The away day blues struck again at the Runnymede Stadium as City crashed out of the Red Insure Cup at the first hurdle. On a dark, dank evening City went into the game in confident mood after a vastly improved showing against an impressive Merthyr side at the weekend. Indeed for the first half hour, despite the home side dominating possession, there was no indication this would turn into another goal fest. City had made changes from the weekend with Alex Afful and Darren Evans coming into a five man midfield, with Pat Cox ploughing a lonely furrow up front. The current CCL champions, having made a more than useful start to their Central division season, opened in confident mood. Their wing men Patrick Craig and Louis Chandler-Joseph in particular stretching play wide out to both flanks. The home side certainly dominated possession in the early stages but in general City’s defence coped well. The first real scare in the visiting goalmouth came when a high cross from the by-line wasn’t held by Will Dukes, and Josh Clayman had to usher the ball out at the far post. Gradually City enjoyed more of the ball and on 16 minutes Pat Cox netted from Calvin Thomas’s astute pass only to be ruled marginally offside. Egham came close on 21 minutes when an excellent cross from the left was met by Shane Graham, but fortunately his header glanced wide. A minute later City had a golden opportunity of opening the scoring. Tuan West slid Pat Cox through on the right and his low shot was saved at full stretch by Gary Ross in the home goal. Calvin Thomas, following up, took a touch before firing a close range effort against the crossbar when it might have been easier to score. The deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when referee Michael Webb awarded the home side a very dubious penalty; two players coming together whilst going for a bouncing ball. Ryan O’Toole wasted no time in stepping up to send Will Dukes the wrong way from the spot. Just minutes later City were suddenly two behind; Josh Andrews firing a brilliant cross into the heart of City’s box where Jamie Houghton headed in from close range. On 36 minutes it was 3-0 when Ryan O’Toole scored from 30 yards, with Will Dukes not able to keep the ball out despite getting a hand to it. In just eight fateful minutes Guildford had gone from being in the game, to being three goals down. Thoughts of a consolation before the interval were thwarted when after a careful build up Calvin Thomas’s shot was blocked on the edge of the box.
Half-time – Egham Town 3 – 0 Guildford City
Following a half-time tactical reshuffle George Bowerman and Dom Ogun entered the fray from the bench at the expense of Alex Afful and Darren Evans. Within two minutes of the restart, Bowerman received the ball in a good position 15 yards out and his curling effort drifted just wide. On 50 minutes Tuan west cut in from the right and launched a powerful thunderbolt from 35 yards. The effort was too hot to handle and as the ball bounced out off of the keeper’s chest, Pat Cox was on hand to get City on the scoreboard. City were playing in a confident manner and it seemed just possible that they might get something from the game. Egham were not to be denied however and they swiftly restored their three goal advantage; Shane Graham beating appeals for offside to comfortably slot the ball past Will Dukes. As at Wimborne, City fell away and on 65 minutes, Josh Andrews netted with a low effort into the corner. Will Dukes saved twice with his legs before, under continued pressure, Ryan Bernard was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card. There was a late chance for Guildford when Pat Cox got his head to Calvin Thomas free-kick but his effort was comfortably saved. To conclude the scoring Egham’s Jacob Lambe latched onto a through ball in the 87th minute to round Will Dukes as City’s defence melted away.
Team: Will Dukes, Josh Clayman, Courtney Cann, Bruce McPhail, Ryan Bernard, Darren Evans (Dominic Ogun 45), Calvin Thomas, Alex Afful (George Bowerman 45), Romone McCrae, Pat Cox, Tuan West (Unpha Koroma 60). Unused subs: Kevaugn Ward, Mike Woods.
Yellow card: Pat Cox
Red Card: Ryan Bernard (two yellows)
Referee: Michael Webb
Attendance – 42
Attendance – 42
