ACADEMY BULLETIN: Week Twenty Eight

Upcoming Fixtures – Week commencing 16th March 2026 

Monday 16th March 

19:30 – Westfield (Woking U17) v Woking U18: Surrey Floodlit Cup – Semi Final 

The Academy First Years play the Academy Second Years. 

Westfield FC, Woking Park 

Wednesday 18th March 

11:30 – Woking U19 (EDS) v Aldershot Town: National Academy League – South Division 

Woking College, Rydens Way 

Thursday 19th March 

19:30 – Woking U17 v Uxbridge: Isthmian League – Central Division 

Knaphill FC, Redding Way 

For up-to-date information on fixtures please refer to the Woking Football Club Academy ‘X’ page. 

Information is also available on the fulltime.thefa.com website. 

The Academy website is wokingcitc.org 

All of these bulletins for the current season can be found on the Woking FC website by selecting the menu of options and going to ‘News’. 

Match Reports and Team Details – Week commencing 9th March 2026 

Wednesday 11th March 

Woking U19 (EDS) 2 – 2 Sutton United: National Academy League – South Division 

Woking College, Rydens Way 

Report from Holly Porter 

Woking EDS made it ten games unbeaten at home, after Trickett netted twice against his former club to overturn a two-goal deficit. 

“Giving away the goals we gave so early on gave us a really tough task, which we knew we were going to have playing against a Sutton team who, in my opinion, are the best team in the league”, reflected academy manager Matt Winter. 

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb, but I was always confident that we had enough quality to go and harm them, and we did that.” 

Woking found themselves behind almost immediately, after a fast start from the visitors saw a second-minute spot-kick, struck by Rashaad Drysdale, send Verga the wrong way. 

In almost the perfect response from Patterson, he nearly picked out the bottom corner moments after the restart, but his effort dragged wide of the far corner. Showing his influence once again, Patterson burst into the box in the 21st minute, but Sutton’s defence recovered before he could take aim. 

Promising spells of play followed for both sides, but it was Sutton who extended their advantage, as Woking turned a delivery into their own net in the 36th minute. 

Then, moments before the break, Trickett made Woking’s second-half task far more manageable, with a close-range 45th-minute strike across goal reducing the deficit, and seeing the forward register his first Woking goal of 2026 that didn’t come from the penalty spot. 

Half-time: Woking 1 – 2 Sutton United 

Trickett netted his second of the afternoon shortly after the restart, with a 55th-minute through ball being chased down by the forward, and slotted home from just inside the box to draw the teams level. 

While that strike proved decisive in sharing the spoils, strong chances in the closing stages almost changed the narrative, with Woking’s biggest chance falling to Boxall. An excellent ball from Trickett saw the skipper through on goal, but Sutton’s shot-stopper, Klevis Muca, did well in the one-on-one scenario, as he came off his line to block the captain’s effort. 

Moments later, both Boxall and Smith attempted from the goalmouth, with Sutton’s defence reacting to block both efforts, before Smith poked wide. 

It was then a 90th-minute effort, hit first-time at the back post, which almost saw a dramatic late winner for the visitors, but it instead struck the post, confirming a 2-2 draw in “arguably the best performance this year” from the Cards. 

Woking: Mikey Verga, Bailey Cotton, Josh Solecki, Cameron McQueen (Yousef Mezenner 68’), Chris Rangel, Kemall Wilson, Denis Travin (Jack Lewis 85’), Quincy Patterson, Joden Trickett, Lucas Boxall ©, Jayden Hudson-Odoi (Jayden Smith 78’). Unused substitutes: Freddie Greenstreet, Kooshan Hayati. 

Goals: Trickett (45’, 55’) 

 

Carshalton Athletic 1 – 1 Woking U18: National League Alliance – Division F 

Colston Avenue 

Woking: Jack Roles, Max Thomas, Oliver Rigby, Mason Drew (Dylan Hosali 77), Jack Owen, Frankie Bushby, George Mattingley, Timothy Francis, George Loader (Roshan Kigozi 68), Tyrell Ejakita, Stefan van Wijngaarden (Harvey Johnson 60).   

