerian dragged his shot wide of goal from just inside the box. With the home fans getting restless, Halifax again stepped up a gear - Ellison volleying over from distance on 29, before veteran Steve Bushell shot when he should have passed just after the break. Though keen not to push themselves, and risk injuries, Woking were still very much in the game - on 68 Kevin Hill found his header well saved by young 'keeper Lake, and on 85 Amos Foyewa came even closer - rifling his shot against the inside of the post before Lake could get down to make the stop. With things getting tense - and home fans desperatley trying to find out what was going on at other grounds - Halifax won the game with the final kick. Four minutes into injury time Higgins' through ball found veteran striker Lee Steele - the ex-Brighton man scoring the goal that, after being sent on with five minutes remaining, he clearly wanted to do, beating Bayes from just inside the area. Playoffs next - for both teams...

Halifax 1 - Woking 0

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, MacDonald*, O'Brien, Davies (Replaced 45 Poole), Hill, Canham, Foyewa, Lynch

Woking Position After Game; 3rd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Darlington | | 42 | 31 | 4 | 7 | 84 | 35 | +49 | 97 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Pl | Barnet | | 42 | 23 | 11 | 8 | 91 | 49 | +42 | 80 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | Pl | WOKING | | 42 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 81 | 46 | +35 | 74 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | Pl | Scarborough | | 42 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 71 | 51 | +20 | 68 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | Pl | Halifax | | 42 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 65 | 50 | +15 | 68 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Southport | | 42 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 66 | 58 | +8 | 65 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Forest Green | | 42 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 70 | 49 | +21 | 64 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Bury | | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 62 | 55 | +7 | 63 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Farnborough | | 42 | 19 | 4 | 19 | 66 | 66 | 0 | 61 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Morecambe | | 42 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 65 | 64 | +1 | 59 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Macclesfield | | 42 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 74 | 83 | -9 | 59 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Kidderminster | | 42 | 16 | 10 | 16 | 62 | 69 | -7 | 58 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Kettering | | 42 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 52 | 54 | -2 | 56 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Shrewsbury | | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 47 | 53 | -6 | 55 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Nuneaton Borough | | 42 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 58 | 76 | -18 | 52 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Yeovil | | 42 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 61 | 71 | -10 | 50 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Burton Albion | | 42 | 9 | 20 | 13 | 48 | 53 | -5 | 47 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Leigh RMI | | 42 | 13 | 6 | 23 | 44 | 65 | -21 | 45 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Aldershot | | 42 | 11 | 11 | 20 | 47 | 76 | -29 | 44 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | R | Enfield | | 42 | 8 | 16 | 18 | 36 | 61 | -25 | 40 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | R | Telford | | 42 | 7 | 11 | 24 | 40 | 69 | -29 | 32 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | R | Canvey Island | | 42 | 5 | 11 | 26 | 24 | 61 | -37 | 26 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_brinker317

And after a brief interlude (admit it, you all thought it was a goner :p


Sunday morning - and if they fail to triumph in the playoffs, Woking will face a trip to Rochdale next season - relegated on goal difference after a last-day victory for Torquay. Far more importantly for Fairway, Brighton & Hove Albion did win Division Two - and a very successful first season for the man who took the Falmer post ahead of Fairway, ex-Norwich and Wales defender Mark Bowen . There would also be job news - Brighton veteran defender Steve Staunton risking the wrath of Sussex to manage Crystal Palace , with Tranmere dispensing with the services of Brian Little .

On Monday - though it would have been worked out by the more savvy Woking fans beforehand - the playoff opponents would be known - with Woking playing Scarborough over two legs - the first at Kingfield on Saturday. Fairway would also set up another reserve friendly, indicating post-season chances for trialists - again at home, against Sailsbury City , a week on Tuesday.

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www.wokingfc.co.uk - News - Friday 16/5/08

'Three Trialists Arrive'

"Woking have this morning welcomed three trialists to Kingfield in preperation for the Reserves Friendly against Salisbury City on Tuesday, a game in which the side will be managed by John Durnin with manager Stuart Fairway watching before leaving to join up with the first team squad in Scarborough for the second leg of the playoffs.

With everybody at the club very busy ahead of the playoffs, unfortunatley there is no time this week to prepare our usual 'Meet The New Boy' feature, so all three players will be briefly covered here.

