Guildford City (0) 0, Colliers Wood United (0) 0
by Barry Underwood
Guildford’s start to the season has been somewhat muted, but despite this result being the club’s third 0-0 draw of the new campaign, there was plenty to admire in this performance. The visitors have made a good start to the season and prior to kick-off they sat undefeated in second position. The game’s early stages saw both sides probing but it was clear from the very start that this City side, with seven players under 21, was up for the game. The first shot on goal came from Colliers who on 11 minutes shot wide from an acute angle. Two minutes later there was a glimmer of a chance for City when Cyril Ocansey’s header was blocked by a covering defender. On 21 minutes Cyril Ocansey’s direct free-kick forced Colliers keeper Andrew Osei to save with his legs. Minutes later Mario Embalo escaped Billy Irving’s clutches, but the City defender recovered to make a superb tackle in the box. On the cusp of half-time Colliers should have taken the lead. Twice Zack Basey saved well. From a rebound the visitors struck the post before eventually the ball was lifted over the City crossbar.
Guildford had much of the possession after the break with Ryan Dacres-Smith and Wayne Ridgley especially impressive in the middle of the park. The home side had a chance on 47 minutes but Josh Ogunseye, who had done well to regain possession, shot rashly over the bar with better options available. On the hour Cyril Ocansey got in a good position but his close range lob came to nothing. City’s best chance came on 68 minutes when Sean Mason slid a ball through to Benga Ogunseye free in front of goal. Sadly the Guildford striker held the ball too long and Osei was able to gather at Ogunseye’s feet. Six minutes later Colliers will think they should have scored the winner. After several attempts on goal it seemed inevitable the visitor’s would take the lead only for Sean Mason to make a brilliant goal line clearance. With ten minutes remaining Colliers looked more dominant as City tired. But 0-0 it was at the end and City fans will have been much heartened by this performance.
Team: Zack Basey, Sean Mason, Alex Cooper, Josh Everard (Dan Harding 75), Leevan Sullivan, Billy Irving, Kiyanu Pillay (Benga Ogunseye 65), Ryan Dacres-Smith, Cyril Ocansey, Wayne Ridgley, Josh Ogunseye. Unused subs: Shaun Smart, Dan Hurlow.
Referee: Fabien Le Houezec
Attendance – 73
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