Goal: Stefan van Wijngaarden 3. 

Note: After 16 months out following his very bad leg break it was wonderful to see Stefan celebrate the first starting appearance of his return with the first goal of his return.  

 

Guildford City 1 – 3 Westfield (Woking U17): Allied Counties – West Division 

Spectrum, Parkway 

Report from Ian Tilley 

The unavailability of a number of players gave an opportunity for a group of under 16s to step-up together, and they all acquitted themselves very well alongside their under 17s teammates. Spence, Ellis and Chevalier all starting the game, with Donkin, Loxton and Musi coming off the bench. 

Westfield did go behind on nine minutes, Mateus Young picking up a long ball over the top and running on to finish well. 

Westfield equalised a minute later, Hurp, Chevalier and Jacques all involved in the build-up and McColl-Eljanfali unmarked at the far post to head home. 

Westfield battled well against their (older) opponents, Ellis getting a bloody nose for his troubles, and Allan equal to Guildford’s attempts on his goal. 

Chevalier and Jacques both created chances before a fine passing move between Spence (influential in midfield), Chevalier and Jacques put Hurp through on ‘keeper Adam Woolgar who could only bring him down. Hurp scored the penalty himself, left-footed to his right, sending Woolgar the wrong way to give Westfield the lead on 25 minutes. 

Westfield went on to have the upper hand for the rest of the half, Jacques, McColl-Eljanfali and Hurp all troubling Woolgar, with Ellis coming closest to scoring, Nikhil Bai doing well to clear off the goal-line. 

Half-time: Guildford City 1 – 2 Westfield 

Guildford started the second-half strongly but went further behind on 51 minutes. Jacques with the quality through ball to Hurp who most skilfully dribbled past his markers before passing the ball neatly home. 

Although Guildford did come close to reducing the deficit on 67 minutes, Qai Nsa just unable to stretch and make contact to divert the ball goalwards, Westfield had the majority of the good moments in the half. 

Chevalier twice testing Woolgar, Hurp thwarted in his search for a hat-trick and McColl-Eljanfali (whose link-up play was also noticeable) seeing a shot well saved. 

The defence were largely in control, although they did need one very good covering challenge from Spence to maintain the two-goal margin. 

Notable for the Academy was the introduction to proceedings of Henry Loxton, who has been at the club since he was nine, and steps up to the under 17s for the first time. We were nearly able to celebrate an ‘all under 16s’ goal, Loxton’s fine through pass setting up Ellis whose shot was tipped over the crossbar. 

A solid result, and a positive reflection on the ongoing good work of the Academy. 

Westfield: Joshua Allan, Caleb Trickett, Byron O’Donnell ©, Jack Kelly, Daejharn Wells (Jack Donkin 71); George Ellis, Leighton Spence, Will Hurp, Logan Jacques (Henry Loxton 62), Zack McColl-Eljanfali, Luca Chevalier (Jerome Musi 62).  

Goals: McColl-Eljanfali 10, Hurp 25 pen, 51. 

 

Thursday 12th March 

Woking U17 1 – 1 Leatherhead: Isthmian League – Central Division 

Knaphill FC, Redding Way 

Report from Ian Tilley 

Just when one thought it might be spring, a foul evening of wind and rain made the passages of good play most commendable, especially on a rather uneven surface. 

An understandably scrappy affair saw little of note until 24 minutes – Callow’s fine pass releasing Mansour, but he could not make the most of the opportunity. There was some good build-up play from Munden and Richards, but it was Hosali’s passing out of defence that was most noteworthy. 

Collins’ handling was good, given the conditions, although Woking did come close to conceding on 38 minutes, a scrambled effort from a free-kick hitting the post. 

Half-time: Woking 0 – 0 Leatherhead 

Leatherhead took the lead on 48 minutes, Hosali did well to block the initial shot but the chance from the rebound was emphatically netted. 

