ACADEMY BULLETIN: Week Thirty Five
Upcoming Fixtures – Week commencing 4th May 2026
Wednesday 6th May
12:30 – Woking U19 (EDS) v Southend United: National Academy League – South Division
The Laithwaite Community Stadium, Kingfield
12:00 – Eastleigh v Woking U18: National League Alliance – Division F
Eastleigh FC, Stoneham Lane, SO50 9HT
For further 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, along with the photo gallery from the County Cup Final, 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 27th April 2026
Tuesday 28th April
Knaphill 1 – 0 Westfield (Woking U17): Allied Counties – West Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Report from Ian Tilley
With dust coming off the pitch like a western film set it was the defensive midfield work of Salman and Malhotra that was most eye-catching in a first half of few chances.
The closest either side came was a Charlie Hooker flick onto the outside of Westfield’s right goalpost in the first minute.
There was more game time for a group of our Academy’s under 16s, with Donkin, Malhotra, Ellis and Loxton in the starting XI and all involved in some of their sides most promising play.
The half closed with good work from Ellis playing in McColl-Eljanfali, but he was closed down well and the stalemate continued.
Half-time: Knaphill 0 – 0 Westfield
Whilst there were hints that Knaphill would be most likely to score, Westfield continued to battle well, with the impressive Ellis troubling Harvey Butterfield enough to draw a foul that merited a yellow card.
With three more under 16s, Montague, Spence and Chevalier, taking their opportunities (as substitutes) well, there was much for the Academy staff to be encouraged by.
Unfortunately for Westfield, the 68th minute did bring a Knaphill goal, Ethan Lee’s shot coming down off the crossbar and landing at the feet of Rory McQuaid, who reacted quickly to tap home.
Westfield responded well, good play from Bailey and Loxton gave Salman the opportunity to test the ‘keeper. Then another good pass from Loxton played in Chevalier, who ran in well but also saw his shot well saved by Harry Baker.
Westfield continued to press, Loxton (who had played well throughout) saw his shot saved, and a neat pass from Bailey saw Hammond shoot wide, but an equaliser could not be found.
So, a creditable fourth place finish in the West Division, with the under 16s already having an introduction to what to expect next season.
Westfield: Harry MacFadyen (Lucas Montague 65), Casper Hammond, Jack Kelly (Luke Manly 57), Byron O’Donnell, Jack Donkin; Finley Salman ©, Aaryan Malhotra (Leighton Spence 73); George Ellis, Ben Bailey, Henry Loxton, Zack McColl-Eljanfali (Luca Chevalier 57).
Wednesday 29th April
Woking U18 8 – 1 Dorking Wanderers: National League Alliance – Division F
Woking College, Rydens Way
Report from Ian Tilley
With a team largely made up of first years this was an emphatic victory against a Dorking team who were able to call on some older players.
Dorking’s touch-seeking kick off perhaps displayed a lack of confidence, and their fears were to be proved correct.
Collins did have to make an early save, but Woking were soon in the ascendancy. Richards, Munden and Loader involved in good attacking play, and on 13 minutes Pereira won a penalty, tripped as he drove into the box. Richards beat the ‘keeper comfortably, low to the custodian’s right.
Five minutes later Woking had another, Richards’ pull-back to Thomas met with a lovely finish, curling into the top corner.
After Johnson had had a good shot deflected wide a fine team goal made it three on 24 minutes. Loader flicking on a throw-in to Thomas, whose pass allowed Munden to take a touch before applying the finish.
On 28 minutes a great Loader effort from the edge of the area hit the bar, he would have to wait a little longer for his goal.
It was to be Richards with the fourth, his brilliant dribbling drew the foul which won the penalty, the ‘keeper once again diving to his right in vain.
Munden had his second on 35 minutes, this was another superb, team goal. Thomas, Loader and Richards all involved before Munden fired home low to the ‘keeper’s right.
