A place in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup is up for grabs this weekend with the visit of fellow Enterprise National League outfit Woking.
Injuries have plagued the Cardinals’ early-season endeavours, but they’ve shown glimpses of a promising side this term. Emphatic victories over Altrincham and Carlisle United have been the highlights after just one win in their opening six matches, but they narrowly suffered a 1-0 defeat against second-placed Harrogate Town last time out.
The heartbeat of Woking’s midfield, Tim Akinola has become a fan favourite since arriving last summer.
Featuring for Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town as a youngster and plying his trade on loan at Dundee United and Chesterfield, Akinola signed for Qatari side Al Bidda in September 2023 before returning to Chesterfield eight months later.
The Nigerian-born midfielder struggled to assert a regular starting role in Derbyshire as loan stints at Dagenham & Redbridge and Solihull Moors followed.
After a brief spell with Gateshead, Akinola found a home at Woking where he enjoyed the most productive spell of his career, making 38 appearances in the middle of the park.
Following Jermain Defoe’s surprise departure in pre-season, Craig Ross was brought in to partner seasoned striker Jake Hyde over the summer.
Ross had a well-travelled career in between the sticks playing for the likes of Cambridge United, Whitehawk and Barnet before heading to Woking in 2018.
Enjoying a successful five-year spell where he helped clinch promotion from the National League South in his first season, the ex-Colchester United youth man spent two seasons at Maidenhead United before returning to The Laithwaite Community Stadium last summer as a player/goalkeeping coach.
Following a brief interim stint in charge after Neil Ardley’s dismissal, Ross was called upon once again at the start of the season to lead the Cardinals.
Matt Rush’s solitary strike proved to be decisive as the Wood ran out 1-0 victors last September, before the spoils were shared in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Surrey in March.
A Marley Marshall-Miranda red card dented the momentum gathered by Rush’s breakthrough as the Cardinals came from behind to take the initiative thanks to strikes from Akinola and Aaron Drewe. However, Rush proved to have the final say once again with a composed strike in the sixth minute of additional time to ensure the points were shared.
Tomorrow’s match will kick-off at 15:00 and is segregated.
Adult (18+) – £15.00
OAP (65+) – £15.00
Under 18 (14-17) – £10.00
Under 14 (1-13) – £5.00*
*Must be accompanied by a paying adult or OAP.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Please note: Proof of age may be required on entry.
Season tickets are not valid for this match.
Written by Jack Patmore.
