Two players were sent off as AFC Guildford made their competitive debut in dramatic fashion. The town’s newest club, formerly Burpham, went down in a seven-goal Surrey Premier League thriller.
Goalkeeper Robert Pink was the first to be red carded or a professional foul after 35 minutes. And late in the game, he was joined by left back Bobby Dunne for a second bookable offence.
The match had already kicked off 15 minutes late because AFC could not find the rearranged Imber Court venue. But it looked good for boss Dave Ward and his side when Paul Cox volleyed in after 12 minutes.
He had been set up by debut maker Dominic Tidiman, a midfielder who played in the Carlsberg Pub Team Final at Wembley last season, Park levelled almost instantly though and Cox replaced Pink in goal when he was dismissed for pulling down an opponent inside the box. Park made it 2-1 from the spot.
Andy Warner equalised just before half time and on 70 minutes Calvin Looseley fired in direct from a free-kick. Park were awarded a second penalty six minutes later, Cox saved it but the home side reacted quickest to score from the rebound. Cox had played superbly but a last minute error, the ball squirming under his body, let Park escape with the points.
