Matt Ward’s goal seven minutes before half-time was the difference as Boston United slipped to defeat on Saturday afternoon.
The Woking winger struck to hand the Cards all three points at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, despite a bright opening for the Pilgrims which had threatened to seal a long-awaited victory on the road.
United were unable to find a route back into proceedings, in a match where referee Alan Young handed out 11 yellow cards.
The Pilgrims’ interim boss Martin Woods had chosen to go with an unchanged XI and substitutes for United’s first visit to Woking since 2001.
Home striker Tom Leahy was booked for a first minute challenge on United keeper Aidan Stone – which set the tone for Young dishing out seven cards in total to Woking and four to the Pilgrims.
United played with an early vibrancy and looked for on-loan York City attacker Billy Chadwick at every opportunity. Dan Moss, the third Woking player to be carded, injured himself in the process of fouling Chadwick and the introduction of Timi Odusina from the bench, and a switch to a back three, actually helped the hosts to get a better grip on proceedings.
Young bizarrely pulled back United’s advantage for the foul on Chadwick as Cameron Green motored into the penalty area.
The Cards took a 38th minute lead when Stone was only able to get half a punch on the ball, under pressure from Jamie Andrews, and WARD cracked home a beauty from 18 yards.
Stone produced a big save on the stroke of half-time to deny Stockport County loanee Jack Stretton.
The second half was a stop-start affair containing cards and substitutions aplenty – suiting the home side down to a tee. United were unable to build up a serious head of steam, with Chadwick firing a 20-yard free-kick off target.
Despite the introduction of attacking quartet Sam Osborne, Pemi Aderoju, Dan Mooney and Adam Marriott, it was not United’s day in front of Will Jaaskelainen’s goal. Zak Mills came the closest when his goalbound drive was kicked to safety by Dale Gorman.
Woking (4-3-3): Will Jaaskelainen, Dan Moss (Timi Odusina 26, Dion Kelly-Evans 64), Max Dyche, Cian Harries, Adam Chicksen; Tunji Akinola, Dale Gorman, Jamie Andrews; Matt Ward, Jack Stretton (Jamie Walker 64), Tom Leahy (Harry Beautyman 90). Subs (not used): Alan Judge, Deon Moore, Ollie Webber (gk).
Boston (4-2-3-1): Aidan Stone; Jai Rowe (Kieran Coates 77), Michael Bostwick, Zak Mills, Cameron Green; Jordan Richards, Dylan Hill (Pemi Aderoju 77); Keaton Ward (Sam Osborne 62), Frankie Maguire, Billy Chadwick (Adam Marriott 85); Jacob Hazel (Dan Mooney 85). Subs (not used): Tom Leak, Jake Lovelace (gk).
Referee: Alan Young.
Attendance: 2,394 (218 visitors).
PIC: Phil Fiddes.
