Hi Rob so tell us a bit about yourself and how long have you been covering Woking?
I work for the Woking News & Mail and have been covering Woking for almost two years
What’s it been like at games without supporters in attendance?
All very odd! This was emphasised by how great it felt when Woking had fans in for one game at home to Hartlepool. Perhaps unsurprisingly that was probably their best performance of the season.
How would you summarise Woking’s season so far?
In short, it started very well in the league before tailing off over Christmas and New Year. But the FA Trophy run has given everyone an injection of confidence and shows what the club can do, beating Dover, Bromley and Sutton. Like many other clubs, it has been extremely challenging trying to deal with COVID-19 and all the associated economic and sporting issues that has created. But the arrival of American investor John Katz has at least given the club some stability.
How’s the Cards recent form been?
There are promising signs, with good wins over Sutton in the Trophy and then beating Barnet last weekend in the league. A number of key players (e.g. Loza, Napa) are coming back from injury and that has undoubtedly contributed to the upswing in form.
What have been the highlights of the season?
The Trophy run. This is the furthest the club’s been for a few years and to have got where they are after such a tough draw has been a great achievement. Although obviously they haven’t won anything yet!
Photo courtesy of David Holmes
Who are the key players and why?
Moussa Diarra has been outstanding since re-joining the club from Havant & Waterlooville – in both boxes. Aside from that goalkeeper Craig Ross has been as reliable as ever, and the Cards invariably keep it tight at the back with him between the sticks.
What formations has Alan Dowson been using this season and how do you expect them to line up on Saturday?
I’d expect the customary 4-3-3. Skipper Josh Casey will possibly return, but that raises the question of who drops out of a backline that’s been good in recent weeks – or whether they go 5 at the back.
Which opposition teams and players have impressed you most this season?
Stockport have been the standout side. They won 4-1 at Woking in January and it was as good a performance as I’ve seen at The Laithwaite Community Stadium for a while. Mark Kitching’s raids down the left were constant, and John Rooney was terrific in forward areas.
What should the Yellow Army expect from the match stream?
The stream is pretty reliable usually. It has replays, some zoom, mainly just from one angle from the gantry camera on the halfway line. The commentary comes from the BBC Surrey guys, as such it’s pretty informed. I’ve found it good to watch overall!
And finally, give us a match prediction for the Trophy game?
Torquay haven’t beaten Woking at The Laithwaite since 2007, a run of eight games. As such I’m going to go with Woking to win 2-1.
