AHEAD OF THE GAME: York City (A)

York City vs Woking

Enterprise National League

Saturday 28th March

15:00 Kick-off

A lengthy journey awaits the Cards, as they travel up North to take on title-chasers York City on Saturday afternoon.

Frustrated again by a late goal from Southend, much like the reverse fixture, Woking were forced to share the spoils with the Shrimpers midweek, after Sanderson’s first-half effort was cancelled out by an 88th-minute strike.

Despite the late leveller, the Cards remain unbeaten under the interim management of Craig Ross, Jake Hyde, and Dale Gorman, a stat they now boast for seven fixtures, and one they will strive to extend against challenging opposition this weekend.

A tough result the last time Woking travelled to York saw the Cards in a 3-0 defeat, after a hat-trick from Josh Stones saw the Minstermen seize all three points. This season, a more positive result saw the points shared in the reverse fixture, with the tie, played on August 25th, seeing the Cards earn their first point of the season.

Now, on a good run of form, Woking are the only team in the league who haven’t lost a game in their last five fixtures, whilst York registered defeat last time out.

Opposition Watch

Chasing the title, York have been in a tight battle with Rochdale of late. A shock loss to Gateshead in the week, with the Minstermen suffering a 3-1 defeat, saw them drop crucial points in that battle, leaving them in need of a win this weekend.

Having finished second last season, York lost out to Oldham Athletic, the side that went on to earn promotion to League Two, in the play-off semi-finals, fueling their desire to seize automatic promotion this term.

Their home form suggests they will be a tough test for the Cards, with the side unbeaten in their last 15 league games at the LNER Community Stadium. Moreover, over the course of the campaign, they have only lost two league clashes at home, their last a 3-1 defeat against Scunthorpe on October 1st.

It’s not only their home form that has looked strong, but they have also only lost twice on the road in league action this season, with four draws at home, and another four away, seeing them pick up a total of 92 points from 40 fixtures thus far.

One to Watch

York City boast the league’s top goal scorer in Ollie Pearce, with his tally of 31 giving him a healthy lead over those chasing him for that title.

One who consistently delivers, he scored 155 goals in 245 appearances with Worthing before he made the move to York, claiming the National League South Golden Boot honour in the 2023/24 campaign, with an impressive 46 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions.

Scoring the Minstermen’s first goal of the season, as well as their most recent, his influence is clear, and his known danger in front of goal makes him one to be wary of come Saturday afternoon.

Around the Ground

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Preview by: Holly Porter