Darren Walton is 18, and a left sided midfield player. He joins us on trial having been released by Chelsea, the club he supported as a boy. Darren signed first-year professional terms at the Blues last summer, but after a season in the Under 19's - playing 32 times and scoring 8 - he was suprisingly released. Woking have had to fight off interest from Aldershot amongst other clubs to secure Darren on a trial spell. A pacey player, Darren is small and stocky - a real, bustling old-fashioned type of player.

The other two trialists have both joined us from Brighton & Hove Albion , where they are coming to the end of two-year professional contracts. Central defender Spencer Slade is 17, and has appeared at both Under 19 and Reserve level for his hometown club. A tall, strong, brave player, Spencer is thought of by some as future captain material, and it is somewhat suprising that he has not yet made his senior debut for Brighton.

Right Back David Coates completes the trio, he too a Brighton-born player. David is a very athletic youngster, who had trials at County level in the 800 Meters before deciding to concentrate on his football. He too is yet to make a senior debut for Brighton, though has played at both Under 19 and Reserve level for the Seagulls.

The club would also like to put on record our thanks to the supporters for this season, and we hope to see as many of you as possible at Kingfield on Saturday, at Scarborough on Wednesday night - and hopefully in the playoff final.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Woking v Scarborough - Conference Playoff Semi-Final 1st Leg

With no players unavailable, Fairway would have a full-strength side to select from for the vital home leg of the Playoffs. Recalling Lee Frecklington alongside Scott Canham, Fairway put Hill on the bench, leaving Chris Davies out with a recall for Jamie Baugley. In attack, young Lynch would - not suprisingly - only make the bench, with top scorer Lee Collymore alongside Amos Foyewa. Scarborough dominated from the off, Mitchell forcing Bayes into a good save on 5 before seeing a 'goal' ruled out on 11 for an offside flag that only the young striker failed to spot. Woking took their time, but gradually got their way back into the game - finishing the first half strongly, with Lee Frecklington seeing a shot on the stroke of half time well held by 'keeper Coupe. The second half started poorly - but on 65 Woking took the lead with a real exhibition of counter-attacking football. A stunning ball from Scott Canham put Baugley away down the left, and after taking the ball on, his cross behind the defence found Lee Collymore in a great position on the edge of the area, the striker making no mistake with a powerful shot past 'keeper Bayes. A shellshocked Scarborough regrouped, and on 69 Mitchell, Rose and Davidson were involved in a glorious passing move that Steven Tarditi should have scored from, instead shooting straight at 'keeper Bayes. Fairway rang the changes - Hill and Lynch on - and on 80, they had an impact. A clearing header from Jon Boardman released Collymore on the left of the area, before the goalscorer pulled the ball square. Young sub Paul Lynch acrobatically turned to meet the ball - flashing a shot past 'keeper Coupe into the roof of the net, scoring a sensational strike to claim his second senior goal in just five games. The home fans went into party mode - and when Lee Collymore curled a brilliant third in injury time after a cracking O'Brien pass, you could be forgiven for thinking the second leg was a mere formality...

Woking 3 - Scarborough 0 (Collymore 2, Lynch)

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, MacDonald*, O'Brien, Baugley, Frecklington, Canham (Replaced Hill 72), Foyewa (Replaced Lynch 72), Collymore

retired_brinker317

Sunday morning, and an ecstatic Fairway said goodbye to Liam Craig at the end of his loan switch from Barnet, as well as a firm 'No' to Tranmere Rovers - the Birkenhead club joining the ranks of admirers, wanting Fairway to suceed Brian Little as manager. Meanwhile - with their Playoff semi postponed - Barnet cruised to FA Trophy victory, thrashing Kettering 5-1.

While the Woking squad travelled Northwards on Monday evening, their Scarborough hotel bills met personally by Chairman Chris Ingram , Fairway stayed in Surrey to watch his three trialists. Both Darren Walton and David Coates had solid games - Walton picking up the Man of the Match award - but the real eyecatcher was central defender Spencer Slade , who scored as well as keeping a tight ship at the back in a 3-1 win. Asa Beard and David Galbraith , both out of contract at the end of the season and likely to leave Kingfield scored the other Woking goals in a comfortable victory.

