Derek Holmes came into a 4-3-3 line up to make his debut with Kieren Westwood replacing out-of-sorts Matty Glennon between the sticks. Chris Billy took the captain's armband. Karl Murray volleyed over the best early chance for Woking when Nade crossed to the far post to set him up. United tried to play constructive football and new boy Holmes won some good balls in the air. Chances were few and far between though and Billy was booked for a late challenge in the 18th minute. Hawley came close to collecting a flick in 21 minutes but keeper Jalal came out to claim. Woking had been under the cosh a bit but a quick break down the left flank allowed them to take the lead. Oliver outpaced Tierney and Grand to pull back for ex-Oxford man Jefferson Louis to fire past Kieren Westwood. United continued to look impressive as they tried to get back on level terms. Billy had a shot and when the ball came back to Murphy he fired in a strong effort that flew just wide. Hawley laid on a chance for defender Mark Tierney but his shot was lacking power and Jalal saved easily. Close to half-time Grand lost the ball to Nade and brought him down, receiving another yellow. Early in the second a Sharpling cross towards Louis was intercepted by Livesey to concede a corner. Louis scuffed a shot when he had a chance. The rain was beginning to come down heavily. Vieira turned and found Beharall whose cross in was latched on to by Holmes who turned and shot wide. Murphy produced a turn and shot over on 63 minutes after a decent ball in from Vieira and nod back from Holmes. Nade crossed for Louis to volley straight at Westwood two minutes later. The tall forward was booked moments later for kicking the ball away. Grand and Louis grappled for the ball with 17 minutes left and Grand was harshly adjudged to have fouled the Woking striker and was sent off for a second yellow. A Gary McDonald header at the far post narrowly cleared the cross-bar with 11 minutes remaining. Vieira did well to set up Holmes who mis-hit his left footed effort. A minute later Murphy hooked off the line to keep Carlisle in the game before Louis drove wide. Lumsdon fired through a crowd of players after some slick build-up play but the ball was off target. Five minutes of time were added on. Woking defended well as United continued to probe despite their man disadvantage. Al's verdict: A small step forward despite the defeat as this was United's most convincing football display for a few weeks. Unfortunately we seem to reserve our best form for these cup competitions, when it's in the league that we need to be turning it around. New man Holmes was in the game a lot and won a fair amount of possession but suffered at the hands of a fussy referee. For all our good build-up play, the final ball was mostly lacking. In goal Westwood had a decent game. We've lost our goalscoring knack and must get it back if we are to get out of this slump. |
