By Barry Underwood
Frimley Green (0) 1, Guildford City (1) 2
For the second consecutive Saturday Guildford City came out on top in a crucial “six point” match. For in-form City this was their third win on the bounce, whilst Frimley Green themselves came into the game off of the back of four victories. This match was a contrast of styles, Frimley getting the ball forward in the direction of their prolific striker Matt Baker at every opportunity, whilst Guildford took a more measured approach looking to get the ball wide and make progress down the flanks. It was the home side that settled marginally quicker and Matt Baker had an early effort pushed round the post by Liam Beach. From the resulting corner Sam Boultwood’s header flashed across the face of goal and wide for a goal-kick.
Within minutes City’s top scorer Anthony Baker had a glorious chance to open the scoring. A cross from the left found Baker unmarked six yards out but after delaying to get the ball on his preferred foot his close range effort was blocked.
City moved up through the gears as the half progressed with both Jack Collins from a free-kick, and Bruce McPhail from long range coming close. On 35 minutes the home side came close when Ali Kamara broke into the box but a glorious covering tackle from Jordan Taylor came to City’s rescue. A minute later and City broke forward in a typical smash and grab raid. Impressive debutant Rory Cornelius broke down the right and his pin-point cross was tucked home by Dan Stewart. Crucially for Guildford Cornelius was on hand at the other end as the interval approached, heading spectacularly off the line when an equalising goal seemed inevitable.
Frimley opened the second-half in lively fashion and Watt Jones soon tested Liam Beach who pushed the ball wide for a corner. Credit though to City’s defence, including debutant Kristian Campbell, for withstanding a prolonged aerial barrage during the second period. Always dangerous on the counter-attack Anthony Baker’s pace took him clear on 55 minutes, but frustratingly the bouncing ball wouldn’t come down and Adam Aimable brilliantly managed to negate the chance.
City were not to be denied for long as not for the first time Kiyanu Pillay terrorised the home defence on the left. Pillay’s low cross was met by Dan Stewart who directed the ball beyond Jordan Clement and into the net. Shortly after Pillay himself shot just wide but on 67 minutes Frimley earned themselves a lifeline. A nice ball was played into the danger area and Kamara was on hand to head home beyond Beach.
Still City had chances to calm the Sweeney’s jangling nerves standing behind the goal. Tadej Ventas’s powerful close range header was brilliantly saved by Clement, and the ex-Aldershot Town keeper later parried Jack Collins direct free-kick. The game should have been put to bed after 83 minutes when Anthony Baker was brought down in the box, but skipper Collins mishit his attempt from the spot and his effort sailed harmlessly wide. City to their credit showed both composure and spirit to soak up late pressure and finally after six minutes of stoppage time the game drew to a halt with Guildford City having claimed another three valuable points.
Team: Liam Beach, Jordan Taylor, Bruce McPhail, Myles Jones, Tadej Venta, Kristian Campbell, Rory Cornelius, Jack Collins, Dan Stewart (Florin Ramizi 70), Anthony Baker, Kiyanu Pillay. Unused subs: Josh Hall, Ethan Chislett.
Referee: Craig Kissi
Attendance – 53
