Woking FC began their 2026-27 National League campaign with a 3-0 home defeat to Sutton United on Saturday. Interim manager Craig Ross admitted his side are playing catch-up after a truncated pre-season following Jermain Defoe’s departure.
What went wrong for Woking?
Goals from Will Nightingale, Omar Mussa and David Ogbonna secured Sutton’s victory in front of 2,680 fans at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. Ross, who took interim charge alongside Jake Hyde just two weeks before the season started, said his players felt unprepared.
“We were left in a situation where the lads felt they weren’t ready,” Ross said. “We’re playing catch-up in fitness, tactics and identity. We’ve had just a two-week pre-season.”
Why the defeat stings
Ross felt the scoreline flattered Sutton. “There wasn’t much in the game,” he said. “We were undone by two set pieces. The first was sloppy, the second was magic. The third came when we were pushing forward.”
Woking finished 10th last season with 63 points (16W-15D-15L), scoring 69 goals and conceding 54. They ended 45 points behind leaders York.
What’s next for the Cards?
Ross urged fans to stick with the team. “We need their backing,” he said. “We’ll give them something to cheer about next week.”
Woking travel to Gateshead next, then face Aldershot Town (20th in the table) on December 26.
