ACADEMY BULLETIN: Week Twenty Seven
Upcoming Fixtures – Week commencing 9th March 2026
Wednesday 11th March
11:30 – Woking U19 (EDS) v Sutton United: National Academy League – South Division
Woking College, Rydens Way
14:00 – Carshalton Athletic v Woking U18: National League Alliance – Division F
Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
19:45 – Guildford City v Westfield (Woking U17): Allied Counties – West Division
Spectrum, Parkway, Guildford GU1 1UP
Thursday 12th March
19:30 – Woking U17 v Leatherhead: Isthmian League – Central Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Friday 13th March
19:45 – Carshalton Athletic v Woking U18: Surrey Floodlit Cup – Quarter Final
Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
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 2nd March 2026
Monday 2nd March
Westfield (Woking U17) 3 – 3 Yateley United (Half-time: 2 – 1): Allied Counties – West Division
Westfield FC, Woking Park
Westfield Squad: Harry MacFadyen, Caleb Trickett, Dylan Hosali, Sonnie Leedham, Dan Weardon, Alex Jefferies, Harvey Johnson, Ben Bailey, Keegan Berry, Jaden Mansour, Arthur Pereira, Will Hurp, Logan Jacques, George Ellis, Zack McColl-Eljanfali, Lucas Montague.
March details to follow.
Bedfont Sports 3 – 1 Woking U17: Isthmian League – Central Division
Bedfont Sports Club, Bedfont Recreation Ground
Report from Ian Tilley
A game which looked like it could be a narrow victory either way until it changed dramatically in the space of seven second-half minutes.
Woking enjoyed the upper hand in the opening 15 minutes, passing the ball well, changing the focus points of attacks, and creating chances for Richards and Hurp, with the Bedfont ‘keeper making saves and his defence defending corners well.
But the rest of the half would be more equally contested as Bedfont grew into the game, with Woking’s defence stretched and Bedfont equal to the Cards passing game, with some of their older players showing that little bit more experience.
The best move of the half for Woking came on 32 minutes, Thomas, Mansour and Hurp involved in the build-up and Richards, stretching a little, hitting the outside of the post with his shot.
There were excellent pieces of play throughout the Woking team, but they could not find their way through the Bedfont defence.
Half-time: Bedfont Sports 0 – 0 Woking
The second-half started with a warning shot over the bar from Bedfont’s number 9, but Woking were still passing the ball well, and when Thomas came close to hitting the target there was no real sign of the dramatic seven minutes which would settle the game.
On 55 minutes Woking conceded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area and Bedfont’s low shot beat the wall and had enough power to evade Allan’s grasp.
The second came when a low, hard cross from the right gave the unfortunate Salman no time to react as the ball cannoned off his shins into the net.
The third also had an element of luck, a cross looping over Allan, coming back off the inside of the post and falling favourably for Bedfont to drive the ball home from 12 yards.
Woking did rally, Mansour having a shot saved, before a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area was fired into the bottom corner by Richards.
With 15 minutes plus added time to go Woking still had a chance of a comeback, but further set-pieces yielded no reward and Bedfont’s game management saw out their victory.
A frustrating evening, but Woking still share the lead at the top of the table and should persevere with renewed resolve.
Woking: Joshua Allan, Casper Hammond, Luke Manly ©, Dylan Hosali (Sonnie Leedham 80), Will Hurp; Nathaniel Flemming, Finn Salman (George Loader 68), Max Thomas (Harry Munden 62), Will Richards, Jaden Mansour, Joe Callow. Unused substitute: Harry MacFadyen (GK).
Goal: Richards 76.
Wednesday 4th March
Welling United 2 – 0 Woking U19 (EDS): National Academy League – South Division
GB10 Sports Ground, Footscray Road, Eltham
Report from Holly Porter
Following two positive results last week, a goal in each half saw the EDS squad slip to a 0 – 2 defeat away from home against Welling United.
“We didn’t deserve to get anything out of the game”, reflected academy manager Matt Winter. “The performance was below par, we conceded two poor goals on our behalf and looked really toothless going the other way. So, all in all, a difficult day.”
Chances fell at both ends in the opening stages, most notably as Wilson headed Travin’s corner narrowly wide in the third minute, followed by an effort placed marginally over the bar by Welling two minutes later.
The 12th minute almost saw the visitors punish Welling, after a corner, delivered by Travin, proved difficult to clear, with the ball falling to Rangel in the goalmouth, but the ‘keeper scrambled to collect.
The hosts then let fly on two occasions, both from range, just before the 20-minute mark, with the first being met by a diving Verga, and the second falling narrowly wide. Taking the lead shortly after, Welling found themselves behind the defence in the 21st minute, allowing them to calmly slot home from just inside the box.
