Abbey Rangers (0) 0, Guildford City (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
Guildford came away from Addlestone Moor on Saturday with a well-earned point against one of this season’s fancied sides. Both sides had chances, with City’s principally in the first half, but in truth nobody could grumble with a share of the points. It was an expensive day for City in terms of injury; Theo Woodhouse suffering a hamstring tear and Billy Irving twisting a knee. So a clean sheet was doubly welcoming. Incredibly this was City’s first goalless draw in 172 matches, dating back to 23 January 2016.
Abbey headed over the bar on four minutes and City’s first attempt on goal came five minutes later when Cyril Ocansey pulled the ball back from the by-line for Kieran Campbell who saw his effort saved by Kennedy at the near post. On 17 minutes a neat exchange of passes on the edge of the box gave Eli Ogunseye an opening but he was thwarted by a fine last ditch tackle. Almost immediately Abbey saw a lobbed effort go wide. Cyril Ocansey again came close for City. Cutting in from the left he forced Kennedy in another save.
Guildford were less fluent with the ball in the second period. Abbey had a territorial advantage but City were stubborn in defence and Stuart Norman twice made flying saves to keep the scores level. On the hour Eli Ogunseye threatened on the right. His cross turned more into a shot and only just cleared the crossbar at the back of the goal. With 20 minutes remaining an Abbey cross was met in the box by Marcus Cousins whose thunderbolt effort was brilliantly blocked. Stuart Norman saved well again, and on 80 minutes Sean Mason did brilliantly at the back post to thwart Adam Roberts. With five minutes remaining Dan Harding was put through. With defenders bearing down on him he fired goalward only to see his effort whistle just wide. With six minutes of stoppage time played City defended heroically and deservedly saw the game out to claim a valuable point.
Team: Stuart Norman, Sean Mason, Isy Nzelo, Theo Woodhouse (Callum Wilson 60), Luke Beale, Billy Irving (Darryl Siaw 75), Eli Ogunseye, Ryan Dacres-Smith, Kieran Campbell (Benga Ogunseye 60), Dan Harding, Cyril Ocansey. Unused subs: Jamie Phillips, Josh Ogunseye.
Referee: Ross Murphy