Hosali and Leedham were proving reliable at the back when tested, assisted by Owen, who also got the assist for the sixth, his cross flicked home by Loader on 41 minutes. The break would give Dorking a chance to regroup.
Half-time: Woking 6 – 0 Dorking Wanderers
Dorking rallied well, buoyed by some older players, and a bit of luck, Thomas’ 58th minute effort hitting the bar.
Collins had already made one good save with his leg when Dorking got their consolation goal on 65 minutes, a ball crossed in from the Dorking left misjudged by everyone and nestling in the bottom corner.
On 75 minutes Woking rearranged, allowing Hosali to bring his range of passing skills further forward into midfield.
The changes rejuvenated Woking and Richards was soon to have a shot saved. On 81 minutes Richards completed his hat-trick, Wells doing well to get the pass through and the finish was fired past the ‘keeper before he could react.
The icing on the cake was provided by Manly, with an unstoppable rocket from the edge of the area to complete the scoring.
A promising display from the first years, with one further game to come in Division F.
Woking: Callum Collins, Alfie Gales, Dylan Hosali, Sonnie Leedham, Jack Owen (Daejharn Wells 64); Arthur Pereira (Luke Manly 75), Harvey Johnson ©, Max Thomas (Zack Rhioui 80), Will Richards, Harry Munden (Tyrell Ejakita 46), George Loader.
Goals: Richards 13 pen, 31 pen, 81, Thomas 18, Munden 24, 35, Loader 41, Manly 85.
Eastleigh 4 – 2 Woking U19 (EDS): National Academy League – South Division
Silverlake Stadium, Stoneham Lane
Report from Holly Porter
A “bitterly disappointing” afternoon, as described by academy manager Matt Winter, saw the EDS slip to defeat in their penultimate away day of the campaign.
A dominant start to the clash for the Cards saw Trickett go close to opening the scoring within 60 seconds, with a near-post effort which forced Eastleigh’s ‘keeper into early action.
Woking then rooted Eastleigh in their defensive third for much of the opening stages, with Hayati taking the lead on ten minutes. He picked up the ball in the box and struck a fine effort in on the ‘keeper’s right to break the deadlock.
Patterson doubled the advantage on 18 minutes, as he turned out of pressure in midfield, and struck from the edge of the area, with the ‘keeper unable to deny the power of the strike, making it four consecutive games on the scoresheet for the midfielder.
Whilst Eastleigh’s attacking play was largely limited in the early phases, they did reduce the deficit on 20 minutes, as they picked up the ball on the edge of the area and struck back across goal, shifting the momentum.
Just four minutes later, the hosts equalised. Woking lost possession in their defensive third, with Verga doing well to tip the first effort onto the bar, but Eastleigh made no mistake with their follow-up, thus seeing the teams level.
The first-half turnaround was completed in the 38th minute, after a quick move forward saw the ball squared and then slotted home from the goalmouth, meaning the hosts led at the break.
Half-time: Eastleigh 3 – 2 Woking
Woking had their chances to level throughout the second half, most notably with Patterson’s attacking influence. His biggest chance fell in the 68th minute, when he charged forward with only the ‘keeper ahead of him. Eastleigh’s defence, however, were able to recover to throw bodies in front of the captain’s effort.
Lewis was the next to go close for the visitors with his driving run forward in the 75th minute, but the ‘keeper met his effort at the near post.
Deliveries continued to come in for the Cards, but without the final product. The closest was that of Parkes’ 84th-minute free-kick, which looped towards the back post, but was just out of reach of Mpoy.
Deep into injury time, a goalmouth scramble saw Mpoy, Page, and Solecki attempt to salvage a point for Woking, but Eastleigh gathered to clear. Any hopes of a point were then snatched from the visitors, as a solo goal from the hosts saw them drive forward in the 98th minute and slot back across goal, nestling the ball in the far corner to confirm Eastleigh’s win.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Bailey Cotton, Sonny Parkes, Josh Solecki, Kemall Wilson, Joel Jennison-Leppa, Jack Lewis, Quincy Patterson ©, Joden Trickett, Kooshan Hayati (Malachy Mpoy 80’), Jayden Hudson-Odoi (Jalil Page 54’). Unused substitutes: Freddie Greenstreet, Aaron Sings (GK), Chris Rangel.
