Guildford City (0) 1, Molesey (1) 2
by Barry Underwood
On a sodden sorry evening Guildford fell to a narrow defeat against a high flying Molesey side on Wednesday. Molesey did create the better chances but without any doubt they had to battle hard in the heavy conditions in order to take the points. After drawing level with less than 20 minutes remaining Guildford will have been disappointed not to take something from the game, although by consolation they can be pleased with a vastly improved overall performance. Molesey were lively from the start and on just five minutes they went ahead. A straight forward ball forward put Daniel Campion through, and he showed great composure to calmly finish for 1-0. The game then ebbed back and forth, before on 20 minutes only a last-ditch sliding tackle prevented Cyril Ocansey running on to Marlon Pinder’s through ball. City then enjoyed a purple spell. Ocansey crossed low to the near post where Benga Ogunseye’s effort was well saved by Liam Allen. A minute later Benga turned a defender but his snatched effort shot straight across the goalmouth. A further minute in saw Theo Woodhouse advance forward before unleashing a low 30 yarder that Allen saved comfortably. The home side were nearly made to pay when Campion again bore down on goal, but this time Aaron Bufton was equal to the task saving with his legs. Right on the cusp of the interval Molesey came desperately close to stretching their lead. A tackle and a block by Sean Mason was followed by Ashby Charles striking the inside of the post with a low effort.
Soon after the break City had a decent half-chance when Josh Burrowes shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Molesey reciprocated within minutes when from a free-kick Aaron Bufton was forced into a save. Later a similar Molesey free-kick went right through the danger area without a touch. Finally with 20 minutes still remaining Guildford got on the scoreboard. After fine interplay on the edge of the area a diagonal pass was made across the penalty area. Benga Ogunseye’s pace saw him touch the ball first before being clipped by the goalkeeper. A penalty was awarded and up stepped Benga to fire home, although Liam Allen did get a strong hand to the ball. There was now a good chance that City might go on to claim the three points, and for the next ten minutes there was little to choose between the sides. Molesey were not to be denied however. A soft free-kick was conceded wide out near the touchline and unexpectedly Jamielee di Giuseppe’s low free-kick crept into the net at the near post. Guildford pushed forward for the remainder of the game but despite pressure were unable to fashion a clear opening.
Team: Aaron Bufton, Sean Mason, Josh Ogunseye, Theo Woodhouse (Mohssine Sabek 84), Nemo Adams, Josh Burrowes, Wayne Ridgley (Youcef Azzouz 80), Ryan Dacres-Smith, Bega Ogunseye, Marlon Pinder, Cyril Ocansey (Kieran Williams 66). Unused subs: Luke Beale, Dan Hurlow.
Referee: Sam Gregory
Attendance – 55
