Guildford City (2) 4, Cove (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
Guildford City made it seven wins from the last eight games at the Spec
trum this afternoon as they comfortably overcame bottom side Cove. The visitors have shown improved form of late and a tough battle was anticipated. In the end though this was a one sided battle which Guildford completely dominated. City scored four times and had so much possession that it was perhaps a little disappointing that more goals weren’t scored. On the other hand it should be remembered that City last played just two days ago and so fatigue was always going to be a factor at some stage of the afternoon. The home side opened the scoring after just three minutes when a deep cross was mishandled by Aaron Watkins straight to Sanchez Benali who powerfully hooked the ball home off of the inside of the near post. For much of the remainder of the half Guildford enjoyed lots of the ball but struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities. On 37 minutes Matt Anton chased an optimistic ball down the left touchline. As support arrived Anton passed inside to Tyrame Hemmings who immediately set up Chad Goulter who drilled a low effort inches wide of the post. As the clock ticked round to 45 minutes City scored the goal that their dominance deserved. Darren Caesar saw Tarome Hemmings run into the box and played it high into him. Hemmings first touch was exquisite which took him past two defenders giving him the chance to slide the ball home from an acute angle. Bizarrely for a second or two there was silence before those present realised that the ball was settling in the back of the net.
Within minutes of the restart City scored the goal that sealed the matc
h, and it came from the penalty spot. There was no argument about this decision as Darren Caesar’s run into the box was clearly interrupted by a flailing leg. The “Ice-Man” Sanchez Benali once again calmly stepped up to convert the spot kick. This might have been the point that City let loose. Chad Goulter saw a half-volley clear the bar, and Matt Anton unselfishly chose to set-up Tom O’Connor when he himself was bearing down on goal, only to see O’Connor’s effort blocked. On 67 minutes further gloss was put on the score line via a sublime finish from Matt Anton who chipped the ball home from fully 35 yards. Cove’s Liam Hulaitt, an outfield player, had gone in goal at the interval, but it is unlikely that original keeper Aaron Watkins would have fared better. City spent the remainder of the match with the ball at their feet, trying to fashion the perfect of openings. They didn’t but there is no doubting that Guildford played some excellent possession and passing football on the bumpy surface. Defensively City restricted Cove to just two long range efforts all afternoon, and Nic Taylor will have enjoyed few days as quiet as this.
Team: Nic Taylor, Tom Booth (Martin Dynan 58), James Davies, Darryl Siaw, Harry Mills, Chad Goulter (Callum Sexton 67), Sanchez Benali, Tom O’Connor (Jack Battie 62), Matt Anton, Tarome Hemmings, Darren Caesar. Unused subs: Jack May, George Patterson.
Referee: Mark Edwards
Attendance – 62