Academy Bulletin 25/26 - Week 4
Written by Ian Tilley & Holly PorterUpcoming Fixtures – Week commencing 29th September 2025
Wednesday 1st October
11:30 – Dartford U19 v Woking U19 (EDS); National League Academy – South Division
Princes Park, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT
19:30 – Merstham U18 v Woking U18; FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round
The Hybrid Fitness Stadium, Weldon Way, Merstham RH1 3QB
Saturday 4th October
15:00 – Metropolitan Police Reserves v Woking U18; Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Imber Court, Ember Lane, East Molesey KT8 0BT
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
Match Reports and Team Details – Week commencing 22nd September 2025
Monday 22nd September
Uxbridge 1 – 2 Woking U17; Isthmian Youth Football League – Central Division
Honeycroft, West Drayton
Report from Ian Tilley
This was, as expected, a more difficult game than the season opening 6 – 1 win at Chipstead, but Woking persevered well and found a way.
The opening exchanges were hard fought, and whilst both goalkeepers were involved, their work was rather straightforward.
A Woking free kick on 21 minutes raised the anticipation that a goal was coming, Will Hurp hitting the post, and Jaden Mansour seeing his shot from the rebound cleared off the line by Frankie Zahran.
Hurp then had a shot well saved by Pratik Sharma before, on 25 minutes, Woking had the breakthrough. Mansour’s driving run into the area finished with a shot under Sharma, who couldn’t get enough on the ball to keep it out of the net.
Woking looked to be dominant, but couldn’t make the most of their ascendency, and Uxbridge came back into the game. The hosts corners were a particular problem for Woking, and after Josh Allan had done well to tip over a Sonnie Leedham header Uxbridge had their equaliser.
On 43 minutes a short corner was worked to Alfie Webster on the corner of the penalty area, and although it didn’t appear to be the most powerful of efforts, his shot deceived Allan and found its way into the net.
Half-time: Uxbridge 1 – 1 Woking
The game resumed its well fought nature, but without any real alarms for the defences. It was to be a tactical tweak that broke the deadlock in Woking’s favour. Mansour and Hurp switching their attacking sides, with Hurp now on the left.
Casper Hammond did well to win a header to maintain the pressure from a 62nd minute corner, and when the ball fell to Joe Callow he smartly fed the ball to Hurp on his left. Hurp had found the space well and although it wasn’t the cleanest strike it was enough to beat Sharma and give Woking the lead.
Further chances were proving hard to come by, with unnecessary extra touches slowing attacks down. Woking did nearly benefit from Sharma passing the ball errantly to Will Richards, who fed George Loader, but under pressure from the covering defender his effort hit the post.
On 80 minutes Uxbridge did come close to levelling, Bevan Goldsby flashing a shot narrowly wide. Richards then had a shot well saved, before the hosts lost their discipline when they needed it most. Ricco Bullard Jeffery the one to see red, after two unnecessary cautions in quick succession.
A great ball-winning tackle by Alfie Gales helped Woking to see out the victory, although they will need to improve their levels against the strongest teams in this league.
Woking: Josh Allan, Alex Jefferies, Luke Manly (C), Will English (Casper Hammond 49), Dan Weardon, Alfie Gales, Jagger Chislett (Jeremy Costa 74), Will Hurp, Will Richards, Jaden Mansour, Joe Callow (George Loader 65). Unused substitutes: Ryan Warren (GK), Harry Munden.
Goals: Mansour 25, Hurp 62.
Wednesday 24th September
Woking U18 0 – 3 Dartford Reds; National League Alliance – Division F
Woking College, Rydens Way
Report from Ian Tilley
The 13 – 1 victory over Hertford Town last time out was clearly an anomaly, and this was a rather harsh reminder of the standards that are required in this league.
Both sides were finding it difficult to execute their skills under pressure before the visitors took the lead after 15 minutes. James Phillips with a good strike from the edge of the area after Woking could not clear a scramble.
Woking did respond, but Timothy Francis was not able to make the most of a Jojo Ampah pass. Then on 22 minutes Dartford doubled their lead. Umar Zeb passed to James Woods who drew a foul to win a penalty. Ronnie Moore scoring confidently after sending Jack Roles the wrong way.
Roles was then called upon to make a good save as Woking were opened up rather too easily. There were moments of promise for the Cards, Connor Thomas’ cross/shot forcing Tyrone Rogers to tip over, and Mason Drew’s good long pass leading to Frankie Bushby forcing a corner.
