Guildford City (0) 0, Egham Town (0) 1
by Barry Underwood
After an excellent away victory in the FA Vase on Saturday hopes were high that Guildford would take action to rectify their poor league position. Sadly, hopes were dashed and the home side’s woeful form in the league, and especially at the Spectrum, resulted in another defeat. This was the sixth consecutive home defeat in the league with the last home victory occurring way back on 11 January 2020. Even hardened City fans were left speechless at such a disappointing display. The team can play so much better as they have proved in cup tie after cup tie this season. But immediate action is now required to improve our league position.
Guildford’s form in the first half at least saw them create several chances. Early interplay between Josh Everard and Jimmy Odagi saw the latter’s effort blocked for a corner. From another corner Cyril Ocansey’s header was well saved by Sean Fallon, and from the loose ball Greg Haydon just couldn’t force the ball home. But in a half of misplaced passes there was little else. Egham for their part had possession but their best chances were spoilt by erratic finishing. Mike Coppinger did see a low drive saved well by Fallon, and a good header by Nemo Adams was comfortably saved. A 1-0 win at this stage would have gone down as a scrappy performance but a valuable three points. Had Guildford repeated their first half performance level that might have happened. But for some reason after the break, they retreated into their shells, still giving the ball away cheaply, and barely creating even a semblance of a chance. Egham had two early chances that were squandered, including a lobbed attempt after a defensive mix-up. On 56 minutes the visitor’s scored what proved to be the winner. And in a poor game it was a wonderful goal smashed home from 30 yards by Luke Maguire. Within minutes Athan Smith-Joseph, who was the liveliest of the City team, saw a fine effort just clear the bar. Then on the hour it seemed City had a get out of jail card. Ogunseye was fouled in the box and up stepped Dan Stewart to take the spot kick. For whatever reason Stewart changed his normal mode of taking spot-kicks, and his under-hit effort was rather easily saved by Fallon. Luke Beale headed over from four yards following a corner but thereafter it was the visitor’s who dominated play. Danny Campion rounded Stuart Norman but sliced his shot wide, whilst another effort in a break was blazed over. In the final moments Stuart Norman saved spectacularly to keep the score line down. It was a hugely disappointing evening and there is expectation that league performances and indeed results must improve.
Team: Stuart Norman, Athan Smith-Joseph, Jimmy Odagi, Nemo Adams (Theo Woodhouse 63), Greg Haydon, Luke Beale, Cyril Ocansey, Josh Everard (Jamie Higgins 68), Dan Stewart, Mike Coppinger (Andre Smith 71), Eli Ogunseye. Unused subs: Louis Hiobi, Billy Irving.
Referee: Michele Gallo
Attendance – 103
