Woking 1 Forest Green 0

Last updated : 17 August 2002 By Footymad Previewer

A goal from debutant Ben Abbey was the difference between these sides as Woking kicked off their season with a valuable three points.

In truth it was never a classic and while Forest Green can point to the majority of possession at least in the second half they rarely threatened Steve Farrelly in Woking's goal.

The Cards made a whirlwind start and Rovers keeper Steve Perrin saved from Warren Patmore's header in the opening minutes after Barry Moore had seen his shot blocked.

Moments later the visitors' Alex Meechan found himself through on goal with Farrelly smothering the striker's weak effort.

Geoff Chapple's men had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Patmore's goal attempt hit Kevin Langan's arm but referee Yerby, despite having a full view of the incident, decided to take no action.

At the other end former Cheltenham and England striker Neil Grayson's athletic attempt forced Farrelly into a smart save to his right and the experienced forward was certainly causing Woking's defence a few problems with his dangerous flick-ons.

From a bright opening, the match became a rather scrappy affair with both sides attempting to assert their authority on the contest.

It was Woking who finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Abbey lobbed home after Moore had found him with a clever pass into the box.

Abbey might have had a hat-trick, wasting two good chances in the second half, and Patmore had his penalty saved by Perrin.

In the end Woking can point to the more quality chances to justify the three points