Marine vs Woking - Match Predictions and Preview - Saturday 28 February 2026

National League North Marine AFC host National League side Woking FC in the FA Trophy quarter finals. Read our match

🔵 Marine AFC – FA Trophy run (2025–26)

• Second Round Proper: Marine AFC 2–0 Stocksbridge Park Steels
• Third Round Proper: Curzon Ashton 1–2 Marine AFC
• Fourth Round Proper: Marine AFC 1–1 Gloucester City (Won On Penalties)
• Fifth Round: Tamworth 0–0 Marine AFC (Won On Penalties)

Best ever FA Trophy record:

• Reached Semi-Finals (twice in club history) ⭐

Marine come into this tie enjoying another strong campaign at Step 2 level. After finishing 15th in their first season in National League North they have stabilised impressively and now sit 10th this year, just four points off the play-off places. Home form has been a key factor, with the Mariners unbeaten in their last six matches at Rossett Park.

Their FA Trophy run has been defined by composure under pressure, particularly from the penalty spot. Victory over National League side Tamworth in the last round -secured on penalties - marked Marine’s second successive shootout win in this season’s competition, highlighting both resilience and nerve.

Leadership at the back has been vital. Club captain Josh Wardle (joined in summer 2022) established himself as a commanding presence before leaving for Radcliffe in 2024, only to return in 2025. Now with over 130 appearances to his name, his authority and experience at centre-back continue to underpin Marine’s push on multiple fronts.

🔴 Woking – FA Trophy run (2025–26)

• Third Round Proper: Woking 2–0 AFC Totton
• Fourth Round Proper: Woking 2–1 Macclesfield FC (
• Fifth Round: Walton & Hersham 1–2 Woking (away)

Best ever FA Trophy record:

• Winners: 1994, 1995, 1997 ⭐ (most successful period in club history)

Woking arrive on Merseyside with significant pedigree in this competition, having lifted the FA Trophy three times during a dominant spell in the 1990s. Interestingly, they have yet to face a National League side in this season’s run, but that has done little to dull their focus as they look to add another chapter to their Trophy history.

Motivation is high, not least due to last season’s success of rivals Aldershot, with Woking keen to reclaim silverware in a competition that holds deep meaning for the club. This tie also marks their sixth consecutive away match in all competitions, a demanding run that will test squad depth and mental resilience.

In the league, Woking sit 16th, eight points clear of relegation, though with several games in hand on those around them. At the heart of their side is commanding centre-back Chin Okoli, a 6’3” presence who captains the team at just 22 years old. His leadership and physical dominance will be crucial against a Marine side strong at home and confident in knockout situations.

Score Prediction:

Marine 1-1 Woking

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