Little then fell for the Cards, with Welling the closest to finding the net as the half came to a close, with a 43rd-minute attempt to lift over Verga seeing the hosts fire over the bar.
Half-time: Welling United 1 – 0 Woking
In the early stages of the second half, Welling found themselves behind the defence once again, but, on this occasion, the final product lacked the quality to beat Verga.
Called back into action, Verga did well to deny in the 78th minute, with his defence losing possession in their penalty area, forcing the shotstopper to dive right to get a strong glove to Welling’s strike.
The closing stages saw the hosts double their advantage, after a quick turn of play saw a sliding block from Greenstreet initially defending the 87th-minute threat, but, before the ball could roll out for a corner, the hosts were able to fire home from a tight angle.
Woking attempted until the end, with a 90th-minute ball across the goalmouth narrowly evading Ampah, followed by a well-hit strike from Mpoy moments later, an effort which the goalkeeper did well to claim, but ultimately for the Cards, an off-their-game performance saw them suffer defeat.
Woking: Mikey Verga, Bailey Cotton, Josh Solecki (Freddie Greenstreet 62’), Cameron McQueen (Yousef Mezenner 32’), Kemall Wilson, Chris Rangel (Jayden Smith 62’), Denis Travin (Jack Lewis 46’), Quincy Patterson, Jojo Ampah, Lucas Boxall ©, Malachy Mpoy. Unused substitute: Sam Cockwell (GK).
Sutton United 0 – 2 Woking U18: National League Alliance – Division F
Cheam Sports Club, Peaches Close
Report from Ian Tilley
A busy game week gave some of the first years the opportunity to play in the National Alliance, with eight of them having the opportunity to put the defeat at Bedfont on Monday behind them.
Sutton looked a little older and used their physicality well, with Mario Balde, the focus of their forward play, an awkward opponent, but Woking competed well and created the better chances.
On a surprisingly dry, and rather uneven, surface Woking did well to play some good football, with Johnson and Flemming in central midfield orchestrating a lot of the play, and the attacking quartet of Callow, Loader, Richards and Mansour all combining to keep the Sutton defence and goalkeeper occupied.
Woking came closest through Loader hitting a post but could not break the first-half deadlock.
Half-time: Sutton United 0 – 0 Woking
Woking were rather fortunate when Balde didn’t make the most of an opportunity in the first minute of the half, and Hosali was then called on to make a good clearance as Sutton looked to go longer as they played up the sloping pitch.
The Cards had the lead on 54 minutes. Johnson did well in winning a free-kick 30 yards from goal to the left of centre, and Richards’ excellent delivery found Manly, sneaking around the back of the defensive line to volley a fine finish across the ‘keeper.
Sutton may have done better if they had concentrated on creating chances at set-pieces rather than getting involved in niggly fouls, but Roles was more than equal to the physical challenges.
With Thomas and Wells contributing well both defensively and offensively Woking continued to take the game to their opponents, with Mansour coming closest to doubling the lead.
The introduction of Stefan Van Winjgaarden on 64 minutes was a highlight, his first lengthy run-out in his return to action after 16 months out following his serious leg injury. Within minutes he nearly celebrated with a goal, the ‘keeper saving well when Thomas’ pass put the striker through on goal.
The rest of the game didn’t pass without Sutton threatening an equaliser, but Woking sealed the victory in added time. Van Wijngaarden battled determinedly in the Sutton penalty area, and the ball broke for Richards to fire home from ten yards.
Woking: Jack Roles, Max Thomas (Caleb Trickett 79), Luke Manly ©, Dylan Hosali, Daehjaun Wells; Nathaniel Flemming, Harvey Johnson (Ben Bailey 71), Jaden Mansour, Will Richards, George Loader, Joe Callow (Stefan van Wijngaarden 64). Unused substitute: Callum Collins (GK).
Goals: Manly 54, Richards 90+4.
Guildford City 0 – 3 Woking U18: Surrey Floodlit Cup – Second Round (Round of 16)
Spectrum, Parkway
Report from Ian Tilley
Although Guildford pressed Woking throughout, this was a relatively straightforward passage through to the next round, with a strong second years XI in control for much of the contest.
There was some early good defensive covering for Baverstock to do, but Woking’s attacking play more than deserved their 22nd minute lead. A great pass out of defence from Baverstock to Boyle overlapping on the right wing, and getting to the byline before pulling the ball back for Vally to control and drive low into the net from 10 yards.
Woking continued to press, with good play throughout the team, the pick of the remainder of the half an excellent Mattingley pass which played in Gurang, only for the ‘keeper to save the shot with his feet.
Half-time: Guildford City 0 – 1 Woking
Woking doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart. Francis getting the final touch on a Rai corner which Francis had won, after Jennison-Leppa’s header fell to him a yard out.
