AHEAD OF THE GAME: Altrincham (H)

Woking vs Altrincham

Enterprise National League

Saturday 14th February

15:00 Kick-Off

Back on home turf this weekend, the Cards welcome Altrincham to the Laithwaite Community Stadium, following their midweek victory in Cornwall last time out.

A 2-0 triumph over Truro saw Louis Flower become the second signing in less than two weeks to score just minutes into his debut, following Gbodé’s opener against Walton and Hersham.

Leaving it late, Flower’s 86th-minute goal, followed by Turner sealing the victory in the first minute of injury time, saw the Cards earn their first away league win of 2026.

Now attention turns to Saturday, as a lengthy journey sees Altrincham take to Surrey as they look to avenge the reverse fixture.

At the J. Davidson Stadium, Boatswain placed the Cards in front on 24 minutes, with Jimmy Knowles levelling in the 36th. Turner then ensured his side went in ahead at the half, before a late penalty from Kelly confirmed all three points.

Woking will not only look to secure a league double over the Robins, but they will also have the opportunity to extend their winning start to 2026 on home turf, which, although having played only twice due to the weather, remains a 100% record.

A promising sign, the last time Woking hosted Altrincham, in December 2024, the Cards ran out 2-1 victors in what was a strong start to the Ardley era.

Opposition Watch

Perhaps disappointed to miss out on a play-off spot last campaign, following a season where they acquired fourth place, Altrincham starting the day in 17th at this point in the campaign is something that may not have been anticipated upon the season’s outset.

Indeed, the Robins have struggled to put a run of form together in the league, with a total of 34 points from 32 games, with ten victories, four draws, and a total of 18 losses.

A troubled away record sees them take to Surrey having won just two league games on the road, their last being against Truro City on November 8th.

Nevertheless, only four points separate the Robins and Ardley’s currently 11th-placed side, showing the opportunity for Alty to climb the table if they can push for more points, and indeed if other results work in their favour, with most in between having games in hand.

Last time out, they picked up three points on home turf, with a first-half strike from Knowles proving decisive as the Robins fought off Wealdstone, and they will certainly be hoping to carry that momentum forward upon their trip to Surrey.

One to Watch

Having netted against Woking in the reverse fixture, Knowles will already be a familiar name to the Cards, with that goal also becoming his fourth in three consecutive games for Alty.

Although goalscoring responsibility has been largely shared for the Robins, most notably between Knowles, Oliver Crankshaw, and James Gale, Knowles’ tally of 13 across all competitions this season sees him lead the pack.

Indeed, he has come up with a goal in some key moments for the Robins so far this term, including a 78th-minute winner against Aldershot on the league’s opening day, and the winner against Wealdstone last time out.

One who is certain to be a key player for the remainder of the campaign, Knowles will strive to continue his influence in Surrey.