Woking produced a devastating attacking display at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, sweeping aside Altrincham with a commanding 5-1 victory. Three first-half goals put the Cards firmly in control before Tim Akinola and Roy Syla added further strikes after the interval to complete an emphatic afternoon for the hosts.
Altrincham actually made the brighter start and had an early opportunity to take the lead. Aidan Barlow broke forward from midfield and forced Woking goalkeeper Will Jääskeläinen into an excellent double save as the visitors looked to extend their three-match winning run. Woking survived the early pressure, however, and gradually began to take control of the contest.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute. Roy Syla delivered an inviting ball into the area and Matt Ward arrived to convert from close range, giving Woking a 1-0 lead. The goal transformed the momentum of the match, and the hosts required only four more minutes to double their advantage.
This time Ward turned provider, delivering a low cross for John Marquis, who finished confidently to score his first Woking goal and make it 2-0. With confidence flowing through the home side, Woking continued to attack and came close to adding another when Timi Odusina headed narrowly over following another dangerous Ward delivery.
The third goal arrived in the 37th minute. Jaiden Putman’s cross struck Samuel Taylor’s hand inside the area and the referee awarded a penalty. Marquis stepped up and calmly converted from the spot for his second goal of the afternoon, putting Woking 3-0 ahead and leaving Altrincham facing a considerable deficit.
The visitors did manage to give themselves some hope before the interval. In the 44th minute, Matthew Kosylo delivered a dangerous cross into the area and Aidan Barlow finished from close range to reduce the deficit to 3-1. The goal ensured Altrincham went into half-time with something to build upon despite Woking’s dominant spell.
Altrincham began the second half positively and Tom Crawford went close to further reducing the deficit, but Woking soon reasserted their authority. On the hour mark, Matt Ward saw an effort blocked before Tim Akinola collected the loose ball and produced a superb curling finish from outside the area to make it 4-1.
Both teams then turned to their benches. Altrincham introduced Sam Barnes, Reuben Lopata-White and Kane Hemmings in a triple substitution, while Woking brought on Liam Dulson for the two-goal Marquis in the 66th minute.
Dulson quickly made an impact. In the 71st minute, he provided the assist for Roy Syla, who finished from close range to score Woking’s fifth goal and cap an outstanding individual performance after also creating the opener. With the contest effectively settled, Woking made further changes and comfortably managed the remaining minutes.
Altrincham’s difficult afternoon was compounded when goalkeeper Owen Evans was forced off late on, with Andy Firth taking his place. Woking continued to threaten in stoppage time, but no further goals were required as the Cards saw out a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
The result provides a major boost for Woking after a difficult opening to the campaign. They move onto seven points from seven league games and climb to 20th place after Saturday’s fixtures, while also ending a three-match winless run in the National League.
Altrincham remain on nine points and drop to 15th place. The defeat brings their run of three consecutive league victories to an abrupt end and represents a sharp setback after an encouraging recovery from three defeats at the start of the season.
