The Isuzu FA Trophy

Woking FC want FA Trophy title back for a fourth time

Friday 12 Dec 2014
Woking last won The FA Trophy in 2006
Three-time FA Trophy winners Woking host fellow Conference side Eastleigh this weekend, with both sides optimistic on their chances in this year's competition.

Woking have featured in four Finals, the last being in 2006, while Eastleigh made club history reaching the quarter finals last season, only to be knocked out by eventual winners Cambridge United.

Woking v Eastleigh

The FA Trophy
First Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 13 December 2014
Kingfield Stadium, Woking FC
Winners receive £5000 from prize fund

The hosts are going well near the top of the Conference Premier, aiming to improve on last year's ninth place finish, whilst Eastleigh are just inside the top half having won five of their last seven games.

But having exited the tournament in the Second Round for the past two years running, Woking's league form this season could pave the way for an impressive Trophy run.

Woking's assistant manager Steve Thompson enjoyed FA Trophy glory on two occasions as a player, once with Woking, and now his ambition along with manager Garry Hill is to coach their squad to The Final. 

Thompson said: "It's a competition we feel we can win. We're taking it very seriously. 

"After last year, we've got to play better and get the result. I reckon 24 teams have a realistic chance of wining it, but some take it easier than others. We certainly won't be one of those teams."

And with the club's history in The Trophy, Thompson believes it should not affect the players in a negative way.

"Most of the players may not be as aware but the fans remember and the desire to get to Wembley may put the pressure on," said Thompson. "They're good enough to handle it, though."

With regards to the progress in the league, Thompson said: "The Trophy shouldn't hinder us. We're not behind in games played; I think this only happens if you're in lots of competitions."

By FA Staff