Thomas Ward sent Francis through with another good through ball from the centre-back area, but the shot was lifted over the bar. Whilst Roshan Kigozi couldn’t get his connections right with two attempts on goal.
In added time Roles made a good save diving to his right from a Javan Moussa shot, and the hope was that this could spark a turnaround in the second half.
Half-time: Woking 0 – 2 Dartford
The game quickly became rather fractured, perhaps in Dartford’s interests, with a lot of hugging one’s opponent at set pieces testing the officials’ patience. Changes to personnel and positioning looked to be giving Woking the upper hand, Ward heading Francis’ corner wide, but the match was over as a contest on 66 minutes.
Woking were the architects of their own downfall, their attempt to pass the ball out of defence breaking down and leaving Jayden Mloyi to side foot home when the ball broke to him.
Woking did persevere and nearly had a consolation on 85 minutes. Pranish Gurung and Ward working a corner routine well, but Zack Rhioui was adjudged to be offside when tapping in from one yard out.
A difficult day for the youngsters, this was a struggle that reminded one of the travails of the First Team against Sutton United the evening before. Woking will be looking to bounce back next time out, at Sutton United.
Woking: Jack Roles, Connor Thomas, Mason Drew (Kai Baverstock 46), Thomas Ward (C), Jack Owen, Joe Scanlon, George Mattingley (Zack Rhioui 56), Timothy Francis. Frankie Bushby (Brian Rai 75), Roshan Kigozi (Pranish Gurung 56), Jojo Ampah. Unused substitute: Callum Collins (GK).
Maidenhead United U19 2 – 3 Woking U19 (EDS); National League Academy – South Division
Berkshire College of Agriculture, Hall Place
Report from Holly Porter
Off the back of a disappointing result against Maidstone last time out, a defensive alteration saw Freddie Greenstreet earn his first start of the season in the only change to the starting eleven. Promising for the visitors, Bailey Cotton retained his place in the starting lineup after hamstring concerns caused his early withdrawal in Kent.
Despite this, the visitors found themselves on the back foot early on, with a third-minute free-kick delivered to the back post, and a free header proving costly for the young Cards.
Maidenhead almost doubled their advantage in the 13th minute, with a corner which deflected narrowly wide, then moments later a shot from outside the box met the same fate.
Despite a poor start, Woking grew into the game, and a 22nd-minute free-kick presented the perfect opportunity for Boxall to get his side level. The set-piece from just outside the box, however, was fired narrowly over the bar by the skipper, and Woking were temporarily forced to endure the deficit.
A number of chances to level followed, with good link-up play between Dryer and Trickett looking threatening in the lead-up to the equaliser. Indeed, it was Trickett who levelled in the 36th minute, after Boxall’s effort from range forced the keeper to spill the ball, leaving the arriving Trickett to power home on the follow-up.
Half-time: Maidenhead United 1 – 1 Woking
Woking’s first substitution of the game saw Malachy Mpoy make his debut for the side, and just a minute after he entered the field, he almost buried Dryer’s delivery, but the first-time effort rose just over the bar. Moments later, Trickett stung the gloves of the home ‘keeper in a well-hit effort from inside the area, with the opening stages of the second half presenting several chances, but no scoreline advantage, for the visitors.
It was Maidenhead that were able to capitalise on a quick move forward, as the 66th minute saw them regain their lead, but the young Cards continued to create numerous chances as the rest of the half unfolded.
The 70th minute saw Patterson go close to equalising, with a low shot which worked its way through multiple bodies in the box, and almost found the bottom corner, but the effort fell narrowly wide.
Although the visitors created more chances, Maidenhead still threatened to extend their lead, with an excellent fingertip save from Verga in the 73rd minute pushing a strong effort over the bar, which kept his side within touching distance of their equaliser.
A goal on debut for Mpoy saw the teams draw level once again, as a ball sliding across the goalmouth in the 77th minute was pushed over the line by the debutant. An 80th-minute attempted header almost saw Mpoy put his side ahead, but Dryer’s ball just evaded his reach; nevertheless, it was a promising first appearance for the academy.
Trickett stole the victory for his side in the 84th minute, after a brilliant run behind the defence saw him through on goal. The keeper came out to meet him, but this seemed of no concern to Trickett, who took his goal well and fired the ball around the keeper to not only score his second of the afternoon, but to take all three points back to Woking.
