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Written by Pete Grimes
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Friday, 08 December 2006 |
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Address
Kingfield
Woking, Surrey
GU22 9AA
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Woking Football Club, almost universally known as The Cards (from the Cardinal
red of the red and white halves), was formed in 1889. The club joined the West
Surrey League in 1895/96, winning the title by one point on the final day of the
season. However, within 21 years of being formed, the club was in danger of
folding for financial reasons. The turning point came when, in January 1908,
Woking played Bolton Wanderers in the First Round of the FA Cup, having battled
through five qualifying rounds. Despite losing the away game 5-0, the club made
it into the national press. Bolton Wanderers, impressed by the minnows they had
defeated, travelled to Woking for a friendly match the following season, which
kept the club solvent.
In 1911 the club joined the Isthmian League, maintaining their place in the top
division for 72 years and finishing as runners-up to Wycombe Wanderers in
1956/57. That achievement was eclipsed soon afterwards when, in front of a
71,000 crowd, the Cards beat Ilford 3-0 in the last FA Amateur Cup Final to be
televised live. Sadly, the club then went into decline, culminating in a
first-ever relegation in 1982/83. By the end of the 1984/85 season the club had
plunged further down the football ladder, being relegated to Division Two South
of the Isthmian League. It was during that season that former player, Geoff
Chapple, was appointed as manager. Although he was not able to save the club
from relegation, the renaissance was underway. Just missing out on promotion at
the first attempt, the club clinched the Division Two South title in 1986/87
and, after two third place finishes in Division One, they were promoted back to
the Premier Division at the end of the 1989/90 season.
The next season saw the club become part of FA Cup folklore. Entering the
competition at the Fourth Qualifying Round, they beat Conference opposition in
the shape of Bath City, Kidderminster Harriers and Merthyr Tydfil to set up a
Third Round tie away to West Bromwich Albion. Recovering from being a goal
behind, Woking triumphed 41, thanks to a superb team effort and a never to be
forgotten hat-trick from Tim Buzaglo. To be drawn out of the hat with a home
game against Everton was beyond everyone's wildest dreams. The tie was switched
to Goodison Park and, against a team packed with internationals, the sides were
separated only by a solitary Kevin Sheedy goal. Over 34,000 people remained in
the ground to give the players a rapturous standing ovation.
Promotion to the Conference was achieved in 1991/92. Such was Woking's dominance
that the Isthmian League title was clinched in early April, with seven games
still to be played. Nearest rivals Enfield had been swept aside 5-0 in a
scintillating display of flowing, attacking football and the season ended with
the club 18 points clear of the Londoners.
The FA Trophy was won in 1994 when Runcorn were beaten on a waterlogged Wembley
pitch. Twelve months later Kidderminster Harriers were vanquished as Woking
became only the second club ever to win successive finals. Wembley was revisited
in 1997 and the FA Trophy was won for the third time, with Dagenham & Redbridge
being consigned to defeat. The Cards also achieved five successive top five
finishes in the Conference, including being runners-up in 1994/95 and 1995/96.
2005/06 season
The close season saw the departure of central defenders, Jon Boardman and Luke
Oliver, both snapped up by League clubs. Striker Raphael Nade was also sold to
Carlisle. Disappointingly, the Cards failed to mount a challenge for a play-off
place, finishing in 11th place. But they made the most of favourable draws in
the FA Trophy, reaching the Final at Upton Park, only to lose 2-0 to Grays
Athletic.
Honours
FA Cup - 4th Round 1990/91
FA Amateur Cup - Winners 1957/58
FA Trophy - Winners 1993/94, 1994/95, 1996/97
Isthmian League - Champions 1991/92
Isthmian Cup - Winners 1990/91
Isthmian Charity Shield - Winners 1991/92, 1992/93
Football Conference - Runners-up 1994/95, 1996/97
Vauxhall Championship Shield - Winners 1994/95
Surrey Senior Cup - Winners 1912/13, 1926/27, 1955/56, 1971/72, 1990/91,
1993/94, 1995/96, 1999/2000, 2003/04
GLS Conference Cup - Winners 2004/05
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 29 September 2007 )
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