Guildford City (0) 0, Sheerwater (1) 1
by Barry Underwood
In a match that might have been viewed as an early season six-pointer Guildford again fell to a disappointing defeat. For a team with obvious individual talent, Guildford’s current run of results is hugely disappointing. Last season scoring goals was a problem, and this season seems to be going the same way despite the introduction to the squad of acknowledged goal scorers. Guildford did have chances in the opening minutes; firstly, the returning Dan Stewart fed Cyril Ocansey, but the chance was cleared, and Mike Coppinger’s long range effort was saved by Matt Kerbey. Sheerwater were shading possession and under pressure a defensive clearance looped up against City’s crossbar before being cleared. The visitors Kieran Campbell then shot wide at the back post. On the half hour Guildford thought they had taken the lead when from a free-kick Greg Haydon rose to head home. The assistant though had seen an infringement and the goal was ruled out. Sheerwater took the lead on 36 minutes although there was an air of good fortune about the goal. A City clearance looped up high from a deflection straight to ace marksman Shane Rideout who calmly stroked the ball home. Guildford themselves came close as half-time approached. Theo Woodhouse’s free kick found Dan Stewart at the back of the goal. Stewart’s first touch took him past a defender, but his thunderous effort cannoned off the foot of the post and was cleared.
At the interval Chris Balchin introduced Andre Smith from the bench and went to three at the back in an effort to get back in the game. Guildford certainly enjoyed more possession, but the visitors looked dangerous on the counter. Billy Nutbeam saw a free kick tipped over by Devon Gordon, whilst Shane Rideout shot straight at Gordon after finding himself in space. Guildford spent time in the visitor’s half but couldn’t fashion a serious effort on goal. An exception on 83 minutes saw an Athan Smith-Joseph effort parried by Kerbey. Kerbey then made a brave save at Luke Beale’s feet as the City player attempted to net the loose ball. In the late stages Guildford threw bodies forward but Sheerwater defended in numbers and negated the threat. In stoppage time a loose ball fell to Luke Beale who under pressure saw his half chance sail over the crossbar.
Team: Devon Gordon, Sean Mason (Andre Smith 46), Isy Nzelo, Theo Woodhouse (David Burton 77), Greg Haydon, Luke Beale, Cyril Ocansey, Jamie Higgins, Dan Stewart, Mike Coppinger (Athan Smith-Joseph 77), Eli Ogunseye. Unused subs: Josh Everard, Kieran Williams.
Referee: Cliff Angol
Attendance – 128