Munden and Mansour both saw chances go begging, and Richards’ 69th minute corner somehow went low through the crowded six-yard box without a Woking player getting a touch. The same players’ 75th minute free-kick was also left wanting for a finish. 

Woking looked rather too vulnerable to Leatherhead runs through the middle and this combined with the visitors determined defending suggested Woking may not get back on level terms. 

Mansour’s frustrations in front of goal continued, one effort hitting the bar after he had been set up by Loader, but as the game went into added time the substitute was to have the definitive word. Hurp’s free kick came back off the bar from the defender’s attempted clearance, and Loader was in the right place to knock the ball home from close range. 

Both Weardon and Collins were called in to quality defensive action, the ‘keeper saving well low to his right, as Woking battled determinedly to hold on to the hard-earned point. 

Richards’ sending off for a second cautionable offence took a little off the edge of the result, but Woking are still just about involved in the chase for the League title. 

Woking: Callum Collins, Casper Hammond, Luke Manly ©, Dylan Hosali, Dan Weardon; Nathaniel Flemming (Ben Bailey 66), Harvey Johnson, Jaden Mansour, Will Richards, Harry Munden (Max Thomas 71), Joe Callow (George Loader 66). Unused substitutes: Joshua Allan (GK), Daehjarn Wells.   

Goal: Loader 90+2. 

 

Friday 13th March 

Carshalton Athletic 1 – 4 Woking U18: Surrey Floodlit Cup – Quarter Final 

Colston Avenue 

Report from Ian Tilley 

Bob Paisley is credited with saying “It’s not about the long ball or the short ball, it’s about the right ball”, and this game exemplified Woking’s flexibility. 

The first-half opened frantically, with Woking making some inroads with a more direct approach from defence. 

Early half-chances fell to Boyle, Tricker and Ledbury, but Ward had already been forced into one very good recovery challenge when Carshalton took the lead on 20 minutes, Woking opened up rather too easily down the middle, and the finish slotted past Sings. 

Chances were exchanged, Carshalton’s ‘keeper’s uncertainty with high balls giving opportunities to Tricker – a volley narrowly over and a diving header at the grounded custodian, whilst the hosts also had chances and called Sings into action. 

Woking’s passing improved as the half went on and added time saw Rigby head wide after a Boyle long throw, these things a glimpse of the second-half to come. 

Half-time: Carshalton Athletic 1 – 0 Woking 

Woking made changes at half-time which would prove to be effective, Boyle moving back to right full back, Tricker switching to the right side of the attack and Vally introduced on the left side. 

The Carshalton ‘keeper’s failure to deal decisively with a Malhotra corner nearly let in Tricker, and whilst Rigby must be commended for his bringing the ball out of defence it was soon the attack who would turn the tie Woking’s way. 

On 52 minutes Mathieson did well to win the ball and his pass set Malhotra running diagonally from the right corner of the penalty area and driving across the ‘keeper and into the far corner. 

Vally’s skilful running and quality delivery were really unsettling Carshalton, and after Tricker and Malhotra had both come close to scoring Woking took the lead on 55 minutes. The defence failed to deal with a Boyle long throw and when the ball came to Mathieson he too fired across the ‘keeper and into the same side of the net Malhotra had found. 

Woking’s defence dealt well with Carshalton’s attempts to fight back, and another move down the left led to a Ledbury shot being cleared off the line. Woking’s short passing game was coming to the fore as their opponents tired, and the third goal came on 68 minutes. The hosts again punished for not dealing with a Boyle throw, which a delighted Ward smashed into the roof of the net from 15 yards. 

Woking continued to press forward, excellent Tricker play set up Malhotra for a shot which was saved, Vally continued to be a thorn in the side, and substitute Bushby took over where Malhotra left off, setting up Ward for a shot which this time went over. 

The introduction of Ampah added to Carshalton’s problems, a great cross in flicked on to the post by Ledbury. The match was effectively won, and Woking added greater emphasise to the margin of victory in added time, Mathieson again winning the ball and this time passing to Ampah, who waited patiently for the right moment to shoot low and hard into the bottom corner. 

