Woking climbed two places to 17th in the National League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Altrincham at The Laithwaite Community Stadium, avenging an earlier 1-0 defeat this season. Despite the loss, Altrincham dropped two places to 9th. The first half was a cagey affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side. The only notable incident was a yellow card for Woking’s Olatunji Akinola in the 30th minute.
The match sprung to life after the break. Woking took the lead in the 57th minute, Inih Effiong converting from a Harry Beautyman assist. Prior to the goal, the game had become increasingly scrappy, with yellow cards issued to Woking’s Jermaine Anderson and Altrincham’s Regan Linney in the 53rd minute. Dion Kelly-Evans also received a yellow card for Woking in the 65th minute.
Altrincham responded quickly, levelling the score in the 71st minute through Alex Newby, assisted by Regan Linney. With the scores level, both sides turned to their benches. Altrincham introduced Kahrel Reddin for Elliot Osborne, followed by Isaac Marriott for Matthew Kosylo and Lucas Weaver for George Wilson. Woking replaced Frank Vincent with Dennon Lewis.
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Jermaine Anderson, who had earlier been booked, scored the winner, with Harry Beautyman again providing the assist. Beautyman himself then received a yellow card late in the game. Woking made one final change, bringing on Jamie Andrews for goalscorer Anderson to see out the victory.