Badshot Lea (2) 5, Guildford City (0) 0
After the six goal weekend victory at Bedfont, a fledgling Guildford City side travelled to the Shawfield stadium in League cup action, and were brought down to earth in handsome fashion by a Badshot Lea side rejuvenated in recent weeks. On a very heavy pitch City opened brightly and in the opening exchange debutant Dan Kelly almost battled through on goal from the edge of the box. From the outset though the visitors defence was looking vulnerable to long balls played into the channels, and Badshot took advantage of a resultant defensive error in the fourth minute to take the lead from a 20 yard effort. City was having some success on the break and on 10 minutes Dan Kelly raced onto a through ball but sadly his lobbed effort drifted wide of the goal. Either side of the 20 minute mark Badshot Lea were twice thwarted by Lee Allen in the City goal, the second save especially was a point blank effort from a close range header. Minutes later Guildford themselves twice came close to getting on the score sheet. Firstly Bruce McPhail’s 30 yard effort was saved at full stretch by Aaron Watkins and from the resultant corner City just couldn’t find a way to force the ball over the line in a prolonged goalmouth scramble. On 26 minutes though the home side took a two goal advantage. Two City defenders vied for the same ball which ran free to be hooked home from close range.
In the second period especially Guildford were guilty of too often losing possession cheaply in midfield, thus causing further pressure on an inexperienced defence. Life was made more difficult early in the half when impressive goalkeeper Lee Allen was forced off with a leg injury and the “Hero of Molesey” Anthony Baker once again went between the posts. Baker though had no chance on 57 minutes when he was left in a 1 on 1 situation and he was comfortably lobbed for Badshot to take a three goal lead. Guildford’s young side though never stopped battling and from James Ryan’s cross Dan Kelly couldn’t put his header on target from a good position. Anthony Baker’s ball handling skills once again were impressive and on 72 minutes he got down low to make a fine save. For City Dan Kelly saw a looping header just clear the crossbar, but in the game’s closing minutes Badshot twice netted after possession was lost deep in the City half. A harsh lesson perhaps for some of City’s young players but a lesson you can be sure they will learn from.
Team: Lee Allen (Ryan Fraser 50), James Ryan, Ben Wicherek, John Symons (Kiyanu Pillay 68), David Unwin, Luke Simmonds, Jordan Taylor, Bruce McPhail, Anthony Baker, Dan Kelly, Harri Findlay (Nuno Pereira 68). Unused subs: John Barrow, Danny Bowers.
Referee: Lee Brennan
Attendance –