Goalscorers: Hayati (10’), Patterson (18’).
Thursday 30th April
Woking U18 9 – 0 Abbey Rangers: Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Woking College, Rydens Way
Report from Ian Tilley
It’s a cliche, but sometimes you can only beat what’s in front of you, and Abbey may well finish the season as the bottom side.
That said, this was a complete team performance from Woking, both individually and collectively excellent.
The first ten minutes were fairly even with chances for both sides, but it didn’t take long for the floodgates to open.
When the ball broke to Bushby on the edge of the area it looked no more than a half chance, but Woking’s number 10 skilfully curled the ball low through the crowd and beyond the ‘keeper’s dive.
Bushby’s second, four minutes later, was more emphatic, a piledriver from the edge of the area which arrowed into the top corner.
There were many good aspects to Woking’s play, Frawley enjoying moving into central midfield from his left back base, one of the highlights.
Abbey stemmed the tide until the 37th minute, Page the beneficiary of another good passing move, neatly firing low across the ‘keeper from ten yards.
Abbey persevered and a good move called Lacey into action, tackling his opponent to maintain the 3 – 0 lead at the break.
Half-time: Woking 3 – 0 Abbey Rangers
Abbey started the second half brightly but were torn between pushing up and risking getting passed through, and holding back and exposing themselves to Woking’s long passing out of defence, especially that of Davies.
On 54 minutes Tricker put a good chance over the bar but would soon make up for it.
The next goal nearly came on 55 minutes, one of many incisive passes from Mattingley, who was combining very well with Christophers in central midfield, played in Frawley, but his touch past the onrushing ‘keeper went just the wrong side of the post.
A minute later, Tricker, whose skilful touch and movement had been a thorn in Abbey’s side throughout, would come into his own. Callow’s great pass released Tricker into space, and he ran through and slotted home neatly.
Before the next goal, great combination play, and not for the first time, between Boyle and Page on the right, led to Tricker having a shot saved.
Then Page’s lightning pace won a free kick on the byline, and Bushby’s accurate delivery saw Tricker add the striker quality headed finish to his repertoire.
Substitute Ampah was keen to join in on the goalscoring, and on 70 minutes hit the outside of the post from on the byline, with Callow waiting unmarked for a tap in. Both would soon have the goal they desired.
On 77 minutes a great pass from Richards saw Callow cut inside and, after a scramble, fire home assuredly.
81 minutes brought Tricker’s hat-trick, another great Callow pass and Tricker ran in and slotted home, the ‘keeper leaving it too late to come out and narrow the angle.
Ampah’s goal came a minute later, Malhotra passing well to Callow, now working hard on the right flank, who played in Ampah to finish joyfully, Callow’s assists becoming quite a feature.
Callow nearly had another goal, denied by a point-blank save, before Scott reminded us of his reliability when called on for some sound defending.
There was still time for a cameo from Richards, Tricker the provider as the game went into added time, and Richards shot from the edge of the area curling neatly into the bottom corner.
So, an impressive second place finish in the Suburban League Premier Division, especially considering the under 18s often play sides with some older players. With a draw and a narrow defeat against Aldershot all that stood between Woking and the League winners.
Woking: Jools Lacey, Louie Boyle, Edward Scott, Dillan Davies, Joe Frawley; George Mattingley, Leo Christophers © (Amario Malhotra 61); Jalil Page (Jojo Ampah 61), Frankie Bushby (Will Richards 68), Jack Tricker, Joe Callow.
Goals: Bushby 10, 14, Page 37, Tricker 56, 63, 81, Callow 77, Ampah 82, Richards 90+1.
