Cards play it right to stay afloat
NOTHING to see here! That was the line joyfully emanating out of Woking as the hosts comprehensively saw off AFC Fylde to confirm their National League status for another season.
There were nerves to be quelled, of course. Five sides were still looking over their shoulders at the trapdoor, but from the moment Tunji Akinola tapped home the opener deep into added on time in the first half, there was no looking back from Michael Doyle’s men.
Akinola added a sharp second early on after the interval to provide a buffer the Cards never looked like relinquishing, Kevin Berkoe notching a terrific third late on to round off a largely nondescript season for the Surrey club in style.
In truth, the contest may well have been over even before Akinola’s interventions. The lively Jayden
Luker drew a smart save from Chris Neal early on, that man then turning would-be provider, Dan Moss heading just wide off his corner.
Just as Doyle prepared for a half-time chat no doubt championing the need to “keep doing what you’re doing, lads”, Akinola took matters into his own hands.
He was in the right place to prod home a free-kick delivered into the danger area by Curtis Edwards, cueing the very audible releasing of said nerves.
Sensing their moment, Woking came out of the traps in double-quick time at the start of the second-half, Akinola scoring the decisive goal.
The outstanding Scott Cuthbert caused havoc in the Fylde area, winning a first-time header from a corner, which fell to his midfield colleague.
Akinola took a second before dispatching past Neal into the far corner. Job done.
With the home support in full voice, their men started to relish the occasion.
Charley Kendall drew an excellent stop from Neal, before Berkoe wrapped things up with a stunning strike from 25 yards.
With the Fylde back four refusing to engage, Berkoe took the opportunity to unleash from distance, Neal beaten at his near post.
The 78 Fylde supporters in attendance joined in the celebrations, gracious in defeat having secured their own place at Step 1 just last weekend.
What is for certain, though, is that neither club will accept a repeat in 12 months, Doyle and counterpart Chris Beech with plenty of work to do this summer.
“What a way to finish. I am absolutely made up for the players, everyone behind the scenes and for all our magnificent supporters, who were simply outstanding today,” said a delighted Doyle.
“The journey you take sometimes in this game isn’t the smoothest and while we’ve had our moments this season, we never wavered in our belief of what this group is capable of. Today, they showed that when it really mattered.” STAR MAN: Tunji Akinola (Woking) ATT: 3,889 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Richie Watkins