So, Woking through to the semi-final on Monday evening where they play Westfield (Woking U17s) for the right to play Kingstonian in the final.   

Woking: Aaron Sings, Jack McGibbon (Hayden Vally 46), Ollie Rigby, Thomas Ward, Joe Frawley; Amario Malhotra (Frankie Bushby 75), Leo Christophers ©, Louis Boyle (Joel Jennison-Leppa 79), Will Ledbury, Jack Tricker (Jojo Ampah 79), Calum Mathieson. Unused substitute: Jools Lacey (GK).  

Goals: Malhotra 52, Mathieson 55, Ward 68, Ampah 90+3.  

Loan (Dual Registered Players) watch 

Monday 9th March 

Joden Trickett, Forward, EDS – Abbey Rangers: Played the full game in the 2 – 1 defeat at Sutton Common Rovers in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). 

Tuesday 10th March 

Ben Bailey, Midfield, 1st year – Spelthorne Sports: Played the full game in the 4 – 3 victory at Bedfont in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6). 

Joel Jennison-Leppa, Defender, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Came on as a 90th minute substitute in the 2 – 4 defeat at Redhill in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). 

Mikey Verga, Goalkeeper, EDS – Sheerwater: Busy people goalkeepers, played the full game in the 2 – 4 defeat at Redhill in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). 

Wednesday 11th March 

Quincy Patterson, Midfield, EDS – Binfield: An 88th minute substitute in the 1 – 2 defeat at Kingstonian in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4). 

Saturday 14th March 

Ben Bailey, Midfield, 1st year – Spelthorne Sports: Played the first 57 minutes in the 0 – 0 draw at Rising Ballers Kensington in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6). 

Freddie Greenstreet, Defender, EDS – Molesey: Played the full game in the 1 – 3 defeat at Hillingdon Borough in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6). 

Joel Jennison-Leppa, Defender, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Played the full game in the 3 – 2 victory at Badshot Lea in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6). 

Jack Lewis, Defender, EDS – Knaphill: Played the first 73 minutes of the 2 – 0 victory over Sutton Common Rovers in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). 

Quincy Patterson, Midfield, EDS – Binfield: A 78th minute substitute in the 1 – 1 draw at AFC Portchester in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4). 

Sam Saward, Goalkeeper, EDS – Horley Town: Played the full game in the 0 – 2 defeat at Cobham in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). 

Josh Solecki, Midfield, EDS – Banstead Athletic: Played the full game in the 2 – 3 defeat to Chessington & Hook United in the Southern Counties East First Division (Step 6). 

Joden Trickett, Forward, EDS – Abbey Rangers: Played the full game in the 3 – 1 victory over Chipstead in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). Joden scored the first two goals to continue his fine goalscoring form. The first, a powerful header, can be seen on Abbey Rangers ‘X’ page. 

Mikey Verga, Goalkeeper, EDS – Sheerwater: Played the full game in the 3 – 2 victory at Badshot Lea in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6). 

Kemall Wilson, Defender, EDS – Binfield: A 98th minute substitute in the 1 – 1 draw at AFC Portchester in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4). 

League fixture (home) details for the 2025/26 season 

EDS, National League Under 19 Academy South Division. Midweek, daytime, at either Westfield Football Club or Woking College. 

Woking play in the Premier Division of the Suburban Football League. Whilst there is not an age limit for this League most teams view it as a predominantly youth league, and Woking field a team based on second years, with some first years, and some from the EDS. Knaphill FC, 19:30, Thursday. 

The National League structure also offers Woking a place in Division F of their Alliance Leagues. This team is largely made up of second years. Woking College, Wednesday, daytime. 

Woking continue in the Central Division of the Isthmian League Youth system. The league is for under 18s, although in recent seasons Woking have fielded a team largely made up of first years. Knaphill FC, 19:30, Thursday. 

Westfield play in the Allied Counties Youth League – West Division. This season they are represented by Woking U17. Westfield FC, Woking Park, 19:30, usually Monday.