Written By Declan McCarthy
Despite a spectacular late goal from Tranmere’s James Norwood. Goals from John Goddard, Loanee Joe Quigley and two strikes from Dan Holman helped Woking sweep aside Tranmere Rovers, winning a well-deserved three points.
Gary Hill praised his players after the match, in particular star man John Goddard, who grabbed his 11th goal of the season. Hill told Radio Woking, “ He (John) Is in a rich vein of form, he’s got 11 league goals from 22 games from a midfield position, and we’re not even out of November, it’s a tremendous achievement for such a young, quality, energetic player.
Hill made no changes to the side that saw Woking win against Chester on the weekend. While under pressure Tranmere manager, Gary Brabin made one forced change in Lois Maynard, as he made his way in for the injured Martin Reily, who limped off during the team’s 2-1 victory over Guiseley with a groin strain.
Woking made a bright start to the highly anticipated match, but it was Tranmere who looked more likely to score. A fine save from Jake Cole early on denied Norwood a chance to put Tranmere ahead.
Tranmere then had a well worked goal ruled out for offside and the goal was quickly forgotten about, as Dan Holman headed home for Woking.
Woking were surpassing Tranmere with pure determination. Going forward it was Bournemouth loanee Joe Quigley and Bruno Andrade, who was part of a formidable front four, alongside Holman and Goddard that really stole the show.
The high pressing Woking forced Tranmere into mistakes, which led to the second goal. Dan Holman collected the loose ball before driving an explosive left footed shot into Scott Davies, who fumbled the ball and with Goddard quickest to react, he slammed home the second.
Ten minutes into the second half, Dan Holman slipped in between the Tranmere defence and had so much time he picked his corner, driving hard into the back of net. More worryingly for Gary Brabin, the goal really highlighted what a poor defensive display Tranmere had put on show.
A perfect solo goal from Quigley wrapped up the evening for Woking and more importantly the three points. Tranmere did have something to cheer about in the end, as James Norwood scored a spectacular 25 yard strike.
Joe Quigley grabs his goal on his home debut
After the defeat, Brabin personally apologised to the traveling Tranmere fans that made the 227 mile round trip and was strongly critical of his team’s performance saying, “First of all, apologies to the fans, that’s the most embarrassed I’ve ever been as a manager. I just felt like every time they (Woking) attacked us, they scored. It was embarrassing to watch.”
Woking should take great pride from last night’s performance. A former league 2 side and judging from that performance last night, “former” will stand by Tranmere a lot longer than maybe the club and the fans anticipated.
Woking are back in action this Saturday against Barrow.
Woking: Cole, Arthur, Ricketts (Keohane 77), Saah, Jones, Goddard, Robinson, Andrade (Caprice 71), Quigley (Daniel 82), Holman, Norman. Substitutes: Hamman, Thomas.
Tranmere: Davies, Maynard, McNulty, Hogan, Hill, Mekki (Sutton 63), Jennings, Harris, Norwood, Taylor-Fletcher, Mangan (Tomlinson 58). Substitutes: Turner, Ridehalgh, Margetts.
Attendance: 1477
Catch all the latest match build up and sporting news on the Saturday Sports Show. Every Saturday from 2pm on Radio Woking.