Among the many English clubs, Woking, a team from the National League, England's fifth-strongest division, occupies a special place. Despite the fact that Woking is not part of the elite of English football, such clubs often become a source of sensations that bring lucky fans big winnings.
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The legendary match against Everton in the FA Cup (1991)
One of the most famous stories related to betting on Woking is the 1990/91 FA Cup fourth round match against Everton, a team from the top division. On 4 February 1991, Woking sensationally won 1-0 at their Kingfield Stadium. This match went down in history as one of the biggest FA Cup upsets.
Everton arrived in Woking as clear favourites. The Liverpool-based team, which played in the First Division (the predecessor of the Premier League), had experienced players such as Neville Southall and Peter Beardsley in its ranks. Woking, representing the Isthmian League (the sixth tier of English football), were considered outsiders with odds of over 20.0 to win. The game began with Everton pressing hard, but Woking's defence, led by captain Kevan Brown, held firm. The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Tim Buzzard scored the only goal after a swift counterattack.
This match brought luck to several fans who believed in Woking. According to the archives, one local resident bet £10 on his team to win at odds of 25.0, receiving £250. Another fan who risked £50 earned £1,250. These amounts were significant for the early 1990s, especially for residents of a small town.
Victory over West Bromwich in the FA Cup (1990)
Another match that brought in big winnings took place in the third round of the 1990 FA Cup, when Woking beat West Bromwich Albion 4-2. West Brom were playing in the Second Division at the time, which made them clear favourites against the East Meadow League team.
The game took place on 6 January 1990 at The Hawthorns, West Brom's home ground. The hosts started the match confidently, scoring first thanks to a precise strike from Colin West. However, Woking responded with a goal from Tim Bazard, who equalised before half-time. In the second half, the Cardinals surprised everyone: two goals from Lloyd Way and one from Mark Franks secured a sensational 4-2 victory. West Brom tried to fight back, but Woking's defence and the inspired play of goalkeeper Lawrence Batty prevented them from doing so. The odds on Woking winning were as high as 15.0, which attracted the attention of daring bettors.
One Woking fan, as reported in local newspapers, bet £20 on his team to win and received £300. Another fan, who risked £100, earned £1,500, which was the biggest win on this match for which records remain.
Sensational victory against Coventry City in the FA Cup (1997)
In 1997, Woking was back in the spotlight after beating Coventry City 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. Coventry was a Premier League team, which made Woking's victory even more unexpected.
The match took place on 4 January 1997 at Kingfield Stadium. Coventry took to the field with stars such as Gary McAllister and Dion Dublin, but Woking showed from the outset that they were ready to fight. Scott Steel scored the first goal in the 35th minute after a precise pass from Clive Walker. Coventry equalised in the second half thanks to a strike from Dublin, but in the 87th minute, Steve Foster secured the victory for Woking with a goal from a corner. The odds for a win were around 18.0, which attracted the attention of local fans.
One fan who bet £30 on Woking to win received £540. Another fan who risked £200 earned £3,600, an amount that in the late 1990s was equivalent to several months' salary for the average worker.
The match against Millwall in the FA Cup (2006)
In 2006, Woking caused another sensation by beating Millwall from the Championship 1-0 in the first round of the FA Cup.
The game took place on 11 November 2006 at Kingfield. Millwall were considered favourites, but Woking dominated thanks to their tactical discipline and the support of the stands. The only goal came in the 63rd minute from Carl Gibbs, who took advantage of a mistake by the visiting goalkeeper. Millwall created several chances, but Woking goalkeeper Shwan Jalal kept a clean sheet. The odds for a win were as high as 12.0.
One local resident who bet £50 won £600. Another fan who risked £150 earned £1,800.