Academy Manager Matt Winter reflected after the game: “We made it really hard for ourselves. All credit to Maidenhead, they took the chances they had, but I think on another day we come away where we’ve scored 4, 5, 6 [goals]. We really were poor in that final action, and we made the game a lot harder for ourselves”.
On Mpoy’s debut: “Malachy is someone who’s come to us in the last couple of weeks and gives us another attacking option, which is great. He showed some really good energy, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of him. He managed to take his goal well, and it was a pleasing debut for him”.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Bailey Cotton, Sonny Parkes (Chris Rangel 74’), Cameron McQueen (Josh Solecki 79’), Harrison Stevens, Freddie Greenstreet, Lucas Boxall © (Malachy Mpoy 62’), Quincy Patterson, Joden Trickett, Kooshan Hayati, Tom Dryer. Unused Substitutes: Sam Cockwell (GK), Jayden Smith.
Goalscorers: Joden Trickett 36’, 84’, Malachy Mpoy 77’.
Saturday 27th September
Abbey Rangers Development 0 – 3 Woking U18; Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Addlestone Moor, Addlestone
Report from Ian Tilley
Although Woking only had one point from their opening two fixtures, Abbey’s haul of three points from five games suggested that this may be a good opportunity for Woking to secure their first league win of the season.
The scoring and the result were settled within 28 minutes. On 15 minutes Akinwalere opened the scoring, cutting in on his left foot and firing home.
Then two goals in two minutes effectively finished the game as a contest. On 27 minutes Davies headed home from a Malhotra corner, and a minute later Page dribbled into the right side of the penalty area before shooting confidently past Stanley Williamson.
Abbey did rally, Rigby blocking a free kick on 35 minutes. Back at the other end, Malhotra saw his free kick saved.
Half-time: Abbey Rangers 0 – 3 Woking
The second-half was a rather low-key affair. The Woking wall did block a free-kick on 58 minutes, Ampah will feel he could have done better after being set up by Bushby and Page on 83 minutes, and Rigby did make a good closing down block as the game drew to a close, but there was no further scoring.
As the game was played out thoughts were already turning to Woking’s FA Youth Cup tie at Merstham on Wednesday, with the Cards making changes to personnel and positions to help them prepare as well as possible.
Woking: Jools Lacey, Louie Boyle (C) (Thomas Ward 72), Oliver Rigby, Dillan Davies, Joel Jennison-Leppa (Joe Frawley 78), Amario Malhotra, Leo Christophers, Jack Tricker, Hayden Vally (Jojo Ampah 54), Seyi Akinwalere (Frankie Bushby 46), Jalil Page. Unused substitute: James Moore (GK).
Goals: Akinwalere 15, Davies 27, Page 28.
Loan (Dual Registered Players) watch
Tuesday 23rd September
Sonny Parkes, Defender, EDS – Hayes & Yeading United: Came on as a 94th minute substitute, with the scoring already completed, in the 2 – 0 victory over Raynes Park Vale in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4).
Luke Staight, Midfield, EDS – Broadbridge Heath: Played the full game in the 1 – 3 defeat to Faversham Town in the Isthmian League South East Division (Step 4).
Joden Trickett, Forward, EDS – Ascot United: Came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute (with the score at 1 – 0) of the 2 – 0 victory over South Park (Reigate) in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4).
Wednesday 24th September
Jack Lewis, Defender, EDS – Fleet Town: Was an unused substitute for the 0 – 0 draw at Balham in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5).
Saturday 27th September
Tom Dryer, Midfield, EDS – Westfield: Played the full game, and a starring role, in the 2 – 1 victory over Southall in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4). After Eoin Fraser of Southall had been sent off on 40 minutes, Tom gave Westfield the lead on 41 minutes, applying the finish to a Finn Evans’ cross, the ball crashing in off the underside of the bar. Tom’s second came on 48 minutes, beating two men on the left and bending a wonderful finish into the far corner. Southall did get one back on 75 minutes, but Dryer’s brace had won the day.
Jack Lewis, Defender, EDS – Fleet Town: Was an 85th minute substitute (with the score already 3 – 0), in the 3 – 0 victory over Horley Town in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5).
Luke Staight, Midfield, EDS – Broadbridge Heath: Played the full game in the 1 – 2 defeat at AFC Whyteleafe in the Isthmian League South East Division (Step 4).
Joden Trickett, Forward, EDS – Ascot United: Came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute (with the score at 1 – 1) in the 4 – 1 victory over Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4). Joden set up the Tyrese Osbourne goal which made it 3 – 1.
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, with opportunities for ‘progressing’ first 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.