Two minutes later they came close again, Rai’s free kick hitting the foot of the post. Eight minutes into the half Woking completed the scoring, Vally playing in Boyle to cross to the far post where Richards finished emphatically, his second goal of the week this time sealing a win.
Whilst Guildford’s perseverance demanded further diligence from Woking, with one Boyle recovery run particularly noteworthy, Woking continued to have the upper hand, without adding to the score.
So, Woking will visit Carshalton in the next round, with the winners of that tie to play Westfield in the semi-final.
Woking: Aaron Sings, Louis Boyle (Ollie Rigby 78), Kai Baverstock, Joel Jennison-Leppa ©, Jack Owen; George Mattingley, Brian Rai (Amario Malhotra 86), Tyrell Ejakita, Hayden Vally (Leo Christophers 80), Pranish Gurang (Seyi Akinwalere 64), Timothy Francis.
Goals: Vally 22, Francis 48, Gurang 53.
Thursday 5th March
Woking U18 2 – 3 Aldershot Town B: Suburban Football League – Premier Division
Knaphill FC, Redding Way
Report from Ian Tilley
Against a strong side (effectively Aldershot’s Reserves), who are now top of this League, this was a determined performance from Woking, who gave their opponents a very good game.
Lacey had already made a good save on six minutes when Aldershot took the lead on 11 minutes. However, the build-up to the goal was debated as Woking appeared to be penalised for allowing an Aldershot player to have a handful of their shirt. The resultant free-kick was deflected for a corner, which was taken by Martin and flicked home by McMillan at the near post.
Woking were on the backfoot and took the opportunity of Lacey requiring treatment to receive fresh instructions from their coach. The changes made saw Woking draw level on 32 minutes, Mathieson playing the ball through to Tricker, attacking the left-side of the penalty area, and firing past Knight.
Woking looked to be on a more level footing, but when they failed to clear their lines on 39 minutes Hills was left with a straightforward finish from 12 yards.
Half-time: Woking 1 – 2 Aldershot Town
Further inspired at the break, Woking took the game to the visitors and levelled on 53 minutes. Malhotra striking a free-kick from 25 yards into the bottom corner.
Unfortunately, the lead lasted less than five minutes, a foul conceding a penalty which Martin slotted down the middle, Lacey diving to his right.
After Knight had got away with missing his clearance Aldershot grew more comfortable in their lead and defended solidly, managing the game well to see out the win, despite further tactical adjustments from Woking.
Woking: Jools Lacey, Jack McGibbon, Ollie Rigby, Thomas Ward (Sonnie Leedham 83), Joe Frawley; Amario Malhotra, Yousef Mezenner (Jaden Mansour 65), Jack Tricker, Leo Christophers ©, Seyi Akinwalere (Timothy Francis 83), Calum Mathieson. Unused substitutes: Joshua Allan (GK), George Mattingley.
Goals: Tricker 32, Malhotra 53.
Loan (Dual Registered Players) watch
Monday 2nd March
Mikey Verga, Goalkeeper, EDS – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 0 – 2 defeat to Spelthorne Sports in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6).
Tuesday 3rd March
Quincy Patterson, Midfield, EDS – Binfield: A 74th minute substitute in the 1 – 2 defeat to Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League South Central Division (Step 4).
Jack Roles, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Molesey: Played the full game in the 0 – 2 defeat to Cobham in the Southern Combination Cup Second Round.
Sam Saward, Goalkeeper, EDS – Horley Town: Played the full game in the 1 – 0 victory over Camberley Town in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5).
Wednesday 4th March
Joden Trickett, Forward, EDS – Abbey Rangers: Played the first 87 minutes of the 2 – 0 victory at Balham in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5). Man of the Match on Abbey Rangers X account, ‘Led from the front all game, didn’t give their back line a minute’s peace, constantly creating opportunities for himself and teammates.’
Thursday 5th March
Freddie Greenstreet, Defender, EDS – Molesey: Played the first 51 minutes of the 3 – 2 defeat at Spartans Youth in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6).
Jack Roles, Goalkeeper, 2nd year – Westfield: A busy week for Jack – played the full game in the 2 – 0 victory over Tadley Calleva in the Aldershot Senior Cup Second Round.
Saturday 7th March
Freddie Greenstreet, Defender, EDS – Molesey: came on as an 84th minute substitute in the 4 – 4 draw with Langley in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6).
Joel Jennison-Leppa, Defender, 2nd year – Sheerwater: Played the full game in the 1 – 1 draw with Guildford City in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5).
Sam Saward, Goalkeeper, EDS – Horley Town: Played the full game in the 4 – 0 victory over Epsom & Ewell in the Combined Counties Premier Division South (Step 5).
Mikey Verga, Goalkeeper, EDS – Sandhurst Town: Played the full game in the 1 – 6 defeat to Chalfont St Peter in the Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6).
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.