Written By Declan McCarthy
Woking won their first National League match of the season thanks to star man John Goddard who scored in both halves to coast Woking to a comfortable win.
The game took place less than 24 hours after the tragic news that striker Scott Rendell would miss the remaining of the season, due to an ankle injury the striker had picked up during Wokings defeat to Tranmere on Saturday. This meant that Giuseppe Sole would lead the line for the first time this season. Kadell Daniel was the other change in the starting line-up, with Bruno Andrade making his way to the bench.
Woking kicked off on a wet gloomy evening at Kingfield, but with Bromley having injury problems early on, this forced the away side to make two early changes, this made it easier for Woking to get into the game, controlling the midfield and from this it took only 35 minutes to break the Bromley stronghold.
Sole done well to bring down a lofted high ball with a brilliant touch, he then slid the ball into the path of John Goddard who guided the ball with his weaker foot into the back of the Bromley net, giving Woking the lead going into half time.
Both sides would have went into the dressing room with a feeling that the second half was going to be tough much like the first. As Bromley gave it a good go in the first half, Anthony Cook being the most promising and dangerous looking player going forward for the away side.
Nonetheless, that didn’t stop Woking going forward as the second goal of the night came from Goddard again. Jake Caprice crossed in a ball, originally towards Sole, who forced Julian to make a save, but the ball fell nicely for Goddard and he hammered home his second of the night.
John Goddard receives applause from his team mates.
Gary Hill then made his first change of the night bringing off the exciting young Kadell Daniel, who was fantastic on the night and caused real problems for the Bromley defence, he made way for the tricky Bruno Andrade.
Bromley gave Woking fans a little scare, after Cook done well to beat his man sending Bradley Goldberg on his way, with a quick shuffle to the right, he struck the ball well into Cole, who fumbled the shot, but managed to get to grips with it in the end.
Goddard nearly made it a hat-trick of goals with an opportunity that deserved a goal, but unfortunate for him, the shot rose just above the bar. Woking fans then saw the noticeable face of Adam Newton as he entered the field of play as a substitute and received a welcome round of applause from the 1570 strong fans.
In the latter stages of the match, Woking kept hold of possession much better as the game went on, they looked more comfortable, this of course was helped by the strong 5 man midfield of Jones, Murtagh, Ricketts and Goddard being the key figures in there.
The Cards then held on for what was their first home and league match victory of the season. John Goddard spoke to RADIO WOKING after the match and he said, “We got three points, which is important and we (got) a good reaction, there is no point picking three points up tonight and then dropping off on Saturday (against Altrincham), we (Woking) need to keep pushing on and keep getting points. Especially at Kingfield, as we want to make this (ground) a bit of a fortress this year.
Woking take on Altrincham this Saturday at Kingfield Road. Goddard continued to say he hasn’t got a problems with the expectations from the fans, he said “It is good! Every year I have been here we have improved and there is no reason why that cannot continue. We are aware of the set back, but we have performed well tonight, it’s important we just keep doing that.
Radio Wokings Saturday Sport show is back this Saturday from 2pm. Be sure to tune in live on RADIO WOKING.
Woking: Jake Cole, Jake Caprice (Adam Newton 83), Chris Arthur, Mark Ricketts (c), Brian Saah, Ismail Yakubu, Joey Jones, Keiran Murtagh, Giuseppe Sole (Godfrey Poku 79), John Goddard, Kadel Daniel (Bruno Andrade 64)
Subs not used: Reece Beckles, Nick Hamann