Scarborough v Woking - Conference Playoff Semi-Final 2nd Leg

No injuries from Saturday's tremendous performance - but Fairway would take no chances - knowing that Scarborough had not suffered home defeat in over two months. Similarly, he would make no changes to the starting lineup, with young Lynch, a player really exploding onto the scene, again amongst the substitutes. Despite a packed McCain stadium cheering the home sides' every pass, the first half proved to be a quiet affair - just Tarditi close for Scarborough on 38 with a header that Bayes did well to field the only chance of note. With neither side out of second geat, Fairway rang the changes at the break - and again found that they had an immediate impact. On 54 Bayes' long goal kick found Rob O'Brien on the right wing, who brought the ball over the half way line before disecting the Scarborough defence with a peach of a pass - Paul Lynch , on as a half-time sub - controlling well before beating the stranded Coupe. At this stage, home heads could have dropped - the realisation that they had probably blown their chance sinking into Scarborough players and supporters. In reality, it was far from it - Scarborough rallied, and on 61, levelled - young Chris Mitchell scoring with a free kick that glanced off Scott Canham before beating 'keeper Bayes. A second followed on 75 - again Chris Mitchell beating Bayes - this time cutting inside O'Brien and beating the 'keeper from a narrow angle. While the more pessimistic Woking fans began to hear alarm bells, there was never any real danger of a comeback - Davidson close with an injury-time volley, but Lynch's away goal had wrapped things up long before then. Despite defeat, Woking make the Playoff Final.

Scarborough 2 - Woking 1 (Lynch)

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, MacDonald*, O'Brien, Baugley (Replaced 45 Hill), Frecklington, Canham, Foyewa, Collymore (Replaced 45 Lynch)

Woking Win 4-2 on Aggregate

retired_brinker317

While Aston Villa celebrated on Thursday morning - a Vassell brace as well as Gudjohnsen's penalty bringing the UEFA Cup to Villa Park to give new manager Phil Thompson a first trophy, Fairway's thoughts turned to the trialists. Neither David Coates nor Darren Walton had done enough to earn a contract - but Spencer Slade would, if interested, be offered the chance to join Woking permanently.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

News of the World - Football - Sunday 25/5/08

'Double denied as Newcastle win Cup'

"After winning the Premier League, Arsenal went into Saturday's FA Cup Final looking for their fourth 'double' - but found Newcastle far tricker opponents than many had suggested. Last season's Cup winners have won the trophy for the Second time in succession after an enthralling game at Wembley.

Newcastle took the lead on 14 through Kieron Dyer , and quickly racked up an impressive 2-0 lead - Andriy Voronin bagging a second before half time. On 47 Frenchman Mourad Meghni scored a third - and by then the black and white ribbons were on the famous old trophy. Jose Mari restored hope for the Gunners on 65, but Arsenal failed to launch a comeback - and Rudi Voller's Newcastle completed a fine season, winning both domestic cups as well as finishing third in the Premiership.

Continued Page 87,86 and Score!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While Newcastle - deservedly, Fairway would see as he watched the highlights - won the FA Cup, all thoughts in Woking were on the second Conference Playoff semi-final. A Joe Kuffor goal was enough - despite Ellison's penalty, Barnet's 1-1 draw with Halifax at Underhill would be enough to see the London club through on Away Goals - and booking their place, alongside Woking in Friday's decider at Wembley.

Meanwhile on Wednesday Brighton got back to Fairway - Spencer Slade was available, but at a fee of £8000. Consulting with Chairman Ingram, Fairway offered £7000, as well as a 25% sell-on fee - Woking's budget not flexible enough to offer the further £1000 for the talented defender - but to no avail, with the Albion pulling out of talks soon after.

Wednesday's Champions League final brought more disapointment in a fairly miserable season for Manchester United - Chris Eagles' late goal enough to put the game into extra time, but Juventus triumphed 3-1 on penalty kicks. From then on, there was only one game on the minds of Woking followers everywhere...

retired_embartl

Good luck against Barnet, keep the good work coming

retired_brinker317

Cheers Bri :thup: and as for Barnet - read on, McDuff...