Friday 1st May
Boreham Wood 0 – 2 Woking U19 (EDS): National Academy League – South Division
Meadow Park, Broughinge Road
Report from Holly Porter
A quick turnaround for the EDS saw them travel to take on Boreham Wood, ending their away campaign with three points in the Hertfordshire heat.
“We bounced back from Wednesday well”, reflected academy manager Matt Winter. “It was a typical end of the season game, weather conditions were tough, we knew the challenges we were going to face, so all in all, pleased to get the result.”
In a fast start for the Cards, Hudson-Odoi struck the post, and Lewis forced an early save within the opening six minutes. Then, Woking were awarded a penalty on eight minutes, which was, of course, converted by Trickett, as he nestled the ball in the bottom right corner to maintain his 100% record from the spot.
Lewis continued to look threatening down the right-hand side, forcing a near-post save in the 16th minute, with Patterson then dragging an effort wide moments later.
The visitors looked the more likely to score and thought they had done so in the 37th minute, as an excellent ball from Patterson found Trickett, who had the ball in the back of the net, only to be denied by the offside flag.
No bother, however, as just a minute later Woking doubled the advantage. Lewis broke forward and squared the ball to Hudson-Odoi, with the latter firing home from the edge of the area to make it two.
In almost a twist before the break, a free-kick for Boreham Wood was headed at the back post, an attempt which was off-target only by the smallest of margins, but meant Woking kept hold of their two-goal cushion at the half.
Half-time: Boreham Wood 0 – 2 Woking
The second 45, which welcomed Boxall back from a short injury spell, saw plenty of attacking action unfold, but Woking could not add to their tally, with a late Sings intervention confirming a goalless second half.
Patterson continued to look sharp going forward as the game reached the latter stages, with an 80th-minute drive into the box which saw the ‘keeper off his line to block, with Trickett firing narrowly wide moments later.
Then, it was Boreham Wood who missed by a narrow margin, as they broke into the box in the 82nd minute, but struck the woodwork with their effort. Another chance for the Wood fell in the second minute of injury time, with an excellent reaction from Sings seeing him get down to his left to deny, earning him his clean sheet.
Although not the away record the EDS would have wanted, this certainly remains an encouraging conclusion to their travelling campaign, as they look to carry momentum into next week, when the final clash of the season dawns.
Woking: Aaron Sings, Bailey Cotton, Sonny Parkes (Freddie Greenstreet 77’), Josh Solecki, Chris Rangel, Kemall Wilson, Jack Lewis (Malachy Mpoy 62’), Quincy Patterson ©, Joden Trickett, Kooshan Hayati, Jayden Hudson-Odoi (Lucas Boxall 75’). Unused substitute: Mikey Verga (GK).
Goalscorers: Trickett (8’, pen), Hudson-Odoi (38’).
Other News
Our Under 16s boys did well at the National Junior Premier League Champions Invitational Tournament held at Warwick University on Saturday 2nd May. Winning their group of six (played as five, 20-minute games) to go through to the final where they unfortunately lost on penalties.
Forthcoming fixture – Woking U16s boys National League Cup Final, Saturday 16th May – Kidderminster Harriers v Woking, to be played at Macclesfield FC.
There were no further Loan (Dual Registered Players) appearances this week.
Congratulations to our 2025/26 player of the season award winners:
First Years – Players’ Player of the Season: Will Richards.
Second Years – Players’ Player of the Season: Leo Christophers.
Third Years – Players’ Player of the Season: Kamall Wilson.
Staff Player of the Season: Quincy Patterson.
League fixture (home) details for the 2025/26 season
EDS, National League Under 19 Academy South Division. Midweek, daytime, at either Woking College or The Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Woking play in the Premier Division of the Suburban Football League. Whilst there is not an age limit for this League most clubs 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. The season has now finished.
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. The remaining fixture of the season is away at Eastleigh.
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. The season has now finished.
Westfield play in the Allied Counties Youth League – West Division. This season they are represented by Woking U17. The season has now finished.