Following a memorable summer of drought in the United Kingdom, the heavens opened to the extreme during the most recent round of the FA Cup, and Woking’s first-round clash with Oxford United fell victim to the elements as the pitch soon became unplayable.
While other teams commence their replays this week, the National League hosts are also preparing for their second match in the 2022-23 tournament, having defeated Southend United 2-1 in the qualifying rounds to make it this far.
Victory over their fellow fifth-tier side marked the start of a stellar run of form for Darren Sarll’s men, who enter Wednesday’s game having won six of their last seven matches in all tournaments, including each of their last four with four clean sheets in tow.
A solitary goal from top scorer Reece Grego-Cox – his 10th of the campaign – propelled Woking to a 1-0 National League win over Boreham Wood on Saturday to cement their position in fourth place in the table, and next on the agenda for the hosts is attempting to avoid a second successive FA Cup first-round exit.
The Cardinals – who got as far as the fourth round in 1990-91 – suffered a 3-2 loss to Gillingham in the first round last year, but they have scored at least twice in eight of their 10 home games this season, so a cup upset is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility.
Meanwhile, Oxford have also seemingly benefitted from the extended rest period that the waterlogged pitch brought them, having now strung together a five-game unbeaten run to provide a silver lining on an otherwise troubled League One campaign.
The visitors’ most recent result was one of their standout performances of the season, as Karl Robinson’s men thumped Port Vale 4-0 thanks to braces from Billy Bodin and Matty Taylor, and they have now taken nine points from the last 15 on offer.
Oxford have risen to a healthy 12th place in the League One table amid their upturn in form, but as was the case with Woking, Robinson’s side also lost in the first round of the FA Cup last term, being eliminated by Bristol Rovers 4-3 after extra time in a replay following an initial 2-2 draw.
The fact that Oxford are still searching for their first clean sheet on the road does not spell optimism against a Woking side known for their clinical nature at the Kingfield Stadium, and the most recent meeting between the two clubs in a 2019 friendly ended 1-1.
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Woking’s treatment room is empty at the minute barring centre-back Luke qWilkinson, with Grego-Cox and Rhys Browne both overcoming recent problems to make themselves available again.
Wilkinson would be unlikely to force his way into the XI if fit, though, with Scott Cuthbertand Joe McNerney set to hold their places in what could be an untouched XI for the hosts.
Up front, James Daly ought to be joined by 34-year-old Padraig Amond, who was memorably called up to the provisional Republic of Ireland squad in 2019 while on the books at Newport County. Speaking of international players, Rohan Ince and Jahmari Clarke are currently away with their countries.