Woking v Barnet - Conference Playoff Final
Wembley Stadium, Friday 30th May 2008

Woking; 4-4-2; Bayes, Turner, Narada, Boardman, MacDonald*, O'Brien, Baugley, Frecklington, Canham, Foyewa (Replaced 45 Lynch), Collymore (Replaced 61 Hill)

Barnet; 4-4-2; Williams, Chilvers, Yakabu, Plummer*, Lancaster, Wood (Replaced 61 Harding), Brady, Hogg, Russell (Replaced 73 Hay), Strevens, Kuffour (Replaced 61 Newbold)

Referee; Simon Griffiths

What a season - but in his heart of hearts, Fairway knew it would be defined by the match that was to follow. After taking Woking from mid-table into the playoffs after leaving Slovakia, he knew that he had to inspire his side to one more win if it was to be a real success. Standing in their way, Barnet - a side that the Cards had struggled against, with defeats in both League and FA Cup since Fairway's arrival at Kingfield back in August - the best result a 1-1 draw in the League shortly after that arrival. On the team front there would be no suprises - 'supersub' Lynch again on the bench for a possible Wembley appearance at the age of 17 - something that even the Scottish striker appreciated would be a little bit special. A warm, but breezy day had, nevertheless, drawn the crowds to Wembley - though the huge arena was in fact mostly empty, both sides would be pleasantly suprised that nearly 15000 had made the trip. They made their way into the capital on special trains - a Bank Holiday Friday the perfect time for such an important game - each knowing that they could see Woking do something a little special today - or be condemmed to another season amongst the games dreamers, might-be's, has-been's and never-were's.

First Half

After a typically nervy opening - both sides testing each other out on the wide open expanses of the lush Wembley surface - Barnet came close to opening the scoring with the first real chance on 19 - Kuffour putting the ball beyond 'keeper Bayes, but seeing the offside long before the ball rolled into the net. It set the stage though, and just six minutes later, Barnet did take the lead. A clever one-two between Brady and Hogg led to the former crossing - and after one touch to control the ball, former Torquay striker Joe Kuffour fired the Bees ahead. As Woking struggled to regain their composure, Barnet scored for a second time just two minutes later - Brady allowed far too much time and space on the left, and after cannoning around, the ball came to Kuffour. His powerful shot was well blocked by Bayes, but with the defence slow to react, Ben Strevens reached the ball first to smash home his 40th goal of a fine season.

Second Half

A half time barracking for Woking, with manager Fairway fuming at his side's total lack of performance in the first half. At half time the Cards boss brought on young Paul Lynch for a disapointing Foyewa - and it would be he who had a crucial part to play in Woking's first real chance - and goal - on 51. After a Chilvers free kick for Barnet was headed away, Woking countered - Baugley keeping the ball on before launching it forward. Lynch sprinted on, controlling well before sweeping the ball in behind the Barnet defence - and into the path of Lee Collymore , who made no mistake with a clinical driven shot beyond 'keeper Williams. Woking's hopes though would take a body-blow on 61 - with striker Lynch already on, Fairway had to send on midfielder Kevin Hill to replace injured goal hero Lee Collymore - and Rob O'Brien was moved up front as the Cards tried to continue their momentum. Of course, this took a big hit - and on 79, their hopes virtually disapeered. A cracking ball forward from Liam Brady put Newbold away - his run taking him beyond the Woking defence before an unselfish, side-footed pass, found Ben Strevens in acres of space. Bayes tried to get back in position, but was just unable to reach Strevens' shot, the ball nestling into the far corner. 60 seconds later, the Woking fans' collective woe was replaced by joy - and a little more hope. Straight from the kickoff Woking moved the ball forward - Lee Frecklington finding Scott Canham, who put the ball between defenders Plummer and Lancaster - for Paul Lynch to run onto. Lynch did well - prodding the ball beyond 'keeper Williams. Woking then went into frantic mode as they desperatley tried to get a leveller - a cause certainly helped by Martin Lancaster's dismissal for a second bookable offence on 88 - but that equaliser just wouldn't come. Woking's fans - and management - applauded the shattered Cards players off the pitch, but it would be Barnet playing Division Three football next season.

Woking 2 - Barnet 3 (Collymore, Lynch)

Attendance; 14464

retired_embartl

Bugger Hard luck, it seems perhaps the injury to Collymore may have affected your chances in the final moments. That's got to be a galling loss after a fine season, but heads up and just make sure you go up automatically next season.