Radcliffe travel South of the capital to face off against National League outfit Woking in the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy after starting 2025 with a perfect afternoon on New Year’s Day against Farsley Celtic, recording a convincing 3-0 victory at the Neuven Stadium thanks to goals from Brad Jackson, Matt Sargent and Jordan Hulme.

When facing opposition from a higher division, the Boro have proved more than capable in recent times with two wins from three matches against higher-ranked opponents under the current management duo, the other result being a hard-fought 2-1 defeat against last season’s semi-finalists Barnet, despite a brilliant display from the team.

A victory for the travelling Radcliffe squad would see them into the draw for the Fifth Round for the first time in the club’s history, so there’s plenty riding on the already eye-catching afternoon of football.

The tie was originally scheduled to take place last Saturday, but a frozen pitch halted proceedings after an 11am pitch inspection. A win tonight will see Radcliffe visit Gainsborough Trinity in the Fifth Round, following yesterday’s draw live on talkSPORT2.

The Opposition

Our hosts are one of three clubs to have raised the FA Trophy on three occasions and once also finished as the runner up. Despite this impressive stat, they haven’t appeared as one of the last two sides since the final was held at the Boleyn Ground in the 2005/06 campaign.

Since the turn of the century, Woking have only spent four seasons outside of the top step of the non-league pyramid. The Cardinals enjoyed four successful seasons in the National League South, finishing either first or in the play-off places in each. They lost once in the play-off semi-final and once in the play-off final, but returned to step one quickly after both relegations.

In recent seasons, Woking have had varied success with final positions ranging from the play-offs to three points from the drop zone. That’s also been mirrored in the FA Trophy with only three appearances in the Third Round in the last ten seasons.

In the last five matches, Woking have a mixed bag of results including a 4-0 defeat against an in-form Gateshead side, as well as two draws in ninety minutes against two sides near the drop zone. Most recently, Woking faced Maidenhead and came away with all three points as they were 3-1 victors.

Ones To Watch

Harry Beautyman could be one to watch in this one. Originally a product of Woking’s academy, the midfielder never made an appearance for the Cardinals until the beginning of the current campaign, as he ended up leaving for Sutton United to progress his career. Having played a key role in Sutton’s promotion to the football league in the 2020/21 season, the now 32-year-old has plenty of experience that he’s put to good use in a Woking shirt.

Woking recently resigned Inih Effiong with the 34-year-old now in his third spell at the club. The two previous encounters proved successful for the journeyman striker and resulted in moves to Ross County and Dagenham and Redbridge. Since joining at the beginning of December, Effiong has appeared in three matches, scoring once.

Cup Stat Pack

Woking – Team – Radcliffe
1 – Matches Played – 2
3 – Goals For – 5
3 – Goals Against – 3
1 – Penalty Shootouts – 0
Winners (93/94, 94/95, 96/97) – Best Round – Round 4 (23/24, 24/25)

Last Time Out

Radcliffe have left it late on both occasions in the FA Trophy this season, with the Boro having progressed to the Fourth Round in successive years for the first time in club history.

On the first Saturday of December, Radcliffe travelled to Solihull Moors to face off against National League opposition for a spot in the hat for the next round. However, it wasn’t just the eleven men on the pitch that the Boro had to battle, as storm Darragh gave both sides another element to contend with.

Unfortunately, despite our bright start it was the hosts who took the lead early on as a neat passing move opened up the Radcliffe defence for Kian Ryley to finish off from inside the penalty area.

Bernard and Jonno’s side responded well and were level before the break thanks to a wonderful strike from Scott Duxbury, with the full back hitting the back of the net from 30 yards out, with a little help from the crossbar.

The unrelenting wind was against Radcliffe in the second 45 and led to a scrappy half with chances few and far between for either team. Both of the dugouts turned to their bench to try and tip the tie that hung in the balance, and that it did.

Luca Navarro had only entered the pitch a quarter of an hour earlier when he won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Our little magician took responsibility for the set piece and managed to hit the target though straight at the goalkeeper, but he could only fumble the ball into the back of his own net, scoring a goal that would see Radcliffe into the next round in the dying embers.

Matchday Information

Date: 07/01/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Laithwaite Community Stadium

Adult: £5
Concession : £5
Next Gen (17-22): £5
Under 17 (14-16): £5
Under 14 (13 & under): £5

This fixture is segregated, Radcliffe fans have been allocated a standing section of the Chris Lane Terrace (White entry). Stewards will be on hand to help Boro supporters wherever necessary.

Tickets are available online via the link below with an exclusive offer of only £5 per ticket, and on the turnstiles using card only, however prices will increase by £3 each for those who purchase them on the gate.

Tickets that were previously bought ahead of last Saturday’s scheduled tie will be valid for tomorrow night’s fixture, so there’s no need to purchase admission again.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Read our away information article here.

The full draw for the Fifth Round can be found here.

Can’t Attend The Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:45pm.