A hard-fought 1-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Boston United at The Laithwaite Community Stadium saw Woking climb two places to 17th in the National League, offering a much-needed platform to build upon. The match, a cagey affair punctuated by a flurry of yellow cards and tactical substitutions, ultimately hinged on Matt Ward’s 38th-minute strike.
The opening exchanges were scrappy, with Woking’s Tom Leahy booked inside the first minute, setting the tone for a disjointed first half littered with fouls. Max Dyche and Daniel Moss also received yellow cards for the home side before the half-hour mark, as Woking struggled to contain Boston’s attacks. Against the run of play, however, Ward’s finish in the 38th minute sent the home fans into raptures. The celebrations were almost immediately tempered as Olatunji Akinola picked up Woking’s fourth yellow card just two minutes later, bringing a tense and fragmented first half to a close.
The second half continued in a similar vein, a tactical battle unfolding with both managers making changes. Woking’s early substitution, replacing Moss with Odusina in the first half due to injury or tactical reasons, foreshadowed further personnel adjustments. Boston, searching for an equaliser, introduced fresh legs in midfield and attack. Despite their efforts, Woking’s defence held firm, although the disciplinary issues continued. Odusina, Andrews, and Gorman all entered the referee’s book for the Cards, while Boston’s frustration was mirrored in yellow cards for Hazel, Green, Richards, and Mooney. Despite the numerous substitutions and bookings, neither side could significantly alter the scoreline, and Woking professionally saw out the game to secure a vital three points.
After a three-season absence from league meetings, this result leaves Boston United rooted to the bottom of the table in 23rd and needing a rapid turnaround in form.