Woking have made more headlines for their disciplinary record so far than their football. Glenn Cockerill, hardly a shrinking violet himself during a long playing career, has seen his charges rack up four red and 14 yellow cards so far. Indeed, recent indiscretions mean that the trio of Justin Richards, manager's son Liam Cockerill and Scott Canham are all back in contention tomorrow following suspensions. Woking are 16th after their hard-fought 0-0 draw at Accrington Stanley at the weekend. Unlike Paul Simpson, Cockerill was happy enough with a point at a club who had made a fast start to the season. "It is a difficult place to come to," he conceded. "I am sure Accrington are going to be up there at the top of the table. We defended and worked hard and perhaps we could have nicked it. But we are a young side and it is a good point away from home." The only home game where Woking have collected maximum points was against lowly Leigh RMI, who they defeated 1-0. They lost 2-1 at home to Aldershot and shared the spoils with Exeter in a high-scoring 3-3 draw. Last season they started quickly and were looking like potential play-off material until they stumbled as the season wore on. A lack of goals could be a problem this season. Only six in six games in what is a high-scoring division points to another season of mediocrity unless Cockerill can spark them into life. In midfield he will be hoping for a big display tomorrow from former Arsenal and Fulham man Ian Selley. Selley is used to disappointments in his career. Just weeks after joining ambitious Fulham from the Gunners he broke his leg and his career has been pock-marked with injuries. Now he is hoping for an Indian summer in the Conference. Meanwhile in goal Woking have a Brazilian to rank alongside United's own Magno Vieira. Adriano Basso has earned a reputation as a bit of an eccentric and seeing as goalkeepers aren't exactly famous in his home country, maybe that reputation is deserved. With his long hair and headband, he is a bit of a South American David Seaman. Paul Simpson was hoping to be in contention for a return to league action at Woking, but it seems the best he can hope for is a spot on the bench. He played 60 minutes against Manchester United reserves in midweek but reported swelling in his knee afterwards and he will train again first before making a decision whether to add his name to the squad. Midfielder Will McDonagh may get a place on the bench after failing to complete his move to Irish club Portadown in midweek. The 21-year-old has been ousted from the middle of the park by the arrival of Chris Lumsdon and was all set to sign for the Northern Ireland outfit but his wage demands seemingly scuppered the deal. Simmo's main task will be to decide between Vieira and Carlos Roca as the third man in the 4-3-3 line-up, neither of whom have done quite enough yet to earn themselves a guaranteed starting place. Roca looked the more impressive against Burton but the manager may want to keep him up his sleeve to come on against a tiring defence so he can exploit his extra pace. One thing's for sure, with Carlisle in sixth place and still unbeaten, anything less than a victory tomorrow will bring more pressure on to the manager's shoulders. However he appears as calm as ever and he will be confident of lifting United nearer to their target of promotion come 4.45. Prediction: Woking 0-2 UNITED |
