Woking have bolstered their defence with two signings ahead of their National League visit to Tamworth on Saturday. The club has brought in defender Charlie McArthur on a one-month loan from York City and signed free agent Josh Grant on a short-term deal to address an injury crisis affecting 10 of their 11 defenders.

Tamworth, who sit 18th in the National League with 17 points from 14 games, will host 14th-placed Woking at The Lamb Ground this weekend. The Lambs are in mixed form, with three wins and two defeats in their last five matches. Their overall record this season stands at five wins, two draws and seven losses, having scored 25 goals but conceded 31. They are 24 points behind the league leaders, Boreham Wood.

McArthur brings experience to Woking's defence

Charlie McArthur is a 21-year-old Scotland Under-21 international who can play at centre-back or left-back. He made one substitute appearance for York City in League Two this season and previously gained senior experience during a 10-game loan spell at Carlisle United. He also had a loan at Airdrieonians and played under-21 football at Newcastle United.

Woking director of football Jody Brown highlighted the defender's pedigree. "Charlie has senior loan experience at Carlisle and Airdrieonians, as well as plenty of under-21 football at Newcastle United," Brown said.

Brown added that the club's recruitment team had to act swiftly.

Grant adds depth to Woking's defensive options

Josh Grant, a free agent, has signed a short-term contract to provide further cover. The defender has previously played for Bristol Rovers, Wealdstone, and Carlisle United. His arrival comes as Woking contend with a severe shortage of fit defenders.

Brown said.

These reinforcements arrive just days before Woking travel to face a Tamworth side fresh from a 4-1 victory over Scunthorpe United last Tuesday. That win, which featured goals from M. Roberts, K. Donnelly, T. McGlinchey and D. Creaney, was part of a recent run of three wins and two defeats. Prior to that, Tamworth lost 2-1 at Carlisle on Saturday 17 October and 1-2 at home to Barrow. Tamworth manager Andy Peaks praised his team's performance in that win but acknowledged the challenge ahead. Peaks said.

The match kicks off at 15:00 on October 31st.

More detail at Woking FC