Woking FC (Youth & Academy) U19’s 1-0 Aldershot Town U19’s (NLYA) - Match Report

U19’s National League Alliance Academy South, 18th January 2023, 2:00pm, Woking, Surrey.

Woking FC (Youth & Academy) U19’s came out on top in the latest edition of derby day against rivals Aldershot Town U19’s (NLYA) thanks to a second-half goal from Alfie Burton. This result saw both the academy and the senior first team take all six points on offer against The Shots this season.

The Cards came into this game with late heartbreak the week previous against Eastleigh U19’s EDS but were looking to put it right against their historic rivals. Due to the magnitude of this fixture, of course, it caught the attention of the two towns and it’s fair to say some players were cautious about putting a foot wrong. Therefore, it was quite a sluggish first half with not much to talk about.

In the second half, however, the hosts came out with more attacking intent and were rewarded 15 minutes from time when Denny Roberts found space out wide and played in Burton, who tucked home from close range to put his side in front. The goal sent both players and staff into euphoria.

Speaking to Woking FC (Youth & Academy) U19’s coach Scott Harrison after the game, he said, “We could’ve found ourselves behind at halftime, but we had a little chat and got things going in the second 45 [minutes].” He further went on to say, “We got on the front foot more and took the game to them.”

I later put the question to him asking if the title is still up for grabs despite his side being top of the league by playing a handful more games than those around them, to which he responded, “We know the league is very tough, but we still have to play Dover and Eastleigh again, plus the top sides have to play each other to take the points on offer. We currently have the points on the board and will remain focused on ourselves and see where that gets us.”

The Cards are in cup action next week when they’ll be taking on Welling United U19’s National Youth All in the National League Football Academy League Cup Second Round. The Shots, on the other hand, will be back in league action ready to take on Maidenhead United CT U19’s on the road again.